Best accommodations for cycling along the Shimanami Kaido
Here are recommended hotels, guesthouses, and ryokans along the Shimanami Kaido, carefully selected based on personal experience. In recent years, more cyclist-friendly accommodations have opened along the Shimanami Kaido, supporting bicycle travelers with various useful services.
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.
Cycling Across the Seto Inland Sea
Stay Overnight on One of the Islands
The Seto Inland Sea, with its calm waters and beautiful islands, has become a popular destination for travelers to Japan. One of the best ways to explore the area at your own pace and enjoy the scenery using all five senses is by bicycle. The Shimanami Kaido, connecting Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, is a popular cycling route that crosses multiple islands. Cyclists of all levels, from beginners to experienced riders, can enjoy this adventure.
The total distance from Onomichi to Imabari is at least 76 km. In addition to the main route, each island offers optional coastal cycling routes, allowing you to choose your preferred course. If you want to take your time sightseeing and cycling, it’s common to split the trip over two or more days by staying overnight on one of the islands. Staying in a peaceful island guesthouse or ryokan is sure to create unforgettable memories—not just a cycling journey, but a special travel experience.
My Personal Recommendations!
● Recommended guesthouses
● Recommended ryokan and minshuku
● Recommended hotels and glamping spots
With the growing number of cycling visitors to the Shimanami Kaido, many traditional minshuku (Japanese inns) and ryokan now offer cyclist-friendly services. Safe bicycle storage and air pumps for tires are now standard at most accommodations along the route.
- Welcoming to solo bicycle travelers
- Easy access by bicycle
- Friendly to international visitors
I have selected accommodations that are easy to use for cycling trips. The list includes places that actively support cyclists, spots recommended for two-day trips, and places where you can experience unique aspects of the Shimanami Kaido.
Are They Friendly to International Visitors?
Most accommodations around the Shimanami Kaido are small-scale or family-run guesthouses and inns. If you’ve traveled in Japan before, you may know that outside of major cities, many places still struggle to communicate in English. To check whether a place is international-visitor-friendly, look for these three signs: (1) They have an official website in English; (2) They are listed on Booking.com; (3) They have English reviews on Google Maps.
Now, let me introduce my recommended cyclist-friendly accommodations along the Shimanami Kaido!
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Hostels That Support Cyclists
Recommended for cycling trips: If you’re a little nervous about your first Shimanami Kaido cycling adventure, it’s a good idea to stay at an accommodation that specializes in supporting cyclists. Some have staff who work as cycling tour guides, or offer support services for bicycle trouble. Staying at one of these places could give you access to fresh, local cycling information.
Cyclonoie (Imabari)
Highly recommended for first-time Shimanami Kaido cyclists!
Cyclonoie Guesthouse is a popular base for Shimanami Kaido cyclists, located just a short walk from Imabari Station. Opened in 2014, it’s operated by “CycloTourisme Shimanami", an organization promoting bicycle travel. The staff are also certified cycling guides and know the Shimanami Kaido very well. If you’re a first-time long-distance cyclist, staying here before starting your ride can help you gather useful information. While guesthouses aren’t for everyone, Cyclonoie has a women-only dormitory, making it easy to stay solo. Meals are not provided, but there are many restaurants in Imabari, such as places serving yakibuta tamagomeshi (grilled pork with egg on rice) or local-style grilled chicken.
Guest Reviews of CyclonoieSmaller than I expected, but full of useful Shimanami Kaido cycling information!
Thanks to staff recommendations, I enjoyed a cozy local yakitori restaurant and a public bath. Staying in Imabari was the right choice.
Lights-out time was strict, and everyone in my dorm left early in the morning to start their ride.
| Guesthouse | Cyclonoie |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1-12 Kitahorai-cho, Imabari |
| Phone | 0898-35-4496 |
| Check-in | 16:00 – 21:00 (lights out at 23:00) |
| Check-out | by 10:00 |
| Price range (approx.) | Dormitory bed from 3,200 yen (no meals) |
| Features | Guesthouse near Imabari Station with cycling expert staff |
If you are a beginner starting from Imabari, staying at Cyclonoie the night before is highly recommended.
WAKKA (Omishima)
Highly recommended for beginners cycling the Shimanami Kaido!
WAKKA is a cycling-friendly resort that opened in 2020 on a large seaside property near Inokuchi Port on Omishima Island, with beautiful views of Tatara Bridge. Accommodation options include stylish cottages with Japanese and Western-style rooms, dome tents for glamping, and casual dormitories, so you can choose a style that fits your trip. Even non-staying guests can use the cafe, but overnight guests can enjoy a private deck and barbecue featuring local ingredients while overlooking the sea. WAKKA also offers a full range of cycling support, including bike rentals and mobile repair services, making it a safe choice for beginners. They can even arrange custom tours and support services tailored to your cycling needs.
Guest Reviews of WAKKAIt’s rare to find a place where you and your bike can both feel so welcome.
The best location with stunning views.
The whole facility is clean and stylish, with beautiful architectural design.
| Cottage / Glamping | WAKKA |
|---|---|
| Address | 6691-1 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari |
| Phone | 0897-72-8705 |
| Check-in | from 15:00 |
| Check-out | by 10:00 |
| Price range (approx.) | Dormitory with breakfast from 6,500 yen |
| Features | Comprehensive cycling support |
Shiokaze Guesthouse (Ikuchijima)
Shiokaze Guesthouse is a new accommodation that opened in June 2023, designed for cyclists visiting Ikuchijima Island. Built as an addition to the existing nursing home facility called “Shiokaze”, this guesthouse provides a budget-friendly hostel option for cyclists traveling the Shimanami Kaido. Its convenient location on Ikuchijima makes it a good choice for a 2-day ride, offering another affordable accommodation choice for your trip.
| Guesthouse | Shiokaze Guesthouse |
|---|---|
| Address | 1286-11 Hayashi, Setoda-cho, Onomichi |
| Phone | 0848-46-7575 |
| Check-in | from 16:00 |
| Check-out | by 10:00 |
| Price range (approx.) | Dormitory bed from 3,500 yen (no meals) |
| Features | Self check-in guesthouse for cyclists |
Seeso (Mukaishima)
Seeso is a guesthouse on Mukaishima, one of the Shimanami Kaido islands, opened in 2017. Built in a pension-style, it sits on a small hill overlooking Onomichi Channel and offers beautiful views of Onomichi city across the water. At night, the lights of the city reflecting on the water create a stunning night view. In addition to private Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, there’s also a budget plan for large groups, where guests can sleep together in a large hall. The owner is a cyclist and provides cycling support, including a rental service of quality road bikes and cross bikes.
Guest Reviews of SeesoFeels like visiting a relative’s house – very cozy and relaxing.
Located on a small hill, so you need to climb up, but the night view of Onomichi was worth it.
Bike racks inside the lobby made it easy to rest with peace of mind.
| Pension / Hotel | Seeso |
|---|---|
| Address | 84-2 Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi |
| Phone | 0848-51-7968 |
| Check-in | 16:00–21:00 (curfew at 23:00) |
| Check-out | by 10:00 |
| Price range (approx.) | Private room from 7,500 yen (no meals) |
| Features | Guesthouse with cycling support and beautiful night views of Onomichi |
Hotel Cycle (Onomichi)
Hotel Cycle is a cyclist-friendly hotel located inside Onomichi U2, a renovated warehouse complex at the Onomichi port. With its unique concept, you can check in while riding your bike and even bring your bicycle into your room for display. When it opened in 2014, it gained attention as a pioneer in cycling tourism along the Shimanami Kaido. Conveniently located near Onomichi Station and the ferry terminal, it’s perfect as a start or end point for your cycling trip. Onomichi U2 also houses a restaurant-bar, bakery, lifestyle shop, and the GIANT bicycle store, welcoming both hotel guests and visitors alike.
Guest Reviews of Hotel CycleStylish interior with chic design.
Very convenient for Shimanami cycling, with the ferry to Mukaishima nearby.
The rooms have no windows to the outside, which felt a bit enclosed.
| Hotel | Hotel Cycle |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-11 Nishigosho-cho, Onomichi |
| Phone | 0848-21-0550 |
| Check-in | From 15:00 |
| Check-out | By 11:00 |
| Price range (approx.) | Private room from 14,000 yen (no meals) |
| Features | Concept hotel designed for cyclists |
Shimanami Cyclist-Friendly Accommodations
Bike-friendly Accommodation Services – Accommodations that meet the needs of cyclists, such as providing secure bike storage and handling bike shipping during your stay, are registered under the “Shimanami Cyclist-Friendly Accommodations” system.
It’s great that cyclists can check details like bike storage options at each accommodation!
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Stay Overnight Around the Midpoint
Island accommodations ideal for multi-day trips — A typical cycling trip on the Shimanami Kaido takes two days to ride between Imabari and Onomichi. If you plan to stay overnight along the route, islands like Omishima or Ikuchijima are around the midpoint. Recently, as more beginners and experienced cyclists alike choose to cycle the route over two days, new guesthouses and private rental accommodations have been opening in this area. Here are some personally recommended options for a memorable overnight stay.
Tomarigi (Omishima)
Tomarigi is a guesthouse opened in 2019 by a pharmacist couple. It offers private tatami rooms for two people as well as spacious capsule-style dormitories, and its cozy shared spaces are highly rated. Located in the Miyaura area at the center of Omishima, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the famous Oyamazumi Shrine, making it a convenient base for sightseeing. Cyclists traveling with their own bicycles will appreciate the secure indoor bike storage available during their stay. With restaurants, a convenience store, a supermarket, and even a public bath within walking distance, checking in early will let you enjoy a comfortable stay even without meals included.
Guest Reviews of TomarigiThe minimalist design feels thoughtful and perfectly meets traveler needs.
The earthen-floored lounge was cozy, and chatting with the friendly owners over tea was a highlight.
Like having a private room – the dormitory space was far more spacious than expected.
| Guesthouse | Tomarigi |
|---|---|
| Address | 88 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari |
| Phone | 080-8493-5416 |
| Check-in | 16:00–20:00 |
| Check-out | By 12:00 |
| Price range (approx.) | Dormitory from 4,500 yen (no meals) |
| Features | Stylish guesthouse in a great location for exploring Omishima |
OHANA (Omishima)
OHANA is a guesthouse conveniently located in Miyaura town in Omishima, similar to Tomarigi. It was the first guesthouse-style accommodation to open on the island area of the Shimanami Kaido back in 2016 and has supported countless cyclists on two-day rides. At the time, only traditional inns and minshuku were available on Omishima and Ikuchijima, so OHANA’s opening was quite a sensation. The owners, a couple who previously ran an organic shop and cafe in Tokyo’s Sangenjaya, relocated to the island to start this guesthouse. An organic cafe and shop are also attached, creating a charmingly handmade, eco-friendly atmosphere.
Guest Reviews of OHANAFriendly staff and everything you need.
A clean hostel with a hippie vibe.
The most affordable place to stay near Oyamazumi Shrine.
| Guesthouse | OHANA |
|---|---|
| Address | 5341 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari |
| Phone | 0897-82-0023 |
| Check-in | 17:00–19:00 |
| Check-out | By 10:00 |
| Price range (approx.) | Dormitory from 2,900 yen (no meals) |
| Features | Eco-friendly and organic guesthouse |
Ryokan Sawaki (Omishima)
Especially recommended for beginners cycling the Shimanami Kaido!
Ryokan Sawaki is a long-established inn in the Miyaura area of Omishima, especially popular with cyclists due to its strong cycling support. In addition to E-bike rentals, the inn has a secure indoor bicycle storage space and maintenance tools available for guests. The dinners, featuring fresh seafood, are especially popular with cycling travelers. Located close to Oyamazumi Shrine, it’s also within walking distance of Omishima Brewery and the Mare Gracia seawater spa. Ryokan Sawaki is a great choice for making the most of your Omishima stay during a two-day ride along the Shimanami Kaido.
Guest Reviews of Ryokan SawakiFresh seafood at both dinner and breakfast – absolutely delicious.
The owner’s hospitality and the excellent food made for a perfect stay.
The building is old, but it was clean and very comfortable.
| Ryokan | Ryokan Sawaki |
|---|---|
| Address | 5460 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari |
| Phone | 0897-82-0153 |
| Check-in | From 15:00 |
| Check-out | By 10:00 |
| Price range (approx.) | Private room with 2 meals from 15,400 yen |
| Features | Traditional ryokan with full cyclist support facilities |
I-Link (Omishima)
I-LINK HOSTEL opened in 2019 near Tatara Bridge originally as “IKIDANE HOSTEL & CAFE SHIMANAMI," targeting mainly overseas cyclists. It was renamed to I-LINK in 2021. The hostel is easily accessible from the main Shimanami Kaido route and is well located as a midpoint stay for the typical 2-day Shimanami Kaido cycling challenge. It’s recommended for cyclists who focus on the main route and do not detour toward Miyaura area of Omishima. Accommodation is available in simple private rooms and dormitories. There is a convenience store nearby, but few restaurants, so booking with dinner is advised.
Reviews of I-LINKThe rooms are simple but functional.
A well-located hostel near Omishima, not far off the main cycling route.
A convenience store is just a 1-minute walk away, and there is a coin laundry nearby.
| Hostel | I-LINK HOSTEL |
|---|---|
| Address | 7645-1 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari |
| Phone | 0897-72-8308 |
| Check-in | 15:00–20:00 |
| Check-out | By 10:00 |
| Approximate Price | Dormitory from 4,270 yen (no meals) |
| Features | Popular hostel among overseas cyclists near Tatara Bridge |
NEST (Ikuchijima)
NEST is a guesthouse opened in 2019 by renovating an old inn near Setoda Port on Ikuchijima Island. It offers long-stay plans suitable for workations on the island, and actively shares Ikuchijima sightseeing information on its website. The location is very convenient for sightseeing in Setoda, Ikuchijima, including Shiomachi Shopping Street, Kousanji Temple, Kojoji Temple, and Ikuo Hirayama Museum of Art. Facing the waterway to Konejima Island, guests can enjoy a uniquely island experience with a sea view.
Reviews of NESTThe view from the window made me feel like I was really in Setoda.
Cozy and homey atmosphere with well-stocked amenities.
Close to Setoda Port yet on a quiet street with little traffic.
| Guesthouse | NEST |
|---|---|
| Address | 134 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 070-9119-2410 |
| Check-in | 14:00–19:00 (Additional fee for 19:00–21:00) |
| Check-out | By 10:00 |
| Approximate Price | Private room from 4,800 yen (no meals) |
| Features | Guesthouse in a great location for sightseeing in Setoda |
Suminoe Ryokan (Ikuchijima)
Suminoe Ryokan is a long-established inn with over 100 years of history, featuring traditional architecture and a beautiful garden, located right by Setoda Port. Its meals are well known for delicious octopus dishes unique to Ikuchijima. The ryokan also served as a filming location for Nobuhiko Obayashi’s 1982 film “I Are You, You Am Me” (Tenkosei), where the characters Kazuo Saito (played by Toshinori Omi) and Kazumi Saito (played by Satomi Kobayashi) hide among a tour group during their escape to Ikuchijima (highly recommended movie!).
Reviews of Suminoe RyokanThe steamed sea bream with homemade ponzu sauce was exquisite.
A quiet retreat away from the city bustle, perfect for relaxing on this peaceful Setouchi island.
A charming, traditional ryokan that healed both body and mind.
| Ryokan | Suminoe Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Address | 264-3 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 0845-27-2155 |
| Check-in | From 15:00 |
| Check-out | By 10:00 |
| Approximate Price | Private room with two meals from 14,300 yen |
| Features | Long-established ryokan featured in the movie “I Are You, You Am Me" |
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.
Unique Accommodations
Accommodations unique to the Shimanami Kaido — There are many lodging options where you can enjoy a relaxed pace of life and experience views and stays you can only find here. Staying in historical buildings or renovated traditional houses offers a wonderful atmosphere that will surely create great memories of the Setouchi region. Here are some personally recommended places to stay.
Gramprook Shimanami (Umashima)
“Gramprook Shimanami” is a glamping hotel with dome tents opened in 2020 on Umashima Island, located near the middle of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. You can take an elevator with your bicycle down from the bridge to Umashima. Staying in stylish tents facing the sea offers a special Shimanami Kaido experience. The Kurushima Kaikyo Strait is an important Seto Inland Sea shipping lane, with many ships passing nearby. Though swimming is not allowed due to strong currents, the island features beautiful beaches and ocean views.
Gramprook ReviewsAll-inclusive with unlimited drinks made me feel truly pampered.
I rented an E-BIKE for an extra fee and enjoyed Kurushima Strait Bridge and Kiroyama Observatory.
The clean and stylish cocoon houses for glamping were simply the best.
| Hotel / Glamping | Gramprook Shimanami |
|---|---|
| Address | 1006 Umashima, Imabari City |
| Phone | 0898-22-1101 |
| Check-in | 15:00–18:00 |
| Check-out | By 11:00 |
| Approximate Price | Glamping, per person, 2 meals included, from 57,600 yen |
| Features | Glamping hotel on an island in the Kurushima Strait |
Tokonoma (Yugeshima)
Guesthouse Tokonoma is a traditional Japanese-style guesthouse with dormitory and private rooms located on Yugeshima Island, part of the Yumesima Kaido adjacent to the Shimanami Kaido. Since Yugeshima Island is a remote island not connected by bridges, it can only be accessed by ferry. However, the island is lively thanks to the presence of a maritime school, and has convenient facilities such as supermarkets and convenience stores. Yugeshima Island offers a great balance of remote island charm and town conveniences, making it easy to stay even if it’s your first time on a remote island. In March 2022, the opening of the Iwagi Bridge completed the Yumesima Kaido, further raising the area’s profile.
Tokonoma ReviewsThe entire house is spotless and very clean.
It has everything you need like a shared kitchen, laundry with dryer, and shower rooms.
The location is just a few minutes’ walk to both the east and west coasts of Yuge Island.
| Guesthouse | Guesthouse Tokonoma |
|---|---|
| Address | 299 Shimoyuge, Kamijima-cho, Ochi District |
| Phone | 080-6492-0084 |
| Check-in | 15:00–20:00 |
| Check-out | By 10:00 |
| Approximate Price | Private room, per person, from 4,000 yen (no meals) |
| Features | A detached guesthouse hidden in the backstreets of Yugeshima Island |
Pawpaw (Mukaishima Island)
Guesthouse “Pawpaw" is located on Mukaishima Island, just across a narrow strait from the city center of Onomichi. The name “Pawpaw" comes from the owner’s favorite fruit. Situated on a hill near a residential area at the edge of Mukaishima, it offers an authentic island living atmosphere. The guesthouse features separate dormitories for men and women, as well as private rooms. There is a common lounge and an indoor bicycle storage area, making it a great place for travelers and cyclists to meet and socialize. It’s recommended for those who enjoy meeting new people during their journey.
Reviews of PawpawThey gave me great advice about recommended cycling routes and directions.
The guesthouse is a renovated private home run by a family.
The owner is skilled at DIY and the place keeps improving with every visit.
| Guesthouse | Guesthouse Pawpaw |
|---|---|
| Address | 877-1 Mukohigashi-cho, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 090-3744-2679 |
| Check-in | 16:00–21:00 |
| Check-out | By 10:00 |
| Price Range | Dormitory bed from 3,500 yen (no meals) |
| Features | A cozy guesthouse in a residential area of Mukaishima |
Fuji Hostel (Onomichi)
Fuji Hostel is a popular guesthouse in Onomichi frequented by travelers cycling the Shimanami Kaido with rental bikes from overseas. It is run by a couple raising two children, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere beloved by many guests. Located within Onomichi city, it serves as a convenient base for both sightseeing in Onomichi and cycling the Shimanami Kaido. The hostel is housed in a traditional Onomichi-style house, and its dormitory rooms are affordable and comfortable, earning great reviews from travelers.
Reviews of Fuji HostelThe owner was friendly and enjoyable to talk with.
The relaxed vibe felt like staying at someone’s home.
A retro-style house with beds on tatami mats.
| Guesthouse | Fuji Hostel |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-30 Juuyokamachi, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 0848-36-6215 |
| Check-in | 15:00–21:00 |
| Check-out | By 10:00 |
| Price Range | Dormitory bed from 2,500 yen (no meals) |
| Features | Affordable guesthouse popular for the owners’ warm hospitality |
Anago no Nedoko (Onomichi)
Highly Recommended for Shimanami Kaido Cycling Travelers!
Anago no Nedoko is a well-known guesthouse with a retro atmosphere located in the shopping street of Onomichi. Opened in 2012, it is operated by the NPO “Onomichi Empty House Revitalization Project" (known as Aki-P), which specializes in restoring and repurposing vacant and traditional houses in Onomichi. True to its name, the building is narrow at the front but extends deeply inside like an eel’s sleeping place, with a corridor that gives a thrilling feeling of entering another world. The guesthouse also features a popular café & bar and a secondhand bookstore, making it a lively and charming spot.
Reviews of Anago no NedokoThe retro building and humorous design were very interesting.
Located within the shopping street, it’s a great base for exploring Onomichi.
They have a great selection of manga that makes you want to read.
| Guesthouse | Anago no Nedoko |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-4-9 Tsuchido, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 0848-38-1005 |
| Check-in | 16:00–22:00 |
| Check-out | By 11:00 |
| Price Range | Dormitory bed from 3,000 yen (no meals) |
| Features | Retro stylish guesthouse located in Onomichi shopping street |
This page has introduced recommended accommodations for cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. One of the greatest features of the Shimanami Kaido is that even beginners can enjoy cycling with peace of mind. For more detailed information about cycling on the Shimanami Kaido, please refer to the following page.