Connecting Japan’s main islands of Honshu and Shikoku, the route also passes through six smaller islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea.
Beyond cycling, the route is also ideal for travellers seeking to experience the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea and explore the unique charm of each island along the way.
Start at Onomichi
From Onomichi Station, visitors can take a short walk to Onomichi Port, located directly across from the station. This is where cyclists can rent bicycles and officially begin their journey along the Shimanami Kaido. It is highly recommended to take the ferry to the first island, Mukaishima, rather than cycling across the Onomichi or Shin-Onomichi bridges, as these bridges are narrow and not well suited for cyclists.
Ferries between Onomichi and Mukaishima operate frequently without a fixed timetable, and the crossing takes approximately five minutes.
Follow the blue line
A blue line marks the recommended cycling route from JR Onomichi Station to JR Imabari Station.
Created specifically for the Shimanami Kaido, this blue line serves as a simple and reliable guide for cyclists from around the world, helping them navigate the route with ease.
How long does it take?
With steady cycling – and not taking stops to soak in the island scenery!)
completing the Shimanami Kaido (one-way) can take about 8 hours on a regular bicycle.
E-bikes can drop this completion time by a couple of hours.
For head-down, racing cyclists, it is possible to do the one-way 70klm course in around 3-4 hours, however, to truly explore the different islands and have a more immersive experience, 2-3 days are recommended.
When is the best time of year to ride the Shimanami Kaido?
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best seasons to cycle the Shimanami Kaido, thanks to their mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring offers comfortable weather and blooming landscapes, while autumn is known for its clear skies and vibrant seasonal colours.
Cycling during summer is generally not recommended due to the intense heat and humidity, while winter can bring strong, cold winds that make riding less enjoyable. Travellers planning to ride in autumn should also keep in mind that Japan’s typhoon season typically lasts from July through October.
