Shimanami Kaido: Japan's Most Beautiful Cycling Route

The Shimanami Kaido is a 60km cycling route connecting six islands in the Seto Inland Sea, offering stunning ocean views, art installations, and authentic island culture.

What Is the Shimanami Kaido?

The Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道) is a cycling and driving route that connects Japan's main island of Honshu to Shikoku via six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Completed in 1999, it features six stunning bridges, each offering panoramic ocean views, and passes through islands with citrus groves, temples, and traditional fishing villages.

Why It's Famous

• World-class cycling — named one of the world's best cycling routes
• Stunning bridges — six bridges connecting islands across the sea
• Accessible — flat enough for all fitness levels
• Cultural — each island has unique character and attractions
• Scenic — Seto Inland Sea views are breathtaking

Quick Facts

The Six Islands

1. Innoshima (因島)

• Distance from Onomichi: 14 km
• Highlights: Citrus groves, Venetian glass museum
• Bike rental: Yes (at start)
• Tip: Easy warm-up island

2. Ikina-jima (因島)

• Distance from Innoshima: 4 km
• Highlights: Cherry blossoms (spring), citrus farms
• Bike rental: Limited
• Tip: Small, quick to cross

3. Omishima (大三島)

• Distance from Ikina-jima: 8 km
• Highlights: Ōyamazumi Shrine (oldest Shinto shrine), art museums
• Bike rental: Yes
• Tip: Must-see shrine, one of Japan's oldest

4. Hakata-jima (伯方島)

• Distance from Omishima: 8 km
• Highlights: Salt production, hot springs, beaches
• Bike rental: Yes
• Tip: Great for overnight stay

5. Mukaishima (向島)

• Distance from Hakata-jima: 10 km
• Highlights: Seto Inland Sea views, Onomichi side
• Bike rental: Yes
• Tip: Final island before Shikoku

6. Shikoku (四国)

• Distance from Mukaishima: 5 km
• Highlights: Imabari city, cycling culture
• Bike rental: Return point
• Tip: End point, can continue to Shikoku

Cycling the Route

Bike Rental Options

From Onomichi (Recommended)

Bike types available:

• Road bike: ¥2,000–3,000/day
• City bike: ¥1,000–1,500/day
• E-bike: ¥2,000–2,500/day (recommended for beginners)

From Imabari

One-Way Rental

Most rental shops allow one-way rental between Onomichi and Imabari for an extra ¥500–1,000.

Route Description

Onomichi → Innoshima (14 km)

• Terrain: Flat, dedicated cycling path
• Highlights: Bridge views, citrus groves
• Time: 45–60 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Innoshima → Ikina-jima (4 km)

• Terrain: Short bridge crossing
• Highlights: Quick island hop
• Time: 15–20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Ikina-jima → Omishima (8 km)

• Terrain: Rolling hills, bridge crossing
• Highlights: Ōyamazumi Shrine
• Time: 30–40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Omishima → Hakata-jima (8 km)

• Terrain: Bridge crossing, flat island
• Highlights: Salt flats, beaches
• Time: 30–40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Hakata-jima → Mukaishima (10 km)

• Terrain: Bridge crossing, some hills
• Highlights: Ocean views
• Time: 40–50 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Mukaishima → Imabari (5 km)

• Terrain: Bridge crossing, city cycling
• Highlights: Arrival in Shikoku
• Time: 20–30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What to See on Each Island

Innoshima

• Innoshima Suigun Museum — maritime history
• Citrus farms — try fresh oranges
• Beaches — swimming in summer

Ikina-jima

• Cherry blossom tunnel — spring only
• Peace Park — memorial with ocean views

Omishima

• Ōyamazumi Shrine — oldest Shinto shrine (2,000+ years)
• Hakkoji Temple — ancient Buddhist temple
• Kosanji Temple — ornate temple complex
• Art museums — contemporary art on the island

Hakata-jima

• Salt production — watch traditional salt-making
• Hakata Onsen — hot springs with ocean views
• Beaches — swimming and sunbathing

Mukaishima

• Onomichi side views — stunning panorama
• Fishing villages — traditional life

Imabari (Shikoku)

• Imabari Castle — reconstructed castle
• Towel museum — Imabari is Japan's towel capital
• Cycling culture — bike-friendly city

Where to Eat

Must-Try Local Foods

Restaurant Recommendations

Accommodation

On the Islands

Camping

• Camping grounds: ¥1,000–2,000
• Free camping: Some areas (ask permission)

1-Day vs 2-Day

1-Day Cycling (Onomichi → Imabari)

• Start: 8:00 AM from Onomichi
• Lunch: Omishima or Hakata-jima
• Finish: 4:00–5:00 PM in Imabari
• Difficulty: Moderate (60 km)
• Best for: Fit cyclists with limited time

2-Day Cycling (Recommended)

• Day 1: Onomichi → Hakata-jima (34 km)
• Day 2: Hakata-jima → Imabari (26 km)
• Advantage: More time for sightseeing
• Best for: Most travelers

What to Bring

Seasonal Guide

Best time: April–May or October–November

Budget Breakdown

2-Day Cycling Trip (per person)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Shimanami Kaido difficult? A: No! It's mostly flat and well-maintained. E-bikes make it even easier.

Q: Can I do it in one day? A: Yes, but 2 days is recommended to enjoy the islands.

Q: Do I need to return the bike? A: Yes, or pay extra for one-way rental between Onomichi and Imabari.

Q: Is it safe for children? A: Yes! The dedicated cycling path is very safe. Young children may need a carrier.

Q: What if I get tired? A: Buses run between islands. You can always take a break and continue later.

Essential Japanese Phrases

The Shimanami Kaido offers a unique combination of cycling, island culture, and breathtaking ocean scenery that's unmatched anywhere in Japan.