Question 1

Can I cycle across the Onomichi Bridge instead of taking the ferry?

Accepted Answer

The Onomichi Bridge is open to cars and motorcycles, but it is not recommended for cyclists. The road shoulder is very narrow, and the sidewalk has obstacles that make it both stressful and potentially dangerous to ride through. The official cycling route of the Shimanami Kaido — marked by the blue guideline painted on the road — directs cyclists to the ferry terminal rather than the bridge. For anyone travelling by bicycle or on foot, the ferry is by far the better option.

Question 2

What are the operating hours of the ferries?

Accepted Answer

There are currently two ferry routes crossing the Onomichi Strait between Onomichi and Mukaishima Island: the Ekimae Ferry and the Kaneyoshi Ferry. Neither operates on a fixed timetable — instead, each ferry makes frequent return trips between the two sides throughout the day.

The Ekimae Ferry runs from 6:00 AM (first departure from Mukaishima) until the last departures at 22:00 from Mukaishima and 22:10 from Onomichi. The Kaneyoshi Ferry runs from 6:00 AM until 22:25 from Mukaishima and 22:30 from Onomichi. For a typical Shimanami Kaido cycling itinerary, you won't need to worry much about the schedule — just head to the terminal and the next boat will arrive within a few minutes.

Question 3

How much does the ferry cost? I'll be bringing a bicycle.

Accepted Answer

The fare is very affordable. Both the Ekimae Ferry and the Kaneyoshi Ferry charge ¥100 for an adult passenger, plus ¥10 for a bicycle as hand luggage — a total of ¥110 per person with a bike. Children (elementary school age and under) pay half the adult fare. You can ride your bicycle straight onto the boat without folding or disassembling it, which makes it very convenient for cyclists.

Question 4

Can I pay by credit card or IC card (like Suica or Icoca)?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, both ferries are cash only. Credit cards, debit cards, IC cards (such as Suica, Icoca, or Pasmo), and other electronic payment methods are not accepted. There are no tickets to buy in advance either — the crew members will come around to collect the fare while you are on board.

We recommend having small change ready before boarding. There is a convenience store near Onomichi Station where you can get cash or make change ahead of time. Having ¥110 per person ready to go will make the boarding process smooth and easy.

Question 5

Which ferry should I use for the Shimanami Kaido cycling route?

Accepted Answer

For most visitors cycling the Shimanami Kaido, the Ekimae Ferry (駅前渡船, Ekimae Tosen) is the most convenient choice. Its Onomichi-side terminal is just about 200 metres from JR Onomichi Station, and the blue guideline on the road leads you directly to the boarding point. Whether you are starting your ride from Onomichi or finishing here after cycling from Imabari, this is the ferry most Shimanami Kaido cyclists use.

The Kaneyoshi Ferry (兼吉渡し, Kaneyoshi Watashi) docks on the eastern side of Mukaishima Island, which makes it a great option if you want to explore the island's outer coastal cycling route, or visit popular local spots like Sumida Bread Factory or Goto Kosenjo. It is also convenient if you have been sightseeing along Onomichi's shopping arcade before heading to the island.

Question 6

Do I need to make a reservation to board the ferry?

Accepted Answer

No reservation is needed at all. Simply make your way to the ferry terminal and wait for the next departure. The ferries run frequently — roughly every 10 minutes or so — so you will rarely wait long. During morning and evening commuting hours, the frequency increases to around every 5 minutes. It is one of those wonderfully simple, no-fuss experiences that makes travelling in this part of Japan so enjoyable.

Question 7

Can I bring a rental bicycle on the ferry?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. All rental bicycles — including the cross bikes available from the public rental cycle service (Shimanami Kaido Rental Cycle) — can be taken on both ferries without any issue. If you are renting from the Onomichi Rental Cycle Terminal near the station, it is just a short ride to the Ekimae Ferry terminal. Simply wheel your bike on board when it's time to embark.

Question 8

Are there English signs at the ferry terminals? Will the staff understand English?

Accepted Answer

The ferry terminals are small and quite simple in layout, so even without reading Japanese you should be able to find your way. The Onomichi-side terminal for the Ekimae Ferry has a large arch-shaped sign reading "向島行渡船のりば" (Ferry to Mukaishima), and the blue cycling route guideline on the road will point you in the right direction. English signage at the terminals themselves is limited, but the boarding process is straightforward — just wait at the dock, follow the other passengers on board when the boat arrives, and have your ¥110 ready.

The ferry crew members are local and may not speak much English, but communication is minimal — you simply hand over your fare and enjoy the short crossing. A smile and ¥110 is really all you need!

Question 9

Is the Fukumoto Ferry still operating? I saw it mentioned online.

Accepted Answer

The Fukumoto Ferry (福本渡船) ceased operations at the end of March 2025. As of now, the two active ferry routes between Onomichi and Mukaishima Island are the Ekimae Ferry and the Kaneyoshi Ferry only. Some older travel blogs or websites may still list the Fukumoto Ferry, so please be aware that this information is out of date.

Question 10

What should I do at the terminal? Is there a specific way to board with a bicycle?

Accepted Answer

The boarding process is simple and relaxed. When you arrive at the terminal, wait near the dock for the ferry to pull in. When it arrives, passengers and vehicles will disembark first — please wait until they have all come off before boarding. Once the crew signals that it is time to get on, wheel your bicycle on board and lean it against the wall or railing inside the boat. The crew will come around to collect your fare (¥110 per adult with a bicycle) while the boat is crossing. Watch your step when boarding and disembarking, as the gap between the boat and the dock can shift slightly with the water.

The crossing itself takes just 3 to 5 minutes, so before you know it you will be on Mukaishima Island — or back on the Onomichi side — ready for the next part of your journey.

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