Q. How difficult is cycling on the Shimanami Kaido?

2025/7/19

Q. How difficult is the cycling route?

A. If you are a beginner aiming to complete the entire Shimanami Kaido by bicycle, most people succeed by spreading the ride over two days. Travelers of all ages, from children to active seniors, enjoy cycling here. Choosing a shorter distance plan will make the ride much easier.

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Many Beginners Ride Here

Thanks to well-developed rental bike services and support facilities, Shimanami Kaido is very popular with beginner cyclists. You can choose various route plans: from completing the full route between Imabari and Onomichi to just crossing a single bridge for a short ride. Depending on your route, the difficulty level can vary greatly.

Completing in One Day Is Challenging

If you’re a beginner planning to ride the entire Shimanami Kaido using a rental bike, it’s generally recommended to take two days to complete the journey. The shortest main route is 70 to 80 kilometers long, and the bridges and islands have more ups and downs than you might expect. Riding the entire distance in one day can be quite tough, especially on a rental bike. For beginners, a typical daily ride distance is around 40 kilometers plus some optional detours.

Calories Burned (For Reference)

Depending on your body weight and speed, an average beginner woman cycling 40 kilometers burns about 1,600 calories*. This is roughly equivalent to a half-marathon or 10 hours of walking, and nearly the typical daily calorie intake. Compared to walking or running, however, cycling generally feels less physically taxing for the same calories burned.

* Based on a person weighing 50 kg cycling at about 15 km/h.

Easier Options Available

As you can see, completing the entire Shimanami Kaido requires a fair amount of physical effort. It’s important to plan with flexibility, know where you can shorten or end your ride midway if needed, and avoid pushing yourself too hard. The easiest routes include short rides like cycling from Onomichi to Mukaishima or crossing only the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge from Imabari. Using an electric-assist bicycle is also a great way to reduce the difficulty for longer rides.

This page answers the beginner-friendly question: “How difficult is the cycling route?” with a clear overview and helpful details. For more useful Q&A, please visit the FAQ page below. We hope this helps you plan your Shimanami Kaido cycling adventure.