Q. What equipment do I need to cycle on the Shimanami Kaido?

2025/7/19

Q. What equipment do I need for cycling?

A. If you’re renting a bicycle, wearing comfortable and easy-to-move-in clothing is enough. Raincoats, drinks, and other supplies can be easily purchased at supermarkets, convenience stores, and home centers (DIY stores) on the islands. Helmets are also provided free of charge when you rent a bike.

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Wear comfortable clothing

If you’re renting a bicycle on the Shimanami Kaido, the only essential thing is to wear comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing. Helmets, which are required by law, are provided free of charge when renting a bike. As for your belongings, it’s best to travel light. You can also send large luggage ahead to your accommodation using delivery services like Sagawa Express or Yamato Transport.

Supplies can be purchased locally

Each island along the Shimanami Kaido has supermarkets, convenience stores, and home centers (DIY stores and home improvement stores are called Home Centers in Japanese), as many people live on these islands. You can easily buy raincoats, snacks, and bottled drinks along the way. By planning to buy what you need as you go, you can keep your baggage to a minimum and travel more comfortably.

Optional but useful items

There are some optional items that can help reduce fatigue. For example, sunglasses are useful on sunny days. Cycling gloves help reduce arm fatigue and can also protect your hands in case of a fall — some people use simple work gloves instead. If you’re concerned about saddle discomfort, you might consider wearing padded cycling shorts or using a saddle cover for extra comfort.

This page provides a simple answer and detailed explanation to one of the frequently asked questions beginners have about cycling the Shimanami Kaido: “What equipment do I need for cycling?” You can find more common Q&A on this page. We hope it helps your Shimanami Kaido cycling planning.