Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido: A Sea Road Across the Inland Sea and a Town of Slopes

The Shimanami Kaido, linking the islands of the Seto Inland Sea by bridge from Onomichi in Hiroshima to Imabari in Ehime, is a "sea road" with a cycling route about 70 kilometers long. As one of the world's few routes on which you can cross straits by bicycle, it draws international attention and captivates many cyclists. Its starting point, Onomichi, is an atmospheric port town known as a town of slopes and a town of film. Rich in history, spectacular scenery, and gourmet, it is one of Hiroshima's most popular areas.

Highlights

Onomichi, the starting point, charms visitors with a townscape dotted with temples and old houses. The view from Mt. Senkoji is superb, with the beautiful contrast of ships plying the Onomichi Channel against the old townscape, and it is known for the "Cat's Alley" where cats gather and for its associations with famous writers. On the Shimanami Kaido, bridges large and small, including the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, appear one after another, and each bridge's distinct form together with the multi-island beauty of the Seto Inland Sea creates postcard-like scenery. Along the way, each island holds distinctive highlights, such as Innoshima's naval history and Ikuchijima's Kosanji Temple.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Spring (April to May) offers ideal cycling weather and the finest season with beautiful fresh greenery across the islands. Summer showcases the contrast of blue sea and white bridges, with abundant swimming spots, though on scorching days avoid overexertion on long daytime rides and hydrate frequently. Autumn (October to November) is the citrus harvest season, when the islands' mikan orchards and mild climate make for comfortable riding. Winter brings clear air and spectacular views reaching distant islands.

Access and Practical Information

Alight at Shin-Onomichi Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen or Onomichi Station on the local line. Bicycles can be rented at terminals such as the one in front of Onomichi Station and dropped off at terminals on the islands. The cycling and pedestrian path of the Shimanami Kaido is well maintained, and even beginners can ride the whole route (roughly one to two days end to end). The bicycle bridge tolls remain waived under the "Shimanami Cycling Free" program (confirm the current status via official information). If you prefer not to cycle, local buses connecting the islands are also available.

Practical Travel Notes

For strolling hilly Onomichi and for the up-and-down island cycling, renting an electrically assisted bicycle is far easier. To ride the full route, staying one night on an island partway and experiencing the dawn glow over the Seto Inland Sea is recommended. For a day trip, courses touring a few islands on the Onomichi side are popular. Time required varies with your goals, but strolling Onomichi alone can fill half a day to a full day. Each island has eateries and citrus-sweet shops, and budgets center on rental, lodging, and dining costs.

A Word of Advice

Rather than forcing yourself to ride the entire route, the trick to enjoying Shimanami is to choose islands to match your stamina and schedule. Combining Onomichi's slopes and alleys, the spectacular bridges, and island gourmet lets you savor the charms of the Seto Inland Sea at your own pace.

📚 Sources

The information in this article is organized from tourism details published by Hiroshima Prefecture and the tourism associations of each city and town, along with public guidance from the shrines, temples, and facilities that manage each spot. Details of individual highlights can be checked through each operator's official information. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please always confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: It depends on how many of the featured spots you visit, but allow half a day to a full day for several.
• What to bring: Prepare cash for admission, amulets, and food, and wear comfortable shoes on days with lots of travel.
• Getting around: When spots are spread over a wide area, planning around travel by car makes moving easier.
• Suggested route: Group nearby spots by area to cut down on travel time and tour efficiently.
• What to wear: There is plenty of outdoor walking, so dress for the season.