Exploring the Shimanami Kaido: A 2-Day Bike Itinerary
- Sarah
- Oct 13
- 6 min read
The Shimanami Kaido is located between the Kanto and Shikoku islands. Between the two main islands lies small islands that dot the Seto inland sea. Bridges connect multiple islands to get from one side to another. This area is most known for its bike paths, easily marked by a blue line that connects all the islands, difficult for you to get lost.
While biking, you’ll see what some of the islands produces. This area is known for its industrial base. Shipyards, stone mining, and lemon farms (the largest producer in Japan in fact) are just some of the sights that you’ll pass by as you bike.
I started my journey in the coastal town of Onomichi in Hiroshima prefecture. Most bikers start from Onomichi or Imabari, in Ehime prefecture. I completed this nearly fifty mile bike adventure in two days, with an overnight in Setoda. Along the way, my friend and I stopped to explore what each island had to offer.
In this post, I am sharing you my Shimanami Kaido bike trip itinerary, focused on exploration and relaxation.
*The mentioned places in this post are not sponsored.
Reserving a Bike
Although there are several places to rent bikes from, the most popular one is the Shimanami Rental Cycle
You can pick-up and drop-off at either Onomichi or Imabari
Onomichi Station Terminal: 1-10 Higashigoshocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0036
**As of Oct. 8, 2025, the above address is the new location of the terminal. It was previously near the Wharf. This new terminal is right by the JR Onomichi station, next to the post office.
i.i.imabari! Cycle Station: 2 Chome-７７３番地８ Kitahoraicho, Imabari, Ehime 794-0028
Cost per day *Prices subject to change.
Cross Bike - ¥3,000
City Bike (with basket) - ¥3,000
Kids Bike (with basket) - ¥1,000
Assist Bike (electric assist, with basket and rear rack) - ¥4,000 **I chose this!
E-Bike - ¥8,000
Child Seat and Assist Bike - ¥4,000
My Hotel Stays + Reviews
Urashima INN-GANGI
1 Chome-13-7 Tsuchido, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0035
Budget-friendly and clean. You get your own little room with the essentials, but with a gorgeous view of the sea with each room.
SOIL Setoda
254-2 Setodacho Setoda, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-2411
Review: Hostel-style hotel with the comfort of private rooms. Each room feels like a capsule, outfitted with a very comfortable bed. Perfect for groups — you can reserve an entire room for your party.
The on-site restaurant, MINATOYA, serves excellent food with both à la carte and full-course tasting options. Highly recommend booking a table in advance.
In addition to their own activities (like SUP), SOIL partners with its sister company Yubune, where you can experience a traditional Japanese public bath (sento). Guests receive a small discount, and it’s tattoo-friendly!
MitO Onomichi
2 Chome-4-35 Tsuchido, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0035
Review: Wish I had stayed another full day to make the most of all the amenities! The space comfortably fits 7–8 people, though it’s listed for 10. Comes with a private sauna and a rooftop footbath — the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long trip.
Day 1 – Onomichi ➡️ Setoda
Total cycling distance: ~35 km
Onomichi ➡️ Mukaishima
Start time: 0700
Pick up bike from Onomichi Port
Take a 10-minute ferry across the Onomichi Channel (¥100/person, ¥10/bike).
Ride ~3 km along Mukaishima’s east coast with views of the Innoshima Bridge.
Tachibana Coast ➡️ Innoshima Bridge
Scenic coastline with cafés along the way.Ride the cycle lane beneath the Innoshima Bridge.
Innoshima
Visit Innoshima Shimanami Beach
We caught a “dragon boat” race. We grabbed some yakisoba, Takoyaki, and fresh hassaku orange smoothie as we cheered them on.
Visit Hakko Fermentation Park (free admission!)
Learn about fermentation and the company, Manda Koso. Or enjoy the small garden and scenic views of the park with fresh food.
Try innokonomiyaki – Innoshima-style Okonomiyaki at いんおこ 鉄板焼き 岩ちゃん
Udon based okonomiyaki. A great way to top off your belly for the next leg of the trip. Suitable to share one okonomiyaki between two people.
2306-2 Innoshimanakanoshocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-2211
Try hassaku daifuku at Hassaku Kobo Matsuura
Unfortunately, the hassaku (local orange) daifuku ran out by the time we got there… But they had other types of fruits, such as blueberry and shine muscat that were equally delicious!
Ikuchi Bridge ➡️ Setoda
Visit Kosanji Temple and the Hill of Hope
A colorful Buddhist temple built by Kozo Kosanji in dedication to his mother. The structure incorporates French-style welding techniques, blending traditional inspiration with modern craftsmanship.
The Hill of Hope was created by Japanese sculptor Itto Kuetani, who studied in Italy. Over 16 years, he used about 3,000 tons of Carrara marble to construct this serene marble garden. The theme, “Familial Ties,” symbolizes a peaceful world filled with hope for the future.
Admission: ¥1,400
Overnight in Setoda
We parked our bikes at SOIL Setoda for the night.
There are a couple of cafés and shops in the area. We had a quick drink at remon.lab, whom the owner has his own lemon farm and creates creative lemon drinks (alcoholic) from scratch.
For another 10-15-minute bike ride south of the hotel, you can catch the sunset at Sunset Beach. We saved this for a quick morning swim the following day (no one was there!).
SOIL Setoda’s sister hotel, Yubune, has a sento, or a public hot bath, for a discounted price of about ¥1100. Taking a hot bath after a great first day of biking was the perfect way to cleanse yourself.
We made reservations at SOIL Setoda’s restaurant MINATOYA. They offered course menu, but we opted for the à la carte menu.
Day 2 – Setoda ➡️ Imabari (with a return back to Onomichi)
Total cycling distance: ~43 km
Morning in Setoda ➡️ Lemon Valley
Ride through the scenic lemon orchards of Lemon Valley with the ocean backdrop toward Tatara Bridge.
Tatara Bridge ➡️ Omishima
Don’t miss the prefecture line along the bridge! You will cross from Hiroshima to Ehime prefecture.
Stop by Tatara Shimanami Park (or “Cyclist Sanctuary”) for a restroom and snack break. It includes great views of the Tatara Bridge with pristine waters.
Omishima ➡️ Hakata Island
Visit Hakata Beach Park for another break. Eat salt-flavored ice cream or Hakata ramen while watching the sea view of Hakata-Oshima Bridge.
Oshima ➡️ Miyakubo Pass
Along the coastal stretch, you’ll pass a former pirate stronghold Noshima fortress.
This leg of the trip can feel quite long, but you’re almost at the end!
Iki Iki Kan Rest Stop ➡️ Kurushima Straits Bridge
Snack stalls and souvenirs before beginning the approach to the Kurushima Straits Bridge that connects to Imabari.
The Kurushima Straits Bridge is one of the most scenic parts of the ride with a suspension bridge of nearly 4km long.
Imabari (Finish!)
Final 6 km to JR Imabari Station (i.i.imabari cycle station) on public roads — be cautious of traffic.
Catch a snack or dinner before taking the train back.
Return to Onomichi
I returned to Onomichi this evening because my friend was flying out of Hiroshima Airport the following morning. There are several ways to head back, but I’ll describe my method of return.
From Imabari JR Station, there is a bus station directly in front. Although the operator was not open that day, do not fret. Have at least ¥2400 in cash (preferably in ¥1000 bills and coins).
From the number 2 stall, take the bus from Imabari to Innoshima Sports Park. The bus will drop you off directly at the place where you’ll be picked up. Google Maps initially told me to cross the road, but do not do that if you are heading back to Onomichi!
From Innoshima Sports Park, we waited 10 mins until another bus picked us up and took us back to Onomichi.
Once we arrived at Onomichi, we checked into our hotel and finished the trip with a dinner at Kakizaemon.
Fifty miles might sound daunting, and I was definitely tired and sore by the end of the two-day trip. But with all the stops along the way—whether for food or the views—you barely notice the distance. This is a trip anyone can enjoy, even if you’re not an experienced cyclist. Just make sure to rent an electric-assisted bike ;)
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