The Shimanami Kaido: A journey through the Seto Islands!

Introducing the Shimanami Kaido and its route

The Shimanami Kaido is much more than just a bicycle path. This exceptional route, completed in 1999, links the main island of Honshu to Shikoku, crossing the Seto Inland Sea. Its unique route allows cyclists, pedestrians and motorists alike, to travel from island to island through a breathtaking seascape.

Experienced cyclists can cover the entire route in 3 to 4 hours, while visitors wishing to take full advantage of the experience will take a full day, or even several days, to explore the cultural and natural riches of the islands crossed.

How to get to Onomichi and prepare your cycling adventure

Onomichi, the usual departure point for the Shimanami Kaido, is easily accessible from all major Japanese cities. From Hiroshima, allow around 1h20 by local train via Mihara station. If you're coming from Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, first take the Shinkansen to Fukuyama, then the local train (20 minutes) to Onomichi.

Once in Onomichi, this picturesque port town is well worth a visit. Famous for its many temples linked by a pilgrimage path and steep alleyways offering breathtaking sea views, Onomichi was the setting for Ozu Yasujirô's film "Tokyo Story." Don't miss the Onomichi Cat Walk, a winding trail that takes you through the town and its many felines.

Before starting your Shimanami Kaido adventure, you'll need to rent a bike. You have several options:

• The 14 official rental stations along the route offer standard bikes at 1,000 yen per day (with a 1,000 yen deposit).
• Onomichi U2, a modern facility housed in a former shipping warehouse, offers high-end professional bikes from 4,000 yen. This unique venue also includes accommodation where you can sleep with your bike, a restaurant and a repair shop.
• For added convenience, electric-assist bicycles are available for 1,500 yen for 6 hours, ideal for tackling bridge climbs without excessive effort.

To reach Mukaishima Island from Onomichi: Take a ferry from the pier opposite the station (5-minute trip for 100 yen, plus 10 yen for the bike). It's on this first island that the bike path officially begins, indicated by a blue line that you'll follow along the way.

The islands and attractions of Shimanami Kaido

Each island on the Shimanami Kaido has its own character and unique attractions, offering travelers an immersion in authentic rural and maritime Japan.

Hakatajima, a small island famous for its high-quality salt, can be quickly crossed or explored via a 17 km circuit around its fishing ports. Mount Hirakiyama (149 m) offers 360° panoramic views.

Oshima, the last island before Imabari, offers several itineraries, including a complete 35 km tour. In Yoshiumi Park, 3,500 roses bloom from May to December. For experienced cyclists, Mount Kirosan (307 m) offers an exceptional panorama of the Kurushima Strait. From here, you can take the Kurushima Kaikyô Bridge, comprising three suspension bridges totaling four kilometers in length, 65 meters above the sea.

Route options and bike hire

The Shimanami Kaido offers great flexibility in the organization of your cycling trip, accommodating both seasoned sportsmen and amateurs wishing to enjoy the scenery at their own pace.

Several route options are available:

• The complete route (70 km) from Onomichi to Imabari is accessible in one day for trained cyclists (4-5 hours of effective pedaling).
• The same route spread over two days, with an overnight stay on one of the islands, ideal for enjoying the attractions to the full.

Accommodation and local gastronomy along the route

One of the treasures of the Shimanami Kaido is the opportunity to stay on the islands and discover the local gastronomy, for a complete immersion in the culture of this maritime region.

A variety of accommodation options allow you to create a tailor-made itinerary:

• Traditional ryokan offer an authentic experience with tatami mats, futons and sometimes thermal baths (onsen).
• Modern hotels in Imabari or Onomichi offer all the comforts of the West.
• Budget inns offer affordable accommodation.
• Yubune on Ikuchijima, a public bath that also offers rooms where cyclists can keep their bikes, offers an immersion in local life.
• For a more luxurious experience, LEMON FARM GLAMPING Shimanami on Ikuchijima offers eight glamping facilities overlooking the sea.
• Campsites are also available on each island for travellers on a tight budget.
• The unusual HOTEL CYCLE at Onomichi U2 lets you check in with your bike and even bring it into your room.

Local gastronomy is another highlight of the trip, with each island having its own specialities:

Practical tips to make the most of your experience

To ensure that your adventure on the Shimanami Kaido is a success, here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of it:

When to go?

• The best periods are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when temperatures are mild and the sky is generally clear.
• Avoid summer (June-August), which can be very hot and humid, making physical exertion more difficult.
• Winter can be cool, but still passable, with the advantage of fewer visitors.
• Check the weather forecast before you leave, even if it's not always reliable in the long term in this maritime region.

A few tips:

• If you're not an experienced cyclist, practice a little before you go.
• Use the luggage delivery service (takkyubin) to travel light.
• Book your accommodation in advance, especially on weekends and during vacation periods.
• Plan regular breaks to take in the sights.
• Follow the blue line painted on the ground, which will guide you along the route.
• Follow the Japanese highway code: drive on the left and moderate your speed on downhill stretches.
• Don't hesitate to deviate from the main route to explore small ports and villages.
• If you have any problems, contact the Wakka bicycle assistance service or the emergency services (110 for police, 119 for medical).