Shimanami Bike Touring Tips

Icon image of author Kawai, who provides information on cycling along the Shimanami Kaido — Kawai

I’m Kawai, a resident of the Shimanami Kaido. I created this personal website to serve as a comprehensive guidebook for beginners and solo travelers to cycle with peace of mind. Drawing from my 10+ years of experience and over 300 rides on this route, I hope to share the unique charm of slow cycling as a fellow traveler.

Explore the Shimanami Kaido

[Information for beginners] Illustrations of bridges crossed on the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido cycling route

The Shimanami Kaido is one of Japan’s most iconic cycling routes for leisure and travel. A series of bridges connects the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, allowing cyclists to ride all the way between Honshu and Shikoku. With well-designed cycling routes, convenient and varied bicycle rental services, and unique accommodation options, the area attracts travelers from around the world who enjoy exploring by bike. On this website, I share essential information about cycling the Shimanami Kaido, along with practical tips especially helpful for first-time visitors. The site is regularly updated with the latest information, so I hope it will be a useful resource when planning your journey.

The latest article on this website

Cycling the Shimanami Kaido in the Rain: Weather, Tips & What to Expect

2026.03.17 Saferide

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: A banner with a thorough explanation of how to cycle along the Shimanami Kaido, safe even for beginner

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: A banner with a thorough explanation of rental bike services

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: Luggage delivery and storage service banner

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: Banner of the best season for bicycle travel

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: Banner of Best bicycle return spots to stop cycling along the Shimanami Kaido

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: A banner with a 2 days cycling itinerary

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: A banner with a What to do if you get a flat tire on the way

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: recommended lunch spots on the island

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: Access to Shimanami kaido from Tokyo and Osaka

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: Banner of recommended accommodations for cycling

Public transportation

There is no railway along the Shimanami Kaido, so public transport comes down to ferries and buses. Because the Shimanami Kaido spans across prefectural borders — between Hiroshima Prefecture and Ehime Prefecture — and because multiple maritime and bus companies operate a variety of routes, it can be challenging to get a complete overview of all available services. That’s why I’ve put together a comprehensive list of the ferry and bus lines you can use when cycling through the area. Use this guide as a transportation reference to help plan your cycling journey.

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: Ferry and ship routes that can be used for cycling along the Shimanami Kaido

[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: Local bus and highway bus routes along the Shimanami Kaido

Latest posts on this website

In addition to the basic information above, this website regularly features articles on a wide range of topics related to cycling the Shimanami Kaido. In Japan’s tourist destinations—including the Shimanami Kaido—English-language information is still far less comprehensive than what is available in Japanese. At the same time, the number of overseas visitors to the Shimanami Kaido has been increasing rapidly. Through this website, I hope to help travelers create a more enjoyable and rewarding cycling journey—one that goes beyond simply following the standard route.

All Articles

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Cycling the Shimanami Kaido in the Rain: Weather, Tips & What to Expect2026/3/17
Plan to cycle the Shimanami Kaido in the rain? Learn about weather patterns, rainfall, safety tips, and the un […]
Wind Direction on the Shimanami Kaido: A Tailwind Guide for Cyclists2026/3/12
Worried about headwinds on the Shimanami Kaido? Learn about typical wind directions, when strong westerly wind […]
3 Best Bathhouses at Dogo Onsen: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors2026/3/11
Visiting Dogo Onsen for the first time? This guide introduces the three main bathhouses—Honkan, Asuka-no-Yu, a […]
How to Prevent Saddle Pain: Causes and Solutions for Beginner Cyclists2026/3/4
Struggling with saddle pain while cycling? Learn the main causes and 5 practical solutions including bike fit […]
Onomichi or Imabari? Finding the Starting Point That Fits Your Journey2026/2/26
Planning your first Shimanami Kaido cycle? Local cyclist Kawai shares a gentle guide to choosing between an On […]
Exploring Japan by Train and Cycle: A Gentle Guide to the “Rinko” Culture2026/2/25
In Japan, when you take a bicycle on public transportation such as trains, the common method is called “rinko. […]
Is Shimanami Kaido Really That Tough? A Practical Guide for First-Time Cyclists2026/2/20
Wondering if Shimanami Kaido is too tough for you? We analyze real feedback from cyclists about steep slopes a […]
The 45-Year History of the Shimanami Kaido Bridges Leading Up to Their Opening2026/2/6
All the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido opened in May 1999, finally connecting Imabari and Onomichi. In this ar […]

Articles written in Japanese

My website offers a wide range of articles covering all the essential information for cycling the Shimanami Kaido from various perspectives. While I’m gradually adding English pages, most of the content is still written in Japanese. By using translation tools available on your PC or smartphone, English or other languages speakers may still find these articles useful as informational guides. Please feel free to explore them if you’re looking for more detailed local insights.

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