Q. Where are the starting and finishing points of the Shimanami Kaido?

2025/7/19

Q. Where are the start and goal points?

A. On the Honshu side, JR Onomichi Station in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and on the Shikoku side, JR Imabari Station in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, are often used as the start or goal points of the Shimanami Kaido. Since there are public rental cycle terminals at various locations, it is also possible to start from islands along the route.

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JR Imabari Station or Onomichi Station

There are several variations for the start and goal points of cycling on the Shimanami Kaido. For those using public transportation, the gateway on the Honshu side is JR Onomichi Station (Sanyo Main Line) in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. On the Shikoku side, it is JR Imabari Station (Yosan Line) in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Near JR Onomichi Station, the Onomichi Port rental cycle terminal is within walking distance, and in front of Imabari Station, there is the Imabari Station Front Cycling Terminal where you can rent a bicycle.

Three main start points

Since JR Imabari Station is located about 6 km away from the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, one of the bridges on the Shimanami Kaido, it is also common to take a local bus to the rental cycle terminal “Sunrise Itoyama” near the bridge before renting a bicycle. When aiming to complete the entire Shimanami Kaido using public rental bicycles, these three points — JR Imabari Station, JR Onomichi Station, and Sunrise Itoyama — are often used as start points.

Starting from the islands is also possible

Another notable feature of the public rental cycle system on the Shimanami Kaido is that rental cycle terminals are also set up on each island. This means you can enjoy cycling not only by completing the whole route, but also by choosing to cycle only around certain islands or just half of the Shimanami Kaido. In such plans, you can set the terminals on those islands as your start or goal points.

Since each terminal has different features in terms of public transport access, such as nearby bus stops or ports, it’s a good idea to check these in advance.

This page provides a simple answer and detailed explanation to one of the frequently asked questions beginners have about cycling on the Shimanami Kaido: “Where are the start and goal points?” You can find more common Q&A on this page. We hope it helps your Shimanami Kaido cycling planning.