Q. What is the Shimanami Kaido?

2025/7/19

Q. What is the Shimanami Kaido?

A. The Shimanami Kaido is the nickname for the westernmost bridge route connecting Japan’s main island (Honshu) with Shikoku over the Seto Inland Sea. It starts in Onomichi City (Hiroshima Prefecture) on the Honshu side and ends in Imabari City (Ehime Prefecture) on the Shikoku side, linking several islands together with bridges.

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A Route Connecting Honshu and Shikoku

In the past, the only way to travel between Honshu and Shikoku was by ferry. That changed when the Seto Ohashi Bridge (between Okayama and Kagawa) opened in 1988, followed by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (between Hyogo and Tokushima) in 1998. Finally, in 1999, the Shimanami Kaido – the route between Hiroshima and Ehime – was completed, connecting the two regions by road.

Accessible by Bicycle or On Foot

Like the other two main Honshu-Shikoku routes, the Shimanami Kaido is a toll expressway officially called the Nishi-Seto Expressway. It connects six main islands – Oshima, Hakatajima, and Omishima in Ehime, and Ikuchijima, Innoshima, and Mukaishima in Hiroshima – with a series of bridges. Uniquely, the Shimanami Kaido also allows bicycles, pedestrians, and small motorbikes to cross, unlike the other routes that are open only to cars and trains. This is because the area has many local residents traveling between the islands.

Bridges Linking the Islands

The route is made up of several unique bridges, such as the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, Hakata-Oshima Bridge, Omishima Bridge, Tatara Bridge, Ikuchi Bridge, Innoshima Bridge, Onomichi Bridge, and Shin-Onomichi Bridge. Each bridge has its own design and adds to the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Some were the longest or most advanced bridges in the world at the time they were built. Their beauty and harmony with the surrounding landscape are part of the Shimanami Kaido’s appeal.

A Cycling Paradise

From the start, bicycles were allowed to cross the Shimanami Kaido. Around 2010, the area began promoting itself as a cycling destination, improving its cycling facilities and infrastructure. With the global cycling boom and interest in eco-friendly travel, the Shimanami Kaido became known as a “cycling paradise." Today, cyclists from around the world visit this route, now recognized as one of Japan’s most famous cycling roads.

This page answered the common beginner question: “What is the Shimanami Kaido?" with a simple explanation and a more detailed guide. For other frequently asked questions about cycling the Shimanami Kaido, please visit the FAQ page linked below. We hope this information helps you plan your cycling trip!