About This Website & the Author

2025/6/16

Author profile

From “I Want to Travel” to “Bicycle Touring”

Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved going outside and visiting new places. But discovering that I could actually travel by bicycle completely changed my world. Until then, I had only used a bike for commuting to school or running errands. Realizing that I could go surprisingly far on a bicycle was a game-changer!

Starting with short local rides, I gradually expanded my range, eventually cycling all over Japan. These days, I spend my weekends enjoying rides around the Shimanami Kaido area, continuing to explore and share the beauty of bicycle travel.

The concept of this website

Sharing the Joy of Slow Cycling and Local Discovery

This website is dedicated to promoting the beauty of slow cycling—a way of traveling that doesn’t focus on speed or distance, but rather on savoring each moment at a bicycle’s gentle pace. Unlike traveling by train, car, or bus, cycling engages all five senses, allowing you to truly connect with the landscapes and communities you pass through. It’s a deeply immersive way to experience a region, one pedal stroke at a time.

Introducing the Joy of Cycling the Shimanami Kaido

If I had to describe the Shimanami Kaido in one phrase, I’d say: Japan’s warmest cycling road. Sure, the climate is mild—but more than that, there’s a heartfelt warmth here. The route feels hand-crafted with care, and the local islanders genuinely welcome cyclists. There’s a special joy in exchanging a simple “hello” with fellow travelers and locals alike. Of course, the scenery is stunning—but it’s the kindness and openness along the way that make me truly love this place.

Helping Beginners Enjoy a Safe, Relaxed, and Fun Cycling Trip

“I’m curious about bicycle travel, but I’m not sure I can do it…”
“Can I really ride that far?”
“Can I handle a solo trip in an unfamiliar place?”
If you’ve ever had these thoughts, this website is especially for you.

The Shimanami Kaido is the perfect destination for beginners. It offers one of the best cycling infrastructures in Japan—and it keeps getting better. This welcoming environment makes it easy and enjoyable for first-time cyclists to experience the thrill of a bike journey safely and comfortably.

I created this website to share helpful, beginner-friendly information about cycling the Shimanami Kaido—because I hope more people will discover the joy of bike travel and say, “I got hooked on cycling after riding the Shimanami Kaido.”

The principle of this website

Commitment to Originality

Unless otherwise noted, all photos used on this website—excluding royalty-free stock images and illustrations—were taken by the author, Yuki Kawai, who retains the copyright to them. When using royalty-free materials, I always follow the usage guidelines provided by the respective websites.

When screenshots, books, or reference materials are quoted, the source is clearly indicated, and the content is explicitly marked as a citation. Any maps or diagrams that are not free to use or cite are personally created by the author using Adobe Illustrator, ensuring originality and accuracy throughout the site.

Content Selection and Featured Listings

All shops and products featured within the content are personally recommended based on my own experiences. I do not accept sponsorships, promotional placement, or product listings from businesses or individuals. Please note that I do not accept requests to feature specific stores, services, or items on this website.

If you find any factual errors or concerns regarding content that may be inappropriate to publish, I kindly ask that you contact me through the inquiry form.

For details on our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer, please refer to [this page].