Imabari station cycling terminal: bike rentals & facilities for Shimanami Kaido
This page introduces the i.i.imabari! Cycle Station, the public rental bike terminal located right in front of Imabari Station. It is one of the most common places to rent a bike when starting the Shimanami Kaido cycling route from the Imabari side in Ehime Prefecture.
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.
What is the Shimanami Kaido?
A cycling adventure for beginners
The Shimanami Kaido is known as a paradise for cyclists. It connects several islands with impressive bridges, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable island-hopping adventure. The route is maintained to a global standard, so everyone from experienced road bike or MTB riders to complete beginners attempting long-distance cycling for the first time can enjoy the journey safely and comfortably.
![[Illustration] Shimanami Kaido Cycling: Three routes connecting Honshu and Shikoku Honshu-Shikoku Bridge](https://touring-shimanami.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/locationofshimanami.png)
The public rental bike service along the Shimanami Kaido is operated jointly by the cities of Imabari in Ehime and Onomichi in Hiroshima. Rental terminals are located on each island, making one-way cycling very convenient. You can start from either Imabari or Onomichi, but on my website I recommend the two-day route starting from Imabari.
- Renting a bike on the Ehime side of the Shimanami Kaido
- Facilities at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal
- How to rent a bike and send your luggage
Starting from Imabari, Ehime Prefecture
If you plan to start from Imabari and use the public Shimanami rental bikes, you can choose between two terminals: the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal and Sunrise Itoyama. As the name suggests, the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal is located right in front of JR Yosan Line Imabari Station, while Sunrise Itoyama sits at the foot of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the most iconic bridge on the Shimanami Kaido.
Because of its convenient location right in front of the station, more and more travelers are choosing to rent a bike at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal and challenge the full Shimanami Kaido route. Even if you don’t normally ride a bicycle, you can still enjoy a great cycling trip as long as you gather the necessary information in advance and plan a schedule that matches your pace. On this page, I introduce the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal in detail.
*Due to space limitations, the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal is sometimes written as “Imabari Station CT” on this page.
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Where to find Imabari Station CT
Just to the left after exiting the east gate
Imabari Station on the JR Yosan Line is the largest station in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, and it has two exits: East and West. The Shimanami Kaido rental bikes are available at the cycling station located on the East Exit side. This rental terminal is officially called the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal (also known as the i.i.imabari! Cycle Station).
After passing through the ticket gate, the exit on the left side is the East Exit. Once you step outside, turn left. You will see a station cafeteria, an ATM and vending machines, the Giant Store Imabari, and a taxi stand. The Imabari Station Cycling Terminal is located about 50 meters further in the same direction.
This is what the view looks like when you exit the East Exit and turn left. Beyond the taxi area, you can see a single-story building with a wooden deck–style open space. That is the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal. The tall building in the back is the JR Clement Inn Imabari.
How to get from Imabari Station to the cycling terminal (Video)
I recorded a short video showing the route from the East Exit of Imabari Station to the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal. The access is very simple and easy to follow.
| Rental Bicycle | Imabari Station Cycling Terminal |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-77-8 Kitahoraicho, Imabari City, Ehime |
| Phone | 0898-34-3190 |
| Reservation | 0848-22-3911 (Shimanami Japan) |
| Business Hours | 8:00–20:00 Open until 18:00 from December to February |
| Closed | Open daily |
Originally, there was a small temporary rental terminal near the station called the Imabari Station Temporary Rental Cycle Terminal. However, due to the increasing demand from cyclists starting their trips from Imabari Station, this new terminal was opened on July 20, 2020. It also includes a tourist information counter and a community space, making it a major hub on the Imabari side of the Shimanami Kaido.
The rental bike services that used to be located at the Imabari Port Minato Exchange Center and Imabari City Hall have also been consolidated into this terminal, further strengthening Imabari Station as the main cycling base.
Giant Store Imabari
The shop right next to the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal is the Giant Store Imabari. Because you can see many bicycles lined up outside, it’s easy to mistakenly think this is the public rental service. However, this shop is not part of the public rental system. Giant Store Imabari also offers high-quality road bikes and e-bikes for rent, but this is a completely separate private service.
Public rental bikes sometimes receive negative feedback online regarding customer service and bike quality. I often hear similar comments from visitors on-site as well. If you are concerned about these issues, private rental options such as Giant Store Imabari can be a good alternative. If factors like one-way rental and budget fit your plan, I can recommend considering this option too.
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Functions of Imabari Station CT
The Imabari Station Cycling Terminal is one of the ten rental terminals that make up the public rental bike system “Shimanami Rental Cycle,” operated jointly across the Shimanami Kaido area in Imabari, Ehime and Onomichi, Hiroshima. For this reason, the terminal is managed by “Shimanami Japan,” the organization in charge of the public rental service.
Rental bicycles
The rental counter is located in the glass-walled building on the right side of the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal. There is a staffed reception desk, and during business hours, someone is always available to assist you. Whether you have a reservation or not, rentals begin on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8:00 a.m.
At the counter, you will fill out a form with your name, address, phone number, and other necessary details, and show an ID such as your driver’s license. At this time, you will also inform the staff of the rental period and the terminal where you plan to return the bike. If you need to extend your rental or change your return location, call 0848-22-3911 (Shimanami Japan). Please note that there are no refunds if you return the bike earlier than planned, so keep this in mind when deciding your rental period.
After submitting the paperwork, you will pay the rental fee in cash. Since September 2023, credit cards and various digital payment options have also been accepted, so several payment methods are available. There was also a sign indicating that, for groups, only one representative should complete the procedures at the counter. If you want to use services such as luggage storage, it’s best to request them at this time as well. After the paperwork is done, you will be guided to the bicycle area behind the counter, where the staff will help adjust your bike and show you how to use it.
The public rental service “Shimanami Rental Cycle” offers a wide variety of bicycles. At the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal, the available options include city bikes, cross bikes, electric-assist bicycles, and E-bikes.
If you want to rent a tandem bike or a children’s bicycle, you’ll need to go to the main rental terminal Sunrise Itoyama instead of this location.
Tourist information center
The Imabari Station Cycling Terminal also includes the tourist information office, the “Imabari Station Tourist Information Center.” The glass-walled building on the left side is the information center.
Here, you can get information about the Shimanami Kaido cycling route as well as sightseeing information for the Imabari area.
Staff are on-site from 8:00 to 19:00 while the center is open. They also provide information in English for international visitors. The Shimanami Kaido has truly become an international destination.
Before the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal was built, the tourist information center was located inside Imabari Station, where the Seven-Eleven kiosk is now. It was moved to the current location after the cycling terminal opened.
The center offers free Wi-Fi, complimentary phone charging stations, and plenty of free sightseeing brochures. There are also benches and a large screen showing local travel information, making it a stylish and convenient space for visitors.
| Tourist Information Center | Imabari Station Tourist Information Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-77-8 Kitahoraicho, Imabari City, Ehime |
| Phone | 0898-36-1118 |
| Hours | 8:00–19:00 |
| Closed | Open daily |
| Services | Free Wi-Fi, phone charging, sightseeing brochures |
Community space
The Imabari Station Cycling Terminal is designed to include a community space where travelers, cyclists, and local residents can relax. This area includes the tourist information center and a wood-decked plaza.
This area is frequented by travelers gathering information, cyclists renting bikes to start their Shimanami Kaido journey, and cyclists bringing their own bikes via JR trains. On some days, live music events are also held here.
In the center of the plaza, there are large wooden tables and chairs where you can spread out maps and plan your cycling route. It’s also a nice spot to enjoy a packed lunch while taking a break.
Bicycle assembly space
At the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal, there is a designated bicycle assembly space with several road bike racks. Cyclists who have transported their own bikes via JR trains (in bike bags) can assemble their bicycles here.
Previously, there was an assembly area just outside the east exit of Imabari Station, but it has been moved to the cycling terminal after its completion. The former area is no longer available for assembling bicycles, so be sure to use the space at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal.
As with Onomichi Station, it’s very convenient that stations along the Shimanami Kaido provide proper bicycle assembly spaces. Many other locations require you to assemble your bike in a corner, being careful not to block people or attract attention, so this setup is much more user-friendly.
You can borrow bicycle air pumps and tools if needed. Properly inflating your tires before departure helps prevent trouble during your Shimanami Kaido ride. Similar equipment is also available at other rental terminals and at “Cycle Oasis" rest spots supported by volunteers along the route.
| Maintenance Area | Bicycle Assembly Space |
|---|---|
| Usage Fee | Free |
| Other Services | Air pump and tools available for free |
Bicycle wash area
Near the bicycle assembly space, there is a designated bicycle wash area. No detergents are provided, but you can rinse off dirt and mud from your bike using tap water after your ride.
Usage is free. This service is convenient for cleaning your bike before checking into your accommodation or before disassembling it into a bike bag after finishing the Shimanami Kaido ride. There is no machine to dry the bike, so it’s a good idea to bring a towel or cloth that can get dirty.
Showers and changing rooms
Fortunately, the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal provides showers and changing rooms for rental bike users and cyclists. You can use them by registering at the rental counter, and the fee is 200 yen for up to 30 minutes.
Having a place to shower and change before heading home or moving to your next sightseeing destination by public transport is really convenient. If you want a proper bath, I recommend visiting the nearby super-sento spa, “Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu," near the west exit of Imabari Station.
| Refresh Area | Showers & Changing Rooms |
|---|---|
| Usage Fee | 30 minutes – 200 yen |
| Who Can Use | Rental bike users or cyclists |
It’s great to have a place to shower and change after cycling!
Public restrooms
The Imabari Station Cycling Terminal also has public restrooms available 24 hours a day. The old public toilets that were in front of the East Station Parking Lot No. 1 have been removed and consolidated here. It’s really convenient to have clean, well-maintained separate restrooms for men and women, as well as a multi-purpose toilet, always available.
Of course, these restrooms are available to everyone, not just rental bike users. Since such nice public restrooms have been provided, I hope everyone will use them responsibly and keep them clean.
After the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal closes at 20:00, the wood deck area is locked with a chain, but the public restrooms can still be accessed through the side entrance.
On the wall in front of the public restrooms, the logo of i.i.imabari!—part of Imabari City’s branding campaign—is displayed. This has become a popular photo spot for cyclists before starting their ride. The i.i.imabari! branding project is comprehensively supervised by creative director Kashiwa Sato.
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How to rent a bicycle
Rental fees and deposit
The rental fees for cross bikes and city cycles at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal are the same. It costs 3,000 yen per bike per day. Previously, there was a deposit system for drop-off at different terminals, but this was abolished in September 2023. Now, no matter where you rent and return the bike, the fee is the same for all terminals.
| Bicycle Type at Imabari Station CT | Rental Fee (JPY) | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Cross Bike / City Cycle | 3,000 | Return at any terminal |
| Electric Assist Bike | 4,000 | Return at any terminal |
| E-Bike | 8,000 | Return at any terminal |
If you want to rent an electric assist bike, tandem bike, or a children’s bike, you need to go to the central rental terminal, Sunrise Itoyama, where fees and return conditions may differ. Helmets are provided for free with all bike rentals, and it’s important for safety to wear them while riding.
How to use one-way rentals
The public rental service, “Shimanami Rental Cycle," has 10 terminals between Imabari and Onomichi. Bicycles rented at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal can be returned at any terminal along the route. When renting, be sure to inform the staff of your planned return date and terminal.
The ship and bus icons on the map indicate that the terminal is close to a ferry port or bus stop. If you plan a one-way cycling trip, make sure to check the available public transport routes for after you return the bicycle, as some terminals are located in areas with limited transport options.
Recommended return locations
Here is a summary of rental bike terminals that are convenient for travel after returning your bicycle.
The most common return location for those who rent at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal is the Onomichi Station Rental Cycle Terminal. For beginners, we recommend taking two days to complete the full Shimanami Kaido route. This terminal is within walking distance of Onomichi city center, Onomichi Station, and the bus terminal, making post-ride travel very convenient.
If you don’t plan to cycle the entire route, you can return your bike at other terminals such as Hakata Terminal on Hakata Island, Kamoura Terminal on Omishima, Setoda Tourist Information Center on Ikuchijima, or Habu Port on Innoshima. Each terminal has different opening hours, so be sure to check the return times in advance.
| Terminal | Facility | Hours | Address | Phone | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onomichi Station Rental Cycle Terminal | Onomichi Station Building | 8:00–19:00 [Dec–Feb] 8:00–18:00 | 1-10 Higashigosho-cho, Onomichi | – | Onomichi Station bus stop, Onomichi Station, Onomichi Port |
| Habu Port | City Central Parking | 8:30–19:00 [Dec–Feb] until 18:00 | 1899-31 Habu-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi | 0845-22-3362 | Habu Port bus stop, Habu Port |
| Setoda Tourist Information Center | 9:00–17:00 | 200-5 Sawa, Setoda-cho, Onomichi | 0845-27-0051 | Setoda Port | |
| Kamoura Rental Cycle Terminal | Michi-no-Eki Tatara Shimanami Park | 9:00–17:00 | 9180-2 Iguchi, Kamoura-cho, Imabari | 0897-87-3855 | Omishima BS bus stop |
| Hakata Rental Cycle Terminal | Michi-no-Eki Hakata SC Park | 9:00–17:00 | 1668-1 Kanaura, Hakata-cho, Imabari | 0897-72-0018 | Hakata Island BS bus stop |
Check the rental bike terminals in advance for convenient transfers! This is useful info in case you need to cut your ride short.
How to reserve and contact
Currently, the public Shimanami rental bike system, “Shimanami Rental Cycle", is managed and operated centrally by the Shimanami Japan General Incorporated Association for both Hiroshima and Ehime terminals. Previously, each terminal was managed by separate organizations. With a single reservation desk, the process has become much easier to understand.
URL: https://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/
You can also make rental bike reservations through the Shimanami Japan website. Even if you want to reserve a bike at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal, Shimanami Japan serves as the reservation desk.
However, during peak seasons, there are some days when reservations are not accepted at all, and in such cases, bikes are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy periods like Golden Week, nearly all of the 2,000 bikes may be rented out. If you plan to rent a bike without a reservation during busy periods, it is recommended to arrive early before the opening time.
| Rental Reservation Desk | Shimanami Japan |
|---|---|
| Address | 3F, Imabari Civic Hall, 1-4-1 Betsugu-cho, Imabari City |
| Rental Inquiry Phone | 0848-22-3911 |
Exploring Imabari City
The rental bikes at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal are convenient not only for Shimanami Kaido cycling but also for exploring Imabari City itself. Known for shipbuilding and towel production, Imabari may not be a famous tourist destination, but it has a number of interesting spots worth visiting.
Some visitors even rent these bikes to visit six of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage sites within Imabari in a single day. This shows that rental bikes can be used in a variety of ways beyond just cycling along the Shimanami Kaido.
Golden week & busy periods
As mentioned earlier, during peak periods like Golden Week, there are some days when advance reservations are not accepted. On such days, bikes are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. There are nearly 2,000 rental bikes across the Shimanami Rental Cycle network, and all of them can be rented out quickly. If you plan to rent a bike during busy periods without a reservation, it’s best to arrive before the opening time.
You’ll often see that most of the rental bikes at Imabari Station Cycling Terminal are already gone during Golden Week. The terminal opens at 8:00 AM for first-come, first-served rentals, but travelers often start lining up around 7:00 AM.
Electric, kids & tandem bikes
Electric-assist bicycles, E-bikes, kids’ bikes, and tandem bicycles are not available at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal, which mainly provides city bikes and cross bikes.
※From February 2025, electric-assist bicycles and E-bikes have also started to be available at Imabari Station.
If you want to rent a type of bike other than a city bike or cross bike, head to the central rental terminal Sunrise Itoyama, about 6 km from here.
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Other services at Imabari Station CT
The Imabari Station Cycling Terminal also offers several convenient services.
Baggage storage service
Visitors renting bicycles at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal can use the temporary baggage storage service for 500 yen per day. Complete the procedure at the rental counter. Note that baggage can only be dropped off or picked up during terminal operating hours. Alternatively, coin lockers are also available at Imabari Station for those whose schedules do not match the terminal hours.
Luggage delivery service
![[Illustration] Luggage Delivery & Lockers: Deliver your luggage to Onomichi the same day while cycling the Shimanami Kaido](https://touring-shimanami.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/luggageshipping-e.png)
The Imabari Station Cycling Terminal also serves as a shipping and pickup point for Sagawa Express’s same-day luggage delivery service “Shimanami Tebura Cycling". Shipping is available from 8:00–10:00 and is limited to rental bike users and cyclists. For luggage pickup at the terminal, the available time is 18:00–20:00.
Always check the official Sagawa Express website for the latest information on service conditions before using the luggage delivery service.
For those cycling across the Shimanami Kaido over two days, or who do not need to send luggage to Onomichi on the same day, alternative options include taking your luggage to the Yamato Transport Imabari Delivery Center, a local post office, or using delivery services from your accommodation to send your belongings.
After-hours bike return service
Although this service is for limited cases, if you are unable to return your rental bike to the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal during business hours due to unforeseen circumstances, there is a designated spot for after-hours returns. Located behind the terminal, follow the instructions on the sign to return your bike between 20:00–24:00.
Previously, after-hours bike returns were handled at Imabari City Hall, but this service has been discontinued. The 24-hour drop-off point at Imabari Port has also been removed, and all after-hours returns are now consolidated at this Imabari Station Cycling Terminal spot. If your itinerary starts in Onomichi and ends in Imabari, knowing this provides peace of mind.
This page has summarized the bike rental options and other facilities and services at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal, which is frequently used for Shimanami Kaido cycling. One of the biggest advantages of the Shimanami Kaido is that even beginners can enjoy cycling with peace of mind. For more detailed information on cycling the Shimanami Kaido, please refer to the following page.