Walking the Shimanami Kaido: Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge walk & long-distance route

2026/1/172026/1/21

A complete guide to walking the Shimanami Kaido, from easy strolls across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge to full 70–80 km long-distance routes. Includes distances, access, and transport tips.

Setouchi Shimanami Kaido

A route connecting Honshu and Shikoku

There are three routes that connect Honshu, Japan’s main island, to Shikoku, which consists of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Tokushima, and Kochi. In addition to the Shimanami Kaido, these include the route between Okayama and Kagawa (the Seto Ohashi Route), and the route connecting Hyogo and Tokushima via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Awaji Island, and the Onaruto Bridge (the Kobe–Naruto Route). All three routes include expressways and serve as vital transportation links to Shikoku.

Among these routes, the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido, which connects Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, is known worldwide as a “holy place” for cycling and has even been selected as one of the world’s top cycling routes. What makes the Shimanami Kaido unique is that, in addition to the expressway, it has a separate, dedicated path that allows bicycles, pedestrians, and small motorbikes (up to 50cc) to cross the bridges.

Because it is so famous as a cycling route, it is surprisingly little known that the Shimanami Kaido also allows you to cross the Seto Inland Sea on foot or by running. The Seto Ohashi Route and the Kobe–Naruto Route do not permit pedestrian access, making the Shimanami Kaido the only route where you can walk all the way between Honshu and Shikoku.

The total distance is about 70–80 km or more

*70–80 km (about 44–50 miles)

If you try to travel the entire Shimanami Kaido from Onomichi to Imabari on foot or by bicycle, the total distance is at least 70–80 kilometers, depending on the route you choose. Even by bike, this is a fairly long ride. As someone who rides bicycles regularly, my honest feeling is that it’s “not really a distance you’d casually cover on foot.”

When sightseeing by rental bicycle between Onomichi and Imabari, it is common to spend two days on the route, usually staying overnight on one of the islands along the way. If you aim to complete the entire Shimanami Kaido on foot, I think you’ll need prior experience with long-distance walking, careful preparation, and a relaxed, well-planned schedule. That said, there are several ways to stop partway if needed, so treating it as a personal challenge and seeing how far you can go can also be a good approach.

A highly recommended walk across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge

Walking the entire length of the Shimanami Kaido is a high hurdle for most people, but a walk across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is an easy and highly recommended option. This iconic bridge, often considered the symbol of the Shimanami Kaido, spans the Kurushima Strait between the Shikoku mainland in Imabari City and Oshima Island. As the largest bridge on the Shimanami Kaido, simply walking across it is enough to honestly say, “I walked the Shimanami Kaido.”

If you start from central Onomichi, it takes quite some distance to reach the first pedestrian-accessible bridge, the Innoshima Bridge (between Mukaishima and Innoshima). For a casual and stress-free bridge walk, I recommend starting from the Imabari side. Being able to walk across a massive sea bridge is truly a unique experience that only the Shimanami Kaido offers.

This “Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge walking” experience is ideal for travelers who don’t want a full cycling itinerary, families looking for an easy way to enjoy the Shimanami Kaido together, or anyone who wants to experience the route in about an hour. In the following sections, I’ll explain this walk in more detail.

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Plan 1: A Short walk of one hour

Walking across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge

On the Imabari side of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, places such as the Sunrise Itoyama cycling terminal, the Kurushima Kaikyo Observatory, and the Itoyama Observatory offer free parking and work well as starting points. On the Oshima side, the roadside station Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan is a convenient base. The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is actually made up of three connected suspension bridges, named (from the Oshima side) the First, Second, and Third Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges.

The combined length of the three bridges is about 4 kilometers, so walking the entire route and returning the same way can take more than two hours. However, by simply turning back partway, you can still enjoy an impressive strait walk on this massive bridge in about an hour. This flexible out-and-back style makes it easy to adjust the distance to match your time and energy, which I think makes it a perfect experience for travelers with limited time.

Shimanami Kaido Walking	Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Walk
Estimated time	About 1–2 hours
Distance	Total length 4 km (turning back midway is recommended)
Starting point (Imabari side)	Sunrise Itoyama
Starting point (Oshima side)	Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan
Difficulty	Suitable for anyone who can walk 2–3 km

Pedestrian path on the bridge

On the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, dedicated side paths are installed on both sides of the expressway. The southern side is reserved for small motorbikes (up to 125cc), while the northern side is for bicycles and pedestrians. This means that when walking across the bridge, you will use the same lane as cyclists.

Some of the approach bridges leading up to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and small motorbikes, but at points like this they separate into a motorbike-only path and a bicycle–pedestrian path. When walking, be careful not to accidentally enter the motorbike-only lane. Both pedestrians and cyclists keep to the left on these paths. Since the bicycle–pedestrian path is relatively narrow and used for two-way traffic, please stay to the left and pass each other carefully.

The bicycle–pedestrian approach bridges gradually climb in a gentle, looping slope toward the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. Most of the cyclists you’ll encounter are touring riders coming down at a relaxed pace, but still, I hope both cyclists and walkers can share the space with courtesy and consideration so everyone can enjoy the experience.

From the bicycle–pedestrian approach bridges leading up to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, you can also enjoy views of nearby shipyards like this. The sight of multiple massive cranes and huge vessels under construction is a scene unique to Imabari, a city long known for shipbuilding and maritime transport.

On sunny days, you’ll often see people strolling across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge in a relaxed, picnic-like mood. One of the great charms of this walk is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Visibility on the bridge is generally good except around the main towers, but as shown in the photo, walking in a wide group that spreads across the entire path increases the risk of collisions with cyclists. Whether you are walking or cycling, always leave space on the right side of the path and pass each other safely.

When driving on the expressway, you pass over the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge in no time, but walking allows you to truly take in the scenery at a relaxed pace. From the gentle movement of the sea to small island communities and boats coming and going, you’ll discover classic Seto Inland Sea views that are easy to miss from a car.

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Pedestrian toll fees

Each bridge along the Shimanami Kaido has toll booths for bicycles and small motorbikes. At present, a campaign called “Shimanami Cycling Free” is in place, which makes bicycle crossings free of charge. Pedestrians, however, are free to cross the bridges regardless of this campaign.

There is a toll booth like this on the bicycle–pedestrian path near Umajima on the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, but pedestrians do not need to pay anything. The payment box is covered, and it is not possible to insert money or tickets. On the Shimanami Kaido, walking is free on all six bridges (excluding the Shin-Onomichi Bridge, which pedestrians cannot use).

Along the full Shimanami Kaido route, the only section that requires a fare is the ferry between Mukaishima and Onomichi. Among bicycles, pedestrians, and small motorbikes, only small motorbikes are charged tolls on the bridges. For example, crossing the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge one way between Imabari and Oshima costs 200 yen for a small motorbike.

Starting points for the walk

As mentioned earlier, there are several possible starting points when walking across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge on the Shimanami Kaido. My personal top recommendation is Sunrise Itoyama. Located at the base of the bridge on the Imabari mainland side, this cycling terminal serves as a key hub for the Shimanami Kaido, offering rental bicycles and accommodation, as well as a restaurant and small shops.

Even if you’re not staying overnight or renting a bike, it’s an easy place to stop by. From the indoor lobby or the outdoor wooden deck, you can enjoy excellent views of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. There are restrooms and vending machines on site, so especially in summer, I recommend bringing enough water with you. There is very little shade on the bridge, and you’ll be exposed to direct sunlight, so don’t forget sun protection.

If you prefer to start from the Oshima side of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the roadside station Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan is an excellent base for your walk. The parking area is quite large and easy to use. This roadside station also serves as the ticket office for the Kurushima Strait tidal current sightseeing boats. If you have extra time, I recommend taking one of these cruises to experience the powerful currents of the strait from the water.

One-way walking across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge

If you walk the full 4 km length of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, for example from Sunrise Itoyama to Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan on Oshima Island, getting back can be more difficult than you might expect. There is no direct public bus route connecting these two locations. The Imabari interchange and the Oshima interchange are both some distance away, and taxis have to use the expressway, which makes the fare quite expensive.

For this reason, when walking the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the most common approach is to turn back at some point and return to your original starting place. I recommend deciding in advance where you will turn around, based on your time and physical condition. Walking all the way across without a clear plan for the return trip can make things unexpectedly challenging.

Access

Sunrise Itoyama, the Imabari-side starting point for the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge walk, is located about 6 km from central Imabari and JR Imabari Station. The nearest bus stop is “Tenbodai Iriguchi” on the Oura Line, but bus services are very limited, so be sure to check the timetable and plan carefully if you intend to use the bus. Other options include taking a taxi, or combining JR train travel with walking.

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Plan 2: Completing the route

A full Shimanami Kaido crossing on foot

The Shimanami Kaido stretches for about 70–80 km in total. In reality, many people visit the route to travel it on foot or by running. While cycling the Shimanami Kaido myself, I have met runners and walkers challenging themselves to complete the entire route more times than I can count. In the past, a 100 km ultra marathon running from Fukuyama Castle to Imabari City was held every year. Even today, many participants visit during the large-scale walking event “Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Three-Day March,” which takes place every autumn.

For someone like me who usually rides a bicycle, this distance feels almost unimaginable. However, for people who regularly enjoy ultra marathons, standard marathons, or long-distance walking, 70–80 km is apparently not an unrealistic challenge. The Shimanami Kaido offers a consistently peaceful landscape and many sections with relatively low traffic, making it a very walk-friendly environment.

Basically, when walking across the Shimanami Kaido, you follow the same route used for cycling. Along the recommended cycling route, a blue guideline known as the “blue line” is painted on the road. Walkers can also follow this line to travel smoothly between Imabari and Onomichi. There are signs and direction boards at junctions as well, so even first-time visitors will find the route very easy to understand.

Each island has convenience stores and supermarkets, and if necessary, it is relatively easy to shorten your journey or stop partway by making use of local buses, highway buses, passenger boats, or ferries. Ultra marathon runners and ultra walkers—by all means, enjoy the challenge of completing the entire Shimanami Kaido on foot.

How many days does it take to complete?

Some ultra marathon runners are said to run the full 70 km in a single day, but generally, many people aim to complete the entire Shimanami Kaido on foot over about two to three days. In addition to the main route, the Shimanami Kaido also offers outer loop routes, and choosing those routes will likely require even more days.

On each island along the Shimanami Kaido, in addition to traditional ryokan and family-run inns, more and more cycling-friendly guesthouses and hostels have been opening in recent years. I think these accommodations work very well for a walking or cycling trip. Staying overnight on one of the islands also adds a special sense of travel to the experience. I have summarized my recommended places to stay along the Shimanami Kaido on this page.

Walking route distances

As mentioned earlier, the walking route along the Shimanami Kaido is almost the same as the cycling route. The shortest route between Imabari Station and Onomichi Station is called the “main route,” and it is the most commonly used by cyclists, runners, and walkers. Each island also has outer routes, and both the main route and these outer routes are marked with the familiar blue guiding line.

On the map above, the dark blue lines show the main route, while the light blue lines indicate the outer routes or secondary routes. The numbers represent approximate distances for each section, measured in kilometers. On every bridge, you need to climb up to about 50–60 meters above sea level and then descend again, so there is more up-and-down than you might expect. There are also a few small mountain passes on the islands, but unless you detour to viewpoints or observation decks, there are very few climbs higher than 100 meters.

Sightseeing spots and places to eat

This map was originally created with cyclists in mind, but I have put together recommended sightseeing spots, restaurants, and cafés along the Shimanami Kaido using a Google My Map. I believe there are many places that will also be useful for travelers exploring the route on foot or by running, so please feel free to use it as a reference when planning your Shimanami Kaido trip.

ー Main route
ー Optionally Route
● Scenic Spots
● Restaurants
● Cafe & Shops
● Accommodations
● Rental Bike Terminal

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Ways to stop or shorten the route

Along the Shimanami Kaido, there are local island bus services, as well as highway buses and regular bus routes that cross islands and even prefectural borders. There are also passenger boats and ferries connecting different points. Because of this, there are several options for stopping partway or shortening your walk if needed. Knowing these options in advance can give you peace of mind when challenging yourself to walk the entire Shimanami Kaido.

Bus routes along the Shimanami Kaido

I have summarized the main bus routes that can be used for stopping partway or shortening your journey when aiming to walk the Shimanami Kaido. When traveling across the prefectural border (between Omishima and Ikuchijima), the highway bus known as the “Shimanami Liner” is convenient. For travel within the same prefecture, regular local bus services are useful. Although the information is mainly focused on cycling, I introduce the bus routes along the Shimanami Kaido in more detail on this page.

Ferry routes along the Shimanami Kaido

When traveling around the Shimanami Kaido and the Seto Inland Sea, taking a boat really feels right. Since the Shimanami Kaido opened, the number of ferry routes has decreased a lot, but there are still several routes that can be used as convenient shortcuts. They are also useful if you want to enjoy walking only part of the Shimanami Kaido rather than the full distance. This information is mainly intended for cyclists, but I have put together a guide to the ferry routes commonly used along the Shimanami Kaido on this page. I hope you find it helpful.

Luggage delivery services

Along the Shimanami Kaido, systems are in place to help cycling travelers who find it difficult to move while carrying large bags, including same-day luggage delivery services. For example, Sagawa Express offers a paid service called “Shimanami Kaido Hands-Free Cycling,” which delivers your luggage between accommodations in places like Imabari and Onomichi on the same day. This service may also be useful for ultra runners who plan to run the entire Shimanami Kaido in a single day.

If you plan to walk or run the Shimanami Kaido over two days or more, you can use standard delivery services from Yamato Transport or Japan Post. There are Yamato Transport service centers in both Imabari city and Onomichi city, so I recommend bringing your large luggage to one of these offices and sending it either for pickup at another office or directly to your accommodation on the final day. For more details about luggage delivery, coin lockers, and baggage storage services, please see this page.

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For a safe and enjoyable trip

When walking or running across the Shimanami Kaido, there are several safety points I especially want to share. Much of this route runs along the sea, and many sections on the islands offer very little shade. On sunny days, the sunlight can be far stronger than you might expect, so protection such as a hat and sunscreen is essential. In summer, high temperatures and humidity increase the risk of dehydration. Convenience stores and vending machines can be found on each island, but I recommend refueling with water and drinks as soon as you come across them, rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.

Another important point is that many sections of the walking and running route share the road with bicycles and small motorbikes. Extra caution is needed on narrow roads and blind curves with limited visibility. I recommend avoiding the use of earphones and staying aware of your surroundings as you move along the route.

Season	Summer	Winter
Advantages	• Longer daylight hours. • Lightweight clothing is sufficient. • Swimming in the sea is possible. • The refreshing feeling of sweating. • Ice cream tastes especially good.	• Clear, crisp air. • Less physical strain on the body. • Citrus fruits such as lemons are in season. • Fewer tourists and a quieter atmosphere. • Less sweating.
Points to Note	• Heatstroke and sun protection are essential. • Frequent hydration is necessary.	• Pay close attention to sunset times. • Proper cold-weather protection is essential.

After sunset, the lack of street lighting makes the route significantly more dangerous. There is also a chance of encountering wild animals such as wild boar, so I strongly recommend planning your activities during daylight hours. While winter days are shorter and sunsets come early, the cooler temperatures reduce physical strain, making winter a surprisingly good season for walking or running if you plan carefully. Keep your itinerary realistic and enjoy a safe journey at your own pace.

Changing clothes and bathing / showers

After a long-distance run or walk, a shower and a change of clothes are essential. In the Shimanami Kaido area, there are several public baths, hot spring facilities, and coin-operated showers available. Around Onomichi Station, the coin showers next to Onomichi U2 are very convenient. Around Imabari Station, I recommend Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu.

Area	Changing & Bathing / Shower	Features
Near Onomichi Station	Coin showers next to Onomichi U2	Coin-operated showers are located right next to Onomichi U2, a complex with hotels, restaurants, shops, and a bicycle store.
Near Imabari Station	Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu	A large hot spring facility with natural onsen water located in front of Imabari Station. It is well known as a cyclist-friendly onsen and a popular gathering place for riders.

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Cycling model routes

1-Night, 2-Day Model Route

This is a classic and standard model route that starts in Imabari and covers the entire Shimanami Kaido by bicycle over two days. If you’re going to do it, you probably want to ride the full length of the Shimanami Kaido from Imabari to Onomichi! At the same time, if it’s your first time riding long distances by bike, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious about whether you can really make it all the way. You may want a well-planned Shimanami Kaido cycling itinerary that won’t end in failure, even for your first long ride. Here, I introduce the best 2-day plan that allows even a beginner traveling solo—such as a woman riding alone—to rent a bicycle and enjoy cycling the entire route with confidence.

On this page, I have introduced ways to enjoy the Shimanami Kaido on foot or by running, dividing them into two styles: a casual Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge walk and a full Shimanami Kaido walking challenge. If you would also like to check detailed information about cycling, I have summarized comprehensive Shimanami Kaido cycling information on the page below. Please take a look and use it as a reference.