2 days standard itinerary of the Shimanami Kaido Cycling

2025/8/3

This is a standard 2-day cycling route that starts in Imabari and crosses the entire Shimanami Kaido for first-time visitors. Many first-time visitors want to cycle all the way to Onomichi, but worry about whether they can handle the distance. This plan offers the perfect itinerary to enjoy the full route over two days by using rental bikes.

Crossing the Seto Inland Sea

The Shimanami Kaido connects Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture (Shikoku) with Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture (Honshu), crossing six large islands along the way. It’s a scenic cycling route over the calm Seto Inland Sea, dotted with small islands. Widely recognized as one of Japan’s premier cycling roads, it has been carefully developed for cyclists.

To Complete the Full Route, 2 Days Is Ideal

Of course, if your goal isn’t to ride the entire length of the Shimanami Kaido, it’s possible to enjoy just a part of it in half a day or a full day. Many travelers do this. But if you’ve come all this way, you might be thinking, “I want to cycle from Imabari to Onomichi!”

The shortest route from Imabari Station to Onomichi Station is about 70 to 80 kilometers. If you start in the morning and ride until evening, it’s possible to finish in one day—even for first-timers. However, riding the whole day can feel rushed, and you might miss out on the joy of the journey. If you’re renting a bike and aiming to complete the full Shimanami Kaido, staying overnight on islands like Omishima or Ikuchijima and taking two or more days is the best way to enjoy the ride.

The Benefits of Taking Two Days

If you give yourself two or more days, you can fully enjoy breaks at local restaurants and cafes, take scenic detours to beautiful beaches, and explore the islands at a relaxed pace. The Shimanami Kaido has so many amazing places to visit—it would be a waste to just rush through it.

Reviews from riders who completed the route in two days
I cycled 80 km with my elementary school daughter. Doing it over two days was the right choice!
We stayed overnight on Omishima. Staying on an island in the Seto Inland Sea felt like a totally different world.
We completed our café-hopping plan with all the shops we’d researched ahead of time. It was so satisfying!

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Standard 2-Day Model Course

Based on my own experience, I’ve put together a model course that I think is the best for first-time visitors who want to cycle the entire Shimanami Kaido over two days.

For this trip, I recommend using the public rental bikes, which can be returned at different locations. Around Omishima or Ikuchijima is the midpoint of the Shimanami Kaido, so staying overnight in that area works perfectly. The route is planned with a relaxed pace of about 10 km per hour in mind.

I selected the route and stops for this plan by focusing especially on the following key points.

Now, let’s go into the details of this 2-day cycling plan to complete the Shimanami Kaido!

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Day 0

Getting to the Starting Point: Imabari

Which direction should you start from? Should you start in Onomichi or Imabari? If this is your first time cycling the Shimanami Kaido with a rental bike, I personally recommend starting in Imabari. That way, you can tackle the hilly areas early while you still have energy, and you’re more likely to have a tailwind.

To reach Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, you can take a bullet train and then a limited express train to JR Imabari Station, or fly to Matsuyama Airport and take a bus or train from there.

The diagram above shows how to get to JR Imabari Station, the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido on the Ehime side, using public transportation from the Tokyo and Kanto area. Solid lines indicate bus routes, while dotted lines indicate flight routes. Since there is no train line directly along the Shimanami Kaido, you’ll need to transfer from the Shinkansen at Okayama Station to a limited express train bound for Matsuyama. Next, let’s look at access from the Osaka and Kansai area.

Again, solid lines indicate buses, dotted lines are flights, and wavy lines represent ferry routes. From the Kansai area, one convenient option is the Orange Ferry, which departs from Osaka Nanko Port and arrives at Toyo Port early in the morning—perfect timing to start your ride. In addition to these, there are highway buses to Imabari from places like Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Whether you’re coming from Matsuyama or Kochi, or even from Takamatsu or Tokushima, your destination is JR Imabari Station on the Yosan Line. All limited express Shiokaze trains stop at this station.

There is a rental cycle terminal right in front of Imabari Station, so you can rent a bike and begin your Shimanami Kaido ride directly from here. Technically speaking, the station closest to the start of the Shimanami Kaido is Hashihama Station, but it’s a small unmanned station where limited express trains don’t stop. From Hashihama Station to the main rental terminal Sunrise Itoyama is about 2 kilometers—roughly a 30-minute walk.

Stay Overnight in Imabari

The Famous Cyclists’ Guesthouse “CYCLONOIE”

Booking.com

Staying in Imabari If you’re traveling on Day 0, it’s a good idea to spend the night in or around Imabari before starting your cycling trip. There are plenty of accommodations near Imabari Station and the ferry terminal, mostly business hotels. Among them, my top recommendation is the guesthouse CYCLONOIE. It’s a bicycle-themed guesthouse run by professionals who also work as cycling tour guides and publish guidebooks. They even offer a female-only dormitory, which makes it a great choice for solo female travelers.

Guest Reviews of CYCLONOIE
Smaller than I expected, but packed with local cycling info!
The yakitori place and public bath they recommended were great. I’m glad I stayed in Imabari.
Quiet hours are strictly enforced. Everyone in my room left early in the morning.

Guesthouse	Shimanami Guesthouse CYCLONOIE
Address	1-1-12 Kitahorai-cho, Imabari City
Check-in	16:00–21:00 (curfew at 23:00)
Check-out	By 10:00
Price Range	Dormitory, no meals: from ¥3,200 per person
Features	Guesthouse near the station with expert local cycling staff

Explore Imabari City

If you arrive in Imabari early, consider exploring the town—visit Imabari Castle, relax at Nibukawa Onsen (Hot spring), or enjoy a walk through the local streets. While it’s not as famous as Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Imabari has plenty of hidden gems that are unique to this area.

Dinner with local flavors Imabari has a unique culture and the atmosphere of a port town, making it more interesting than you might expect. For dinner, try the local specialty, “Imabari Yakitori: Grilled Chicken.” Unlike skewered yakitori, this grilled chicken is pressed and cooked on a hot iron plate — a style said to reflect the city’s shipbuilding roots. You’ll find many casual izakayas serving this unique dish around town.

Teppan Yakitori	Samatsu	Sanchou	Gomidori
Address	3-6-53 Kitahiyoshi-cho, Imabari	1-4-7 Suehiro-cho, Imabari	1-1-13 Minamidaimon-cho, Imabari
Highlights	A very local-style yakitori bar	Garlic-heavy “senzanki” fried chicken	Said to be the original teppan yakitori restaurant

If you’re already in Imabari, I hope you’ll take the time to enjoy the town that I personally love. But be careful not to drink too much — a big day of cycling awaits tomorrow!

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Day 1

This is Day 1 of the 2-day model course for completing the Shimanami Kaido. If you have more time or energy, consider using this as a base plan and adding optional stops or detours along the way.

Renting a Bike at Imabari Station

First, rent your bike There are both public and private rental services available for the Shimanami Kaido. For beginners aiming to complete the entire route — especially if you want the option to return the bike in Onomichi or drop out midway — public bike rentals are the most beginner-friendly option. This model course assumes that you’re using a public rental bike.

Rent a Bicycle at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal

At JR Imabari Station, you’ll find one of the public bike rental terminals: the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal. Here, you can rent bicycles that can also be returned in Onomichi. The terminal opens at 8:00 a.m., so if you complete the rental procedure right when it opens, you should be able to depart by around 8:30 or 9:00. Make sure to rent your bike for two full days.

Rental Bicycle	Imabari Ekimae Cycling Terminal
Address	77-8 Kitahorai-cho 2-chome, Imabari City, Ehime
Opening Hours	8:00–20:00 (Until 18:00 from December to February)
Closed	Open year-round

Reviews of the Imabari Terminal
A stylish and clean cycling facility right in front of the station.
Less crowded than the terminal in Onomichi during holiday weekends — good for same-day rentals.
The staff were attentive and adapted their explanations depending on the customer — either detailed or quick and efficient.

You can also rent bicycles from another terminal in Imabari called Sunrise Itoyama, but access by public transportation is limited. All reservations for Shimanami Rental Cycles are handled by Shimanami Japan.

Planning to return your rental bike at Onomichi Port

If you start your ride in Imabari and aim to complete the entire Shimanami Kaido, Onomichi Port is the most common place to return your rental bike. There are 10 public rental bike terminals along the route, including on the islands in between, so you can rent or return your bike at any of them. Even if you originally plan to ride for two full days, it’s great to know that if you’re feeling tired or the weather turns bad, you can stop early and take a bus or ferry to move on.

If it’s your first time, rent a cross bike

Type of bike to rent Choosing the right bike is key for a successful two-day ride on the Shimanami Kaido. If you’ve never ridden a sport bike before, we recommend renting a “cross bike.” It has flat handlebars, so the riding posture feels similar to a regular city bike. It’s faster than a city bike, and with more gears, it’s easier to ride up hills.

How much is the rental bike fee?

Rental fee: 6,000 yen for two days – When renting your bike, let the staff know you plan to ride for two days and return it at Onomichi Port. If you rent one cross bike in Imabari and return it in Onomichi after two days, the total cost will be 6,000 yen. The fee was revised in September 2023, and it’s now 3,000 yen per day.

Send Unneeded Luggage to Onomichi

Send your luggage Once you have rented your bicycle, carry only the luggage for one night in your backpack. Send any other unnecessary luggage ahead to Onomichi. If you plan to stay overnight in Onomichi, send your luggage to your accommodation there. If you won’t stay overnight in Onomichi, it’s best to send it to the Yamato Transport office “Yamato Transport Onomichi Shopping Street Center” for pickup.

According to Yamato Transport, if you bring your luggage to the Imabari branch on the morning of day one, it will usually arrive in Onomichi by the next morning. While it may be possible to send luggage via delivery from your accommodation or convenience stores in Imabari, bringing it directly to the branch yourself is the most reliable way to ensure it arrives on time.

Luggage Delivery	Yamato Transport Imabari Central Center	Yamato Transport Onomichi Shopping Street Center
Address	4-8-5 Tokiwa-cho, Imabari City	1-4-21 Tsuchido, Onomichi City
Business Hours	8:00 AM – 8:00 PM	9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location	Within walking distance from Imabari Station	Within walking distance from Onomichi Station

Sagawa Express offers a same-day luggage delivery service called “Shimanami Hands-Free Cycling,” but if you plan to complete the 2-day course and send your luggage to Onomichi, you probably don’t need this service. It is possible to send luggage on the same day to your accommodation on Omishima Island, but then you would have to send it again the next day from Omishima to Onomichi, doubling the cost. Therefore, I recommend using the regular delivery service to send your luggage directly to Onomichi.

Reviews about luggage
There is no basket on the bike, so I carried a backpack. It was quite heavy and stressful.
I sent almost all of my luggage except for my change of clothes to Onomichi. I was able to buy some things locally.
Using the hands-free cycling service was the right choice. Carrying a lot of luggage is tough.

Start Cycling

Follow the Blue Line

Start from Imabari Station This is the start of your 2-day cycling adventure on the Shimanami Kaido. Right in front of Imabari Station, you will find the “Blue Line,” the main route guidance line of the Shimanami Kaido. Follow this line to reach the first bridge, the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. It’s about 6 km from Imabari Station to the bridge, which takes around 30 to 40 minutes by bike.

Cross the Shimanami Kaido’s Largest Bridge

Cross the first bridge The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is very large and has a long uphill slope to reach the top. The slope is gentle, so take your time and climb slowly without pushing yourself too hard. At the entrance of the bridge, the path splits into one for bicycles and pedestrians, and another for motorized scooters. Be careful not to enter the motor scooter path by mistake.

Take photos of the bridge You can take pictures of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge while climbing or from the bridge itself, but for the best views, visit the “Sunrise Itoyama” or “Kurushima Kaikyo Observatory.” Next to Sunrise Itoyama, there is a popular photo spot featuring a large “SHIMANAMI” sign that is great for memorable pictures.

Both Kurushima Kaikyo Observatory and Itoyama Observatory are easy to access and offer spectacular views. After enjoying the aerial walk over the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, which is a highlight of the Shimanami Kaido, you will descend onto the first island, Oshima.

Cycling on Oshima Island

Arrive at the first island You will cross Oshima Island, famous for the Murakami pirates and Oshima stone. If you feel tired after crossing the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, you can take a break at “Iki-iki kan.” The roadside station there also offers good views of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, making it a great photo spot. If you reach here in about 1.5 hours from Imabari Station, you are keeping a good pace.

The Coastal Route Is Recommended

The main route from here goes through the center of the island north to south, but there are two hills and not much sea view. Therefore, between the roadside station “Iki-iki kan” and “Yoshiumi Rose Park,” it is better to take the coastal route on the west side. The Blue Line is marked here as well, so you can follow it easily without getting lost until you reach Yoshiumi Rose Park. After that, return to the central main route.

Rest Stop	Roadside Station “Iki-iki kan”	Yoshiumi Rose Park
Address	4520-2 Myo, Yoshiumi-cho, Imabari City	1290 Fukuda, Yoshiumi-cho, Imabari City
Features	Shops, restaurant, and seafood barbecue	Free park with many blooming roses

Miyakubo Pass, the Highest Hill on the Main Route

Push through the first challenge You will climb Miyakubo Pass, which is about 70 meters high, to reach the northern Miyakubo area of Oshima. This is one of the highest hills on this route and is quite long. If cycling up is too difficult, it’s okay to get off and walk your bike. Walking uses different muscles from cycling, so you may feel less tired that way.

After reaching Miyakubo, you will cycle along the coast towards the Hakata-Oshima Bridge. The Miyakubo Strait between Oshima and Hakata Islands is known for its strong currents. Depending on the time of day, you might hear the roaring water rushing by, which can be quite impressive. It’s hard to capture this feeling in photos, but you’ll be surprised how fast the water flows in person.

Lunch on Hakata Island on Day 1

Try cycling around Hakatajima Island After crossing the Hakata-Oshima Bridge, you will reach the second island, Hakatajima Island. This island is famous nationwide for its salt, “Hakata no Shio.” The main route passes through “Hakata SC Park,” which is a short 3 km section that bypasses the center of Hakatajima Island, Kinoura.

This is a good chance to take a break at Hakata SC Park and then cycle around the entire island. Right in front of Hakata SC Park is a beach where locals come to swim in summer. There is also a shop selling treats like Hakata salt soft cream, perfect for a rest.

The cycle stand shaped like a person here is a fun photo spot, too.

Roadside Station	Hakata SC Park
Address	1668-1 Kanoura, Hakata-cho, Imabari City
Phone	0897-72-3300
Opening Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Features	Popular for Hakata salt soft cream

Lunch Spots on Hakatajima Island

Time for lunch around here In Kinoura area on Hakatajima Island, there is a popular diner called “Sanwa” where you can enjoy Hakata salt ramen, a local specialty loved by cyclists. Your lunch break on Day 1 will likely be around this area. Along the outer route of Hakata Island, other lunch options include the cake cafe “Patisserie T’s Cafe Tamaya,” as well as seafood restaurants like “Umegahana” and “Minatoya.”

Lunch on Hakata Island	Address
Sanwa	1650-1 Kinoura, Hakata-cho, Imabari City
Patisserie T’s Cafe Tamaya	2328 Arouzu, Hakata-cho, Imabari City
Umegahana	791-6 Kinoura, Hakata-cho, Imabari City
Minatoya	1551 Kinoura, Hakata-cho, Imabari City

On the north side of Hakatajima Island, there used to be three salt fields: Kitaurahama, Setohama, and Furuehama. Now, salt is produced at two modern factories on Hakata Island and Omishima Island, and the old salt fields have mostly been converted to prawn farms. While cycling, try to spot traces of the old salt fields.

After Hakatajima Island, you will cross the “Omishima Bridge” to reach your final island of the day, Omishima. Omishima Bridge was the first bridge built in the Shimanami Kaido and is known for its charming arch shape.

Arriving at Your Accommodation on Omishima

Once you arrive at Omishima, you might think the accommodation is close, but Omishima is the largest island on the Shimanami Kaido. Enjoy plenty of cycling in the afternoon as you head to your lodging. The center of Omishima is Miyaura area, known for the famous Oyamazumi Shrine.

The Cyclist’s Monument After crossing Omishima Bridge and heading north along the main route of the island, you will see the distinctive Tatara Bridge with its triangular wire structure. At the roadside station “Tatara Shimanami Park” at the foot of the bridge, take a break. Inside the park is the “Cyclist’s Monument,” a popular photo spot for capturing views of Tatara Bridge.

Rest Stop	Tatara Shimanami Park
Address	9180-2 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari City
Opening Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Features	Cyclist’s Monument, shop, and restaurant

Crossing Mimura Pass to Miyaura The Miyaura area lies on the opposite side of the main Shimanami Kaido route, so you will cross the island from east to west through the middle. Instead of climbing the Tatara Bridge toward Ikuchijima Island, continue straight toward Oyamazumi Shrine. To reach Miyaura, you will cross Mimura Pass, which has a dedicated bike path. This bike path offers a gentler slope and is easier to climb than the road for cars.

Cyclist-Friendly Ryokan “Sawaki”

Booking.com

Today’s Accommodation My first choice accommodation in the Miyaura area of Omishima is “Ryokan Sawaki.” This long-established ryokan is cyclist-friendly, equipped with bike maintenance spaces and indoor bike storage. It is also well-known for its delicious seafood dinners. Sawaki actively shares tourist information about Omishima and is located close to Oyamazumi Shrine, making it easy to visit the shrine or stroll along the approach.

Reviews of Ryokan Sawaki
The seafood for both dinner and breakfast was incredibly fresh and delicious.
We were very satisfied with the owner’s personality and the excellent food.
The building is old, but it was clean and very comfortable.

Ryokan	Ryokan Sawaki
Address	5460 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari City
Check-in	From 3:00 PM
Check-out	By 10:00 AM
Approximate Price	Private room with 2 meals: from 15,400 yen
Features	Long-established ryokan fully equipped for cyclists

Overnight Stay on Omishima or Ikuchijima

Option to stay overnight on Ikuchijima The Miyauura area on Omishima has many other accommodations including guesthouses and ryokans. If you want to arrive in Onomichi earlier on the second day, you can skip visiting Oyamazumi Shrine and instead cross to the next island, Ikuchijima, and stay in the Setoda area. Staying on Ikuchijima shortens the distance for the second day, allowing for a more relaxed schedule. Below are some other accommodation options on Omishima and Ikuchijima.

Area	Accommodation	Features	Booking
Omishima	Tomarigi	A cozy and homey guesthouse with a relaxed atmosphere. Offers spacious capsule-style dormitories and traditional Japanese-style private rooms. Conveniently located for sightseeing in Omishima.	–
Omishima	OHANA	An eco-friendly guesthouse near Oyamazumi Shrine, focusing on organic and sustainable materials. Includes a cafe, shop, and e-bike rental service.	Booking.com
Ikuchijima	Guesthouse NEST	A renovated traditional inn near Setoda Port. Actively shares sightseeing information about Ikuchijima on its website. Great location for exploring Setoda.	Booking.com
Ikuchijima	Soil Setoda Living	A unique complex with a renovated storehouse turned into a café and dining space, located at the entrance of Shiomachi Shopping Street. Great ocean view and a perfect base for sightseeing in Setoda.	Booking.com
Ikuchijima	Suminoe Ryokan	A traditional ryokan with over 100 years of history, located right by Setoda Port. Known for its elegant architecture, beautiful garden, and delicious local octopus dishes.	–

Optional Side Trips on Omishima

If you arrive in Omishima early: If you happen to arrive in Omishima earlier than expected, it might be a good idea to explore the Miyaura area. The treasure hall at Oyamazumi Shrine displays an incredible collection of weapons and armor designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. You can also relax in the saltwater baths at Mare Gracia Omishima while watching the sun set over the Seto Inland Sea. Right next to the spa is the Hakata Salt Omishima Factory, where you can take a free tour and learn how the famous salt is made. Along the approach to the shrine, you’ll also find Omishima Brewery, a local craft beer maker. If you’ve decided to end your riding for the day, why not take a stroll with a takeaway beer and enjoy the rest of the evening?

Spot	Highlights	Address
Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall	Houses one of Japan’s largest collections of samurai armor and weapons	3327 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari
Hakata Salt Omishima Factory	Tour the factory where the famous Hakata Salt is produced	32 Utena, Omishima-cho, Imabari
Mare Gracia Omishima	Saltwater spa with outdoor baths and ocean views	5902 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari
Ōmishima Brewery	Local craft brewery perfect for winding down the day	5589 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari
Utena Beach	Popular beach on Omishima, open for swimming in summer	Utena, Omishima-cho, Imabari

After finishing Day 1 After completing the first day, you might find that you can ride more than you expected—or that it was more challenging than you thought. For the second day, the cycling plan covers the latter half toward Onomichi. If you feel you’ve done enough by this point, you can return your rental bike at the Omishima rental terminal and take a bus to Onomichi, or return your bike at Setoda on Ikuchijima and take a ferry to Onomichi. One of the great things about cycling the Shimanami Kaido is that you can flexibly adjust your plans according to how you feel that day.

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Day 2

Next, I introduce the model course for Day 2 of completing the Shimanami Kaido in 2 days and 1 night.

Starting Day 2 from Omishima

On the second day of the two-day rental cycle trip to complete the Shimanami Kaido, you start from Omishima. Since you keep the rental bike from the previous day, there is no need to go through rental procedures again at Omishima. Ideally, you want to leave the inn Sawaki where you stayed last night by 9:00 at the latest. The model course now enters the second half of the trip mainly through the islands of Hiroshima Prefecture.

Route from Omishima Miyaura toward Ikuchijima

Heading from Omishima to Ikuchijima The shortest route from Miyauura to the next island Ikuchijima is to return over the Mimura Pass and head toward the Tatara Bridge. If you find taking the same road boring, you can take a slightly longer detour along the scenic northern outer route of Omishima to reach the Tatara Bridge.

Main Part of Day 2: Ikuchijima Island

The Island Where Domestic Lemon Cultivation Began

Tatara Bridge and Lemon Valley Crossing the Tatara Bridge from Omishima, you enter Hiroshima Prefecture and arrive on Ikuchijima Island, known as the birthplace of domestic lemon cultivation. The slope descending from Tatara Bridge is called Lemon Valley, where many citrus trees, especially lemons, cover the hillside. In season, the entire valley turns bright yellow. After descending the slope, Ikuchijima is mostly flat, making it easier to ride than on Day 1.

Rest at Setoda Sunset Beach

Between Tatara Bridge and Setoda, the central town of Ikuchijima, there is a popular beach called Setoda Sunset Beach, especially lively in the summer. The beach area also features art installations and is a great place to take a break.

From Setoda Sunset Beach to Setoda, the road has a subtropical atmosphere, giving off a Mediterranean vibe.

Rest Spot	Setoda Sunset Beach
Address	1506-15 Tarumi, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City
Features	A spacious beach where you can also enjoy sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

Explore Around Setoda Shiomachi Shopping Street

A Quick Tour of Setoda In Setoda town, you can visit sightseeing spots like Kousanji Temple, the Ikku Hirayama Art Museum, and Kojoji Temple, as well as stroll through the somewhat retro Shiomachi Shopping Street. Since visiting all places takes time, it’s best to choose one spot that interests you and explore it. Even just taking a detour off the main route to pass through Shiomachi Shopping Street can be enjoyable.

Must-Try Citrus Gelato on the Shimanami Cycling Route

Gelato at Dolce Beyond Setoda town, the road remains flat and without hills all the way to the next bridge, Ikuchi Bridge. Along this route is a very popular gelato shop among cyclists, Dolce Setoda Main Store. It would honestly be a shame to pass by without stopping here.

The gelato made with local citrus fruits comes in many flavors, making it hard to decide which one to try. The view of the sea right in front adds to the perfect experience.

Citrus Gelato	Dolce Setoda Main Store
Address	20-8 Hayashi, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City
Opening Hours	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed	Open year-round (temporary closures may occur)
Features	A classic stop for Shimanami cyclists for citrus gelato

If you get interested in exploring Setoda town more deeply and want to take your time, it’s also a good idea to have lunch there and relax. Since there is a ferry from Setoda Port to Onomichi, you can also shorten your route if you wish.

Lunch on Day 2 in Innoshima

Enjoy Lunch with Innoshima’s Specialty Okonomiyaki

Lunch at “In-oko" After crossing Ikuchi Bridge, which resembles Tatara Bridge in shape, you arrive at the fifth island, Innoshima. Since you’ve had yakitori, salt ramen, and seafood until now, the lunch on the second day is set to Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki. In the Habu district of Innoshima, there are said to be more than 20 shops serving Innoshima-style okonomiyaki, affectionately called “In-oko."

In-oko	Ochi Okonomiyaki	Ueda Okonomiyaki	Mikan no Hana	T&K
Address	1902 Habu-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi City	1899-178 Habu-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi City	1460-2 Uwabe, Habu-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi City	2509-7 Nakano-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi City
Opening Hours	11:00 AM – 5:00 PM	10:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM	11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM	11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Dinner available only on Tue & Wed)
Closed	Thursdays	Tuesdays	Tuesdays	Thursday to Saturday

Cycling Routes on Innoshima

Take the West Outer Route From Habu in Innoshima onward, the east outer route of Innoshima—commonly called the “Suigun Skyline"—has steep ups and downs. Instead, head back toward Ikuchi Bridge and take the west outer route. The west side of Innoshima is relatively flat, though traffic starts to increase here as you approach the main island of Honshu.

Manda Fermentation Garden Is a Perfect Rest Spot!

Short Break at HAKKO Park Located next to the headquarters factory of Manda Fermentation, a leading company on Innoshima, the PR facility “HAKKO Park" is designed with cyclists in mind and is an ideal place for a rest. Admission is free since it’s a PR facility. It features a café and a shop, and especially the terrace overlooking the sea beyond the garden has an excellent atmosphere, so be sure to stop by.

Rest & Sightseeing	HAKKO Park
Address	5800-95 Shigei-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi City
Hours	10:00 – 17:00
Closed	Wednesdays
Features	Photogenic garden with wooden deck by Manda Fermentation

Hassaku Daifuku: A Famous Shimanami Sweet

Hassaku-ya’s Hassaku Daifuku After a smooth ride along the west side of Innoshima, you’ll climb the last bridge, the Innoshima Bridge. Before crossing, stop by “Hassaku-ya," famous among cyclists for its Hassaku Daifuku.

This seasonal sweet is sold from around October to August (while supplies last) and can sell out quickly. Outside the season, other delicious alternatives like mikan daifuku and grape-amanatsu daifuku are also available. This second day plan leans a bit more toward sweets!

Shop & Rest	Hassaku-ya
Address	246-1 Ohama-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi City
Hours	8:30 – 17:00
Closed	Mondays and Tuesdays
Features	Famous for Hassaku Daifuku! Rest area available

The Final Island: Mukaishima

Cross Innoshima Bridge to Reach Mukaishima

You will cross the Innoshima Bridge from Innoshima to Mukaishima. The bridge features a double-deck structure with a highway on top and a cycling path below. With just a little left to go, the 2-day Shimanami Kaido cycling trip is almost complete. Mukaishima, the final island, also has many great spots to stop by, so don’t miss them.

Recommended Cycling Routes on Mukaishima

The scenic outer route of Mukaishima After crossing the double-deck Innoshima Bridge, you arrive at Mukaishima, the last island of the 2-day Shimanami Kaido cycling trip. The main route along the west coast is easy to follow towards Onomichi but passes through residential areas with heavy traffic and many traffic lights. For a more pleasant ride, I recommend the south coastal route, which has less traffic and offers refreshing sea breeze views.

New Spots Worth Visiting

Tachibana Coast Just after crossing Innoshima Bridge, you’ll see the beautiful Tachibana Coast right in front of you. Local families often enjoy swimming and barbecues here, making it a charming place where you might dream of owning a vacation home. Nearby, trendy spots such as the Tachibana Shokudo diner, the pancake cafe Willows Nursery, and the takeaway cafe 70 cafe have recently opened.

Shops at Tachibana Coast	Address
Tachibana Shokudo	287-1 Tachibana, Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi City
Willows Nursery	250-4 Tachibana, Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi City
70 cafe	197-1 Tachibana, Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi City

The south side of Mukaishima offers a beautiful seaside road where you can enjoy the truly scenic views typical of the Seto Inland Sea islands. After passing the Marine Use Center and climbing a small hill, turn left at the T-junction near Hoshio Beach. From there, you will enter a road that runs north-south through the center of the island.

Take the Ferry from Mukaishima to Onomichi

Ferry to Onomichi Continuing straight through the town of Mukaishima, you will reach the boat pier called “Kaneyoshi Watashi." Instead of crossing the Onomichi Bridge, which has narrow shoulders and is not recommended for bicycles, most cyclists take the ferry to Onomichi. The ferry ride is only a few minutes long, operates frequently from morning till night, and does not have a fixed timetable, so you can board comfortably whenever you like.

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Finish in Onomichi

Return Your Bicycle at Onomichi Port

Your 2-day Shimanami Kaido cycling journey is finally coming to an end. Picture the wooden deck of Onomichi Port glowing orange in the sunset, as memories of your trip come flooding back.

Return Your Rental Bicycle After taking the ferry to Onomichi, head to the rental bicycle terminal. The Kanekichi ferry landing is about 1 km away from the rental terminal, so you will ride through a bit of Onomichi city. Once you return your bicycle, helmet, chain lock, tag, and paperwork at the Onomichi Port Rental Bicycle Terminal, your 2-day cycling adventure comes to a close!

Onomichi Port Rental Bicycle Terminal

The Onomichi Port rental bicycle terminal is located southwest of JR Onomichi Station. It is situated on the first floor of the multi-level parking lot just before the cycling complex facility “Onomichi U2." From the plaza in front of Onomichi Station, simply follow the guide signs along the seaside deck to easily reach this terminal.

Bike Return Location	Onomichi Port Rental Bicycle Terminal
Address	Higashigosho-cho, Onomichi City
Facility	Ekimae Harbor Parking Lot
Hours	7:00 AM – 7:00 PM 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Dec–Feb)
Access	Onomichi Station Bus Stop, Onomichi Station, Onomichi Port

Pick Up Your Previously Sent Luggage

Pick up your luggage If you sent your large luggage to the “Yamato Transport Onomichi Shopping Street Center," be sure to pick it up during business hours. If you are staying overnight in Onomichi, and have sent your luggage to your accommodation, just check in at the hotel as usual.

Yamato Transport	Yamato Transport Onomichi Shopping Street Center
Address	1-4-21 Tsuchido, Onomichi City
Business Hours	9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

If you are heading home by train, you can travel from JR Onomichi Station to Fukuyama Station, where you can catch the Shinkansen bullet train. Although the Shinkansen also stops at Shin-Onomichi and Mihara Stations, only some “Hikari" and “Kodama" trains stop there, so Fukuyama Station is more convenient for long-distance travel towards the Kanto area and beyond.

Freshen Up with a Shower

Want to shower before heading home? If you want to take a shower before boarding your train, there is a coin-operated shower at the cycling complex facility “Onomichi U2," located very close to the Onomichi Port rental bicycle terminal. The facility also includes lodging, shops, a bakery, restaurants, and bicycle stores.

Coin Shower	Onomichi U2
Address	Nishigosho-cho 5-11, Onomichi City
Shower Hours	7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Fee	100 yen for 5 minutes

Stay Overnight in Onomichi

Onomichi, the Town of Cats and Cinema Onomichi is one of Hiroshima Prefecture’s most popular sightseeing destinations. After returning your rental bicycle at Onomichi Port, you can explore the city easily on foot. From the station, a retro shopping street stretches out, and the hilly residential area with narrow lanes that cars cannot enter makes for a great walking course. You can visit old temples scattered across the hills, stop by quaint cafes, or play with the many stray cats. Known as a town of cinema, Onomichi offers picturesque scenery everywhere, making it feel like a charming miniature town.

Famous Guesthouse “Anago no Nedoko"

Booking.com

Stay Overnight in Onomichi If you have some extra time, spending a night in Onomichi and taking your time to explore the city the next day is highly recommended. Onomichi offers a variety of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to hotels, making lodging selection fun. My first choice is the guesthouse “Anago no Nedoko." This retro-cute, old-style house features a long, narrow layout as its name suggests. It also houses a café and a used bookstore, giving you a delightful experience of exploring the backstreets.

Reviews for Anago no Nedoko
The retro building and humorous design were very interesting.
Located within the shopping street, it’s a great base for exploring Onomichi.
They have many manga that you want to read.

Guesthouse	Anago no Nedoko
Address	Tsuchido 2-4-9, Onomichi City
Check-in	4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Check-out	Until 11:00 AM
Approx. Price	Dormitory, per person, from 3,000 JPY
Features	Retro and stylish guesthouse in Onomichi shopping street

Easy Dropout Points

Changing your plans After cycling the first day of the 2-day Shimanami Kaido plan, if you feel that riding a similar distance the next day is too difficult, or if you feel you’ve enjoyed enough cycling and want to relax and explore more leisurely, you can change your plans and stop cycling midway.

If you want to return your rental bicycle at a terminal on one of the islands and then head back to Onomichi by bus or ferry, the convenient rental bike terminals for this plan are: Omi-shima’s “Tatara Shimanami Park," Ikuchi-jima’s “Setoda Tourist Information Center," and Innoshima’s “Habu Port."

Shimanami Kaido Cycling Map

— Main route
— Optional route
● Scenic spots
● Restaurants
● Cafe & shops
● Accommodations
● Rental bike terminals

I have compiled recommended restaurants, cafes, sightseeing spots, and scenic locations to visit during your Shimanami Kaido cycling trip on this Google My Map. Please use it to find places you want to visit.

This page introduced a 2-day Shimanami Kaido rental bicycle model course plan. It was designed so even first-time sports bike riders or those new to long-distance cycling can enjoy it without strain. Please use it as a base for planning your trip. More detailed cycling information is available on the linked webpage, so please check that out as well.