Connecting Imabari port and Onomichi port: special cycle ships will operate
Discover a special ferry service connecting Imabari and Onomichi for the first time in 26 years. Operated on weekends and holidays in October 2025, this limited “Cycle Ship” project makes it easier for cyclists and travelers to enjoy the Shimanami Kaido.
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.
Special ferry route
In October 2025, a special ferry service will be operated between Imabari Port and Onomichi Port. This project is organized by JR West in cooperation with local ferry operators and municipalities through the “Shimanami Future Co-Creation Council.” The service will run for 9 days on weekends and public holidays during October.
A direct ferry connection between Onomichi and Imabari was discontinued in 1999, and since then there has been no regular passenger ship linking the two cities. Currently, the most common public transportation option is a highway bus.
Since the opening of the Shimanami Kaido, the route has become well-known as a “cyclists’ paradise,” attracting more and more visitors. In response to growing demand for improved ferry access, this special service will be operated for the first time in 26 years. It is a limited-time “Cycle Ship” project designed to match the best cycling season.
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Connecting Imabari and Onomichi
Dates of Operation
October 2025, on weekends and public holidays (9 days total):
October 4 (Sat), 5 (Sun), 11 (Sat), 12 (Sun), 13 (Mon), 18 (Sat), 19 (Sun), 25 (Sat), 26 (Sun)
Organizers
The “Shimanami Future Co-Creation Council” is made up of Setouchi Cruising Co., Ltd., the Onomichi City Tourism Division, and the Imabari City Tourism Division. Partner organizations include the Shimanami Co., Ltd., Onomichi Tourism Association, JR West, and Nippon Travel Agency, who will work together to carry out this special project.
Project Details
Two passenger ferry operators—Setouchi Cruising (Onomichi) and Shimanami Co., Ltd. (Imabari)—will each operate a “Cycle Ship” (a ferry designed to carry bicycles). By coordinating their services and using Setoda Port (Ikuchijima) and Inokuchi Port (Omishima) as transfer points, the two companies will together provide a ferry connection between Onomichi and Imabari.
Time Table
The times painted in green are routes taken by Cycle Ship Lazuli, and the times painted in orange are routes taken by Cycle Ship Shimanami.
From Onomichi Station Pier to Imabari Port
| Port | １st | 2nd |
|---|---|---|
| ① Onomichi Station Pier | Departure at 10:00 | Departure at 13:15 |
| ② Setoda Port | Arrives at 10:40 and departs at 10:45 or 11:10 | Arrives at 13:55 and departs at 14:05 or 15:35 |
| ③ Inokuchi Port | Arrives at 11:00 or 11:25 and departs at 11:35 | Arrives at 14:20 or 15:50 and departs at 16:00 |
| ④ Seto Port | Arrives at 11:50 and departs at 12:00 | Arrives at 16:15 and departs at 16:20 |
| ⑤ Shitadami Port | Arrives at 12:30 and departs at 12:40 | Arrives at 16:50 and departs at 16:55 |
| ⑥ Imabari Port | Arrives at 13:00 | Arrives at 17:15 |
From Imabari Port to Onomichi Station Pier
| Port | １st | 2nd |
|---|---|---|
| ⑥ Imabari Port | Departure at 9:00 | Departure at 13:30 |
| ⑤ Shitadami Port | Arrives at 9:20 and departs at 9:30 | Arrives at 13:50 and departs at 14:00 |
| ④ Seto Port | Arrives at 10:00 and departs at 10:10 | Arrives at 14:30 and departs at 14:35 |
| ③ Inokuchi Port | Arrives at 10:25 and departs at 10:35 or 11:50 | Arrives at 14:50 and departs at 15:00 or 14:55 |
| ② Setoda Port | Arrives at 10:50 or 12:05 and departs at 12:10 | Arrives at 15:15 or 15:10 and departs at 15:15 |
| ① Onomichi Station Pier | Arrives at 12:50 | Arrives at 15:55 |
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How to Purchase Tickets
Ticket name: Shimanami Cruising Pass しまなみクルージングパス
- Sales Start Date: August 2, 2025 (Saturday)
- How to Purchase: Tickets must be purchased online, in principle, by the day before your boarding date.
Note: Same-day reservations are only available through the websites TABIWA or EX Tabisaki Reservation.
TABIWA
“TABIWA by WESTER” is a travel navigation service provided by JR West. Through its app or website, travelers can purchase discount rail and bus passes, sightseeing and gourmet tickets, and search for travel information in areas such as Hokuriku, Setouchi, and San’in.
EX Tabisaki Reservation
“EX Tabisaki Reservation” is a members-only service for users of JR’s Smart EX or Express Reservation systems. It allows you to easily book and pay with your registered credit card for local services at your travel destination, such as hotels, sightseeing tours, rental cars, and sightseeing taxis.
Fares
tax included, per person
- Onomichi Ekimae Pier ⇄ Imabari Port: ¥5,000
- Onomichi Ekimae Pier ⇄ Omishima Inokuchi Port: ¥2,500
- Imabari Port ⇄ Ikuchijima Setoda Port: ¥2,500
- Ikuchijima Setoda Port ⇄ Omishima Inokuchi Port: ¥1,000
Notes:
- Tickets are valid as an “unlimited ride pass” for two consecutive operating days.
- The fare includes bicycle loading fees.
- Reservations may not be available in case of bad weather or if the ferry reaches passenger capacity.
I couldn’t find any information about this project in English, so I put together some information and translated it.
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Ferry route on Shimanami Kaido
I have compiled a list of common boat routes that can be used for cycling on the Shimanami Kaido on this website. Since there is little local information in English, please refer to this website.
https://touring-shimanami.com/en/ferry-route-e/This webpage introduced the special Imabari-Onomichi ferry route that will be in operation in October 2025. 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.