The Shimanami Kaido is a highway road that opened in 1999.
This road connects the cities of Onomichi on Honshu (the main island of Japan) and Imabari on Shikoku (the fourth largest island of Japan), via a series of islands. Unlike most highways in Japan which are devoted to automobile transportation, the Shimanami Kaido includes a dedicated cycling road. This allows you to cycle most of the distance between Onomichi and Imabari (a few areas need to be done by ferry as explained below).
I decided to start in Onomichi, a small port city in Hiroshima prefecture.
However, I skip over the city as I’m here to cycle! My first stop is the bicycle renting facility located near the port. Here, you can rent a bicycle for 500 yen per day (insurance included), with a 1000 yen deposit per person. The deposit will be returned if and only if you return the bicycle at the same location.
Other information I gave him are: name, address, planned date of returning the bike, planned location of returning the bike. Don’t stress too much about the return date and location ?
They’re quite flexible and you just have to pay extra if you use your bike for longer.
The whole process only takes 10 minutes! Also, remember to ask for an English map!
I progress to Onomichi Port, located adjacent to the Onomichi Green Hill Hotel.
Cyclists are suggested to travel from Onomichi (on the mainland) to Mukaijima Island (the first island of the Shimanami Kaido) by ferry.
The reason is that this is the only bridge that wasn’t designed for cyclists and trucking traffic is heavy. However, I decided to travel on another ferry to Shigei port on Innoshima Island (the second island), as tourist spots are limited on Mukaijima Island.
You can even skip further to Setoda on Ikuchijima Island (the third island) if you’re on a tight schedule.
You are permitted to bring bicycles onto the ferry, but will be charged for it.
How to get to Onomichi: The major station is Onomichi station.
The nearest Shinkansen station is Shin-Onomichi, which is a bus ride away from Onomichi station.
Map:
■■■My Back Number Articles■■■
Lee’s Travelog – Cycling the Shimanami Kaido #2: Exploring Innoshima Island
Lee’s Travelog – Cycling the Shimanami Kaido #3 Dolce Gelato along the Shimanami Kaido Cycling RouteCycling
Lee’s Travelog – Cycling the Shimanami Kaido #4: The Charming Town of Setod
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