Recommended accommodations for cyclists on Omishima Island

[Title] Stay on the Island! Recommended Inns and Guesthouses in Omishima

Omishima is located right in the middle of the Shimanami Kaido islands. With attractions such as Oyamazumi Shrine, it is one of the most popular islands for sightseeing and a great place to stay overnight while cycling. Here, I will introduce my recommended accommodations in the Kamiura-cho and Omishima-cho areas.

Hello! I’m Kawai, a local cyclist living along the Shimanami Kaido. This scenic cycling route is perfect for riders of all levels. With proper preparation, even beginners can have a great time.

Stay overnight in Omishima

Completing the route in 2 days

The Shimanami Kaido, known as a cycling paradise, is a world-famous cycling route that connects Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku with Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture on Honshu, crossing several islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The route is not only for advanced cyclists who bring their own bikes, but also for beginners, thanks to well-developed rental bike services and route guidance.

[Photo] Accommodation in Omishima: View of Tatara Bridge and Omishima
View of Tatara Bridge from the roadside station in Omishima

The Shimanami Kaido cycling route offers a variety of courses, from the main route to outer loops, allowing riders to choose based on their level. Among these, the most popular is the full-crossing route from Imabari to Onomichi. Many travelers feel that if they have come all the way here, they definitely want to ride the entire Shimanami Kaido.

[Illustration] Accommodation in Omishima: Map of the Shimanami Kaido showing the location of Omishima

It may come as a surprise, but the Shimanami Kaido has more ups and downs and is longer than many expect. To complete the whole route, you need to cover at least 70–80 km, and every bridge comes with an uphill climb. Even if you are not used to cycling, it is still possible to finish the distance in one day, but you may not have time to make detours or enjoy sightseeing. For first-time visitors, I recommend aiming to finish in 2 days so that the trip is not “just about riding,” and you can truly enjoy what the Shimanami Kaido has to offer.

Staying overnight on one of the islands

For cyclists aiming to complete the Shimanami Kaido, many choose to stay overnight on Omishima or Ikuchijima, which are located near the middle of the route. Recently, traveling by bike over 2 or more days at a relaxed pace has become more common, and as a result, many new accommodations designed for cyclists have opened on Omishima and Ikuchijima. In areas where there used to be only traditional inns or guesthouses, you can now also find hostels, guesthouses, and even glamping options.

[Photo] Accommodation in Omishima: Oyamazumi Shrine, a historic shrine on the island
Oyamazumi Shrine, a historic shrine in Omishima

This time, I will focus on Omishima, which has sightseeing spots such as Oyamazumi Shrine and has also become popular among people relocating to the island in recent years. I have selected some accommodations that are especially convenient for solo travelers on a Shimanami Kaido cycling trip. I hope this helps you find a great place to stay during your cycling journey.

Omishima is an island full of history, with beautiful scenery and warm, welcoming people.

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Two Areas of Omishima

Omishima-cho and Kamiura-cho

Omishima is actually the largest island on the Shimanami Kaido, with a circumference of nearly 50 km. Administratively, it became part of Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture after the Heisei municipal mergers. Because the island is so big, it is very important to check in advance which area of Omishima your accommodation is located in when planning your cycling trip. If your booked place turns out to be in a more remote location than you expected, the distance may end up being longer and the ride tougher.

*-cho means “town" in Japanese.

[Photo] Accommodation in Omishima: The outer course is quite tough and adds distance
The outer course is quite tough and adds more distance

To put it simply, Omishima is divided into east and west. The eastern side is Kamiura-cho, while the western side is Omishima-cho. The main route of the Shimanami Kaido, which is the shortest course, passes along the eastern coastline of the island. This means that accommodations in Kamiura-cho are generally easier to access from the main route compared to those in Omishima-cho.

[Illustration] Accommodation in Omishima: Location of Kamiura-cho and Omichima-cho on the island

On the other hand, Omishima-cho is home to Oyamazumi Shrine, one of the most famous sightseeing spots along the Shimanami Kaido. Around the Miyaura area near the shrine, you will find the approach street, many restaurants, and a good number of accommodations. The town office and other facilities are also located here, making Omishima-cho Miyaura the central area of the island. Although you need to ride to the opposite side of the island from the cycling route, it is still a very popular area.

In addition to the accommodations introduced here, Omishima also has whole-house guesthouses and farm stays scattered across areas such as Munakata, Sakari, Seto, and Amazaki. If you are looking for a slower pace and want to enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere rather than convenience, accommodations in these slightly more remote areas can also be a good option.

I will introduce recommended accommodations in each area of Kamiura and Omishima towns.

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Best hostels in Kamiura

【Illustration】Omishima accommodations: Kamiura area

First, among the recommended accommodations on Omishima, here are those located in the Kamiura area, which is especially convenient due to its proximity to the Shimanami Kaido’s main cycling route and Tatara Bridge. Within Imabari City, the districts of Kamiura Inokuchi, Kamiura Amazaki, and Kamiura Seto are the areas closest to the main route.

【Photo】Omishima accommodations: Main cycling route on Omishima
Main cycling route on Omishima

Omishima is the largest island along the Shimanami Kaido, so if you book accommodation on the opposite side of the island or in a remote area, you may end up riding much farther than expected. For beginner cyclists who feel unsure about covering several dozen kilometers in a single day, staying in this area can be a very good option.

AccommodationDistance from Tatara Bridge
WAKKA1.9km
I-Link Hostel1.0km
Minshuku Nagisa2.9km
Ryokan Fujimien2.2km
Minshuku Karibu2.1km
Tenzo1.1km
Guesthouse Farmore2.6km
Guesthouse Tonari3.1km

These are the approximate distances from the Omishima side entrance of the Tatara Bridge cycling and pedestrian path to each accommodation. Now, let’s take a closer look at the recommended places to stay in the Kamiura area for Shimanami Kaido cycling.

1. WAKKA

Accommodation in Omishima: WAKKA
Recommended accommodation in Omishima: WAKKA

Opened in 2020, WAKKA is a cycling complex located near Inokuchi Port on Omishima, with a view of the Tatara Bridge. It offers a wide variety of accommodation styles, including stylish cottages with Japanese and Western-style rooms, glamping dome tents, and casual dormitory beds. WAKKA also has a café space, and guests can enjoy a private deck barbecue with local ingredients. With services such as bike rentals, on-site repair support, and custom cycling tours, WAKKA provides an ideal environment for both beginners and experienced cyclists to enjoy the Shimanami Kaido with peace of mind.

Guest Reviews of WAKKA
The ocean view from the Japanese-style room and private deck was amazing! I definitely want to come back.
Perfect as a cycling base! The easy rental service and friendly support were very reassuring.
Glamping in the dome tent was unforgettable — a comfortable interior, starry sky, and wonderful staff.

Cottage / GlampingWAKKA
Address6691-1 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-city
Phone0897-72-8705
Check-inFrom 15:00
Check-outUntil 10:00
Approx. PriceDormitory with breakfast: from ¥6,500 per person
FeaturesComprehensive cycling support

2. I-LINK HOSTEL

Accommodation in Omishima: I-LINK HOSTEL
Recommended accommodation in Omishima: I-LINK HOSTEL

Located in Kamiura, Omishima, I-LINK HOSTEL & CAFE SHIMANAMI originally opened in 2019 as “IKIDANE HOSTEL & CAFE SHIMANAMI” and was renamed in 2021. This hostel with an attached restaurant is especially popular among international cyclists thanks to its excellent location near the Tatara Bridge and easy access from the main Shimanami Kaido route. It offers simple and comfortable private rooms and dormitories, making it ideal for solo cyclists. While there is a convenience store nearby, dining options in the Kamiura area are limited, so booking with dinner included is recommended. With its location right around the midpoint of the Shimanami Kaido, it’s a budget-friendly and convenient place to stay.

Guest Reviews of I-LINK
The room was a simple partitioned space, but comfortable.
A well-located accommodation right on the route through Omishima, the central island.
Conveniently close to a convenience store (1 minute on foot) and a coin laundry nearby.

HostelI-LINK HOSTEL & CAFE SHIMANAMI
Address7645-1 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-city
Phone0897-72-8308
Check-in15:00–20:00
Check-outUntil 10:00
Approx. PriceDormitory (no meals): from ¥4,270 per person
FeaturesA hostel near Tatara Bridge, popular with international cyclists

3. Minshuku Nagisa

Accommodation in Omishima: Minshuku Nagisa
Recommended accommodation in Omishima: Minshuku Nagisa

Omishima has many traditional minshuku-style accommodations, but one of the most popular among Shimanami Kaido cyclists is Minshuku Nagisa, located in the Kamiura area. It is conveniently situated near the main cycling route and Tatara Bridge, just behind Omishima Junior High School. Although the building shows its age, it offers great value with reasonable prices that include delicious dinners featuring fresh seafood. For cyclists, there is even a cycle rack available outdoors, showing their warm welcome to bike travelers. This is a great choice if you want to experience the local lifestyle and enjoy the charm of the island atmosphere.

Guest Reviews of Minshuku Nagisa
The meals were delicious and very good value for money.
They provide discount tickets for nearby public baths.
The building is old and footsteps can be heard, but everything is very clean and well maintained.

MinshukuMinshuku Nagisa
Address5600 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-city
Phone0897-87-3513
Check-inFrom 16:00
Check-outUntil 10:00
Approx. PricePrivate room with 2 meals, from 8,250 yen per person
FeaturesA budget-friendly minshuku known for its delicious meals

Other Accommodations in Kamiura

In the Kamiura area of Omishima, there are several other accommodations, mainly minshuku. Many of them have unique characteristics, so you can find a place that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.

AccommodationTypeAddress
Ryokan FujimienRyokan5733 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-city
Minshuku CaribMinshuku5731 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-city
TenzoMinshuku7333 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-city
Guesthouse FarmoreMinshuku5816 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-city
Guesthouse TonariGuesthouse3828-1 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-city

Maps you should get in advance

“CycloTourisme Shimanami," which has been active in cycle tourism and regional promotion for nearly 20 years along the Shimanami Kaido, publishes guidebooks and maps. The map is also available in English and is extremely popular as it is the most detailed cycling-specific map in this region.

This product comes with a set of seven maps, each with a fairly detailed map for each island. I believe that getting your hands on this map will change your experience here. It can be purchased on Amazon.co.jp, and you can also buy it locally at Guesthouse CYCLONOIE in front of Imabari Station.

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Best hostels in Omishima-cho

Illustration: Accommodations in Omishima-cho, Omishima Island

Next, we’ll introduce recommended accommodations in the Miyaura area of Omishima-cho, located on the opposite side of Omishima. This area is near Oyamazumi Shrine and includes the town hall, making it the central urban area of the island. While Miyaura Port currently has no regular ferry service, it historically connected Imabari City and Hiroshima Prefecture on Honshu, making it the gateway to Omishima.

Crossing Mimura Pass to Miyaura

Cycling road to cross Mimura Pass, Omishima
Cycling road to cross Mimura Pass

To access this area by bike from the main route, the typical route is a 5 km stretch along Prefectural Route 21, which crosses the middle of Omishima east to west over Mimura Pass. With an elevation of about 76 meters, you’ll need to climb a hill, but the dedicated cycling path keeps the slope relatively gentle.

AccommodationDistance from Oyamazumi Shrine
Ryokan Sawaki0.4 km
Tomarigi1.1 km
OHANA0.6 km
Ryokan Chaba0.2 km
Co-Living & Cafe SANDO0.1 km
Minshuku Kontama0.5 km

The distances from the entrance of Oyamazumi Shrine to each accommodation are shown above. Next, we will introduce the recommended accommodations in the Omishima-cho area for Shimanami Kaido cyclists in more detail.

4. Ryokan Sawaki

Recommended accommodation in Omishima: Ryokan Sawaki
Recommended accommodation in Omishima: Ryokan Sawaki

Ryokan Sawaki is a long-established inn in the Miyaura area of Omishima-cho, highly popular among cycling travelers. Recently, the inn has enhanced its support for cyclists, including e-bike rental services. There is a dedicated space for bicycle storage and maintenance tools, allowing cyclists to stay with peace of mind. Guests can enjoy dinner featuring fresh seafood, which receives high praise from visitors. The inn is located very close to Oyamazumi Shrine, with popular spots like the Omishima Brewery and Mare Gracia hot spring facility within walking distance.

Ryokan Sawaki Reviews
Enjoyed fresh and delicious seafood as advertised.
Highly recommended for those who make dining the main focus of their trip.
Impressed by the young proprietress’s hospitality and the excellent meals.

TypeRyokan Sawaki
Address5460 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-city
Phone0897-82-0153
Check-in15:00~
Check-out~10:00
Approx. PricePrivate room with 2 meals: from ¥15,400
FeaturesWell-equipped for cyclists, long-established inn

5. Tomarigi

Recommended accommodation in Omishima: Tomarigi
Recommended accommodation in Omishima: Tomarigi

Tomarigi is a guesthouse opened in 2019, run by a pharmacist couple (you can check their blog “The Mind of a Pharmacist Who Moved to Omishima” for fun insights). The property offers tatami-style private rooms and spacious capsule dormitories, along with comfortable shared spaces. Located in the Miyaura area of Omishima-cho, it is a 10-minute walk to Oyamazumi Shrine, making it convenient for sightseeing. As the name suggests, dinner is not provided, but there are restaurants, convenience stores, and supermarkets nearby. Visitors can also enjoy a nearby public bath. Arriving early and exploring the surroundings is recommended for a full Omishima experience.

Tomarigi Reviews
Thoughtful and functional design that meets guest needs perfectly.
The shared space was cozy, and chatting with the owners over tea was delightful.
The dormitory felt surprisingly spacious, almost like a private room.

GuesthouseTomarigi
Address88 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-city
Phone080-8493-5416
Check-in16:00~20:00
Check-out~12:00
Approx. PriceDormitory, per person, no meals: from ¥4,500
FeaturesStylish guesthouse in a convenient location for Omishima sightseeing

6. Guesthouse OHANA

Recommended accommodation in Omishima: OHANA
Recommended accommodation in Omishima: OHANA

OHANA is a convenient guesthouse for sightseeing in Omishima, located in the Miyaura area of Omishima-cho, just like Tomarigi. It was the first guesthouse to open on the island in 2016, supporting 1–2 day cycling trips. At a time when only traditional ryokan and minshuku were available on Omishima and Ikuchi Islands, OHANA made a sensational debut. It is run by a Tokyo couple who moved to the island, previously operating an organic cafe and shop called “From Earth Cafe OHANA.” The guesthouse features handmade touches and an eco-friendly atmosphere, with an attached cafe and shop focusing on organic ingredients.

OHANA Reviews
Friendly staff and all necessary facilities are available.
A clean, hippie-style hostel.
Closest to Ōyamazumi Shrine and the most affordable guesthouse nearby.

GuesthouseOHANA
Address5341 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-city
Phone0897-82-0023
Check-in17:00~19:00
Check-out~10:00
Approx. PriceDormitory, per person, no meals: from ¥2,900
FeaturesEco-friendly & organic guesthouse

Other Accommodations in Omishima-cho

In addition to the main recommendations, the Omishima-cho area of Omishima has several other accommodations, mostly minshuku (traditional guesthouses). Many of them have unique characteristics, so you can choose a place that best suits your needs and preferences.

AccommodationTypeAddress
Ryokan ChabameRyokan5467 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-city
Co-Living & Cafe SANDOGuesthouse5495-1 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-city
Minshuku KontamaMinshuku5388 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-city

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Accommodations along the Shimanami Kaido

Illustration: Areas with many accommodations along the Shimanami Kaido
Recommended accommodations along the Shimanami Kaido

Summary of recommended accommodations

Not only on Omishima, but throughout the Shimanami Kaido area, you can find a wide range of ryokan, hotels, minshuku, and guesthouses. I have personally compiled a list of accommodations that I recommend for Shimanami Kaido cycling on this page. Whether you are staying before or after your cycling trip, it will be a useful reference.

Accommodations near Imabari Station

We have compiled information on hotels, guesthouses, and other accommodations around Imabari Station in Ehime Prefecture, which often serves as a base for cycling trips along the Shimanami Kaido. As the Shimanami Kaido has become more popular, new hotels have opened in and around Imabari Station and the city. More accommodations now offer services tailored to cyclists, so check their locations and features to help you find the right place to stay.


On this page, we have summarized recommended accommodations on Omishima for Shimanami Kaido cycling. One of the greatest features of the Shimanami Kaido is that even beginners can enjoy cycling safely. For more detailed information about cycling along the Shimanami Kaido, please refer to the following page.

shimanami

Posted by KAWAI