Shimanami Kaido Cycling Beginner Course

This beginner course lets you casually enjoy the Shimanami Kaido, which links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea by bridge, from the Imabari side. Rent a bicycle and savor the thrill of riding over the sea.

Course Route

9:00 Rent a bicycle at Sunrise Itoyama Borrow a bike at the cycling terminal Sunrise Itoyama, get your gear ready, and set off. A cross bike is about 3000 yen per day and an electric assist bike about 4000 yen per day as of 2025.

9:30 Cross the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Ride across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the worlds first triple suspension bridge. Stretching about 4000 meters, it offers a stunning view of the fast flowing Kurushima Strait below.

11:00 To Kirosan Observatory Park on Oshima Cross onto Oshima, then climb the slope to Kirosan Observatory Park and take in the panorama looking down on the sea and the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge.

13:00 Lunch at an island eatery Try fresh seafood and the local specialty jakoten fish cake. The Michi no Eki Yoshiumi Ikiiki Kan near the bridge is also handy for a meal.

15:00 Return to Itoyama and drop off the bike Ride back along the coastal road and return the bike at Sunrise Itoyama to close out the trip.

Highlights

Crossing the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge by bicycle and the scattered island views from Kirosan Observatory Park are the greatest draws. The scenery over the fast flowing strait is truly impressive, and the structural beauty of the worlds first triple suspension bridge is a sight in itself.

Access and Tips

You can reach Sunrise Itoyama by bus from Imabari Station. Rental bikes can be dropped off at terminals in other areas such as the Onomichi side, so you can adjust the distance to your fitness level. Gentle ramps lead up to the bridges, so you can walk the bike up without strain.

Practical Travel Notes

Distance and time guide: The route from Itoyama toward Oshima and Kirosan is a beginner friendly stretch of about 6 kilometers one way. Including the return, the climb up and down the observatory, and a meal, a relaxed loop takes about half a day.

Getting there: Take a local bus from JR Imabari Station to Sunrise Itoyama. Rental bikes allow one way drop off, so you can plan a one way ride depending on your fitness and schedule.

Fare guide: For Shimanami rental cycles, cross bikes and city bikes are about 3000 yen per day for adults and electric assist bikes about 4000 yen per day as of 2025. Bicycle tolls on the bridges are waived under a cycling free period through the end of March 2026, though the period may be extended or changed, so check the latest information.

Avoiding crowds and safety: Wind is strong on the bridges and rest spaces are limited. Ride at a comfortable pace and hydrate often. Wearing a helmet is recommended.

Budget: Rental fees plus the round trip bus and lunch come to roughly 4000 to 5000 yen per person.

A Quick Tip

The wind is strong on the bridges, so a light jacket brings peace of mind. Ride at your own pace and do not overdo it. Electric assist bikes are generally same day return only, so confirm the rental plan in advance for a smooth trip.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening hours (Imabari City Cycling Terminal Sunrise Itoyama): The rental cycle counter is open 8:00 to 19:00, or 8:00 to 18:00 from December to February
• Reservations and enquiries (rental cycles): Shimanami Japan, 0848-22-3911 (reception 8:30 to 19:00 from March to November, and 8:30 to 18:00 from December to February)
• Visiting hours and admission (Kirosan Observatory Park): Open 24 hours and free to enter. The observatory was designed by Kengo Kuma and stands at an elevation of about 301 m
• Parking (Kirosan Observatory Park): Free of charge. 32 spaces for ordinary cars (including 2 for wheelchair users) and 6 for large vehicles
• Opening hours (Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan): The shop is open 9:00 to 17:00 (10:00 to 16:00 in winter), the food court 10:00 to 17:00 (10:00 to 16:00 in winter), and orders for the signature seafood shichirin barbecue close at 15:00
• Closures (Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan): Closed on New Year's Day only (open throughout Golden Week and Obon). The car park has 106 spaces for ordinary cars, 4 for large vehicles and 2 for disabled visitors, and is available 24 hours
• Enquiries: 0897-84-2111 (Imabari City Hall Yoshiumi Branch, Residents' Service Division / Kirosan Observatory Park)
• Official information: Imabari City Cycling Terminal Sunrise Itoyama official website; Imabari City official website, tourist spot "Kirosan Observatory Park"; Shikoku Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, roadside station information for "Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan"

The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.