How long does it take to cycle the entire Shimanami Kaido?

The full 70-kilometer route takes four to eight hours of actual cycling time depending on fitness level. Many cyclists split the journey over two days to visit island attractions. The route has gentle inclines on bridge approaches but is generally flat and suitable for casual cyclists. Partial sections can be cycled with return by bus or ferry.

Can I rent a bicycle one-way, or do I need to return it to the same location?

One-way rentals are available across 13 bicycle terminals along the route. You can pick up at any terminal and drop off at another for a small additional fee. This allows cycling from Onomichi to Imabari or reverse without backtracking.

What is the best time of year to cycle the Shimanami Kaido?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) provide mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summer exceeds 30°C with high humidity, while winter remains relatively mild but some facilities reduce hours. Avoid September and October during typhoon season.

Are there accommodation options on the islands, or should I stay in Onomichi or Imabari?

Onomichi and Imabari offer the most hotels and guesthouses. Ikuchijima and Omishima have limited guesthouses, minshuku, and small hotels. Camping grounds operate on Ikuchijima. Advance booking is essential during peak seasons due to limited island capacity.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to complete the Shimanami Kaido?

No experience is required. The dedicated bicycle path is well-marked with blue lines and gradual inclines. Electric-assist bicycles cost approximately 2,000 yen per day. The longest bridge crossing is 4 kilometers with regular rest areas. Families with children commonly complete the route or partial sections.

A person wearing a helmet rides a bicycle on a bridge with mountains and water visible in the background; other cyclists are seen further along the bridge under a clear blue sky.

A person wearing a helmet and yellow shirt rides a bicycle on a winding green path surrounded by lush greenery, with calm blue water and distant mountains in the background.

A person wearing a helmet and yellow shirt rides a bicycle along a waterfront path, with a large suspension bridge and green hills in the background under a blue sky.

Ehime

Shimanami Kaido

Route

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

The Shimanami Kaido is a 70-kilometer scenic route connecting Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari in Ehime Prefecture across Japan's Seto Inland Sea. Completed in 1999, this expressway links Honshu and Shikoku islands through a series of six islands—Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima—via six impressive suspension bridges. The route was primarily built to improve transportation between the two main islands, but it has gained international recognition as one of the world's most spectacular cycling routes.

The Shimanami Kaido holds significant cultural value as it passes through communities with centuries-old maritime traditions. Omishima is home to Oyamazumi Shrine, one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines that houses the nation's largest collection of samurai armor and weapons, many designated as National Treasures. The islands themselves preserve traditional Japanese island life, with fishing villages, citrus groves, and salt production facilities that have sustained local economies for generations. The route showcases the engineering prowess of modern Japan while providing access to the more traditional, slower-paced island culture of the Seto Inland Sea region.

Cycling is the primary attraction, with a dedicated bicycle path running parallel to the vehicle expressway for the entire distance. The route is suitable for all fitness levels, taking four to eight hours to complete depending on pace and stops. Rental bicycles, including electric-assist models, are available at 13 terminals across the route with a convenient one-way rental system. Visitors can explore individual islands, stopping at beaches, art museums, temples, and local restaurants serving fresh seafood and regional specialties like Setoda lemon products from Ikuchijima. The Tatara Bridge, with its 890-meter main span, offers particularly dramatic views and has become an iconic symbol of the route.

The Shimanaki Kaido is accessible from Onomichi Station on the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima or Osaka, while the southern terminus at Imabari connects via JR Yosan Line from Matsuyama. Express buses also run between major cities and both endpoints. The bridge toll for automobiles ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 yen depending on the vehicle, while cyclists and pedestrians pay a combined total of just 500 yen across all bridges. Bicycle rental costs approximately 1,100 yen per day for standard bikes and 2,000 yen for electric models, with helmets included.