Recommended accommodations for cyclists on Ikuchijima Island
Ikuchijima is one of the most popular sightseeing islands along the Shimanami Kaido. With attractions such as Kosanji Temple, Kojoji Temple, the Ikuo Hirayama Museum of Art, Shiomachi Street, and Sunset Beach, it’s definitely worth staying overnight to enjoy the island at a slower pace.
Hello, I am Kawai, a cyclist living on the Shimanami Kaido. This is a personal website where I have gathered information for travel planning. It would be great if you could visit one of the most famous cycling routes in Japan.
Stay overnight on Ikuchijima
For those aiming to complete the ride in two days
The Shimanami Kaido is one of Japan’s most famous cycling routes. With its convenient rental bike services and the clearly marked “blue line” cycling path, it’s an ideal route even for beginners or those who are new to road cycling. Many riders who set out to complete the full ride from Imabari in Ehime Prefecture to Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture are taking on a long-distance cycling challenge for the first time.
There are several route variations recommended for cyclists, so you can choose one that matches your interests and experience level. You can enjoy just a few hours or a full day on part of the Shimanami Kaido, or take several days to cross the entire route at a relaxed pace. The most popular option is the two-day plan, which allows you to enjoy sightseeing along the way and stay overnight on one of the islands — giving you more time and flexibility to explore.
It might come as a surprise, but the Shimanami Kaido actually has more ups and downs than you might expect. The total distance is around 70 to 80 km at the shortest, and each bridge crossing includes an uphill section. Even if you don’t normally ride a bicycle, it’s possible to complete the route in one day—but you may not have enough time to enjoy sightseeing or make stops along the way. If it’s your first time, I recommend spending two days to complete the route so that it doesn’t become just a long ride, but rather a more enjoyable journey where you can truly experience the Shimanami Kaido.
https://touring-shimanami.com/en/2days-cycling-e/Stay overnight on one of the islands
For those aiming to complete the full Shimanami Kaido cycling route — crossing the Seto Inland Sea by bike — many travelers choose to stay overnight on Omishima or Ikuchijima, which are located roughly in the middle of the route. In recent years, the idea of taking two or more days to enjoy a relaxed cycling journey has become common among travelers. As a result, many new accommodations designed specifically for cycling travelers have opened on Omishima and Ikuchijima.
This time, I’ll focus on Ikuchijima, an island known not only for its sightseeing spots such as Kosanji Temple, the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art, and Shiomachi Shopping Street, but also as one of Japan’s leading producers of domestic lemons. Here, I’ll introduce some accommodations that are comfortable even for solo travelers cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. I hope this helps you find the perfect place to stay during your cycling trip.
Most accommodations along the Shimanami Kaido are small-scale or family-run inns and guesthouses. Many of them may not be listed on major booking sites such as Rakuten Travel, Jalan, Yahoo! Travel, or Booking.com. When making a reservation, it’s often better to call directly or book through the accommodation’s official website.
Ikuchijima Island has a tropical resort-like atmosphere and is a very popular island among cyclists.
AD (Google AdSense)
Areas with many accommodation options
Setoda town
Ikuchijima is part of Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture and is the third island from Onomichi’s old town when heading toward Imabari. The Tatara Bridge connects the west side of the island to Omishima in Ehime Prefecture, marking the border between Hiroshima and Ehime. The island’s full loop is about 25 km — roughly half the size of Omishima. Since the outer loop course has only gentle slopes, it’s a popular and comfortable route even for beginner cyclists.
The main cycling route of the Shimanami Kaido runs along the northern side of Ikuchijima. Along this route lies the town of Setoda, home to several sightseeing spots such as Kosanji Temple, the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art, and Shiomachi Shopping Street. Most of the island’s accommodations are concentrated in this Setoda area. If you plan to complete the full Shimanami Kaido ride, you’ll likely pass through the main northern route of Ikuchijima.
On the other hand, the southern coastal loop of the island is also mostly flat and follows the shoreline, making it very pleasant and easy to ride. However, there are almost no convenience stores or supermarkets along this route. When searching for accommodations, please note that on the eastern side of Ikuchijima there are two place names — “Innoshima Sugae-cho” and “Innoshima Hara-cho” — which can be confusing. Although these areas are part of Ikuchijima, they still carry the name “Innoshima” due to administrative mergers in the past.
I’d like to introduce some recommended accommodations, mainly in and around Setoda.
AD (Google AdSense)
Accommodations in the Setoda area
Let’s start with some recommended accommodations in the Setoda area, which is close to the main cycling route and the central town area, including Shiomachi Shopping Street. This area is especially convenient and easy to access. If you’re a beginner or not confident about covering long distances in one day, staying overnight in this area is a great choice.
① Shimayado NEST
One of the top recommended guesthouses in the Setoda area of Ikuchijima is Shimayado NEST. This accommodation opened in 2019 after renovating an old ryokan building near Setoda Port. It’s ideal for medium- to long-term stays and perfect for a workcation. The owner is very knowledgeable about local attractions and actively shares information about Ikuchijima on the guesthouse’s website. The location is excellent for sightseeing in Setoda, with easy access to Shiomachi Shopping Street, Kosanji Temple, Kojoji Temple, and the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art. Facing the channel between Ikuchijima and Konejima, you can enjoy a relaxing island stay with beautiful sea views right in front of you.
Guest Reviews for NESTA calm and relaxing space where I could truly unwind.
The perfect guesthouse for travelers who want to experience local life like a resident.
The staff were kind, friendly, and made me feel very welcome.
| Guesthouse | Shimayado NEST |
|---|---|
| Address | 134 Setoda-cho, Setoda, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 070-9119-2410 |
| Check-in | 14:00–19:00 (Additional charge for 19:00–21:00) |
| Check-out | Until 10:00 |
| Approx. price range | Private room from ¥4,800 per person (no meals) |
| Feature | Great location for sightseeing in Setoda |
② Ryokan Suminoe
If you’d like to stay in a traditional Japanese-style inn on Ikuchijima, Ryokan Suminoe is highly recommended. This historic inn, with more than 100 years of history, features classic architecture and a beautifully maintained Japanese garden. It’s ideally located right next to Setoda Port. The meals here are also highly praised—especially the local octopus dishes that are a specialty of the island. With its wide garden and calm, authentic atmosphere, this ryokan offers a peaceful stay. It is also known as one of the filming locations for the 1982 film “Exchange Students” directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi.
Guest Reviews for Ryokan SuminoeA historic building that’s beautifully maintained.
Enjoyed a stunning sunset from my room facing the sea.
The hostess’s graceful hospitality was impressive—just watching her attentiveness was a lesson in itself.
| Ryokan | Ryokan Suminoe |
|---|---|
| Address | 264-3 Setoda-cho, Setoda, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 0845-27-2155 |
| Check-in | From 15:00 |
| Check-out | Until 10:00 |
| Approx. price range | Private room with two meals from ¥14,300 per person |
| Feature | A long-established ryokan featured in the film “Exchange Students” |
③ Guesthouse Shiokaze
“Cycle Guesthouse Shiokaze" is a guesthouse on Ikuchijima that opened in June 2023, targeting cyclists. It was established at a location that previously operated as a day service and group home called “Shiokaze,” now converted to accommodate travelers. Its location on Ikuchijima makes it convenient for 1–2 day cycling trips, and as a low-cost hostel catering to cyclists, it provides a new option for overnight stays on the island.
Guest Reviews for ShiokazeIt was my first time doing unmanned check-in, but it went smoothly.
I felt safe storing my bicycle indoors.
Cheaper than other places and still close enough to town.
| Guesthouse | Cycle Guesthouse Shiokaze |
|---|---|
| Address | 1286-11 Hayashi, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 0848-46-7575 |
| Check-in | From 16:00 |
| Check-out | Until 10:00 |
| Approx. price range | Dormitory bed from ¥3,500 per person (no meals) |
| Feature | Self-check-in guesthouse catering to cycling travelers |
④ Ryokan Tsutsui
Ryokan Tsutsui is a long-established hotel located closest to Setoda Port, making it one of the most popular accommodations for cyclists on Ikuchijima. Although called a ryokan, the building has a Showa-era hotel feel, more like a traditional local hotel. Guests can enjoy a lemon bath made with locally produced lemons, as well as a bath with a view. The dining area serves fresh seafood and dishes featuring locally grown vegetables and lemons.
Guest Reviews for TsutsuiHas a charming, slightly aged port-town ryokan atmosphere.
The meals were plentiful and delicious.
You can see the ferry terminal from the room, giving a true Shimanami feel.
| Hotel | Ryokan Tsutsui |
|---|---|
| Address | 216 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 0845-27-2221 |
| Check-in | 15:00–19:00 |
| Check-out | Until 10:00 |
| Approx. price range | Private room from ¥9,000 per person (no meals) |
| Feature | Long-established hotel near Setoda Port, building-style ryokan |
⑤ Setoda Tarumi Onsen
Located along the main cycling route of Ikuchijima near Setoda Sunset Beach, Setoda Tarumi Onsen is popular among cyclists, especially international travelers. Originally Setoda Youth Hostel, it retains the charm of a guesthouse or hostel with affordable rates. A highlight is the handmade stone bath hot spring. Since there are no nearby convenience stores or supermarkets, booking a meal plan is recommended.
Guest Reviews for Tarumi OnsenThe room near the sea allowed me to fall asleep listening to the waves as a lullaby.
The bath offered an incredibly beautiful sunset view.
The hosts are friendly and make you feel at home.
| Guesthouse | Setoda Tarumi Onsen |
|---|---|
| Address | 58-1 Tarumi, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 0845-27-3137 |
| Check-in | 16:00–20:00 |
| Check-out | Until 9:00 |
| Approx. price range | Private room with 2 meals from ¥6,800 per person |
| Feature | A cozy guesthouse with a warm, homey atmosphere, formerly a youth hostel |
⑥ Juicy Fruits
Located along the main cycling route of the Shimanami Kaido, roughly halfway between Setoda Sunset Beach and the center of Setoda town, Juicy Fruits is a popular pension-style accommodation for cyclists. Run by a friendly couple, the pension has a warm, homely atmosphere. They also cultivate their own citrus fruits, so during the season you can enjoy complimentary mandarins and French cuisine made with local citrus. Since convenience stores and supermarkets are not nearby, booking a meal plan is recommended.
Guest Reviews for Juicy FruitsThe room had a sea view, perfect to enjoy the ocean while sitting on the bed.
The exterior contrasts with the quality of the meals; home-style French cuisine.
The bath featured homegrown, pesticide-free lemons.
| Pension | Juicy Fruits |
|---|---|
| Address | 10-1 Fukuda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| Phone | 0845-27-3959 |
| Check-in | From 15:00 |
| Check-out | Until 10:00 |
| Approx. price range | Private room with 2 meals from ¥13,200 per person |
| Feature | Homely accommodation known for its sea view and quality meals |
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.
Other accommodations in Setoda
In the Setoda area of Ikuchijima, there are several other accommodations ranging from luxury stays to guesthouses. In March 2024, the hostel “Bonapool Rakujoen,” featuring both private rooms and dormitories, opened. Setoda has a wide variety of unique accommodations, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
| Accommodation | Type | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Bed＆Cafe Onzo | Guesthouse | 474-1 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| Minshuku Ryokan Hiyoshi | Guesthouse | 83 Shikatahara, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| SOIL Setoda | Hostel | 254-2 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| yubune | Sento Hotel | 269 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| Azumi Setoda | Resort Ryokan | 269 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
| Bonapool Rakujoen | Hostel | 1-1 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City |
In addition, there are a few accommodations on the outer route (southern side of Ikuchijima), away from the main cycling route. Popular with cyclists, the guesthouse “Chiisana Oyado Waqoo” and the glamping facility “Grandom Setoda Shimanami” are located on this outer course side rather than along the main route.
Accommodations along the Shimanami Kaido
Summary of recommended accommodations
Not only on Omishima, but the Shimanami Kaido area is full of wonderful ryokans, hotels, guesthouses, and minshuku. I have personally compiled my recommended accommodations for Shimanami Kaido cycling on this page. Please refer to it for planning pre- or post-cycling stays along the route.
Accommodations near Imabari station
For cyclists, the area around Imabari Station in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, often serves as a base for Shimanami Kaido trips. We have compiled information on hotels and guesthouses near Imabari Station. As the route has become more popular, new hotels have been opening in Imabari City. Many accommodations now offer services catering to cycling travelers, so check their location and features to help you choose the right place to stay.
Accommodations on Omishima
Like Ikuchijima, Omishima, the neighboring island, is often used as an overnight stop during a two-day Shimanami Kaido cycling trip. With popular sightseeing spots such as Ōyamazumi Shrine, it is a recommended area for cycling accommodations. Omishima also offers a variety of ryokans, guesthouses, and minshuku catering to cyclists, so you can choose based on your preferences.
On this page, I have summarized recommended accommodations on Ikuchijima for Shimanami Kaido cyclists. One of the greatest features of the Shimanami Kaido is that even beginners can enjoy cycling safely. Detailed information about cycling along the Shimanami Kaido is compiled on the following page, so please refer to it for planning your trip.