Cycling the Shimanami Kaido, Japan
The Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道, Shimanami Kaido) is a 70km route across 6 islands over Seto inland sea. The islands consist of Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima and Oshima, getting from one another by suspension bridges. There's completely separate part of the route dedicated for cyclists. If there's one thing you do when visiting Japan, it's cycle this route! You don't need to be an experienced cyclist to complete the distance. The views and scenery is awe inspiring, one that you could never experience the same way on transport.
There is a clearly marked and maintained route for cyclists, with the chance to take a longer route around the islands. We chose to take longer routes around the circumference of innomisha Island and ikuchijima Island for more of an adventure. If you have access to a map I recommend coming off the path and taking a longer route around the islands. The roads are still quiet, but allows you to discover little villages that you wouldn't if taking the normal route.
We started at the town of Onomichi on main land Japan, then finished on the Shikokou island in Imabari.
We used luggage transportation company called Yamato that transports luggage to and from hotels across Japan, in one day! They picked our suitcases at the hotel we left in Mirajima, then once we arrived at our Imabari home stay after the Shimanami Kaido, the luggage had already arrived. You can use this service across the whole of Japan. Perfect if you want to travel light.
Top tips
Be prepared for slight inclines up to each bridge. Take it easy and keep pedalling on a light gear.
Take water and snacks for the journey
Rental bikes
There are two main companies to rent bikes: One is slightly cheaper and more popular, that offers multiple stations along the route to drop your bikes off. Reservations are not necessary. Check out more at Shimanami Cycle
Or pay slightly more for high quality Giant bike. There are two stores, one in Onomichi and one in Imabari. They offer aluminium, carbon and cross bikes. Advanced reservation recommended, this is who we rented bikes from and ideal for cyclists who are looking to cover more ground!
Where to stay
We started the trip from mainland Japan in a very small town in Onomochi. There isn't much to do here, so we arrived late and stayed at this small hostel. It was pretty basic but as we were getting up early to begin our cycle, it was perfect for us.
At the end of the cycle in Imabari we stayed with a lovely older couple. It was more of a home stay where we stayed in a traditional shoji room with tatami carpets. They offered us a warm shower and home cooked delicious dinner. This was absolutely perfect after a long day of cycling. The couple loved to practise their English on us and their extended family joined us. You really get to experience a proper traditional Japanese home, with extra comforts. Check them out here on Air BnB. They donate all booking fees towards