Cycle across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea in Japan

Want to do something really different this summer in Japan? How about a cycling trip across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

The Shimanami Kaido is a 70-km long highway that links Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. With a total of nine individual bridges, each bridge consists of a road way and a pedestrian walkway. One of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world.

With a temperate climate, you can enjoy this cycling trip any time of the year but summers are the best as you can take a dip in the pristine inland sea when you feel like.

I know, 70 km sounds a lot but don’t worry, we have provided information on how anyone can enjoy this iconic cycling path.

Table of Contents

Getting there

The starting points of the Shimanami Kaido are either Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture or Imabari in Ehime Prefecture.

To Onomichi

Shin-Onomichi station is connected to Tokyo by shinkansen, which takes about four hours by Nozomi or five by Hikari. From there, you take a bus or train to JR Onomichi Station. Night buses take about eleven hours and cost almost half that of a shinkansen. You can also take buses from Hiroshima, which takes about 2 hours; from Okayama, which takes about 1.5 hours; and from Osaka, which takes about 5 hours.

To Imabari

Imabari is accessible by the Yosan Line of JR Shikoku. By limited express train, it takes about 40 minutes from Matsuyama (which has one of the oldest hot springs in Japan).

Renting bicycles

You can rent bicycles from two different rental systems.

Th first system is the Public Regular rentals which include various types of bicycles including tandems, electric-powered bikes. A rental fee of 3,000 yen per day is charged along with a 1,000 yen deposit for a regular bicycle which is refunded unless you drop off the bicycle at a different terminal.

For details on tandem and electric-powered bikes, please check the link below: http://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/rental/english

No need for reservation but it is suggested to do so on long weekends or national holidays. The earlier you reach a terminal, the higher the chances of getting a nicer bicycle. Depending on availability, you might be provided a helmet.

There are a total of 14 terminals. Check the link below to find out more: http://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/rental/english

The second system is by Giant which offers high-quality bicycles and are available in the range of 4,000-17,000 yen per day! There are only two terminals – one at Imabari and the other at Onomichi. It costs an additional 3,300 yen if you drop off the bike at a different terminal.

2026 Bonus: Bridge tolls for cyclists (which used to be around 500 yen total) are currently waived until March 31, 2026. Enjoy the crossings for free!

Sightseeing

Onomichi is famous for its temple walk. After picking up your bike, head to Senkoji Temple and its park for a lovely view of the town. Since the first bridge to Mukoujima is narrow, most cyclists prefer the short 110 yen ferry ride from Onomichi Port to start their journey.

From Mukoujima, zoom toward the Innoshima Bridge. On Ikuchijima, check out the colorful Kosanji Temple and grab a bite at Shiomachi Shopping Street before relaxing at Setoda Sunset Beach.

Some cyclists take a break in their journey at this point and stay at the Setoda Private Hostel and why wouldn’t they? The Hostel has a lovely bath overlooking the beach.

If you do plan to stay here, then you can go for a swim and unwind.

A popular detour in 2026 is Okunoshima (Rabbit Island), a short ferry ride from Omishima.

The island is currently home to over 900 friendly bunnies! (Remember: feeding them human food is harmful; stick to designated pellets found at ferry ports). For more: https://www.qkamura.or.jp/ohkuno/

In Oshima, don’t miss the Kiro-san Observation Park at 307 meters.

It is a tough climb, but the panoramic view of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge (the longest suspension bridge structure in the world) is breathtaking, especially at sunset.

Finish your journey in style

After crossing the final bridge, drop your bike in Imabari and head to Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama (35 min away).

This historic bathhouse, which inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, fully reopened in July 2024 after a massive 7-year renovation. In 2026, you can finally experience the entire building without scaffolding!

One day or two?

If you are reasonably fit and don’t want to sightsee the various towns or villages that come on the Shimanami Kaido, then you can start early in the morning and complete the 70 km in about 7-8 hours.

However, if you have travelled all the way, it would be a waste not to stop by and soak in the sleepy charm of the Japanese countryside. Doing about 35 km each day, gives you ample time to stop, take a deep breath and enjoy the scenic views.

Each time you have to get onto a bridge, you have to go uphill and this can be tiring but you can always walk your bicycle if it gets too strenuous.

If you get tired you can stop and leave your rental cycles at any one of the terminals and hop on to a bus.

If you do plan a stay, then check the link below for accommodations: http://www.cyclonoie.com/shimanamikaido-e.php

Things to remember while cycling

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes
Drink lots of water
Apply enough sunscreen.
Please ensure to follow traffic rules; as far as possible, stay on the left or stick to the cycling path.
Do not cycle intoxicated.
In case you get a puncture, you can visit any of the rental cycle terminals on the islands or try finding a police station and ask for a pump.
If you plan to cycle at night, make sure you have a light.