Shimanami Kaido Overview – a Must-Do Cycling Route in Japan

Shimanami Kaido is the highway which connects Japan’s main island of Honshu to the island of Shikoku, passing over six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. It is a popular cycling route in Japan.

Shimanami Kaido crosses two Prefectures, Hiroshima Prefecture of Honshu and Ehime Prefecture of Shikoku. There are three islands on each side. The route includes six bridges, excluding Shin-Onomichi Bridge/Onomichi Bridge. Shin-Onomichi Bridge/Onomichi Bridge between Onomichi and Mukoujima Island doesn’t allow bicycles. Bikers can take a ferry between Onomichi and Mukoujima Island or between Onomichi and Setoda Port on Ikuchi Island.

Shimanami Kaido is about 80km (50 miles) long. It can be done in one day for a faster trip. There are many things to see and do on each island. A two-day trip or longer allows you to explore the islands at a more relaxed pace.

The automobile express way and the cycling route are somewhat different. When in doubt, follow the blue markings on the roads. The cycling route, in general, is less steep than the express way, but longer.

Facts about Shimanami Kaido on the Hiroshima side

Doorway city: Onomichi

Islands: Mukoujima Island, Innoshima island, Ikuchi Island

Symbol fruit: lemons

Bridges: 

• Shin-Onomichi Bridge/Onomichi Bridge (bikes are not allowed)
• Innoshima Bridge
• Ikuchi Bridge
• Tatara Bridge

Point of interest:

• Ooyama Shrine 
• Innoshima Suigun Castle
• Setodacho
• Dolce Ice Cream
• Kousanji
• Tatara Crying Dragon

Facts about Shimanami Kaido on the Ehime side

Doorway city: Imabari

Islands: Omishima Island, Hakata Island, and Oshima Island

Symbol fruit: oranges

Bridges:

• Omishima Bridge
• Hakata-Oshima Bridge
• Kurushima Bridge

Point of interest:

• Tatara Shimanami Park Rest Area (cyclist sanctuary)
• Rose Park
• Ōyamazumi Shrine
• Omishiimacho Miyaura
• Murakami Suigun Museum
• Yoshiumiikiikikan Rest Area
• Horse Island (Ma Island)

Read my stories about cycling Shimanami Kaido.

Here are some of my observations about Shimanami Kaido that might help you plan your cycling trip:

• Different parts of Shimanami Kaido have different charms.
• The roads on the first two islands from Onomichi (Mukoujuma and Innoshima) are more neighborhood and transit roads. If you are interested in seeing the local industry, commercial and daily life of the islanders, this would be the place to go. 
• Why not stop by Ooyama Shrine (Bicycle Shrine) to get a lucky charm for your bike?
• Setodacho on Ikuchi island is a charming seaside town. It is worth a visit.
• Tatara Bridge is impressive and the view from there is beautiful. It offers a gorgeous view of the sea.
• Shimanami Kaido only passes a very small portion of Omishima. However, Omishima Island itself is very scenic, but it could be a little hilly. 
• We stayed in a Ryokan Sawaki in Omishimacho for a night. It was the highlight of our trip. 
• From the ferry port just a little bit north of Tatara Bridge on Omishima, you can catch a ferry to Rabbit Island (Okunoshima) and Tadanoumi Port. If you like rabbits, check out my story here.
• Kurushima Bridge is magnificent. If you only have time to pass by one bridge, I would recommend this one. 
• The sun can be very brutal during a sunny day. Remember to put on a lot of sun screen and wear sun glasses.

Here is the link to the official website of Shimanami Kaido with good information. Happy Hopping!

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