Shimanami Kaido cycling course -The most famous bicycle path in Japan-

Shimanami Kaido is one of the most famous cycling path across a bay in Japan.

（”Kaido” means the way of the sea.）

TV has featured it many times and it attracts great popularity now.

Many people think “I wish I could see such a wonderful landscape and enjoy bicycling!”

That picturesque view from the sea-crossing bridge is known not only to Japan, but also to the world.

“Seven best bike routes in the world” by CNN introduced Shimanami Kaido, and cyclists from many countries are excited about impressive sights in the Itoyama Rental Cycling Terminal at the foot of the Kurushima Bridge.

Furthermore, CNN also introduce it as “one of the world’s most incredible bike routes“.

This article shows!;
・What kind of place of it?
・Where is Shimanami Kaido located in Japan?
・Can a beginner who has no experience of bicycle ride enjoy cycling courses?
・Does it have rental bicycles?

Places with Shimanami Kaido

Shimanami Kaido is a cycling road connecting Onomichi city in Hiroshima Prefeture and Imabari city in Ehime Prefecture in Japan.

From:SHIMAP Shimanami Kaido Tourist Information

That cycling path connects six islands including Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchima, Omishima, Hakatajima and Oshima from Onomichi city in Hiroshima.

After passing through six islands, you can reach Imabari city in Ehime.

From:Oideya Imabari-Shimanami Kaido Cycling

Access to Shimanami Kaido

If you want to cycle all the way of Shimanami Kaido, you should designate JR Onomichi station in Hiroshima or JR Imabari station in Ehime as your starting point.

Why is cycling spot of Shimanami Kaido so popular?

What is the fascination of Shimanami Kaido ride path?

It attracts rising attention because you can enjoy watching the beautiful Seto Inland Sea and archipelagos on it while riding bikes.

Providing wonderful view

The sea, the mountains, the blue sky, and spectacular sights spread out in front of you.

You feel as if you ran on the sea with your bike.

You feel like flying in the sky in the blowing wind.

You get so refreshed with 4 km road of the Kurushima Bridge that you may want to shout!

That is the simple route for bicyclists!You are good with directions!

You don’t see so many car on the riding path, and feel comfortable even riding on the bike.

You couldn’t get lost because you can see “Blue Line” which indicates the route for bicyclists.

Shimanami Kaido cycling information

Are there rental bike shops?

Yes, there are.

You can borrow a rental bike from Rental bicycle terminals which are deployed in every part of Shimanami Kaido, including the stations of Onomichi and Imabari.

How long is the bicycle ride?

Running from Onomichi to Imabari, total distance of cycling route will be 70 km.

The bridge connecting the islands have a passage for pedestrians and for cyclists.

After crossing the bridge, you get off to the general road in the island and make a bike trip around the island’s coastline.

Some height differences are good exercises.

You have to get up a slope from each island’s general road to the bridge, you may feel tough by height differences when you cross the bridges, but that would be healthful exercises.

There is also a little distance from Shimanami Kaido to Imabari station.

Onomichi port is a short walk from Onomichi station which is the starting point of Onomichi.

Itoyama Rental Cycling Terminal and Imabari station which are the starting points of Imabari side are about 6 km away from the Kurushima Bridge.

Do you need a toll to cross the bridge by bike?

The bicycle tolls are free for a limited time until March 31, 2019 by “Shimanami Cycling Free Project.”

（This free project will probably continue.）

Before this toll free project starts, the total toll over six bridges on the bike was 500 yen.

The sidewalks of Onomich Bridge connecting Onomichi and Mukoujima island are narrow, and riding bicycles are dangerous.

We recommend using a ferry to Mukoujima island.

How long does it take to take a bike ride?

• 5 to 6 hours for person who is confident your physical strength
• 3 to 5 hours for a good walker
• 8 to 10 hours for bike ride beginners and who wants to go slowly

Because the provided time range was wide and unsure, we actually rode our bikes and measured it.

Whether you are a novice, you can accomplish the hole line using a cross bike or a road bike.

However, it’s not easy to finish all the 70 km way for your first challenge.

Based on our experiences, if you want to cover 70 km, you should be knowing the route and shouldn’t get lost.

You take time to check the route, eat lunch, get a break or may get a flat tire.

These things may cause unexpected time loss for the beginners.

Completing the full distance of 70 km by bike is not a easy goal.

It is highly recommended that you consider your physical capacity, take in the sights, and make an itinerary to stay overnight on the island on the way.

You should be able to have plenty time to enjoy!

Finally

It is no problem if you think “70 km is impossible.” or “I want to go Shimanami Kaido and enjoy myself to the full.”

You can enjoy a single section that even allows you to enjoy the scenery and taking a sea breeze.

You should run slowly to have glorious view of Seto island sea area.

We welcome you visit picturesque Shimanami Kaido and experience this exciting cycling activity!