Shimanami Kaido Complete Guide
Table of Contents
About the Shimanami Kaido
The Shimanami Kaido is a beautiful bicycling route in Japan that passes through picturesque islands with panoramic views on giant bridges! The Shimanami Kaido is ranked the fourth best bike route in the world by CNN.
Along the 43 mile (70 kilometers) cycling road with dedicated bike lanes, you’ll take in the island nature, pass through authentic Japanese towns and enjoy the amazing views.
The route can be completed in as quickly as one day or as leisurely as six days so planning the journey is completely up to you! Check out our complete guide to the Shimanami Kaido in the video above and read below for written details to plan your perfect trip.
Biking the Shimanami Kaido - Is It Difficult?
The Shimanami Kaido spans 43 miles (70 kilometers) with various degrees of elevation. If you have never ridden a bike before and are interested in cycling the Shimanami Kaido, we recommend completing a 10 mile trip at home first to get an idea of the route.
If you are a level-zero cyclist, we recommend using the E-bike or pedal assist. If you are a complete beginner, plan to use a multi-day rental. If you are an expert cyclist, the route will be stimulating and challenging! Especially with renting a carbon bike that you can use to powerfully climb and zip along the rolling hills.
You should be prepared to cycle hills up to 10% gradient. Most of the elevation changes involve climbing hills before crossing the bridge to the next island. After riding across the bridge in dedicated bike lanes, you’ll coast down the hill and continue exploring the new island.
We completed the route with only casual bike riding experience using the pedal assisted bike and had a wonderful, relaxing ride!
How Long Does it Take to Bike the Shimanami Kaido?
With the bike rentals available, you can complete the entire route in one day or take your time exploring the islands over six days. Some people zip through the route in one day while others explore one of the islands in one day!
While planning the route keep in mind the bike rental options, the cycle terminals / return stations and where you will stay at hotels.
Bike Rentals on the Shimanami Kaido
Bike rentals can be reserved directly from the Shimanami Kaido tourist organization (www.visitshimanami.com/bike-rental/)
Most bicycle options can be rented overnight. Most options can be picked up and returned from all cycle terminals. Helmets are free to rent and required when cycling!
There are many options to choose from including
- Cross Bikes
- City Bikes (with basket)
- Kids Bikes, Bicycles with Child Seat
- Battery-Assisted Bicycles
- Battery-Assisted Bicycles with Child Seat
Kids Bikes cost 1,000 yen per calendar day. Adult Bikes cost 3,000 yen per calendar day. Battery-Assisted Bicycles cost 4,000 yen per calendar day.
The Battery-Assisted Bicycles that we rented had a small basket which was convenient for holding our bags!
You can even rent Tandem Bikes for a fun teamworking bike ride. However, Tandem Bikes can only be rented and returned to the same terminal via Setoda Sunset Beach Terminal, Omishima Terminal and Imabari Itoyama Terminal for a single-day rental.
Tandem Bikes cost 4,000 yen per calendar day.
For the ultimate assisted ride, you can rent an E-bike! E-bike rentals can start at Onomichi Station Terminal, Imabari Itoyama Terminal, Imabari Station Terminal. You can return your E-bike at any terminal, but E-bikes can only be rented for a single day.
E-bikes cost 8,000 yen per calendar day.
Always remember to double check the closing time of the specific terminal where you intend to return your bike. Most terminals open at 8AM and close at 7PM. From December to February most terminals close at 6PM.
Best Season to Bike the Shimanami Kaido
The official Shimanami Kaido website (www.shimanami-cycle.or.jp/go-shimanami/experience/618/) recommends cycling the route during spring or autumn.
🍁 Autumn is the peak cycling time with blue skies and fall foliage creating beautiful views. Japan has many public holidays during autumn, so be sure to book in advance!
🌸 Spring is the second most popular time with temperate weather and cherry blossoms in bloom. Keep in mind that the route may become incredibly busy during Golden Week.
🌞 Summer can be manageable even with the heat! We cycled the Shimanami Kaido during the time and refreshed ourselves from the hot weather by dipping in the water and walking along the coast.
💨 Winter is also open for cycling – Keep in mind that the winds will be increasingly strong during this time but you can always warm up at an onsen, or with a refreshing hot citrus drink.
🌧️ Rain Season (5th Season) in Japan occurs from June to the middle of July, so keep this in mind as you plan your trip!
Should You Start the Shimanami Kaido From Onomichi or Imabari?
Both directions work! Generally, you’ll want to choose based on where you are coming from traveling to next within Japan. Also, consider how you want to handle bike return and transport.
Some cyclists prefer to start in Onomichi and end in Imabari, with the conclusion of their bike ride taking place over the epic Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge. We chose to bike from Imabari to Onimichi and appreciated finishing the trip with a calm ride through small towns plus the ferry!
Once finishing the Shimanami Kaido in Oncomichi, we transferred to Shin-Onomichi station and took the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata Station (Fukuoka).
Traveling To and From Onomichi
Onomichi Station has convenient connections to Mihara Station, Shin-Onomichi Station and Fukuyama Station.
The Sanyo Shinkansen stops at Mihara Station, Shin-Onomichi Station and Fukuyama Station with service to Hakata Station (Fukuoka) or Shin-Osaka Station. Also, the Nozomi service on the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinaksen stops at Fukuyama Station with service to Hakata Station (Fukuoka) or Tokyo Station.
Traveling To and From Imabari
Towards the west, Imabari Station has connections to Matsuyama Station. To the east, Imabari Station has connections to Okayama Station and Takamatsu Station.
From Okayama Station you can transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen with service to Hakata Station (Fukuoka) or Shin-Osaka Station. Again, the Nozomi service on the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinaksen stops at Okayama Station with service to Hakata Station (Fukuoka) or Tokyo Station.
If you travel to Takamatsu Station, you can transfer to the Sunrise Seto, Japan’s famous overnight train with service through to Tokyo Station.
Shimanami Kaido Route Basics
The route is so simple, all you need to do is follow the blue line!
If you ever lose the blue line, turn around and locate it again. While it is extremely difficult to get lost, you may be slightly turned around when heading from Imabari to Onomichi when looking to find the ferry to Onomichi.
Where We Stayed on the Shimanami Kaido
We stayed at Wakka Hotel and highly recommend it! Wakka (www.wakka.site/en/hotel/) is more than just a place to stay and offers cycling support and outdoor excursions like paddle boarding, fishing, boating and even orange picking!
Wakka offers a wide variety of rooms at different price points so it is perfect for any traveler! Plus, Wakka is placed at a convenient halfway stopping point on the Shimanami Kaido.
Packing for the Shimanami Kaido
Our biggest recommendation is to be sure to pack light! Consider leaving items like pajamas or slippers at home, especially since these items are often provided by hotels in Japan.
Always keep in mind that the weight of anything you pack will be felt on your bike ride.
Here is our basic packing list:
- Cash
- Coins (For the Ferry and Vending Machines)
- Chamois / Padded Bike Shorts
- Lightweight Bag
- Sport Towel
- Sunscreen
Shimanami Kaido Top Three Tips
Ship Your Luggage
Shipping your luggage in Japan is so easy! Since you will likely have packed for a multi-week trip abroad, we highly recommend shipping your luggage to one of your final destinations.
Yamato Transport offers this convenient service called “Takkyubin” or TA-Q-BIN. You can learn more about shipping your luggage directly at Yamato Transport’s website: www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ytc/en/send/services/takkyubin/
It may be best that you plan to ship your luggage separate from the lodgings where you are staying in Imabari and Onomichi. For example, if you are traveling from Tokyo to Imabari, then cycling the Shimanami Kaido to Onomichi, then traveling to Kyoto, consider shipping your luggage directly from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Plan Your Stops Ahead of Time
Have some peace of mind while you ride and plan your stops ahead! There are so many authentic sights and eats to experience along the route so don’t worry about choosing any “wrong” place.
At the same time, if you see something interesting while you are biking, stop and check it out – The area is incredibly tourist friendly and you will be welcomed!
Stay Somewhere Halfway Along the Route
Staying halfway during your ride is a great way to explore local islands, rest up then sleep well! Omishima Island and Ikuchi Island are good places to plan for a halfway stop.
We stayed at Wakka Hotel (www.wakka.site/en/hotel/) which is located on the mid-point of the Shimanami Kaido.
If you leisurely bike to Omishima Island or Ikuchi Island from either Imabari or Onomichi, it will take roughly 3 to 5 hours, so you can leave in the morning then get to your lodging in the late afternoon!
Where to Stop Along the Shimanami Kaido?
Eats Along the Way
Dolce Ice Cream
The sea-salt ice cream is a delicacy and well known on the island of Hakatajima.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2aSPgqcYQmheQSBF8
Omishima Brewery
Local brewery with tasty craft beer and small bites!
https://visitshimanami.com/attractions/795/
Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan
Perfect stop for authentic, local bites at the beginning or end of your bike ride!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QanN4EhEPx1PnVon8
TAKUMA SHOTEN Innoshima
Looking for a carb refuel? Stop here for ramen and locally pressed juice.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/iBceqx1FWcMSzEgc7
井のイの！STAND (Ino Ino Stand)
Try the local boar meat burger!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5ozBMZYFo3pjo3VJ9
しまバル Boff
Small restaurant with big tastes! Stop here just before or after crossing the Hakata Bridge.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/q2sHpZuBH34HDXZC9
Scenic Spots to Remember Your Trip
Hill of Hope
Architectural wonder sculpted with Italian marble. Some consider this the most picturesque spot along the Shimanami Kaido!
https://visitshimanami.com/attractions/442/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PyGGSVWtRmAkr6Gw8
Mare Gracia Ōmishima
Well maintained onsen with hot and cold baths, perfect for calming the body after a long bike ride.
https://visitshimanami.com/attractions/541/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/P1CB1fVz1HEZFwL97
Mt. Kirō-san Scenic Overlook Park
Bike up this steep hill for the very best views on the Shimanami Kaido.
https://visitshimanami.com/attractions/554/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UHgPDHwzy394BNbj7
Omishima Orange Picking
Reserve an authentic orange picking experience with Wakka!
https://visitshimanami.com/attractions/752/
https://wakka.site/en/travel/activity/4018/
Oyama Shrine
Shrine dedicated to cyclists – Bike charms available here.
https://visitshimanami.com/attractions/765/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tsV1Lg6PUmdQAggi6
Setoda Sunset Beach
Perfect place to catch the sunset or take a swim! Close-by to the main Shimanami Kaido trail and also has convenient shops.
https://visitshimanami.com/attractions/441/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmF4iEuMadaphd5b9
Sunrise Itoyama
This is the perfect place to take a picture with a big bridge in the background plus the Shimanami Kaido sign!
https://visitshimanami.com/attractions/820/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1bV853cxRXZDY7Bn7
Tachibana Rinkai Park
Stop here for perfect pictures below the massive Innoshima Bridge!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tQZuBKh1dMNF67ju8
Shinamai Kaido FAQs
How long is the Shimanami Kaido?
The Shimanami Kaido is 43 miles or about 70 km.
Is biking the Shimanami Kaido difficult?
It depends on your fitness and bike choice. The route includes hills up to 5% gradient, but it is manageable for many riders—especially with pedal assist or an E-bike.
How hilly is the Shimanami Kaido?
You should expect repeated climbs up to bridges (up to 5% gradient). After crossing each bridge in dedicated bike lanes, you typically coast downhill onto the next island.
Can a complete beginner do the Shimanami Kaido?
Yes. If you have never ridden a bike before, do a 10-mile practice ride at home first. For true beginners, use a pedal-assist bike or E-bike, and plan a multi-day rental.
Is the Shimanami Kaido hard to bike?
It can feel challenging if you choose a standard bike and do it in one day, because of the distance (43 miles) and bridge climbs. With a pedal-assist bike and a multi-day plan, many riders find it comfortable.
Is the Shimanami Kaido welcoming to tourists?
Yes. The route is incredibly tourist-friendly and locals are very welcoming! It is incredibly easy to follow the route by biking along the blue trail line.
How long does it take to bike the Shimanami Kaido?
You can do it in 1 day or spread it out over up to 6 days, depending on how much you want to explore each island and how your lodging aligns with rental return locations.
Where do you reserve bike rentals for the Shimanami Kaido?
Reserve bikes through the Shimanami Kaido tourist organization here: www.visitshimanami.com/bike-rental/
What types of bikes can you rent on the Shimanami Kaido?
Options include:
- Cross bikes
- City bikes (with basket)
- Kids bikes
- Bicycles with child seat
- Battery-assisted bicycles
- Battery-assisted bicycles with child seat
- Tandem bikes (limited terminals / same-terminal return rules)
- E-bikes (single-day only)
How much do bike rentals cost on the Shimanami Kaido?
Per calendar day:
- Kids bikes: 1,000 yen
- Adult bikes: 3,000 yen
- Battery-assisted bicycles: 4,000 yen
- Tandem bikes: 4,000 yen
- E-bikes: 8,000 yen
Can you rent an E-bike on the Shimanami Kaido?
Yes. E-bikes are available, but only as single-day rentals.
What time do bike terminals open and close?
Most terminals:
Open: 8:00 AM
Close: 7:00 PM
December to February: Most terminals close at 6:00 PM. Always verify the specific terminal you plan to return to.
What is the best season to bike the Shimanami Kaido?
The official recommendation for the best biking season is spring or autumn.
Autumn – Peak season with blue skies and fall foliage! Book early due to local holidays.
Spring – Popular due to temperate weather and cherry blossoms. Can be crowded during Golden Week.
Summer – Doable with heat management. Swimming and stops along the coast help.
Winter – Possible, but expect stronger winds.
Rainy Season – June to mid-July.
Should you start the Shimanami Kaido from Onomichi or Imabari?
Either direction works! Choose based on:
Where you are coming from and where you are going next in Japan.
How you want to handle bike return and onward transport.
🚲 Happy Biking! 🚲