Shimanami Kaido (Imabari side)

Shimanami Kaidocycling routeisland-hoppingsuspension bridgesSeto Inland Sea

Ehime · Imabari

34.0669°N, 133.0018°E

The Shimanami Kaido runs 70 kilometers from Honshu to Shikoku, crossing the Seto Inland Sea by hopping six islands connected by suspension bridges that stretch up to 4 kilometers between pylons. A dedicated cycling path parallels the expressway the entire way, climbing gradual slopes onto each bridge deck then descending to island level. Bridge towers rise 100+ meters above the water — you're cycling at cargo ship mast height, watching tankers pass underneath.

Rent a bicycle at any of 14 terminals and drop it at any other terminal (¥1,100 rental + ¥1,100 drop fee). The full 70km takes 4–8 hours depending on your pace and photo stops. You'll ride through fishing villages, past citrus orchards where fruit hangs over the path, and climb to clifftop viewpoints where the entire island chain spreads across the sea. Each bridge crossing takes 10–15 minutes, wind pushing you sideways as cars rush past on the upper deck.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Bicycle rental terminals open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last rental return by 5:00 PM). Route is accessible 24 hours but bridges are best during daylight. Most island facilities open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Closed: Rental terminals closed December 29–January 3. Route is usable year-round but typhoon warnings (August–September) may close bridge cycling lanes temporarily.

Entrance Fee

Bicycle rental ¥1,100/day (standard) or ¥2,200/day (e-bike) plus ¥1,100 drop-off fee at different terminal. Bridge cycling tolls: free for cyclists (waived through at least March 2028). No route entry fee.

Best Season

April–June and October–November for mild temperatures and clear skies. Spring has fresh greenery; autumn has citrus harvests and comfortable riding conditions. Avoid July–August heat and typhoon risk.

Visit Duration

Full 70km route: 1 day (4–8 hours riding depending on pace and stops). Half-route to Omishima + ferry return: 6 hours. Overnight two-day version allows leisurely exploration of each island.

Getting There

Access Information

Start: Imabari Station (Ehime side) or Onomichi Station (Hiroshima side). Bicycle rental: ¥1,100/day + ¥1,100 drop-off fee at different station. E-bike: ¥2,200/day. Bridge tolls for cyclists: free (waived through at least March 2028). 14 rental terminals along route.

Detailed Access & Timing

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Nearest Station

Imabari Station (JR Yosan Line) on the Shikoku side. Onomichi Station (JR San'yo Line) on the Honshu side. Both have rental terminals within 5 minutes of the station.

Travel Time

Imabari from Matsuyama: JR limited express 35 min. From Osaka via Shinkansen to Fukuyama then bus to Onomichi (2.5 hrs total). From Tokyo: Shinkansen to Onomichi (4 hrs) or fly to Matsuyama then train.

How to Get There

JR Yosan Line to Imabari (from Matsuyama 35 min). JR San'yo Line to Onomichi (from Hiroshima 25 min, from Okayama 55 min). Highway bus direct from Osaka to Imabari (4 hrs). Rental bikes available at 14 terminals including both end stations.

Best Time to Visit

Start riding by 8:30 AM to complete the full route before rental return deadline. Golden hour light (6:30–8:00) on bridges is spectacular for photography — rent the evening before if possible.

Crowd Avoidance Tips

Golden Week (late April–early May) and autumn weekends are very crowded on the route. Midweek visits in spring or autumn provide a much calmer experience. Onomichi-side is busier than Imabari-side.

Parking Information

Imabari Station area parking ¥500–800/day. Onomichi has multiple paid lots near the ferry terminal (¥600/day). If driving one-way, park at destination and take highway bus back (Imabari–Onomichi: 90 min, ¥2,500).

Insider Guide

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**Direction matters:** Start in Onomichi (Honshu side) and ride south to Imabari (Shikoku side). Prevailing winds blow south, pushing you along. The route drops slightly overall — not enough to coast, but your legs notice. Strong riders finish 70km in 4–5 hours. Casual cyclists need 6–8 hours including breaks. Half-measure option: ride 40km to Omishima Island, catch the ferry back (¥2,000, 90 minutes) instead of cycling the return. **E-bike choice:** Standard bikes cost ¥1,100; e-bikes cost ¥2,200. The route climbs 10–15% grades onto each bridge approach. On a standard bike, you'll grind uphill in low gear, thighs burning. E-bikes add electric assist that kicks in when you pedal uphill — you still work, but it feels like cycling on flat ground. Worth the extra ¥1,100 if you're not a regular cyclist. **Photo stops:** Sunrise Itoyama lookout on Oshima Island frames the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge's three suspended spans — world's only triple-suspension bridge. Tatara Bridge's 220-meter cable-stay tower dominates Tatara Shimanami Park on the Ikuchijima side. Dolce cafe on Omishima serves gelato (¥400) on a terrace overlooking the strait — cyclists pile bikes outside and sit with ice cream watching boats pass below. **Island detours:** Ikuchijima Island hides Kosan-ji Temple (¥1,400), where a businessman recreated famous temples in garish color — gold Buddha halls, rainbow gates, marble caves. It's wonderfully tacky or culturally offensive depending on your taste. Omishima Island holds Oyamazumi Shrine (¥1,000), storing 80% of Japan's designated National Treasure armor and swords in climate-controlled halls. **Luggage forwarding:** Rental shops ship bags to your destination hotel for ¥1,000 per bag, delivered same day if you drop off before 10:00. You cycle with just a small backpack for water, snacks, and a rain jacket. Book forwarding one day ahead when reserving your bike.

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