Is Shimanami Kaido Really That Tough? A Practical Guide for First-Time Cyclists

Wondering if Shimanami Kaido is too tough for you? We analyze real feedback from cyclists about steep slopes and long distances. Learn local tips on route selection, E-bikes, and ferry options to enjoy your journey at your own pace without overdoing it.

Is the Shimanami Kaido Tough?

On my website, I often say that even beginners can successfully ride the Shimanami Kaido if they prepare properly and choose information that matches their level. Still, many people may wonder, “Is it really not that hard?” It’s completely natural to feel unsure.

The Shimanami Kaido is one of the bridge routes connecting Japan’s main island of Honshu and the island of Shikoku, linking Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture. The route stretches across several islands, offering calm and beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea. Over the years, the cycling environment has gradually improved: a blue painted line on the road (known as the “Blue Line”) guides cyclists along the official route, and the flexible rental bike system makes it easy to start and finish in different locations. Thanks to these features, more and more people are choosing the Shimanami Kaido as their first long-distance cycling challenge.

In this article, based on real stories and feedback I’ve received from readers, I’d like to take a closer look at the common comment that “the Shimanami Kaido is tough.” By understanding where that impression comes from, I hope to ease your concerns and help you imagine a cycling journey through the Seto Inland Sea that suits you perfectly.

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What “Shimanami Kaido Is Tough” Really Means

The Gap Between Expectations and Reality

On my website, I receive many comments from people who have cycled the Shimanami Kaido. There are plenty of positive and heartwarming messages, such as “The views of the Seto Inland Sea were amazing” or “Even as a beginner, I was able to complete the route.” At the same time, however, there are also quite a few negative impressions.

For example:

• The climbs up to the bridges were longer than I expected
• I ran out of energy on Oshima and at the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge toward the end
• The final stretch into central Imabari felt longer than I thought

These are some of the specific struggles people have shared. From Imabari Station to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is about 6 km (around 3.7 miles), which takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes by bike. If you thought crossing the bridge meant you had already reached the finish, having to ride that additional distance afterward can feel physically and mentally demanding.

I feel that this sense of “it was tough” often comes from the gap between the difficulty people imagine beforehand and what they actually experience on the road. Of course, individual factors such as cycling experience and overall fitness level also play a significant role. To truly enjoy the beautiful scenery with some mental and physical margin, gathering accurate information in advance is extremely important.

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Causes and Solutions Based on Real Experiences

How to Handle Fatigue from the Ups and Downs in the Second Half

Among the feedback I receive, one common comment is:

• I started from Onomichi, but the Miyakubo Pass on Oshima and the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge at the end were really tough.

That’s very understandable. After riding a long distance and building up fatigue, climbing a pass that rises to around 70 meters (230 feet) above sea level and then crossing a 4 km (2.5 mile) bridge by bike can feel quite demanding.

When riding the Shimanami Kaido for the first time on a rental bike, I personally feel that starting from Imabari is easier. You can tackle the hillier sections while you still have more energy, and there are often favorable tailwinds when heading toward Onomichi. Simply choosing whether to start from the Shikoku side or the Honshu side can make a noticeable difference in how tough the ride feels.

The Gap Behind the Image of a “Flat Seaside Route”

I also often see comments such as:

• I thought the Shimanami Kaido would be flat because it runs along the sea.
• The repeated climbs to each bridge drained my energy little by little, like body blows.

In reality, each time you cross one of the many bridges along the Shimanami Kaido, you need to climb from sea level to about 60 meters (around 200 feet) above it. The approach slopes to the bridges are gradual, so there’s no need to rush—just take your time and climb at a comfortable pace. The moment you reach the top and the Seto Inland Sea suddenly opens up before you, that breathtaking view will likely help you forget your fatigue, even if only for a little while.

However, because the gradient is gentle, the climbs tend to be long, and fatigue gradually builds up in your legs. Simply knowing in advance that there will be repeated ups and downs can make a big difference—you’ll be mentally prepared for what’s coming.

When climbing, try shifting into a lighter gear early and spin the pedals smoothly at a steady cadence. It usually feels easier that way. Rather than pushing yourself until you’re out of breath, the key to completing a long ride is to move at your own pace and enjoy the scenery along the way.

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Sections That Can Truly Feel Tough for Beginners

The Hidden Challenges of Advanced Routes and Famous Viewpoints

One of the greatest attractions of the Shimanami Kaido is, without a doubt, the beautiful scenery unique to the Seto Inland Sea—calm waters dotted with many small islands. The route options are diverse, ranging from the shortest main route to full coastal loops around individual islands. Depending on your fitness level and interests, you can design your ride with a great deal of flexibility.

However, precisely because there is so much freedom, beginners may unknowingly choose routes that are quite demanding. For example, the east coast route on Oshima and the northwest coast route on Innoshima are known for their frequent and steep ups and downs, making them more suitable for experienced riders. In addition, popular scenic spots such as Kirosan Observatory—famous for its spectacular views—require a very steep climb to reach the top. For beginners, that ascent can feel especially challenging.

If you plan to include one of these “uphill spots” in your itinerary, it’s important to allow plenty of time and leave room in your schedule and energy level. When it feels too tough, there’s no need to keep pedaling at all costs—getting off your bike and walking uphill slowly is also a perfectly valid choice. The view waiting for you at the top, after making the climb, will likely become one of your most unforgettable memories.

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Ease the Difficulty! Tips for Riding at a Comfortable Pace

Flexible Planning and Making Use of Rental Bicycles

Above all, thorough preparation is essential to make your first cycling trip enjoyable, comfortable, and safe. If you’re unsure about your itinerary or your physical stamina, I recommend using the public rental bike system, which offers a high level of flexibility for returning bicycles. With public rental bikes, you can drop the bike off at a different terminal, making one-way cycling possible.

When planning your trip, don’t just prepare an ideal “Plan A.” It’s also wise to have an easier “Plan B” in case you feel more tired than expected or the weather takes a turn for the worse.

If you’re a beginner, aim for a daily distance of around 30–40 km and avoid routes designed for advanced riders. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and make detours to try delicious local food along the way. Cycling trips are often described as journeys where the road itself is part of the experience. Rather than competing for speed, it’s important to appreciate the unique atmosphere of the region.

Have an Escape Route (An Option to Call It a Day)

Once you start riding, if you find yourself thinking, “This is too tough,” there’s absolutely no need to insist on completing the entire route. One of the great advantages of the Shimanami Kaido is that if you want to stop cycling midway—due to fatigue, weather, or any other reason—you can return your rental bike on one of the islands and continue your journey by public transportation such as bus or ferry.

If you research in advance where you can return your bike and where you can catch a ferry or bus, you’ll feel much more at ease. Knowing the convenient points for stopping midway allows you to enjoy your ride with a flexible mindset—“Let’s just go as far as we can.”

It’s perfectly fine to think, “I’ll try the parts I couldn’t ride this time on my next visit.” The best places to stop midway depend on where you’d like to go after returning your bike. I’ve summarized the options on this webpage, so please take a look for reference.

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Choosing an Electric-Assist Bicycle

A Reliable Ally to Ease Concerns About Stamina

If you’re not confident in your physical strength or feel anxious about hills, it’s well worth considering renting an electric-assist bicycle. With motorized support, especially when climbing, the level of ease is completely different from pedaling solely under your own power. The sensation of smoothly riding uphill while feeling the breeze can significantly lower the barrier to enjoying a cycling trip.

However, if you plan to use one for a long-distance ride, a little caution is necessary. On flat roads, for example, set the assist mode to “low” to prevent the battery from running out midway. Because the bike itself is heavier, if the battery dies, continuing your ride can become quite challenging. That’s why it’s important to use the assist thoughtfully. When used wisely, an e-bike can be a wonderful partner that eases concerns about stamina.

Once your trip to the Shimanami Kaido is decided, try incorporating a little cycling into your daily routine or walking an extra station or two as light exercise. Building a bit of stamina in advance may make your journey on the day itself even more enjoyable and fulfilling.

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The Shimanami Kaido Can Be Easier

Whether the Shimanami Kaido feels “tough” or not isn’t determined by physical strength alone. Gathering information in advance, choosing the right route, setting a reasonable distance, and planning your starting point—just a bit of preparation can greatly change your experience. Rather than focusing on speed or total distance, I hope you’ll enjoy your journey through the Setouchi region at your own pace, taking in the changing island scenery and the gentle sea breeze along the way.

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On this webpage, I have explored the topic, “Is the Shimanami Kaido tough?” in detail. One of the greatest features of the Shimanami Kaido is that even beginners can enjoy cycling with confidence. For more detailed information about cycling the Shimanami Kaido, please refer to the page below.