Your Ultimate Adventure: Conquering the Onomichi to Imabari Cycling Route (The Shimanami Kaido)
This article from Onomichi Guide will dive deep into everything you need to know to plan, prepare for, and fully enjoy your Shimanami Kaido journey. From navigating the iconic bridges to savoring local delicacies and finding the perfect overnight stay, we’ll ensure you’re ready to pedal through this island paradise.
What Makes the Shimanami Kaido So Special?
The Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道) isn’t just about cycling; it’s about the unique blend of natural beauty, engineering marvels, and welcoming local culture. What sets this Onomichi to Imabari cycling route apart?
- A Cyclist’s Paradise: Unlike many routes, the Shimanami Kaido was designed with cyclists in mind. A dedicated blue line guides you all the way, making navigation incredibly easy. The gentle slopes leading up to the bridges are a testament to thoughtful engineering, ensuring an enjoyable climb even for leisure riders.
- Stunning Scenery: Imagine endless vistas of the calm Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海 – Seto Naikai), dotted with countless green islands. The panoramic views from atop the massive suspension bridges are simply mesmerizing, especially at sunrise or sunset. You’ll be crossing some of the world’s most impressive bridges, each with its own distinct design and charm.
- Island Hopping Fun: The route takes you across six main islands – Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima – before reaching Imabari. Each island offers its own unique character, local specialties, and cultural insights, encouraging you to slow down and explore.
- Cultural Immersion: Beyond the saddle, you’ll discover ancient shrines, temples, local markets, and friendly communities eager to share their island life. Stop for fresh seafood, taste locally grown citrus fruits, and interact with the warm-hearted locals.
- Accessibility: With a robust public bike rental system and numerous private rental shops, the Shimanami Kaido is accessible to everyone, from seasoned cyclists to families. Luggage forwarding services also make multi-day trips hassle-free.
Whether you’re embarking on a challenging one-day ride or a leisurely multi-day exploration, the Shimanami Kaido promises an unforgettable experience that combines physical activity with profound cultural engagement amidst Japan’s stunning island scenery.
Planning Your Adventure: The Onomichi to Imabari Cycling Route
When to Go
The best times to cycle the Shimanami Kaido are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasantly mild, and the skies are often clear, offering perfect conditions for cycling and photography. Summer (June to September) can be hot and humid, with a higher chance of typhoons, while winter (December to February) can be cold, though still beautiful with fewer crowds.
Choosing Your Bike
You have several excellent options for bike rentals:
- Shimanami Cycle (しまなみサイクル): This is the public rental system, with terminals conveniently located at both ends (Onomichi and Imabari) and throughout the islands. They offer a range of bikes, including city bikes, cross bikes, and electric assist bikes (E-bikes). You can rent at one terminal and return at any other, which is incredibly flexible.
- Giant Store (ジャイアントストア): For more serious cyclists seeking higher-quality road bikes, the Giant stores in Onomichi and Imabari offer premium rentals. These bikes often provide a smoother, more comfortable ride, especially for longer distances. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.
- Hotel Rentals: Some accommodations along the route, particularly in Onomichi, also offer bike rentals, sometimes exclusively for their guests.
Recommendation: For most casual riders, a cross bike is a good balance of comfort and speed. If you’re concerned about the hills, an E-bike will be your best friend, especially if you plan to do the entire Onomichi to Imabari cycling route in one day.
Luggage Forwarding Services (手荷物配送サービス – Tenimotsu Haisō Sābisu)
Don’t want to cycle with heavy bags? Numerous services allow you to send your luggage from Onomichi directly to your accommodation on one of the islands or even straight to Imabari. This is a game-changer for multi-day trips. Ask your hotel or bike rental shop for recommendations, or look for Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato) services.
Accommodation
The Shimanami Kaido offers a diverse range of accommodations:
- Onomichi (尾道): As your starting point, Onomichi has a fantastic selection of hotels, guesthouses, and traditional ryokan. Some, like U2 Onomichi, are specifically designed for cyclists.
- Island Stays: Throughout the islands, you’ll find cozy minshuku (民宿 – traditional Japanese inns), guesthouses, and a few small hotels. Staying on an island allows you to experience the local culture more deeply and break up your ride into manageable segments. Consider Ikuchijima, Omishima, or Hakatajima for a charming overnight stop.
- Imabari (今治): At the route’s end, Imabari offers a wider selection of modern hotels.
Tip: Book well in advance, especially for weekend trips and peak seasons, as popular places fill up quickly.
Packing Essentials
- Comfortable Cycling Clothes: Padded shorts are highly recommended!
- Layers: Weather can change, especially near the sea.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Water Bottle: Essential for staying hydrated.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or local treats (like citrus fruits!).
- Small Backpack: For essentials, not too heavy.
- Phone & Charger: For navigation, photos, and emergencies.
- Basic First-Aid: Band-aids for minor scrapes.
- Cash: Some smaller shops or vending machines might only accept cash.
- Rain Gear: Just in case!
Navigating the Islands: A Stage-by-Stage Guide to the Onomichi to Imabari Cycling Route
Let’s embark on a virtual tour of the islands and bridges that make up this incredible Onomichi to Imabari cycling route.
1. Onomichi (尾道) to Mukaishima (向島)
Your journey begins in Onomichi. After picking up your bike, you’ll take a short, charming ferry ride (尾道渡船 – Onomichi Tosen) across the Onomichi Channel to Mukaishima. This short ferry ride (just a few minutes) is a delightful start to the adventure, offering unique views of Onomichi’s hilly landscape and the bustling harbor.
- Distance: Ferry ride ~0.5 km
- Highlights: Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the ferry. On Mukaishima, the route is mostly flat, passing through quiet residential areas and farmlands.
2. Mukaishima to Innoshima (因島)
From Mukaishima, you’ll cross your first major bridge: the Innoshima Ohashi Bridge (因島大橋). This impressive double-decked bridge carries cars on top and a dedicated cycling/pedestrian path below.
- Distance: ~10 km
- Bridge: Innoshima Ohashi Bridge (1,270m)
- Highlights: On Innoshima, explore the historic Innoshima Suigun Castle (因島水軍城 – a replica castle dedicated to the Murakami pirate clan) or relax at the Innoshima Flower Center (因島フラワーセンター). Don’t miss the local citrus fruits!
3. Innoshima to Ikuchijima (生口島)
Next up is the Ikuchi Bridge (生口橋), connecting Innoshima to Ikuchijima. This cable-stayed bridge offers spectacular views.
- Distance: ~12 km
- Bridge: Ikuchi Bridge (790m)
- Highlights: Ikuchijima is often called “Lemon Island” (レモンの島 – Remon no Shima) due to its abundant lemon groves.
- Kosanji Temple (耕三寺): A vibrant, eclectic temple with a marble garden reminiscent of a European grotto. It’s a surreal and fascinating stop.
- Shiomachi商店街 (Shiomachi Shotengai): A charming, retro shopping street where you can grab a local lemon-flavored treat or gelato.
- Sunset Beach: A great spot for a break, with a beautiful sandy beach.
4. Ikuchijima to Omishima (大三島)
Prepare for one of the most iconic bridges: the Tatara Bridge (多々羅大橋). Known for its beautiful harp-like structure, it’s the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world specifically for bicycles and pedestrians.
- Distance: ~15 km
- Bridge: Tatara Bridge (1,480m)
- Highlights: Omishima is home to the revered Oyamazumi Shrine (大山祇神社 – Ōyamazumi Jinja), one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to the gods of mountains, seas, and warriors. It houses an impressive collection of ancient samurai armor and weapons. There’s also the Tatara Shimanami Park, a popular rest stop with restaurants and a souvenir shop.
5. Omishima to Hakatajima (伯方島)
A shorter island hop across the Hakata Ohashi Bridge (伯方大橋) brings you to Hakatajima.
- Distance: ~4 km
- Bridge: Hakata Ohashi Bridge (1,160m – consists of two smaller bridges, Ohshima Bridge and Hakata-Ohshima Bridge)
- Highlights: Hakatajima is famous for its “Hakata Salt” (伯方の塩 – Hakata no Shio). You can visit the Hakata Salt Factory (伯方塩業 大三島工場) for a tour and tasting. Enjoy the relaxed pace and beautiful coastal views.
6. Hakatajima to Oshima (大島)
The final island before Imabari, Oshima is connected by the elegant Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges (来島海峡大橋).
- Distance: ~10 km
- Bridge: Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges (3 bridges totaling 4,105m – one of the longest bridge systems in the world)
- Highlights: Oshima offers some of the most dramatic scenery.
- Kirosan Observatory Park (亀老山展望公園 – Kirosan Tenbō Kōen): This is a must-visit detour! A short, steep climb (or a very rewarding E-bike ride) leads to an observation deck designed by architect Kengo Kuma, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges and the surrounding Seto Inland Sea. It’s absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset.
- Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan (よしうみいきいき館): A lively roadside station and seafood market where you can enjoy fresh seafood BBQ.
7. Oshima to Imabari (今治)
The grand finale! You’ll cross the spectacular Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges, a series of three linked suspension bridges stretching over 4 kilometers. The dedicated cycling path below the main road offers an incredible perspective of this engineering marvel.
- Distance: ~10 km
- Bridge: Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges
- Highlights: The sheer scale and beauty of the bridges as you cycle across them are unforgettable. Once you descend into Imabari, follow the blue line to the Imabari Cycle Terminal to return your bike and celebrate your achievement!
Beyond the Bikes: Cultural Highlights and Detours
While the cycling is a major draw, the Shimanami Kaido offers so much more for the curious traveler. Integrate these cultural stops into your Onomichi to Imabari cycling route for a richer experience:
- Onomichi’s Temple Walk (尾道寺巡り): Before or after your ride, explore Onomichi’s historic temples nestled on its hilly slopes. Senkoji Temple (千光寺) offers panoramic views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea.
- Art on Ikuchijima (生口島の芸術): Beyond Kosanji Temple, Ikuchijima is dotted with outdoor sculptures by famous Japanese artists, part of the “Island of Art” project. Look for them as you cycle!
- Citrus Tasting (柑橘類の味見 – Kankitsurui no Ajimi): The Seto Inland Sea region is famous for its citrus. Stop at local fruit stands or michi-no-eki (道の駅 – roadside stations) to sample various types of mikan (みかん – mandarin oranges), lemons, and other seasonal delights.
- Sake Breweries (日本酒醸造所 – Nihonshu Jōzōsho): While less prevalent directly on the cycling route, the Hiroshima region is renowned for its sake. Consider a tasting in Onomichi or a day trip to Saijo, one of Japan’s top sake brewing towns.
- Local Cuisine (郷土料理 – Kyōdo Ryōri): Fresh seafood is king here! Enjoy donburi (丼 – rice bowls) with local fish, tai-meshi (鯛めし – sea bream rice) in Ehime, or even ramen in Onomichi. Don’t forget regional sweets and coffee shops.
These detours provide a wonderful balance to the physical exertion of cycling and offer deeper insights into the local way of life.
Making the Most of Your Hiroshima Region Travel
Your Shimanami Kaido adventure is an incredible highlight, but it’s also a perfect anchor for exploring the wider Hiroshima Region. Onomichi, as your starting point, is a charming town itself, known for its temples and retro alleys.
After your ride, consider extending your stay in the region:
- Hiroshima City (広島市): Just a short train ride from Onomichi, Hiroshima offers profound historical experiences at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, as well as a vibrant modern city with delicious okonomiyaki (お好み焼き – savory pancake).
- Miyajima (宮島): Home to the iconic “floating” Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), Miyajima is another UNESCO World Heritage site and an essential stop for any Hiroshima Region travel itinerary.
- Rabbit Island (大久野島 – Okunoshima): If you have time for a quirky detour, take a ferry from Tadanoumi (accessible from Onomichi by train) to Okunoshima, an island overrun by adorable wild rabbits.
By combining your Onomichi to Imabari cycling route with these other regional gems, you’ll create a truly comprehensive and unforgettable Japan itinerary.
Ready to Pedal Your Way Through Paradise?
The Onomichi to Imabari cycling route, the magnificent Shimanami Kaido, is truly a jewel of Japan’s Hiroshima Region. It offers a unique blend of physical activity, stunning natural beauty, and deep cultural immersion. From the moment you hop on your bike in Onomichi to the triumphant crossing of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges into Imabari, you’ll be creating memories that will last a lifetime.
So, pack your bags, tune up your spirit of adventure, and get ready to experience Japan in a truly exhilarating way. We at Onomichi Guide are thrilled to help you plan your perfect island-hopping cycling journey. Happy pedaling!