The Shimanami Kaido is the ride most people mean when they talk about cycling in Japan. Roughly 70 kilometres of largely dedicated cycle path link Onomichi, on the main island of Honshu, to Imabari on Shikoku, hopping across six islands of the Seto Inland Sea on a chain of long, elegant bridges. It is scenic, well organised and — crucially for visitors — genuinely beginner-friendly.
The route
From Onomichi you take a short ferry across to Mukaishima, then follow a blue line painted on the road that marks the recommended course all the way to Imabari. The line does the navigating for you, the bridge approaches are gentle spiral ramps rather than steep climbs, and there are cafes, rest stops and cycle terminals along the way. Most riders finish in a full day; splitting it over two days with a night on Ikuchijima or Omishima makes it very relaxed.
Renting a bike and one-way drop-off
The route's rental system is what makes it so easy for travellers. A public network of cycle terminals rents bikes at both ends and on the islands, and you can drop off at a different terminal from where you started — so there is no need to ride back. Giant stores in Onomichi and Imabari rent quality road bikes and e-bikes and also allow one-way returns between their two shops. Book ahead in peak season, as the best bikes sell out.
See all Shimanami Kaido rental shops on the map →
How hard is it?
The full 70 km is achievable for a reasonably fit casual rider, and easily so on an e-bike, thanks to the flat course and gentle bridge ramps. If you are short on time or energy you can ride part of it and use local buses or ferries to skip sections. Helmets are strongly encouraged and included with most rentals, and the path is shared with pedestrians in places, so keep your speed sensible.
When to go and how to get there
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; summer is hot and humid. Onomichi is reached by train from Hiroshima or Okayama, and Imabari from Matsuyama or by express bus. Both ends have plenty of accommodation, and it is common to forward your luggage to your next hotel so you can ride unladen.