The Shimanami Kaido is a 70km series of suspension bridges and expressways linking Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture) to Imabari (Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku) across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea. A dedicated cycling path runs the full length — ranked by Lonely Planet and CNN as one of the world’s top cycling routes. The combination of engineered bridges, island scenery, calm sea views, citrus orchards, and a completely flat-to-rolling profile makes it accessible to cyclists of almost any level.
The Route
The full Onomichi–Imabari crossing covers 70km and is typically done in one long day (6–8 hours cycling) or two relaxed days. Key islands and stops: Mukaishima (first island from Onomichi, immediately across a short ferry); Innoshima (Suigun Castle, hydrangea fields); Ikuchijima (Kosanji Temple — a private temple built to rival Nikko’s ornateness by a self-made businessman, free of aesthetic restraint; Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art); Omishima (Oyamazumi Shrine — the oldest shrine in the Seto Inland Sea, housing 80% of Japan’s designated national treasure armor and weapons, an extraordinary collection); Hakatajima and Oshima (cycling through citrus groves); Imabari (Imabari Castle — rare sea-moat castle).
Practical Details
Rental bicycles are available at Onomichi Station and all islands (¥1,000–3,000/day; electric-assist available); a cross-rental system allows returning bikes at any island rental shop or Imabari. The route is one-way friendly — most cyclists go Onomichi→Imabari (slight downhill tendency) and return by bus or ferry. Route signage is excellent (blue lines on road surface). The bridges have dedicated cycling lanes separated from traffic; the cycling-only approach ramps spiral down from bridge height to sea level in elegant helical structures. The Tatara Bridge (world’s longest cable-stayed bridge when built, 890m center span) is the route’s engineering centrepiece — views from the bridge deck across the Inland Sea are outstanding.
- The Onomichi–Mukaishima ferry (3 minutes, ¥110) must be taken to start the route — the first bridge begins from Mukaishima’s far shore.
- Habu port on Omishima has the best overnight accommodation at the midpoint; book ahead for peak season (April–May, October).
- Giant lemon soft-serve ice cream, hassaku citrus jam, and octopus products are the essential Shimanami food stops.