Q. Is it possible to stay overnight during the Shimanami Kaido cycling tour?

2025/7/19

Q. Is it possible to stay overnight along the route?

A. Yes, and we highly recommend it. Along the Shimanami Kaido, taking two or more days to enjoy a relaxed cycling trip is becoming increasingly popular. Many inns and guesthouses on the islands now cater to cyclists. Traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) and local guesthouses (minshuku) also welcome cyclists.

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Staying Overnight on the Islands

One of the great charms of cycling the Shimanami Kaido is enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Setouchi’s islands. Staying overnight on one of the islands is a meaningful way to fully experience this unique area. Each island offers traditional inns and local guesthouses, and recently, more hostels and guesthouses tailored for cyclists have opened. For a slower-paced cycling trip, we especially recommend spending the night on one of the islands.

Omishima and Ikuchijima: Midway Points

For beginner cyclists renting bikes and aiming to complete the route, a two-day trip is common. This allows plenty of time for sightseeing and rest stops. The islands roughly in the middle—Omishima and Ikuchijima—are popular overnight spots. These two islands now offer many accommodations catering to cyclists. Note that popular places can book up quickly during peak seasons, so early reservations are recommended.

Choosing Accommodation: Location Matters

When choosing a place to stay, check its location carefully. Some accommodations are far from the main route or up steep hills, which may unexpectedly make your trip more challenging. That said, such locations often offer great views. On Omishima, the Kamiura area near Tatara Bridge is convenient. On Ikuchijima, the Setoda area near Kosanji Temple is close to the main cycling route. Omishima’s Miyaura area, on the west side of the island, is farther from the main route but remains popular thanks to attractions like Oyamazumi Shrine.

Booking Tips for Local Inns

Depending on the accommodation, especially small local inns and traditional minshuku, you may not find them listed on major booking sites like Booking.com. Many accept reservations directly via their official websites, or by phone or email. If you’re staying in a remote area with few restaurants nearby, we recommend booking a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.

[Useful Info] Accommodations Along the Shimanami Kaido

We’ve listed recommended hotels, inns, guesthouses, and hostels suitable for cyclists traveling the Shimanami Kaido. The region has seen a rise in guesthouses designed with cyclists in mind. From cozy local inns where you can taste Setouchi’s seafood to stylish hostels perfect for bike travelers, there are accommodations for everyone.

This page answers the common question: “Is it possible to stay overnight along the route?” with a simple answer and detailed guide. For other useful Q&A, please visit the page below. We hope this helps you plan a comfortable and enjoyable cycling trip on the Shimanami Kaido.