オススメ度
外国語対応
About Shimanami Kaido
The Shimanami Kaido joins the towns of Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture) and Imabari (Aichi Prefecture) across a total length of 70 km, its nine bridges linking six of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
There is a bike way that runs parallel to the road which was chosen by CNN as one of the “Eight Best Cycling Routes in the World” and is considered a Holy Land by cyclists.
The view of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea beneath a blue sky, coupled with the sensation of the sea breeze while cycling, is refreshing.
In addition to the beautiful views, you can also enjoy gourmet seafood.
The islands are full of sightseeing spots where you can experience each island’s respective unique bridge and history.
Recommendation
The Shimanami Sea Route is highly recommended for those who enjoy cycling.
It is approximately 70 km in length (one-way) and although there are some raised sections, even a beginner can run the whole distance in about 10 hours.
There is a designated bikeway on the bridge to ensure that cyclists are safe.
You can use your own bicycle, however, those who wish may rent a bicycle from Onomichi station or terminals on the respective islands.
Rented bicycles may be returned to a different terminal from where they were borrowed, making it possible to change your mind if you start to feel tired, or the weather turns bad.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry or bus to one of the islands and start cycling from there.
However, this is not recommended as there are few public transportation services available and it is extremely difficult to access the cycling terminals and sightseeing spots.
Additionally, if you want to take the journey slowly, you can stay on one of the islands overnight.
Please note that each of the bridges has a toll of between 50 to 100 yen.
Access to Shimanami Kaido
Onomichi Station is the closest station
Train
Take the bullet train from JR Hiroshima station to JR Fukuyama, change for the Sanyo line and get off at Onomichi station .
Approx. travel time: 50 mins
Bus
Take the “flower liner” bus departing from the Hiroshima Bus Center to Onomichi Station.
Approx. travel time: 1h30 mins
Sightseeing
The Shimanami Sea Route crosses the following six islands:
- Mukai-shima
- Inno-shima
- Ikuchi-jima
- Omi-shima
- Hakata-jima
- Oshima
Cycling
Routes from Onomichi are detailed below.
Each island has its own rental cycle terminal
Rental bicycles
| Address | Each island has its own rental cycle terminal |
| Open | 7 days a week |
| Opening Hours | Opening hours depend on the terminal |
| Fee | ¥2,000～per day |
| Instructions | Bicycles can be returned to a different terminal from the one which they were borrowed. |
| URL | https://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/rental/english |
Routes
Onomichi Station
If coming from Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi station will be your starting point on the sea route.
Because Mukai-shima, the closest island to Onomichi station, does not have a bikeway you must rent a bicycle before taking the ferry-boat or rent a bicycle once arriving in Mukai-shima.
Onomichi Ekimae Tosen
[ See details ]
| Address | 9,Higashigosho-machi, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | Located close to JR Onomichi […] |
| Tel | 0848-38-7761 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Mukai-shima
| Address | Hiroshima Onomichi-shi Mukai-shima |
| Access | Ferry-boat from JR Onomichi station to Mukai-shima pier (approx.. 4 mins) |
| Fare | From Onomichi station Bus：\390 Ferry：\100 |
| URL | https://www.oideya.gr.jp/feature-c/mukaishima/ |
Found on the opposite shore from downtown Onomichi, this island is the perfect place for beginner cyclists to start their journey.
Takamiyama observation tower
Standing at approximately 300-meters high, the mountain peak offers a full view of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. It is a popular place in spring for cherry blossom viewing and during autumn for its autumn colors.
[ See details ]
| Address | Tachibana, Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 4.7 km from Mukai-shima pier |
| Tel | |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Inno-shima
| Address | Hiroshima Onomichi-shi Inno-shima |
| Access | By Ferry From JR Onomichi station, take the “Seto Inland Sea Cruise” ferry to Innoshima port Approx. travel time: 20 mins By Bus From JR Onomichi station, take the bus from Onomichi Bus/Honshi Bus to Inno-shima bridge Approx. travel time: 25 min |
| Fare | From Onomichi station Bus：\570 Ferry：\650 |
| URL | https://kanko-innoshima.jp/ |
An island containing Murakami navy (a famous pirate) and historic landmarks from the age of Civil wars.
Additionally, there are many places to view the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
Innoshima navy castle
This castle was built rather recently in 1983. The inside is an archives center that has arms and armor relating to the Murakami navy on display.
[ See details ]
| Address | 3228-2, Inno-shima Nakasho-cho, Onomichi-shi,Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 3.3 km from the exit of Innos[…] |
| Tel | 0845-24-0936 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Ikuchi-shima
| Address | Hiroshima Onomichi-shi Setoda-cho |
| Access | By Ferry From JR Onomichi Eki-Mae take the “Setonai Cruise” to Setoda Approx. travel time: 40 mins By Bus From JR Onomichi Station take the “Onomichi bus” to stop at “Ikuchi-bashi iriguchi” Approx. travel time: 65 mins |
| Fare | From Onomichi station Bus：\850 Ferry：\1300 |
| URL | https://www.oideya.gr.jp/feature-c/mukaishima/ |
The island with the most tourist spots out of all of the islands on the Shimanami Sea Road.
The road is relatively flat, making it perfect for cycling.
Kouzan-ji museum
Established over 30 years ago, the museum showcases famous Japanese temples and the Yomeimon Gate of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, with recreations of Buddhist architecture.
[ See details ]
| Address | 553-2, Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 6.2 km from Ikuchi-jima bridg[…] |
| Tel | 0845-27-0800 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Setoda sunset beach
Selected as one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan, from the beach you can see the beautiful sunset over the Seto Inland Sea.
[ See details ]
| Address | 1506-15, Setoda-machi Tarumi, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 9.7 km from Ikuchi-jima bridg[…] |
| Tel | 0845-27-1100 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Omi-shima
| Address | Aichi Imabari-shi Omi-shima |
| Access | “Shimanami Cycle Express” Bus from JR Onomichi station (approx. 50 mins) |
| Fare | ¥1350 |
| URL | https://www.oideya.gr.jp/feature-c/omishima/ |
An island with a shrine that contains important cultural artifacts, and many museums.
Oyamazumi shrine
One in 10,000 shrines in Japan has a branch shrine. In the center of the temple grounds there is a large 2,600 year-old camphor tree, regarded as a holy tree.
[ See details ]
| Address | 3327, Oomishima-cho Miyaura, Imabari-shi, Ehime |
|---|---|
| Access | 10 km from Tara Ohashi Bridge[…] |
| Tel | 0897-82-0032 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Hakata-shima
| Address | Ehime, Imabari-shi, Hakata-cho |
| Access | From JR Onomichi Station, take the “Shimanami Cycle Express” to the bus stop “Hakatajima” Approx. travel time: 55 min |
| Fare | ¥1,550 |
| URL | https://www.oideya.gr.jp/feature-c/mukaishima/ |
An island famous for salt production.
Hirakiyama park
Located on the peak of Hirakiyaka mountain, the park offers a full view of the Seto Sea islands. It is famous for having thousands of cherry blossoms.
[ See details ]
| Address | Ikata, Hkata-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime |
|---|---|
| Access | Approx. 20 km from Marina Oa[…] |
| Tel | |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Oshima
| Address | Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Access | From JR Onomichi Station, take the “Shinnami Cycle Express” to the “Oshima” bus stop. Approx. travel time: 60 min |
| Fare | \2,070 |
| URL | https://www.oideya.gr.jp/feature-c/mukaishima/ |
The island closest to Shikoku (one of the four main islands of Japan).
It is famous for being the first island in the world to have three suspension bridges.
Kirosan Sightseeing Park
A park located on the southern end of Oshima on the summit of Mt. Kirosan (307.8m), said to have the best view on the Shimanami Sea Route. The view of the sunset from the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge is especially beautiful. When the weather is clear, it is possible to see Mt Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 487-469, Minamiura, Yoshiumi-machi, Imabari-shi, Ehime |
|---|---|
| Access | 10 min by car from "Oshima Mi[…] |
| Tel | 0897-84-2111 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
