Q. Are there any places to rest along the Shimanami Kaido cycling tour?

2025/7/19

Q. Are there places to take breaks along the route?

A. Yes! All along the Shimanami Kaido, you’ll find rest stops called “Shimanami Cycle Oases.” Local shops, gas stations, roadside stations, and convenience stores volunteer to provide cyclists with places to rest.

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Warm Local Hospitality

One reason for the popularity of the Shimanami Kaido as a cycling route, beyond its scenic beauty and well-maintained course, is the warm hospitality of the local people. Cyclists ride on roads that locals use for their daily life, so it’s natural that at times, island residents might feel that visitors are getting in the way. Even so, many locals kindly welcome cyclists into their communities.

What is the Shimanami Cycle Oasis?

To connect cyclists with local residents, many shops, gas stations, roadside stations, and convenience stores along the route have joined the “Shimanami Cycle Oasis” initiative. These volunteer rest stops offer simple services, such as access to toilets, benches for resting, and places to refill water bottles. Some locations even provide bike pumps and basic tools. This system is well established between Imabari and Onomichi, making it a much-appreciated service for cyclists traveling through rural areas.

Use Them with Care and Respect

As these rest stops are offered on a voluntary basis, their availability and services vary by location. Some may have limited hours, and not every facility offers the same support. Since this is not a commercial service, cyclists should use these places with humility and proper manners to help ensure the system continues. For example, when using a toilet, be sure to politely ask the staff first, rather than assuming you can use it freely.

This initiative, like the Shimanami Rescue support service, was started in 2011 by the NPO CycloTourisme Shimanami based in Imabari. The Shimanami Cycle Oasis is recognized nationally as a successful, community-based effort to support cycling tourism in the region.

This page explained a common beginner question: “Are there places to take breaks along the route?” with a simple answer and a detailed explanation. For more helpful Q&A topics, please visit our FAQ page linked below. We hope this information helps you plan your Shimanami Kaido cycling trip!