Ferry and ship routes along the Shimanami Kaido

2025/7/212025/7/28

This page introduces useful ferry, passenger boat, and high-speed boat routes along the Shimanami Kaido for cyclists. Learn about shortcut routes and ways to travel between Onomichi, Imabari, and the islands by boat. Knowing this in advance could help you plan your trip better.

Traveling Shimanami Kaido by Boat

Essential Transport in the Seto Inland Sea

The “Shimanami Kaido" is a sea route connecting islands between Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures across the Seto Inland Sea. It’s the only bridge route from Honshu to Shikoku equipped with a dedicated cycling road, making it a popular destination known as the “Cycling Paradise". This island-hopping ride over six bridges becomes even more enjoyable if you include boat trips along the way.

The full route of the Shimanami Kaido opened in 1999. Before that, the islands were connected by a network of ferries and passenger boats. At that time, boats were the most important form of transportation in the Seto Inland Sea. Since the opening of the bridges, transportation has shifted to cars, and highway buses and local buses now play the main role in connecting the islands.

Over time, boat routes and ferry services between the islands (other than remote islands) have significantly decreased. You may sometimes find it a little inconvenient. Still, a boat journey perfectly matches the calm Seto Inland Sea. When you visit Shimanami Kaido for cycling, I recommend you also enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a ferry or passenger boat.

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Boat Routes Useful for Cyclists

Travel between Imabari and Onomichi, as well as between the islands along the Shimanami Kaido, has gradually shifted from boats to buses. However, when it comes to transporting bicycles easily during your Shimanami Kaido ride, boats are the best option. If you use buses, you’ll need to disassemble your bicycle and pack it in a special bike bag, which can be inconvenient. Ferries and passenger boats, on the other hand, allow you to load your bicycle as it is, making them perfect public transportation for cyclists.

Imabari – Innoshima

* The Geiyo Kisen route was significantly reduced and the timetable changed on April 1, 2024.

Imabari – Omishima

Ikuchijima – Onomichi

Innoshima – Mihara

Omishima – Okunoshima – Tadanoumi

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Ferries Between Onomichi – Mukaishima

There are two ferry routes crossing the Onomichi Channel between the mainland city of Onomichi and Mukaishima. Since the Onomichi Bridge is narrow and not recommended for cyclists, most Shimanami Kaido riders use one of these ferries to cross the channel.

All of these ferries operate frequently, with only the first and last boat of the day having set times. During general cycling hours, you don’t need to worry about the timetable. Just follow the Blue Line and the ferry signs to the pier, and wait a short while for the next ferry to arrive.

Ferry	Ekimae Boat	Kaneyoshi Ferry	Fukumoto Ferry
Route	In font of Station – Tomihama	Tsuchido – Kaneyoshi	Tsuchido – Koutajima
Notes	If you’re coming from Imabari following the main route, the Blue Line guides you to this boat.	This ferry has appeared in TV dramas and movies. It’s the farthest from Onomichi Station.	Note: Fukumoto Ferry service will end in March 2025.

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.

Can Bicycles Be Taken on the Boats?

Along the Shimanami Kaido, there are both ferries, which carry cars and trucks, and passenger boats, which carry only people and small luggage. If you plan to take your bicycle onboard, be sure to check whether the boat on your route is a ferry or a passenger boat.

Loading Bicycles on Ferries

On ferries, bicycles are usually loaded on the sides of the vehicle deck, where cars and trucks are parked. When there are many bicycles, they may be stacked together, so if you’re concerned about scratches on your bike frame, it’s a good idea to bring frame covers for protection. Compared to passenger boats, ferries have much more space, so unless you’re traveling during peak holidays or in a very large group, it’s rare to be refused loading your bike.

Loading Bicycles on Passenger Boats

On the other hand, passenger boats generally have limited space for loading bicycles. Most routes used by cyclists along the Shimanami Kaido can only carry about 5 to 10 bicycles. However, some passenger boats like the “Tobishima” connecting Imabari to Omishima, or the “Lazuli” connecting Ikuchijima to Onomichi, are designed with bike loading in mind and provide easier access for cyclists.

You can usually check if a boat allows bike loading by looking at the fare table—if bicycle fees are listed, your bike can be taken onboard. For complete certainty, contact the ferry company directly. I once spoke with a ferry captain who explained that during busy holiday periods like Golden Week, they may refuse bicycles for safety reasons if the boat is already carrying too many.

Loading Vehicles on Boats

Here’s a quick summary of which boats along the Shimanami Kaido allow the loading of bicycles, cars, motorcycles, and mopeds. While bicycles can be taken on most routes, only a few ferry routes allow cars and motorcycles in this region.

Route	Boat Type	Bicycle Loading	Car / Motorcycle Loading	Moped Loading
Imabari – Oshima / Hakatajima / Kamijima Town – Innoshima	Passenger Boat	〇	×	×
Imabari – Omishima (Passenger Boat)	Passenger Boat	〇 (up to 10 bikes)	×	×
Imabari – Omishima (Ferry)	Ferry	〇	〇	〇
Ikuchijima – Onomichi	Passenger Boat	〇	×	×
Mihara – Innoshima	Passenger Boat	〇	×	×
Omishima – Okunoshima – Tadanoumi	Ferry	〇	〇	〇

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Ferry Cycling Plan Examples

Here are some example cycling plans that incorporate ferries and passenger boats along the Shimanami Kaido. If you’re using public rental bicycles with terminals on various islands, you can rent or return bikes mid-route, or continue cycling using your own bike after transporting it on a ferry.

Halfway Cycling Plan

If you plan to cycle only the southern half of the Shimanami Kaido, using a ferry can make your trip easier. This plan is recommended for those who feel that riding the full 80 km from Imabari to Onomichi may be too much, who want to enjoy a relaxed ride at their own pace, or who wish to complete the ride in just one day.

Rent a bike in Imabari and set your goal at Ikuchijima (Setoda area). From Setoda Port, a passenger boat operates to Onomichi, so after finishing your ride, you can board the boat to reach Onomichi. The distance is about half of the full course, letting you spend a full day exploring the islands at a comfortable pace. Alternatively, stay overnight in Onomichi and return to Setoda to ride the remaining half another day.

The islands on the Shikoku side, such as Oshima and Hakatajima, offer quieter rural scenery and easier cycling routes compared to areas closer to Honshu like Mukaishima and Innoshima. These southern sections are especially scenic and ideal for first-time visitors wanting to enjoy the signature landscapes of the Shimanami Kaido. Near Setoda Port, you can visit attractions like Kosanji Temple, the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art, and Shiomachi Shopping Street while waiting for your boat’s departure.

Yumeshima Kaido Cycling

The Yumeshima Kaido is a cycling route connecting four islands of Kamijima Town in Ehime Prefecture via small bridges. To reach these islands, using ferries is essential, as they are not connected to the main Shimanami Kaido route. The Yumeshima islands—Iwagijima, Ikinajima, Sashima, and Yugejima—are accessed by boat from Imabari Port, Habu Port on Innoshima, or Sunoe Port on Ikuchijima.

These islands, only accessible by boat, offer a different atmosphere from the Shimanami Kaido. Iwagijima is known for its green lemons, Sashima features a unique U-turn Blue Line route, Ikinajima has mysterious megaliths, and Yugejima was once managed by Kyoto’s Toji Temple. The islands are home to charming cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and guesthouses that reflect each island’s character.

The bridges connecting the islands are smaller than those of the Shimanami Kaido, and the cycling routes have gentler ups and downs, making this a great area for beginner cyclists. Note that the Kamijima Town Rental Bicycles operate independently—you cannot rent or return their bikes at Shimanami Kaido terminals.

Omishima & Ikuchijima Cycling

This cycling plan focuses on Omishima and Ikuchijima, two of the most popular islands for sightseeing on the Shimanami Kaido route, using both buses and ferries. Omishima is home to the nationally famous Oyamazumi Shrine, surrounded by gourmet spots along its approach. Ikuchijima is well known for lemon cultivation, and around the Shiomachi shopping street, you can enjoy lemon cake, gelato, lemonade, and more. Despite the relatively short distance, you can ride near the sea and cross the beautiful Tatara Bridge, which is a highlight of the area.

If renting a bicycle, taking the bus from Imabari Station to Omishima is recommended. Although there is a ferry route from Imabari Port to Munakata Port on Omishima, there is no rental terminal near Munakata Port. In this case, you would need to rent a bicycle at Imabari Station or Imabari Port and bring it aboard the ferry. From Setoda on Ikuchijima, you can take a ferry directly to Onomichi. Using ferries allows you to enjoy the islands more leisurely.

Wide-Area Cycling Routes

Some cyclists enjoy longer trips cycling around the Seto Inland Sea area beyond just the Shimanami Kaido. To the east of the Shimanami Kaido lies the Tobishima Kaido, a route connecting seven islands. The stretch between Kure City and Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture is known as the Sazanami Kaido, which also features a well-marked Blue Line. From Kure Port in the city, ferries run to Hiroshima Port and Matsuyama Port in Ehime Prefecture, providing convenient access for cycling the Kakishima Kaido route that includes Kurahashi Island and Etajima Island. The coastal route from Matsuyama City to Imabari City is known as the Hamakaze Kaido, following National Route 196 along the sea.

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Major Ferry Routes to Shikoku

Currently, there are no direct long-distance ferries arriving at Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture or Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, the start and end points of the Shimanami Kaido. The most commonly used ferry by cyclists visiting the Shimanami Kaido is the overnight long-distance Orange Ferry operating between Osaka Nanko and Toyo Port in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture. The Orange Ferry offers special plans for cyclists as well.

※ The ferry route between Kokura Port and Matsuyama Port was discontinued on June 30, 2025.

Recently, cycling routes have been increasingly developed throughout the four prefectures of Shikoku, and some cycling enthusiasts take on the challenge of cycling around the entire island of Shikoku. There is also a ferry route from Tokyo to Tokushima, serving travelers from the Kanto region.

Route	Operator	Features
Osaka South ～ Toyo	Orange Ferry	Departs both ports nightly, arriving early morning. Shuttle bus available from Toyo Port to Imabari Station.
Hiroshima ～ Matsuyama	Setonaikai Kisen	Ferry and high-speed ships connecting Hiroshima and Matsuyama via Kure. About 10 ferry services per day.
Yanai ～ Matsuyama	Boyo Ferry	Ferry connecting Yanai Port in Yamaguchi Prefecture to Matsuyama Mitsuhama Port. About 10 services per day.
Beppu ～ Yawatahama	Uwajima Unyu Ferry	Connecting Beppu Port in Oita Prefecture to Yawatahama Port in Ehime Prefecture. 6 services per day.
Usuki ～ Yawatahama	Uwajima Unyu Ferry / Orange Ferry	Two operators serve this route from Usuki Port in Oita Prefecture to Yawatahama Port. Combined about 14 services daily.
Sagano ～ Misaki	Kokudo Kyushu Ferry	The shortest route connecting Kyushu and Shikoku, between Oita’s Saganoseki Port and Ehime’s Misaki Port. 11 services daily.
Wakayama ～ Tokushima	Nankai Ferry	Ferry connecting Wakayama and Tokushima in 2 hours. About 9 services daily.
Tokyo ～ Tokushima	Ocean Tokyu Ferry	Ferry from Tokyo to Shinmoji Port in Fukuoka Prefecture stops at Tokushima. Departs nightly.

If you plan a medium- to long-term trip, combining a Kyushu trip or Shikoku trip with Shimanami Kaido cycling is a great idea. Typically, you can travel using public transport or rental cars, and rent bicycles only for the Shimanami Kaido section. Around the Shimanami Kaido area, there are attractive sightseeing spots such as Matsuyama & Dogo, Kochi & Shimanto, Takamatsu and the art islands, and if you cross from Yawatahama to Kyushu, you can enjoy famous hot spring resorts like Beppu and Yufuin, as well as Aso and many other fascinating destinations.

We hope you enjoy Shimanami Kaido cycling by making good use of convenient rental bicycles and ferry or passenger boat services. For more detailed information about Shimanami Kaido cycling, please refer to the page below.