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2 days cycling plan at Shimanami Kaido

Cross the Shimanami Kaido in 2 days
Standard model course starting from Imabari

【Popular and standard plan】You can accomplish Shimanami kaido cycling, by making your way along the blue line in two days while relaxing and enjoying local specialties and sweets. This is a digest version of the guidebook “Shimanami Toso PLAN” that contains cycling information based on field surveys collected by local cycling guides and 16 carefully selected cycling plans. I have re-edited and introduced the “2-days standard cycling plan”, which is the most satisfying plan for those staying at CYCLONOIE.

Please be sure to check each official website and facebook etc for the latest information.

 

2022/6/16 first released
2023/9/11  last updated
Author: MURAKAMI Masayuki

 

Shimanami Kaido cycling

 

2 days or more touring

 

If you are new to long-distance cycling, a two-day or more plan is recommended. You can stay overnight on one of the island on the way of Shimanami Kaido. If you do it one day, you’ll end up cycling to the point of mental and physical exhaustion without any enjoyment. We don’t recommend do this.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Let's cycle leisurely on the Shimanami Kaido
Let’s cycle leisurely on the Shimanami Kaido

 

Start from Imabari city

 

The starting point of Shimanami Kaido is Imabari city or Onomichi city. When you start from Imabari, you can complete Kurushima-Kaikyo bridges while you still have enough energy. It’s often easy to cycle thanks to the tailwind. And the goal, JR Onomichi station, offers a lot of train services and easy to access to JR Fukuyama station, where you can take the Shinkansen.

 

In addition, if you stay at the guesthouse CYCLONOIE in front of JR Imabari station, you can get the latest information and route consultation.

 

 

Rent a bike at JR Imabari station

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: JR Imabari Station Rental bike terminal for shimanami kaido near CYCLONOIE

 

You can rent a bicycle at JR imabari station rental cycle terminal or at Sunrise Itoyama (Central cycling terminal of the Shimanami rental bike), which is at the beginning of Kurushima-Kaikyo bridges, 6km away from Imabari station. Transportation to Sunrise Itoyama is not convenient so it’s better to rent a cycle at Imabari Station and start from there. But if you are worried about your physical fitness, we recommend renting one at Sunrise Itoyama to save distance and time.

 

 

 

Accommodation near Imabari stationTypeAddressPhone
CYCLONOIEGuesthouse1-1-12,Kitahorai-cho, Imabari city0898-35-4496
Imabari Kokusai HotelHotel2-3-4, Asahimachi, Imabari city0898-36-1111
Komecho RyokanRyokan1-1-4, Tokiwa-cho, Imabari city0898-32-0554
JR Clement INN ImabariBusiness hotel2-773-9, Kitahorai-cho, Imabari city0898-55-8333
KisukenoyadoCapsule inn1-2-30, Nakahiyoshi-cho, Imabari city0898-22-0026

 

 

 

Tidbits There are only 6 bus services from JR Imabari station to Sunrise Itoyama on weekends (3 buses on Sundays and holidays). 22 minutes by bus, 350 yen / 5 minutes by taxi, about 2,500 yen.

 

 

Shimanami Kaido Cycling-inspired dividing line

 

 

 

[PR] Original cycling maps of Shimanami Kaido

 

The cycling map, “Shimanami Toso Map” is exclusively for cyclists who want to cycle the Shimanami Kaido. This is published by CycloTourisme Shimanami, which is based in Imabari City and works on regional development and cycle tourism.

 

shimanami toso map: cycling maps of shimanami kaido
“TOSO” means riding around the islands.

 

This is sold in a set of seven maps ─ Oshima Island, Hakatajima Island, Omishima Island, Kamijima Town, Ikuchijima Island, Innoshima Island&Mukaishima Island and Imabari City.

 

The English version of the cycling map, which has been a favorite of Japanese bicycle travelers, is now on sale at Amazon.co.jp. If you plan to cycle the Shimanami Kaido, get this map in advance. This is also sold at the guest house “Cyclonoie” in front of Imabari Station.

 

 

 

 

Shimanami Kaido Cycling-inspired dividing line

 

 

 

Popular and Standard Plan

 

Two-days trip

 

You can accomplish Shimanami Kaido cycling, by making your way along the blue line (main route, the shortest) in two days while relaxing and enjoying local specialities and sweets. In this cycling plan, we calculated at a slow pace of 12 ~ 15 km / h, assuming a beginner who rents a bicycle and rents a bicycle. If you have enough physical strength and itinerary, please add detours, activities such as cruising, time to stop at the cafe, etc. based on this plan. Please also refer to this web page that comprehensively introduces the spots to stop by.

 

 

 

The first day Imabari city → Omishima island (37㎞) Necessary time 7 hours / Riding time 4 hours

The second day Omishima island → Onomichi city (41㎞) Necessary time 6 hours / Riding time 4 hours

Place to stay / Omishima island

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Standard and popular plan of Shimanami Kaido cycling

 

 

Shimanami Kaido 2-day cycling plan itinerary

 

The first day

8:20START JR Imabari station
8:30JR Imabari station cycling terminal
9:00Shimanami Guesthouse Cyclonoie
Shimanami Kaido 0 km point
9:45
9:55
BREAK Entrance to bicycle and pedestrian lane of Kurushima-Kaikyo bridges
Imabari

Oshima
Kurushima-Kaikyo bridges (30 minutes)
10:25Exite of bicycle and pedestrian lane
10:30
10:50
BREAK Roadside rest area, Yoshiumi iki-iki kan
11:35
11:45
BREAK Miyakubo pass
12:00
12:50
LUNCH Restaurant Noshima suigun
12:55
13:45
SPOT Murakami Kaizoku museum
14:05Entrance to bicycle and pedestrian lane of Hakata-Oshima bridges
Oshima

Hakatajima
Hakata-Oshima bridges (15 minutes)
14:20Exite of bicycle and pedestrian lane
14:25
14:55
BREAK Roadside rest area, Hakata SC park
15:15Entrance to bicycle and pedestrian lane of Omishimia bridge
Hakatajima

Omishima
Omishimia bridge (5 minutes)
15:20Exite of bicycle and pedestrian lane
15:45
16:15
BREAK Roadside rest area, Tatara Shimanami park
16:30STAY Stay overnight at an inn around Inokuchi-port, Kamiura-cho, Omishima island*

*+30 minutes when staying at an inn around Miyaura area, main town of Omishima island.

The second day

8:30Leave the inn you stayed overnight
8:45Entrance to bicycle and pedestrian lane of Tatara bridge
Omishima

Ikuchijima
Tatara bridge (25 minutes)
9:10
9:20
Exite of bicycle and pedestrian lane, the lemon valley
9:30
9:40
BREAK Setoda Sunset beach
9:50
10:50
SPOT Downtown of Setoda
11:05
11:40
BREAK Homemade gelato Dolce
11:55Entrance to bicycle and pedestrian lane of Ikuchi bridge
Ikuchijima

Innoshima
Ikuchi bridge (15 minutes)
12:10Exite of bicycle and pedestrian lane
12:15
13:00
LUNCH Sidewalk cafe Nanohana
13:30
13:40
BREAK Innoshima flower centre
13:55
14:20
SPOT Hassakuya
14:30Entrance to bicycle and pedestrian lane of Innoshima bridge
Innoshima

Mukaishima
Innoshima bridge (20 minutes)
14:50Exite of bicycle and pedestrian lane
14:55
15:40
SPOT Sidewalk cafe Willows Nursery
16:10Ferry terminal for JR Onomichi station
Mukaishima

Onomichi
Ferry (5 minutes’ ride)
16:25Ferry terminal Onomichi port
16:30Onomichi port rental bicycle terminal
16:45GOAL JR Onomichi station

 

The required time may differ from the actual time depending on traffic, weather conditions, personal physical strength, etc. Please refer to it as a guide. Please check in advance the business hours and holidays of facilities and stores.

 

Shimanami Kaido 2-day cycling plan: Altitude and distance

 

The ups and downs and the approximate profile of the distance when cycling the route from Imabari to Onomichi (the main route of Shimanami Kaido) looks like this.

 

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Elevation profile of Shimanami Kaido

 

As you can see from the graph, at the beginning of the first day, the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and the Oshima Pass are the most difficult sections. If you plan to stay in the Miyaura area of Omishima, add a little more distance and slopes at the end of the first day and the beginning of the second day.

 

The guidebooks and maps we publish list the distances and ups and downs for each route of each islands and each cycling plans. Currently, the map and guidebook of Shimanami Kaido are being prepared in English.

 

 

 

 

区切り線

 

 

 

The first day

 

Imabari, start cycling

 

At the rental bicycle trminal, we rocommend renting a cross bike. Although a city bike with a basket at the front is convinient, it’s heavy. You easily get tired when cycling a long distance. The cross bike is lighter and has more shifting gears attached. Make sure to have the saddle height adjust correctly before starting. You are required to wear helmet, which you can rent with no extra charge.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Shimanami Kaido Start/Goal signboad and CYCLONOIE
Shimanami Kaido Start/Goal signboad and CYCLONOIE 

 

Where should you start from? The signboard at CYCLONOIE says “Shimanami Kaido Start/Goal”. This is the starting point. From here, you cycle through the city along the blue line on the road for about 30 minutes to the long uphill slope. This slope leads you to the entrance to Kurushima-kaikyo Bridges.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Approach road to the Kurushima Kaikyo bridges
Approach road to the Kurushima Kaikyo bridges

 

The length of this slope is 1.8km and the height of the bridge is 78m. This will be a barometer to measure your physical fitness. If you feel quite tired on the way, take frequent breaks to avoid exhaustion and pain in your backside.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Cross the 4km Kurushima Kaikyo bridges by bicycle
Cross the 4km Kurushima Kaikyo bridges by bicycle

 

When you get to the top of this slope, you’ll feel a fantastic excitement. The scenery from there is one of the Shimanami Kaido’s highlights.

 

 

Welcom to CYCLONOIE

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Cyclonoie cyclist base of the Shimanami Kaido

 

If you stay in our guesthouse CYCLONOIE our local cycling guide staff can provide you with recommendations and tips about the Shimanami Kaido and can help you to plan your perfect trip. Other guests can also share tips and tell you about their experiences cycling the Shimanami Kaido! 

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Some impression images of Shimanami Guesthouse Cyclonoie

 

 

 

Oshima island

 

Oshima After crossing the bridge, you follow the curvy downhill road till you come to a Island T-junction. Turn left and follow the blue line, written “To Onomichi”. In a few minutes you will see “Roadside Rest Area Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan”. From there you have to conquer two steep slopes. Here, take a break and prepare for the first pass.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Roadside Rest Area Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan
Roadside Rest Area Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan

 

The first uphill slope starts as soon as you leave the roadside rest area. Beyond this slope, a flat road with convenience stores and supermarkets continues through the town for a while. After passing this area, you will come to the second slope (Miyakubo Pass). This steep slope continues for about 1.2km, so if you feel tired, walk your bike.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Hilltop of the Miyakubo Pass
Hilltop of the Miyakubo Pass

 

After finishing the pass, you reach the sea and a T-junction in front of Miyakubo Port. Turn right there. Though you move away from the blue line, don’t worry. You’ll find “Restaurant Noshima Suigun” on your left soon. It’s recommended to have lunch there. You can have fresh seafood.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Restaurant Noshima Suigun
Restaurant Noshima Suigun

 

Lunch at OshimaCategoryAddressPhone
Noshima suigunSeafood1293-2, Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari0897-86-3323
Ishi no cafeCafe5216-8, Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari0897-72-9253
Shima no diningCafe4753-1, Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari090-3941-0274
MiyabiSushi5166, Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari0897-86-2688
KitazushiSushi2214, Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari0897-86-2170

 

*Of the islands on the Shimanami Kaido, Oshima to Omishima are within the range of Imabari City.

 

 

After the meal, if you have time, we recommend visiting Restaurant Noshima Suigun “Murakami Kaizoku Museum” which is located across the road from the restaurant. Murakami Kaizoku(unofficial navy) is designated as Japan Heritage by the Agency of Cultural Affairs. You can experience the history of the Murakami Kaizoku, who played an active part in the Seto Inland Sea in the 16th century.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Murakami Kaizoku Museum
Murakami Kaizoku Museum

 

After that, return to the blue line and head for the next bridge, Hakata-Oshima bridge. The distance from the base of the bridge to the top is 0.8km. The height of the bridge is about 39m.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Cross Hakata-Oshima bridge to Hakatajima island
Cross Hakata-Oshima bridge to Hakatajima island

 

 

Hakatajima island

 

It may be convenient to have lunch in Hakatajima. We recommend a restaurant in “Roadside Rest Area Hakata SC Park”, or a roadside cafe “Cafe un fil”, or a restaurant “Okonomiyaki Fu”.

 

Lunch at HakatajimaCategoryAddressPhone
Hakata SC parkRestaurant1668-1, Kanoura, Hakata-cho, Imabari0897-72-3300
Cafe un filRestaurant1667-15, Kanoura, Hakata-cho, Imabari0897-72-8100
Okonomiyaki FuOkonomiyaki1667-5, Kanoura-ko, Hakata-cho, Imabari0897-74-0053
Patisserie T’s Cafe TamayaCafe2328, Arouzu-ko, Hakata-cho, Imabari0897-72-0343
Okonomiyaki TanpopoOkonomiyaki2325, Arouzu-ko, Hakata-cho, Imabari0897-72-1908

 

*Of the islands on the Shimanami Kaido, Oshima to Omishima are within the range of Imabari City.

 

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Salt-flavored ice cream
Salt-flavored ice cream

 

Hakata SC Park has Hakata Beach and Dolphin Park Shimanami, and it is also a popular beach in the summer. Salt-flavored ice cream is popular here and is popular with cyclists. It’s a good idea to put your bike on the cycle stand “6 Cyclo Tourists” and take a commemorative photo.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Mr. Hakatajima of "6 Cyclo Tourists"
Mr. Hakatajima of “6 Cyclo Tourists”

 

The cycling distance on Hakatajima is only 4km and you come to the base of Omishima Bridge. The distance to the bridge top is 1.5km and the height of the bridge is about 41m.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Cross the Omishima bridge to Omishima
Cross the Omishima bridge to Omishima

 

 

Stay at Omishima island

 

Go down the bridge and cycle for about 20 minutes, and you’ll arrive at “Roadside Rest Area Tatara Shimanami Park”. The view of Tatara Bridge seen from there is superb. There is a monument in the park that’s labeled as a sacred place for cyclists. Six humanoid bike racks called “6 Cyclo Tourists” stand there. They are truly unique statues. Why don’t you take some photos there?

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Sacred place for cyclists at Tatara Shimanami Park
Sacred place for cyclists at Tatara Shimanami Park

 

There are several hostels around Inokuchi Port, about 10 minutes north of the roadside rest area. If you feel you’ve reached your limit, it’s best to stay overnight around there. But if you have the time and strength, we recommend going farther to Miyaura area 8 kilometers away from the roadside rest area. There are ryokan and guest houses in this area and also a beer brewery (Omishima Brewery), an amazing hot spring “Mare Gracia Omishima”, and even more. I’m sure you will have a lot of fun with them. You can drink Omishima craft beer in Miyaura!

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Craft beer at Omishima Brewery
Craft beer at Omishima Brewery

 

Accommodation in Kamiura areaTypeAddressPhone
WAKKACottage6691-1, Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari0897-72-8705
I-LINK HOSTEL & CAFE SHIMANAMIHostel7345-1, Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari0897-72-8308
Minshuku NagisaMinshuku5600, Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari0897-87-3513
Ryori-ryokan FujimienRyokan5733, Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari0897-87-2025
TenzoB&B7332, Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari0897-87-2224

 

Accommodation in Miyaura areaTypeAddressPhone
Tomarigi HostelGuesthouse88, Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari080-8493-5416
Ryokan SawakiRyokan5460, Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari0897-82-0153
Ryokan ChaumeRyokan5467, Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari0897-82-0008
Minshuku KontamaMinshuku5388, Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari0897-82-0111
OHANA in MishimaGuesthouse5341, Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari0897-82-0023

 

*Of the islands on the Shimanami Kaido, Oshima to Omishima are within the range of Imabari City.

 

 

Shimanami Kaido cycling guidebook we published (Japanese only)
Shimanami Kaido cycling guidebook we published (Japanese only)

 

 

 

区切り線

 

 

 

The second day

 

Starting from Omishima

 

It is recommended to get up early the next morning. If you are staying in the Kamiura area of Omishima, you should take a walk to see the beautiful scenery of Tatara Bridge and the morning sun. If you are staying in the Miyaura area, why not visit Oyamazumi Shrine, a 2000-3000 year old camphor tree, in the clear morning air.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Get up early and visit Oyamazumi Shrine
Getting up early and visit Oyamazumi Shrine

 

First, return to the roadside rest area which you visited the day second day before. When you stay in Miyaura area, the shortest way is to go back the same road, crossing the middle part of the island. But if you want to take a different route, we recommend taking the north seaside route.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Cycling on the north side of Omishima
Cycling on the north side of Omishima

 

Though the distance increases, you should be able to fully enjoy cycling along the sea. The road is flat except for one pass which is 68m above sea level. The distance is 16km to Tatara Bridge, about 60 minutes’ cycling.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Cycling by the sea feels good
Cycling by the sea feels good

 

The distance to the top of the fourth bridge, Tatara Bridge is 1.5km. The height of the bridge is about 48m. On the bridge, don’t miss Tatara Nakiryu (roaring dragon). Stand below the main tower and clap your hands or strike the equipped wooden blocks, and you can hear the echoing sounds travel up the tower. Don’t miss the prefectural border line between Hiroshima and Ehime.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Cross the Tatara Bridge to Ikuchi Island
Crossing the Tatara Bridge to Ikuchijima Island

 

 

Ikuchijima island

 

The area that descends from Tatara Bridge to Ikuchijima is called the Lemon Valley, and various citrus trees such as lemons are planted all over the slope of the mountain. Ikuchijima is the birthplace of domestic lemon cultivation. It still boasts the highest production of lemons in Japan.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Going down the Lemon Valley on Ikuchijima Island
Going down the Lemon Valley on Ikuchijima Island

 

In Ikuchijima, cycle the north side route along the palm trees.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Roads along the sea that are easy to cycle continue
Roads along the sea that are easy to cycle continue

 

Setoda area located in the center of the route has a colorful Kosanji Temple, Hirayama Ikuo Art Museum. It displays famous Nihonga (Japanese-style) paintings by Hirayama Ikuo who was one of Japan’s most famous painters.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Sightseeing at Kosanji Temple in Setoda
Sightseeing at Kosanji Temple in Setoda

 

It is strongly recommended you have a gelato at Shimanami Dolce Main Store. Enjoy various tastes of them. Then continue along the coastline and see if you can race the passing boats. Ikuchi Bridge After you cycle 0.9km to the sixth bridge, Ikuchi Bridge, you can take in a sweeping seascape view from the 35m high bridge.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Dolce main store famous for citrus gelato
Dolce main store famous for citrus gelato

 

 

Innoshima island

 

Go down Ikuchi Bridge and you can have lunch at Sidewalk cafe Nanohana which is right near the exit of the bridge. There are tables on the terrace from which a far stretching amazing view can be seen over the bridge. If you go a little farther, you will find a daifuku rice-cake bakery Matsuura and oyster-fry restaurant Azuma Shokudo.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido:  at Sidewalk cafe Nanohana
At Sidewalk cafe Nanohana

 

If you have enough physical strength, there is also a second option to have lunch in the town of Habu, which is about 4 km away from the blue line of the Shimanami Kaido. There are many shops where you can eat Innoshima okonomiyaki called “In-Oko”, which is one of the standard gourmet dishes of Shimanami Kaido Cycling.

 

Lunch at InnoshimaTypeAddressPhone
NanohanaCafe4701-2, Takuma-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi0845-25-6787
Azuma SyokudoRestaurant5051-4, Takuma-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi0845-22-2202
Okonomiyaki OchiOkonomiyaki1902-3, Shiohama-kitaku, Habu-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi0845-22-0932
Curry RurryonCurry shop1899-106, Habu-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi050-5583-5146

 

*Of the islands on the Shimanami Kaido, Ikuchijima to Mukaishima are within the range of Onomichi City.

 

 

In the first half of the main route, you must be careful because of many cars and the narrow road. In the middle stage, the blue line turns inland and leads you to Innoshima Flower Center. On the way, cross two slopes to the amenity park with a huge dinosaur object.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: A short break at the Innoshima Flower Centre
A short break at the Innoshima Flower Centre

 

Actually, this park is a landmark for Hassakuya, a Japanese sweets shop that is very popular with cyclists. It is a famous Hassaku Daifuku restaurant, and mochi with citrus fruits and white bean paste is very popular. Hassaku is said to be a citrus fruit that originated here in Innoshima.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Hassaku Daifuku of Hassakuya
Hassaku Daifuku of Hassakuya

 

On the way you have to ride up three hills and the last one is short but steep. Hang in there!! The distance to the top of the sixth bridge, Innoshima Bridge is 0.8 km. It is about 58m high.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Crossing the Innoshima Bridge to Mukaishima
Crossing the Innoshima bridge to Mukaishima island

 

 

Mukaishima island

 

Go down Innoshima Bridge and you can enjoy your remaining precious time at a cafe Tachibana Shokudo or WILLOWS NURSERY with a lively green garden. The first half of the main route is so flat, easy, and comfortable to cycle along the sea.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Pancake shop, WILLOWS NURSERY
Pancake shop, WILLOWS NURSERY

 

After the second half, you enter a town with many cars. At the end, take a ferry from Mukaishima to Onomichi. Ferries are safer and more convenient than the bridge here. The Blue Line leads you directly to the ferry port for Onomichi Station, so you should be able to head to the ferry port without hesitation.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: After riding along the coastline, enter the city
After riding along the coastline, enter the city

 

NEW A new shop has opened along the main route of Mukaishima. ”tsubuta SANK!”, a handmade ice cream shop that focuses on local ingredients, is a hot topic among cyclists as a spot where you can take a break while admiring the beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: tsubuta SANK! natural ice cream shop in shimanami kaido
tsubuta SANK! natural ice cream shop

 

There are three ferry terminals and the most popular one for cyclists is the ferry terminal bound for JR Onomichi Station square. Pay your fare on the ferry.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Please take a ferry from Mukaishima to Onomichi
Please take a ferry from Mukaishima to Onomichi

 

 

Goal, Onomichi

 

Return your bicycle to Onomichi Port Rental Bicycle Terminal directly connected to Onomichi Port. There is also a coin shower on the north side of the Onomichi U2 near the terminal. From there it is about 5 minutes’ walk to JR Onomichi station.

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Two days of cycling, the goal is Onomichi Station
Two days of cycling, the goal is Onomichi Station

 

 

 

 

区切り線

 

 

 

Helpful tips

 

Shimanami Rental Bike

 

The “Public” have 10 bike-stations along the path; bikes can be dropped off in each of the islands (except for e-bikes). Due to cost and convenience, using public bicycle rental is the most popular on the Shimanami Kaido. Cross-bikes with helmets are available. The rental fee is 3,000 yen / day. Reservation reception is Shimanami JAPAN, and you can make reservations on their website . For those who have not made a reservation, some bicycles are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Shimanami JAPAN Inc.
1-4-1, Bekkusho, Imabari city
TEL 0848-22-3911
http://shimanami-cycle.or.jp

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Map of rental bikes terminals in Shimanami Kaido

 

The opening and closing times differ depending on the terminal:  [opening] 7:00 am~9:00 am  [closing] 17:00 pm~20:00 pm.  Exceptionally, you can return the bicycle 24 hours at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal or Imabari Port. However, if you return to those locations outside business hours, your deposit will not be returned. 

 

 

 

Ferry route

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: ferry route map on the Shimanami Kaido

 

I have listed the ferry routes that travelers often use for cycling on the Shimanami Kaido. The ferries can allow you to enjoy cycling a small part of the Shimanami Kaido and can also aide you if have an accident or problem along the way.

 

For example, Setoda town (Ikuchijima island) is the best place to stop cycling. You can return the bike at Setoda rental bike terminal and then, can take a ferry to Onomichi from there.

 

Bus route

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Bus route map on the Shimanami Kaido

 

There is currently no direct bus connecting Imabari and Onomichi. On the Shimanami Kaido, the highway buses “Shimanami Liner” that connects Imabari Station and Fukuyama Station, the local buses from Imabari Station to Omishima, and the local buses from Habu Port to Onomichi Station are often used after the rental cycle is returned.

 

The orange colored line, shows the buses between “Imabari-Ekimae” and “Oyamazumi Shrine(Oyamazumi Jinjya)”.There are 16 buses / day. “Omishima BS” are located near the rental bike terminals so it’s easy to take the bus after you finish cycling.

 

When going from Imabari Station to Onomichi Station, please transfer to the Shimanami Liner bound for Fukuyama and the local bus bound for Onomichi at Innoshima Ohashi BS.

 

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: bus change from Imabari to Onomichi at Innoshima Ohashi BS

 

 

 

 

Guided tour

 

Our company, “CycloTourisme Shimanami” has been organising and promoting social events in Imabari and along the Shimanami Kaido since 2009. Our main staff are all experienced cyclists and have been working as cycling guides for many years. We can provide you with a fun filled guided tour and ensure you have a wonderful time exploring the sights and the sounds of this beautiful area. We will propose special plans that meet your needs, physical ability, interests and experience. Please feel free to contact us if you have any requests or questions.

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: guided tour by CycloTourisme Shimanami
Guided tour by CycloTourisme

We love to running “slowly”.  If it take too fast, we can not see anything. Feeling the sea breeze, getting into the local life on the islands, having local foods…….thus you might make a new discovery, which you have never experienced before. 

 

2 days bike trip shimanami Kaido: Guided cycling tour in Shimanami kaido

 

 

 

 

区切り線

 

 

 

Thank you for reading

Lots of tourists who enjoy cycling and have cycled the Shimanami Kaido stay at our Gusethouse Cyclonoie, so why not come and share your experiences with us and our guests! We are always happy when people share their feelings and thoughts of both the Seto Inland Sea and the Shimanami Kaido. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself saying “It was an amazing experience”, or that “It was an awesome cycling route” or that “It was one of your best experiences in Japan!”, you wouldn’t be the first! As residents of the Shimanami Kaido and bicycle enthusiasts, these happy sentiments are always encouragement for us working here and we really hope we can be of some help to you when you are planning your trip.  We, the staff at Cyclonoie are looking forward to meeting you! Thanks for reading and safe travels!

 

 

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