Public Transport Access to the Shimanami Kaido from Major Cities like Tokyo and Osaka

2025/7/11

How can you reach the Shimanami Kaido from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka using public transportation? Whether by train, highway bus, or airplane, there are various ways to access the start points of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route—JR Onomichi Station in Hiroshima Prefecture or JR Imabari Station in Ehime Prefecture.

Starting point of Shimanami Kaido

Where Do Cyclists Begin Their Ride?

The Shimanami Kaido is a world-class cycling route that spans around 70 to 80 km, connecting islands between Imabari in Ehime Prefecture and Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture across the Seto Inland Sea.

Each of the six bridges that make up the Shimanami Kaido features dedicated cycling and pedestrian paths that run alongside the expressway, connected by approach roads. You can enjoy cycling while combining these with local roads.

The Shimanami Kaido runs across the Seto Inland Sea, so your start point will depend on your travel direction—whether you’re heading from Honshu to Shikoku or vice versa. In other words, you can start your ride from either Onomichi in Hiroshima or Imabari in Ehime.

The main gateway stations for the Shimanami Kaido are JR Onomichi Station on the Sanyo Main Line in Onomichi and JR Imabari Station on the Yosan Line in Imabari. Both stations have rental bike terminals nearby, and the Blue Line—the recommended cycling route—is marked from areas close to the stations.

JR Onomichi Station

This is a station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, designated as station number JR-X18. It is located closer to the city center and Onomichi Port than Shin-Onomichi Station (a Shinkansen stop), making it the preferred gateway for both cycling and sightseeing. Facilities include a 7-Eleven, souvenir shops, and a hotel.

JR Imabari Station

This is a station on the JR Yosan Line, designated as station number Y40. It is a major hub in northern Ehime Prefecture and all limited express trains, including the “Shiokaze” and “Ishizuchi,” stop here. Most city buses start from this station, and there is a cycling terminal right in front. Facilities include a 7-Eleven, bakery, cafeteria, and a Giant bicycle store.

Which Starting Point Should You Choose?

Signage, Blue Line route markings, and dedicated paths along the Shimanami Kaido are set up for riders starting from either Onomichi or Imabari. Both directions are fully supported, so you can enjoy your ride no matter where you begin. However, starting from Imabari and heading north is said to reduce the chance of facing strong headwinds.

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Access from Tokyo

From Tokyo to JR Imabari Station

This illustration summarizes the public transportation options from the Tokyo area to JR Imabari Station, the starting point on the Shikoku (Ehime) side of the Shimanami Kaido. The striped lines indicate JR train routes, showing the fastest options using Shinkansen and limited express trains. Solid lines indicate bus routes, and dotted lines represent air travel. Transfer and waiting times are not included.

Fastest Option: Tokyo to Imabari

The fastest route is to fly from Haneda Airport to Matsuyama Airport, then take the Matsuyama Airport Limousine Bus and a limited express train (“Shiokaze" or “Ishizuchi") on the JR Yosan Line to Imabari Station. There is also a reservation-only airport limousine service called Izumi Kanko that goes directly from Matsuyama Airport to Imabari Station.

Land Route: Tokyo to Imabari

For an overland route, the fastest way is to transfer at Okayama Station from the Shinkansen to the JR Yosan Line limited express “Shiokaze". Since the Seto Ohashi Bridge is the only rail connection between Honshu and Shikoku, you’ll need to transfer at Okayama. This route is highly recommended for those using the Japan Rail Pass. Another option is the overnight highway bus “Pirates-go," which travels directly to Imabari. Since it travels overnight, it’s a time-efficient option. The arrival time is also close to when the Imabari Cycling Terminal opens.

For a Scenic Journey: Sunrise Seto Sleeper Train

Another scenic rail option is the sleeper train “Sunrise Seto," which runs from Tokyo Station to Sakaide Station. From there, you can transfer to a limited express train on the JR Yosan Line to reach Imabari. It’s a romantic and unique way to visit Shikoku, though the tickets are very popular and can be difficult to obtain.

Bringing Your Own Bicycle: Tokyo to Imabari

You can bring a bicycle on the JR Shinkansen and Yosan Line for free if it’s packed in a bike bag. If you’re flying to Matsuyama Airport with your bike, keep in mind that space on the limousine bus to Matsuyama Station may be limited due to other passengers’ luggage. One alternative is to assemble your bike at the airport and begin your cycling journey from there. On weekends and holidays, there are also some trains between Matsuyama and Imabari that operate as “Cycle Trains," allowing bikes onboard without disassembly.

From Tokyo to JR Onomichi Station

This illustration shows the public transportation options from the Tokyo area to JR Onomichi Station, the starting point on the Honshu (Hiroshima) side of the Shimanami Kaido. Striped lines represent JR train routes, showing the shortest travel times using Shinkansen and limited express trains. Solid lines indicate bus routes, and dotted lines represent flights. Waiting times are not included.

Fastest Option: Tokyo to Onomichi

If you don’t factor in transfer or waiting times, the fastest way is to fly from Haneda Airport to Hiroshima Airport, then take a local bus to JR Mihara Station and transfer to the JR Sanyo Main Line to reach Onomichi Station. However, Hiroshima Airport is not the most conveniently located. Depending on the time of day, there are several possible transfer routes from the airport to Onomichi Station.

Land Route: Tokyo to Onomichi

By land, the fastest and simplest route is to take the Shinkansen to JR Fukuyama Station and transfer to the JR Sanyo Main Line. Although Shin-Onomichi Station is technically closer, it only serves the slower “Kodama” trains and is far from the port area and rental bike terminals. Because Hiroshima Airport is somewhat inconvenient, traveling entirely by train—via Fukuyama—is often recommended. For a direct, no-transfer option, the overnight highway bus “Etoile Seto” runs straight to Onomichi. It’s a time-efficient option that arrives in the morning, just around the time the Onomichi Port Rental Cycle Terminal opens.

Bringing Your Own Bicycle: Tokyo to Onomichi

If you’re bringing your own bike, you can take it on JR trains for free as long as it is disassembled and packed in a bike bag. However, buses from Hiroshima Airport to Onomichi Station generally cannot accommodate bicycles, even if packed. The distance from Hiroshima Airport to Onomichi Station is about 31 km. If you’re traveling one-way and don’t mind a downhill ride, one option is to assemble your bike at the airport and ride directly to Onomichi. There are designated bike assembly areas at both Hiroshima Airport and Onomichi Station.

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Access from Osaka

From Osaka to JR Imabari Station

This illustration shows the public transportation options from the Kansai region (around Osaka) to JR Imabari Station, the starting point on the Shikoku (Ehime) side of the Shimanami Kaido. Striped lines represent JR train routes, showing the shortest travel times using Shinkansen and limited express trains. Solid lines indicate buses, dotted lines represent flights, and wavy lines indicate ferry routes. Waiting times are not included.

Fastest Option: Osaka to Imabari

Considering the location of Itami Airport and transfer times, the fastest option is to take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station and then transfer to the limited express “Shiokaze” on the JR Yosan Line to reach Imabari. All types of Shinkansen trains—from Kodama to Nozomi—stop at Okayama Station, making it very convenient. Since there are no railway connections along the Shimanami Kaido or through Awaji Island, the Seto Ohashi Bridge between Okayama and Kagawa is the only railway route into Shikoku.

Cheapest Option: Osaka to Imabari

The cheapest way to get from Osaka to Imabari is by highway bus. From Umeda (HERBIS Osaka), the “Ishizuchi Liner” operates both daytime and overnight buses to Imabari. With relatively frequent departures, this bus is also commonly used by local residents traveling between Ehime and the Kansai area. While the overnight bus may arrive a bit earlier than ideal, it allows you to travel efficiently the night before your cycling trip begins.

For a Scenic Journey: Orange Ferry

Personally, I find taking the ferry to be one of the most scenic and memorable ways to reach the Shimanami Kaido. The “Orange Ferry” operates nightly between Osaka Nanko and Toyo Port, which is about 25 km from Imabari. Since 2018, new ships have been in service, and all rooms are private, making for a comfortable ride. Bicycles can be brought on board without disassembly, making this a popular option among cyclists traveling from the Kansai region. Like the overnight bus, the ferry allows you to travel while you sleep. A free shuttle bus from Toyo Port to Imabari Station is also available, making this route highly convenient.

Bringing Your Own Bicycle: Osaka to Imabari

If you’re bringing your own bike to the Shimanami Kaido, the ferry is a convenient option because you don’t need to disassemble your bike. However, if you take the Orange Ferry from Osaka Nanko to Toyo Port, note that the port is about 25 km from Imabari Station. The nearest JR station to Toyo Port is Nyugawa Station, which is about 5 km away. A free shuttle bus runs from Toyo Port to Nyugawa Station, and bicycles can be brought on board if disassembled and packed in a bike bag.

From Osaka to JR Onomichi Station

This illustration shows the public transportation options from the Kansai region (around Osaka) to JR Onomichi Station, the starting point on the Honshu (Hiroshima) side of the Shimanami Kaido. Striped lines represent JR train routes, showing the shortest travel times using Shinkansen and limited express trains. Solid lines indicate bus routes. Waiting times are not included.

Getting to Onomichi Station from the Osaka area is very straightforward. The most common and fastest option is to take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station and transfer to the JR Sanyo Main Line at Fukuyama Station. The local line from Fukuyama to Onomichi runs frequently and takes about 20 minutes, making it a very convenient connection. If you prefer traveling by highway bus, the “Bingo Liner” operates between Osaka and Onomichi. Although it is not an overnight service and thus not as time-efficient as a night bus, it’s more affordable than the Shinkansen and allows you to travel directly to the Shimanami Kaido without transfers.

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Accessing from Other Areas

Accessing the Shimanami Kaido by Air

Matsuyama Airport

Domestic flights to Matsuyama Airport are available from various regions outside the Tokyo and Osaka areas. Flights operate from New Chitose, Sendai, Chubu Centrair, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Naha airports (some routes may be suspended). From Matsuyama Airport to Imabari Station, there are two common options: (1) take the airport limousine bus to Matsuyama Station and transfer to the JR Yosan Line Limited Express, or (2) reserve a direct airport limousine service to Imabari Station provided by Izumi Kanko.

Alternatively, from Fukuoka, you can take the highway night bus “Dogo Express Fukuoka” to reach the area.

Hiroshima Airport

From outside the Tokyo and Osaka areas, flights to Hiroshima Airport are available from New Chitose, Sendai, and Naha airports. As mentioned earlier, Hiroshima Airport is not very conveniently located, so traveling to Onomichi requires additional transfers by bus or train.

Accessing the Shimanami Kaido by Sea

Matsuyama Port

The BoYo Ferry runs between Yanai Port in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Mitsuhama Port (Matsuyama Port), with a travel time of about 2.5 hours. This route operates frequently and serves as a vital connection between Yamaguchi and Ehime prefectures. In addition, Setonaikai Kisen operates both the “Cruise Ferry” and high-speed “Super Jet” service between Hiroshima Port (via Kure) and Matsuyama for sightseeing across the Seto Inland Sea.

Yawatahama Port / Misaki Port

Located further south from Matsuyama, Yawatahama and Misaki Ports are key ferry hubs connecting Shikoku and Kyushu. These ports are over 100 km away from the Shimanami Kaido, so they are typically used by those traveling from Kyushu. Ferries run from Beppu and Usuki Ports in Oita Prefecture to Yawatahama, and from Saganoseki Port to Misaki Port.

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Access Summary

We’ve summarized the key access points to the Shimanami Kaido in both Hiroshima and Ehime prefectures using Google My Maps.

In addition, we also provide a cycling map, so be sure to check it out if you’re planning a Shimanami Kaido cycling trip. Below is a quick summary of how to access Imabari and Onomichi Stations.

Ehime Prefecture: To Imabari Station

Transport	To Imabari Station (Ehime side of the Shimanami Kaido)
JR	Take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station, then transfer to the Limited Express “Shiokaze” bound for Matsuyama. About 2 hours total.
Bus	Highway buses operate from Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and more.
Airplane	Fly to Matsuyama Airport from Haneda, Kansai, Chubu Centrair, etc. From there, take the airport limousine bus to Matsuyama Station and transfer to the Limited Express to Imabari (about 40 minutes). A reservation-only limousine bus also runs directly from the airport to Imabari Station.
Ferry	The Orange Ferry travels overnight from Osaka Nanko to Toyo Port. A connecting bus to Imabari Station is available from Toyo Port.

Hiroshima Prefecture: To Onomichi Station

Transport	To Onomichi Station (Hiroshima side of the Shimanami Kaido)
JR	Take the Shinkansen to Fukuyama Station, then transfer to the JR Sanyo Line toward Onomichi or Mihara. About 20 minutes.
Bus	Highway buses operate from Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, and more.
Airplane	Fly to Hiroshima Airport from Haneda, New Chitose, Sendai, or Naha. Take a connecting bus to Mihara Station, then transfer to the JR Sanyo Line toward Fukuyama. About 15–20 minutes.
Ferry	There are no long-distance ferries that arrive directly at Onomichi Port.

This page has introduced detailed access information from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka to the gateways of the Shimanami Kaido: Imabari Station on the Shikoku (Ehime) side and Onomichi Station on the Honshu (Hiroshima) side. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, the Shimanami Kaido offers a fantastic cycling experience. For more details, be sure to check out the page below.