Q. Can I cross the Shimanami Kaido by train (JR or local lines)?

2025/7/19

Q. Can I cross the Shimanami Kaido by train?

A. No, there is no railway route (JR or private railway) across the Shimanami Kaido. To travel between Onomichi or Fukuyama and Imabari, the most common option is by highway or local buses. Some ferry and passenger boat services connecting the islands to Imabari Port or Onomichi Port are also available.

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If Using Trains: A Long Detour via Okayama

The Shimanami Kaido is a bridge route connecting Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. It is the newest of the three routes connecting Honshu and Shikoku, but unlike the Seto Ohashi Bridge route (which has the JR Seto-Ohashi Line), no trains run across the Shimanami Kaido. If you want to travel between JR Imabari Station and JR Onomichi Station by train, you will need to make a long detour via Okayama Station, crossing Honshu and Shikoku over the Seto-Ohashi railway line.

Buses Are the Main Public Transport Option

Because there is no railway along the Shimanami Kaido, highway buses and local buses are the primary public transport options. Both highway buses and local buses run across the islands using the expressway bridges, making them much more convenient than detouring by train. However, since this route crosses the prefectural border between Ehime and Hiroshima, bus services can be a little complicated. Depending on your destination, you’ll need to decide whether to use highway buses or local buses.

Some Ferry Routes Still Operate

Before the bridges were built, ferries were the main way to travel between the islands. While many ferry routes have been discontinued, some passenger boat and ferry routes remain. Especially for cyclists, ferries are useful because they allow you to bring your bike on board without needing to disassemble or bag it. However, ferry routes are now limited, and many operate with only a few trips per day, so checking the schedule in advance is essential.

Note: Currently, there is no direct ferry service between Imabari Port and Onomichi Port. You cannot travel entirely by boat between the two cities.

This page answered the common question: “Can I cross the Shimanami Kaido by train?” with both a simple answer and detailed explanation. For more FAQs, please visit the page below. I hope this helps with your Shimanami Kaido travel planning!