Shimanami Kaido Rental Bike FAQ

“Shimanami Kaido”, which has been selected as one of the “7 best bike routes in the world”, is a cycling route that represents Japan and goes around the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and beautiful bridges. If you are traveling for the first time or have difficulty bringing your own bike, some bicycle rental services are useful. Shimanami Kaido has a public bicycle rental service that can be returned at various places on the island, and can also be used for one-way trips. In addition, there are many services for renting road bikes and electric bicycles.

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

2017/2/1 first released
2023/9/1  last updated

Shimanami Kaido cycling

　

The Shimanami Kaido, one of the “National Cycle Routes of Japan” is the most famous bikeway in our country. This cycling road consists of 6 islands and 6 bridges and across the Seto Inland Sea between Imabari city and Onomichi city.

　

　

One of the attractions of “Shimanami Kaido” is that not only advanced cycling people who usually enjoy sports bicycles as a hobby, but also beginners of bicycle trips can enjoy it to their heart’s content. In fact, about half of the cycling guests staying at our guesthouse CYCLONOIE are beginners and enjoy touring on the Shimanami Kaido by renting a bicycle.

　

　

Shimanami Kaido is very cyclist friendly. The recommended route has a guide line called “Blue Line” so that you don’t get lost even if you don’t have a map. At the entrance of the bridges, there are “approach roads” with gentle slopes to make it easier to climb.

　

One of the reasons why even beginners can easily try cycling is that the bicycle rental service is substantial. Public bicycle rental service and town bike stores offer sporty bikes for rent, such as cross bikes and road bikes, and some of these services have drop-off system that allows one-way bike trips.

　

　

　

　

　

　

[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.

　

　

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 Toso MAP (Amazon.co.jp) >

　

　

　

　

　

　

What kind of rental cycle?

　

There are several types of rental cycle services for “Shimanami Kaido” as follows. Bicycles rented by the public Shimanami Rental Cycle can be dropped off at the terminal on the route. The service also has sports-type bicycles with multiple gears or electrically assisted bicycles to make it easier to ride on slopes.

　

3 bests rental bike services

　

Here are three bicycle rental services that are often used by guests staying at CYCLONOIE.

　

[Punlic] There are 10 terminals, many bicycles and models. The most commonly used bicycle rental on the Shimanami Kaido.

This is road bike and E-bike rental service provided by a bicycle shop in Onomichi. It has a good reputation for its kindness and high quality bicycles.

High quality road bikes and e-bikes are also available for rent here. There are official stores in both Imabari and Onomichi.

　

In addition, local bicycle shops and other stores offer their own bicycle rental services. Please check the list in later chapters.

　

The types of bicycles you can rent, rental fees, terminal locations, and drop-off systems vary depending on the service of each bicycle rental. I dropped the location of each bicycle rental service terminal on Google Maps.

　

Let’s compare the characteristics of some Shimanami Kaido bicycle rental services. First of all, I would like to introduce (1) Public Shimanami Rental Cycle, which is the most used by guests staying at CYCLONOIE.

　

【NEWS】
・The operation of the public Shimanami Rental Cycle has become the centralized management of Shimanami Japan Inc. Due to the consolidation and abolition of terminals, a total of 13 locations have been changed to a total of 10 locations.（1st APR 2022
・The rental cycle fee and fee system have been revised.（1st SEPT 2023）

Shimanami Rental Cycle

　

The “Shimanami Rent-a-Cycle,” which is available for rent on both the Ehime Prefecture side and the Hiroshima Prefecture side, is a rental bicycle service frequently utilized by guests staying at our guesthouse Cyclonoie. Originally operated by Imabari City and Onomichi City, it has now been privatized.  For convenience, we call it “Public”.

　

Where can I rent a bicycle?

　

　

Along the Shimanami Kaido route, there are a total of 10* public rental and return terminals for bicycles. Common types of bicycles like cross bikes and city cycles can be rented and returned at any of these terminals. Many travelers are enjoying one-way bicycle journeys along the Shimanami Kaido.

*In 2022, the terminals of Shimanami Rental Cycle were consolidated and abolished.

　

Display the rental cycle of Shimanami Kaido on Google Maps.

　

	Rental Bike Terminal	Location	Open	Bus stop or port
Imabari	JR Imabari Station	In front of Imabari Sta.	8:00 – 20:00	Imabari Station BS
	Sunrise Itoyama	Foot of the 1 st bridge	8:00 – 20:00	Inconvenient public transportation Free car parking
Oshima	Yoshiumi RT	Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan	9:00 – 17:00	Inconvenient public transportation
Hakatajima	Hakata RT	Hakata SC Park	9:00 – 17:00	Hakatajima BS Bus to Imabari Sta.
Omishima	Kamiura RT	Tatara Shimanami Park	9:00 – 17:00	Omishima BS Bus to Imabari Sta. to Fukuyama Sta.
Ikuchijima	Setoda Sunset Beach		9:00 – 17:00	Inconvenient public transportation
	Setoda Information Center	In front of Ikuo Hirayama museum	9:00 – 17:00	Close to Setoda Port Ferry to Onomichi
Innoshima	Habu Port	Municipal Central Car Park	8:30 – 19:00 or – 18:00	Habu Port BS Bus to Onomichi Habu Port Ferry to Imabari, Mihara
Mukaishima	Civic Center Mukaishima		8:30 – 19:00 or – 18:00
Onomichi	Onomichi Port	Ekimae-kowan Car Park	7:00 – 19:00 ［Winter］ 8:00 – 18:00	Close to JR Onomichi Sta.
Imabari	Return Only	JR Imabari Station	24 hours

Depending on the terminal’s location, there are differences such as proximity to train stations, bus stops, or ports, so it’s reassuring to identify points where you can make a mid-journey retreat in case of need.

Can I drop off the bicycle?

Cross bikes, city cycles, and electric city bikes can all be left at any terminal. Cycling one-way between Imabari Station and Onomichi Station is, of course, an option, but utilizing public transportation to explore only certain islands is also a good idea.

E-bikes are only rented at Sunrise Itoyama and Onomichi Port, and can only be returned at those two locations and Imabari Station.

Is there a drop-off fee?

With public rental bicycles, the fees remain the same regardless of where you return the bike at the terminal. In other words, there are no additional charges for one-way rentals. Previously, there used to be a deposit refund system, and the fees differed based on whether you returned the bicycle to the same terminal or left it at a different one. (from 1st Sept, 2023)

What kind of bicycle can I rent?

In the public rental bicycles of the Shimanami Kaido, you can borrow various types of bicycles as follows. Please note that models other than cross bikes and city cycles may have limited rental terminals, restrictions on one-way rentals, or limitations on the number of rental days.

How much does it cost to rent a bicycle?

In the public rental bicycle service, a cross bike or a city bike can be rented at a rate of 3,000 yen per day per bike, while an electric city bike are available for 4,000 yen per day. If you were to rent two cross bikes for two days to complete the Shimanami Kaido route in two days, the total rental cost would be 12,000 yen (3,000 yen per bike × 2 bikes × 2 days). There is no hourly or short-duration rental fee structure.

*The deposit refund system has ended. The rental fee is the same regardless of where you return it. (from 1st Sept, 2023)

For cycling trips spanning two days or more, it would be a good idea to rent cross bikes. If you’re planning a single-day cycling adventure, you can also opt for electric city bikes or electric sports bikes.

Can I rent a helmet?

You can borrow one helmet for free per rental bicycle. Currently, Japanese law requires the wearing of helmets while cycling as a diligent duty. The Shimanami Kaido also strongly recommends wearing a helmet while cycling on the route.

By what time should I return it?

If you are worried that you will be able to return the item in time for the closing time, check in advance where you can return it even at a late time. On the Onomichi city side, even the terminal that can be used until the latest is until 19 p.m.. On the other hand, on the Imabari city side, you can return it at the JR Imabari station cycling terminal or Sunrise Itoyama until 20 p.m.. In addition, there is an unmanned return spot (return documents etc. to a dedicated post and lock the bicycle to park) that can be used 24 hours a day behind the JR Imabari station cycling terminal.

Can I make a reservation for a rental cycle?

If you want to hire the bicycle at any of the 10 public bicycle rental terminals along the Shimanami Kaido, you can make a reservation on the Shimanami Japan Inc.’s website or by phone, 0848-22-3911 (up to 4 days in advance). It seems that advance reservations may not be accepted during large-scale events or during busy seasons. When I contacted Shimanami Japan Inc., they answered, “Reservations are not always required, and some bicycles provided on a first-come, first-served basis are also available.”.

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

*The head office moved from Onomichi city to Imabari city on 1st April, 2022.

Welcom to CYCLONOIE

　

　

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! 

　

　

Shimanami Guesthouse CYCLONOIE

The Red Bicycles

The local bicycle shop “THE RED BICYCLES ONOMICHI” in the shopping district near Onomichi Station also offers a bicycle rental service for Shimanami Kaido Cycling. It is a rental cycle service with the highest satisfaction level of guests who rode from Onomichi to “Cyclonoie”.

What kind of bicycle can I rent?

At THE RED BICYCLES ONOMICHI, you can rent an entry model (for beginners) road bike, Merida’s aluminum road bike “RIDE 80” or “RIDE 210”. These are models that are easy to ride even for beginners on road bikes, and I think they can run fast on the slopes of the Shimanami Kaido. It has also started a rental service for electric cross bikes.

How much does the Red Bicycles rent?

You can rent an aluminum road bike for 3850 yen on the day and 6600 yen for 2 days. The rental cycle fee includes rental of the helmet, puncture repair kits, a front light, a wire lock, and a saddle cushion cover. It seems that you can also attach a “binding pedal” as an option.

Can I return the bicycle in Imabari?

Of course, THE RED BICYCLES ONOMICHI, a small privately run bicycle shop, is only in Onomichi, so basically you can’t drop off at Imabari. Red Bicycles bikes are especially recommended for those planning to start cycling in Onomichi and return to Onomichi.

Postscript: By using Omishima WAKKA’s bicycle return service, you can now return your bicycle anywhere in the area, even in Imabari. Advance reservations are required on the WAKKA website.

What is the impression of the person who actually borrowed it?

Guests who start from Onomichi, stay at our guest house CYCLONOIE in Imabari, and return to Onomichi the next day often use the rental cycle of THE RED BICYCLES ONOMICHI. If you are very tired, you can also take a shortcut by boat from Imabari port to Habu port (Innoshima island) returning to Onomichi. When I asked the guests who actually hired that bicycle, it was said that “The red bike was reasonably priced and very easy to ride.”

Why not try cycling the Shimanami Kaido on a reasonably-cool, bright red road bike?

THE RED BICYCLES ONOMICHI
1-10-1, Tsuchido, Onomichi city
TEL 0848-21-0655
 8:00～17:30
Closed: every Wed. & Thur.

Giant Store

There are shops of Taiwanese bicycle maker “GIANT” in Onomichi and Imabari, and they offer the bicycle rental service specializing in Shimanami Kaido cycling. Even if you are a beginner riding a road bike for the first time, a bicycle professional will give a lecture in an easy-to-understand manner, so it is highly recommended for those who are uneasy about their first bicycle trip.

What kind of bicycle can I rent? Prices?

At Giant Store Onomichi and Giant Store Imabari, you can rent the latest models of road bikes and high-performance bicycles. The daily rental fee is 4000 yen for cross bikes, 5000 yen for aluminum road bikes, and 7000 yen for carbon road bikes. Advance reservation is required.

Is one-way cycling possible?

You can select a one-way plan for +3300 yen when making a reservation online. It seems that the number and types of bicycles that can be returned at another store are limited, so if you would like a one-way plan, please contact the giant store as soon as possible.

※Since the rental fee is a fluctuation system, this table indicates the approximate fee.
※The number of one-way plans is limited, and only road bikes, for only 1~2 day plan.
※Giant Store Imabari is closed every Tuesday, so it cannot be returned on that date.

GIANT store Imabari
1-729-8, Kita-horai cho, Imabari city〈in JR Imabari sta.〉
TEL 0898-25-1175
Open 9:00～19:00
Closed: every Tuesday

GIANT store Onomichi
5-11, nishi-gosyo cho, Onomichi city〈in ONOMICHI U2〉
TEL 0848-21-0068
Open 9:00～19:00

Is there a return service?

　

　

“WAKKA”, which provides comprehensive cycling support in Omishima, offers services such as bicycle taxi, bicycle return, same-day delivery, and on-site repair. WAKKA is affiliated with several rental services such as Red Bicycles Onomichi and GIANT Store, so an agent will return it instead of you. It is a paid service that requires advance reservations, but it is convenient for one-way cycling.

　

　

List of bike rental services

　

I have listed the companies that offer rental cycle services that are not public Shimanami rental bicycles. In addition to this, there is also a private bicycle rental service for guests at accommodation facilities.

　

　

Imabari side

Store / Service	Type of bicycle	1 day rental fee	Homepage
Giant Store Imabari	Road Bike, Cross Bike, E-bike, Kids	4,000～	Details >
CYCLEFIX	Road Bike	3,500～	Details >
CycloTourisme Shimanami	Touring Bike and Camping Gear	8,000～	Details >
Wakka (Omishima)	E-bike	8,000～	Details >

　

　

Onomichi side

Store / Service	Type of bicycle	1 day rental fee	Homepage
Giant Store Onomichi	Road Bike, Cross Bike, E-bike, Kids	4,000～	Details >
The Red Bicycle Onomichi	Road Bike, E-bike	3,850～	Details >
BETTER BICYCLES	City cycle	2,200～	Details >
Onomichi Base	Mini Velo, Electric Mini Velo, Cross Bike, Kids	3,500～	Details >
Tabitasu (Ikuchijima)	Cross Bike, Mini Bello, Kids Trailer	3,500～	Details >
Shiomachitei (Ikuchijima)	Cross Bike	2,000～	Details >

　

If you plan to traverse the Shimanami Kaido in one way, the delivery rental cycle plan of “Tabitasu”, which has a store on Ikuchi Island, is also convenient. It is a service that delivers and collects rental bicycles to the desired location. There is an additional charge for this plan, but it is a reassuring service for beginners as it includes baggage transportation and puncture repair support.

　

　

　

　

　

　

Guided tour events

　

The local NPO “CycloTourisme Shimanami” in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, holds several cycling event tours and custom-made guided tours for beginners around the Shimanami Kaido. CycloTourisme Shimanami owns many bicycles and can be rented mainly to tour participants.

　

　

What kind of bicycle can you rent?

　

CycloTourisme Shimanami tour participants can also rent cross bikes and tandem bicycles for beginners (with a helmet and saddle cushion cover). Cannondale’s Road Tandem: A paid rental service for two-seater road bikes (6,000 yen / unit per day) and bicycle rental service with camping equipments are also available for the general public who are not participating in the tour. The tandem bicycle rental service also includes rental plans for media and bridal.

　

　

What kind of guided tour does it have?

　

CycloTourisme Shimanami mainly hold slow cycling tours where you can enjoy the unknown scenery of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and interact with the people of the islands. The main tour events are as follows (1) Cyclo Women’s Trip: Beginner and women only tour, (2) Shimanami Camp Ride: Crossing the Shimanami Kaido while camping, and (3) Tandem Bicycle Festival: Tandem bicycle enthusiasts from all over Japan gather. In addition these, day trips and custom-made tours are also held at any time.

　

　

What kind of vehicle is a tandem bicycle?

　

Even if there is a difference in running ability between the two, you can travel together with a tandem bicycle. Currently, in Japan, as a vehicle that allows you to enjoy cycling with or without a handicap, legislation is underway throughout Japan to allow tandem bicycles to run on public roads. (In both Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures, tandem bicycles can be run on public roads from 2010.)

　

CycloTourisme Shimanami

　

　

　

　

　

　

Reports of renting bikes

　

Got a bike at Imabari sta.

　

　

I came to the public rental cycle terminal “JR Imabari Station Cycling Terminal” which is a 1-minute walk from CYCLONOIE. The terminal at Imabari Station used to be temporarily operated as “JR Imabari Station Temporary Rental Cycle Terminal” under the elevated railroad, but on 20th July, 2020, a splendid terminal was newly built and “JR Imabari Station Cycling Terminal (i.i.imabari Cycle Station) ”was opened. It is right in front of the east exit of the station and is open from 8:00 to 20:00. It used to be from 8:30 to 17:00, so it’s much more convenient.

　

　

I wrote the documents at the reception and paid a rental fee of 2000 yen and a guarantee fee of 1100 yen, for a total of 3100 yen. After that, I will choose a bicycle to be my partner all day today. The guarantee fee of 1100 yen will be refunded if you return your bike here (at the same terminal) during today’s business hours (Currently, this fee system has been changed, and we pay 3,000 yen per vehicle. The price is the same no matter where you return the bicycle).

　

Compared to the Central Rental Cycle Terminal (Sunrise Itoyama), the number and types of bicycles are a little smaller, but it is convenient for those who come to Imabari by JR or bus because it is in front of the station. It takes about 30-40 minutes from here to the entrance of Shimanami Kaido. There is also a blue line on the road from Imabari Station, so you can go to the Shimanami Kaido with confidence. If you really want to rent at Sunrise Itoyama, you can also go by bus or JR & on foot. Considering the waiting time of trains and buses, it may be possible to think that it is faster to ride.

　

If you come to Imabari by car and want to park somewhere and rent a bicycle, “Sunrise Itoyama” is convenient. Parking at Sunrise Itoyama and nearby Itoyama Park are free of charge. It is recommended to park your car here and enjoy cycling!

　

JR Imabari Station Cycling Terminal
773-8, 2 chome-ko, Kitahoraicho, Imabari city
TEL 0898-34-3190

　

　

Got a bike at Giant store

I want to ride a high quality bicycle on the Shimanami Kaido! So, I rented a bicycle at “Giant Store Imabari”, which is a 1-minute walk from CYCLONOIE. Giant Store Imabari is just outside the east exit of JR Imabari Station.

The shop is open from 9:00 to 19:00 and is closed on Tuesdays. The one-way plan has some restrictions and must be reserved in advance. This time I rented an aluminum road bike for a day, enjoyed cycling on Oshima & Hakatajima on the Shimanami Kaido, then returned to Imabari and planned to return it to “Giant Store Imabari”.

I went through the procedure at the counter in the back of the store. I made a reservation on the website in advance, so the procedure was stress-free. Fill out the required items on the form as instructed by the clerk. All I had to prepare was a driver’s license, passport, or anything else that could prove my identity. I received a brief lecture on how to rent a bicycle and what to do if you have a flat tire. The procedure was completed in about 10 minutes.

Bicycles for test riding were lined up in the store. It’s nice to be able to try out the latest models as well. E-Bike rental is also available, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength can easily enjoy cycling on the Shimanami Kaido.

This is the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Information Corner set up in the “Giant Store Imabari” store. It was nice to have a lot of free papers such as cycling maps and get this information before departure.

Of course, there is also a space for changing into sportswear, and lockers and shower rooms that can be used free of charge by those who rent a bicycle. Great! Even those who do not rent a bicycle can rent a shower for 400 yen each time including towel rental.

The road bike I rented this time. It is an aluminum road bike that costs 3,500 yen for 5 hours, 5,000 yen for a day trip, and 8,000 yen for 2 days and 1 night. I was able to drive comfortably on the Shimanami Kaido, which was more than enough. By the way, it was also equipped with a replacement tube for emergencies. It is a system that pays the tube fee at the time of return at the actual cost when used.

Tobishima Rental Bike

　

Unlike the Shimanami Kaido, the Tobishima Kaido did not have a bicycle rental service that allows you to drop off at various points along the route. The only way to rent a bicycle on the Tobishima Kaido was to use the service for the Shimanami Kaido. But finally! From August 10, 2017, a full-scale rental cycle service has started on the Tobishima Kaido!

　

　

Is one-way cycling possible?

　

Tobishima rental bike require advance reservations, and bicycles can be dispatched or dropped off at each point of Okamura port, Oocho port, Ocho port, Kenminnohama Beach, Shimo-kamagari Cottage Kajigahama, and JR Nigata Station. In other words, if you make a reservation in advance, the employee will bring the bicycle to the specified point at the specified time. You can drop off the bicycle at the specified point as well. It is a very convenient system for those who are planning one-way cycling.

　

How much does a rental bicycle cost?

　

The price of Tobishima Rental Bike varies depending on the type of electric bike, cross bike, small wheel bike or children’s bike, and whether it is a 3 hours plan or an 8 hours plan. Helmet rental is included in all plans.

　

Bike type	3 hours	8 hours
Electric bike	1,500 yen	3,000 yen
Cross bike, Small wheel bike	1,000 yen	2,000 yen
Kid’s bike	500 yen	1,000 yen

　

For those who want to run or make a round trip while sightseeing on the Tobishima Kaido, it is common to rent a bicycle with 8 hours plan. In addition, if you plan to have your bicycle dispatched to a designated place or drop it off, an additional fee will be charged for each bicycle. In other words, there is no additional charge only if you rent or return at the reception ”Shimo-kamagari Cottage Kajigahama”.

　

Additional fee	Each bike
Dispatched	1,000 yen
Drop-off	1,000 yen

　

For example, if you request one cross bike to be dispatched to Okamura Port, rent it for 8 hours, and then drop it off at JR Nigata station (That means one-way cycling), the rental fee is 2,000 yen + the dispatch fee is 1,000 yen + the drop-off fee is 1,000 yen. It will be 4,000 yen in total. For reservations and inquiries, please contact ”Shimo-kamagari Cottage Kajigahama” on Shimo-kamagari island.

　

Cottage Kajigahama
839-16, Shimojima, Shimo-kamagari cho, Kure city, Hiroshima pref.
TEL 080-2927-2504
https://kajigahama.jp/rentcycle/

　

Tobishimia Kaido Cycling FAQ

　

　

　

　

　

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 Inland Seto 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!