시마나미 해도 자전거 여행 - 일본의 섬 낙원
If you’ve ever dreamed of cycling across Japan’s scenic islands, the Shimanami Kaido should be at the top of your list.
Stretching between Onomichi on Honshu and Imabari on Shikoku, this 70 kilometer route takes you across bridges, through quiet islands, and along breathtaking coastal views.
Even if it’s your first time in Japan, the Shimanami Kaido is surprisingly accessible. With well-marked paths, bike-friendly facilities, and rental shops like Road Bike Rental Japan, anyone—from experienced cyclists to beginners—can enjoy the ride at their own pace.
In this guide, we’ll take you from Onomichi through each island, highlighting scenic viewpoints, historical landmarks, and hidden gems you won’t want to miss. Whether you want to complete the full route or take it easy with short stops, this journey offers an unforgettable way to experience Japan’s islands.
- Onomichi – The Perfect Starting Point
- Renting a Bike in Onomichi
- The First Stretch – Mukaishima
- Innoshima – History Just Around the Corner
- Ikuchijima – Culture and Views
- Ōmishima – Space to Breathe
- Hakatajima – Short but Memorable
- Ōshima – The Highlight
- Alternative Route – Renting in Osaka and taking the ferry
- How to Finish Your Ride
Onomichi – The Perfect Starting Point
If you’re planning to ride the Shimanami Kaido, where to start is an important question. For many cyclists, the answer is Onomichi.
This quiet port town, with its charming hills and streets leading to the sea, naturally sets the stage for a long ride.
You don’t need any special preparation—Onomichi welcomes riders with its relaxed atmosphere.
There are plenty of accommodation options here. Itto-yado Wataru, located within walking distance of Onomichi Station, is especially convenient for cyclists. You can enjoy the port-town vibe and rest comfortably before your ride.
Renting a Bike in Onomichi
Choosing the right starting point is key when renting a bike for the Shimanami Kaido. You don’t want to cram travel and riding into the same day, as it can affect both your stamina and the overall experience.
With the 로드 자전거 대여 일본 shop in Onomichi, you can focus on travel on your arrival day and start fresh the next morning. We’ll have your bike prepped and ready for you. The shop offers not only road bikes but also cross bikes suitable for beginners.
Even if you’re not used to cycling or unsure about your fitness, there are options that won’t push you too hard. For taller riders, we also have larger bike sizes—perfect for international guests.
The First Stretch – Mukaishima
From Onomichi, you quickly reach Mukaishima via a short ferry ride. This small transition from town to ride provides a natural way to get into cycling mode.
Once on the island, follow the blue line—traffic is light and the route is clear, even for those new to Japanese roads.
If you have extra time, a quick detour to Mt. Takami Observatory rewards you with stunning views of Onomichi and the surrounding waterways. It’s a gentle climb, ideal for warming up before the main ride.
Cafe Recommendations
Willows Nursery: Hawaiian pancakes, soft-serve ice cream
Sawano Ice Cream: Handmade ice cream
Innoshima – History Just Around the Corner
Next is Innoshima.
A small detour from the main route transforms the scenery entirely.
Fun Fact! The island has a connection to the Murakami pirates. You can learn more about them with a visit to Innoshima Suigun Castle which also lets you sense the island’s historical depth—even if you just cycle around the area.
Cafe Recommendations
Cafe Terrace Nanohana: Pasta, sandwiches, curry
Ikuchijima – Culture and Views
Ikuchijima (also known as Lemon Island!) is well balanced, with both cultural sites and scenic spots that invite short stops. The island is well known for its many lemon-based treats, drinks, and snacks.
For a more relaxed ride, the southern coastal road offers a quiet stretch with minimal traffic.
Kōsanji Temple is easily accessible by bike, and even a brief visit is memorable. Slightly off the main path, you’ll find quiet roads that cars rarely reach.
For breathtaking views, stop at Kirosan Observatory Park. From here, you can see the layout of the islands and bridges—perfect for photos and a short break.
Cafe Recommendations
Lemon Cafe: Lemon pancakes, curry
AKATOBI: Onomichi Ramen
Ōmishima – Space to Breathe
Ōmishima is an island that gives a sense of scale, with varied distances and scenery.
Ōyamazumi Shrine is a must-see historical site. A short stop here provides a natural break during your ride.
For a peaceful pause, the northern coastline offers quiet beaches and resting spots, ideal for riders who want to enjoy the scenery at their own pace.
For overnight stays, WAKKA on the northern part of the island is a great choice. It offers cyclist-friendly facilities and a quiet setting to relax after a day of riding.
Cafe Recommendations
Shimanami Coffee: Coffee, snacks
LEPONT4è: Plant based ice cream
Hakatajima – Short but Memorable
Hakatajima is a short stretch but has perfect little stops along the way. Local shops near the port are convenient for a quick break or snack. From the bridge entrance, the ocean view offers a different sense of scale than what you see while cycling.
Cafe Recommendations
Patisserie T’s Cafe Tamaya: Light food, desserts, coffee
Ōshima – The Highlight
Ōshima leaves a lasting impression. Though there are ups and downs, road bikes make the climbs manageable, maintaining a steady rhythm.
Kirosan Observatory Park offers panoramic views all the way to Imabari. For a cool-down, the quieter local roads along the south side are ideal.
Cafe Recommendations
Cafe Shozan: Pasta, curry, coffee
Alternative Route – Renting in Osaka and taking the ferry
Instead of starting in Onomichi, another option is renting from the Road Bike Rental Japan Osaka shop and taking the Orange Ferry to Shikoku. This route is perfect for travelers staying in the Kansai (Osaka) region.
The Orange Ferry runs from Osaka Nanko to Tōyo Port. If your bike is packed in a bag, it’s transported free of charge. This overnight ferry lets you rest during travel and arrive in Shikoku fresh for the ride.
From the Toyo Port, you’ll ride to Imabari, enter the Shimanami Kaido and finally return to Onomichi. Returning the bike in Onomichi is easy, letting you finish your journey while soaking in the port-town atmosphere.
You can read more about the ferry experience and the ride from the port to the entrance of the Shimanami Kaido here: How to get to the Shimanami Kaido from Osaka.
How to Finish Your Ride
No matter where you start, the Shimanami Kaido is beautiful.
But starting from Onomichi gives rental riders the advantage of flexibility and pacing. You can enjoy the ride, make stops, and even shorten the route if needed—making it the ideal hub for exploring this island paradise.
There are several ways to return to Onomichi.
Halfway Point at Setoda Port
Located on Ikuchi Island, Setoda Port offers a 45 minute ferry ride back to Onomichi. Riding here allows you to experience three of the islands (Mukaishima, Innoshima, and Ikuchi Islands) and is a perfect halfway point if your time is short. Their website offers timetables and fares in English. Make sure you click on the Onomichi – Setoda Route tab. Ferry Service from Setoda Port.
WAKKA Delivery Service
Instead of having to return the bike yourself, WAKKA provides a bicycle delivery service from every island including the end point at Imabari. They’ll even come and pick you up anywhere along the course and take you where you need to go. Rental bicycle return service.
The Train from Imabari
If your plan is to complete the full route to Imabari without riding back to Onomichi, you can also use a bicycle bag to pack up your bike and take it with you on the train from Imabari Station. Road Bike Rental Japan can provide you with a bicycle bag! Ensure that you get reserved seats with the appropriate storage space (usually these are the last seats in a train car as they provide extra space behind them). Returning to Onomichi is not direct and requires multiple train transfers. The return takes roughly 4 hours.