What is the Shimanami Kaido? Beyond the Blue Line
Most guidebooks define the Shimanami Kaido simply as “a 70km cycle path connecting Onomichi and Imabari via six bridges.” While this “Blue Line” is beautiful, it is only the beginning.
For the true explorer, the Shimanami Kaido is the gateway to a world-class island-hopping adventure in the Seto Inland Sea. It is a place where you can freely navigate between ancient pirate islands, vast citrus groves, and historic port towns using bridges and an intricate network of ferries.
Here is why you should venture off the main path:
1. True Island Hopping & The "30+ Ferry Routes"
The Shimanami Kaido area is not just a road; it is a maritime network. There are over 30 ferry routes that allow bicycles to roll directly onboard.
Freedom to Roam: You are not confined to the bridges. Hop on a ferry to visit unique islands not on the main route.
Connectivity: Seamlessly connect to Hiroshima City and Miyajima from the islands. (Note: We offer a convenient “One-Way Return” service to Hiroshima Port).
Ferry Route Map
2. The "Lemon Islands" & Farm Roads
Islands like Ikuchijima, Takaneshima, and Sagishima are Japan’s premier lemon and citrus producers.
The Experience: Instead of staying on the flat coastal road, ride up the winding farm roads. You will be surrounded by the scent of lemons, Hassaku oranges, and mandarins, with panoramic ocean views that typical tourists never see.
3. A Landscape of Contrasts: Nature & Industry
The scenery changes dramatically every few kilometers.
Industrial Beauty: Witness the awe-inspiring scale of the world’s largest shipbuilding yards. Seeing a massive vessel under construction right next to a quaint fishing village is a sight unique to this region.
Architectural Art: The colossal suspension bridges connecting the islands are masterpieces of modern engineering, contrasting with the calm, traditional seascape.
4. History, Pirates, and "Edo" Time Travel
This sea was once ruled by the Murakami Suigun (Pirates).
Sacred Sites: Visit the mystical 500 Rakan (stone statues) on Mt. Shirataki or the Suigun Castle to feel the ancient faith and history.
Mitarai District: Take a ferry to Osaki Shimojima to explore Mitarai, a preserved Edo-period port town. Its maze-like narrow alleys are perfect for exploring by bicycle, transporting you back 200 years.
5. The Gateway to the "Japanese Dolomites"
Why You Need a High-Performance Bike
To experience this “Deep Shimanami,” a standard rental bike isn’t enough.
The “Blue Line” Limit: If you only ride the flat Blue Line, a heavy cross bike or city cycle (Mamachari) is fine.
The “Explorer” Requirement: To climb the steep farm roads to the lemon groves, navigate the narrow alleys of Mitarai, or extend your ride to the Shikoku mountains, you need lightweight, high-performance gear.
Our shop provides premium Carbon Road Bikes, Gravel Bikes, and High-End E-Bikes specifically for this purpose. Don’t let heavy gear limit your adventure. Explore further with the best equipment.
Route Overview & Difficulty: 4 Recommended Courses
While there are infinite ways to ride the Shimanami Kaido, we have designed 4 specific routes starting from Onomichi.
These range from leisurely island exploration to hardcore mountain climbing.
Choose the one that fits your fitness level and schedule.
Route 1: The "Island Hopper" (Pirates, Lemons, & Rabbits) / 2 days
This is the perfect introductory course for those who want to enjoy sightseeing, history, and local food alongside cycling. It involves ferry travel, making it a true Setouchi experience.
Duration : 2 Days / 1 Night
Total Distance : 75km – 100km (46 – 62 miles)
Elevation Gain : 380m – 850m (1,250 – 2,800 ft)
Difficulty : ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner to Intermediate)
Recommended Bike: E-Bike or Road Bike
Detail
Day 1
Start at our shop in Onomichi. Ride to Innoshima (The Pirate Island) and climb Mt. Shirataki to see the mystical 500 Rakan statues. After a local lunch, cross to Ikuchijima (The Lemon Island).
Option A (Relaxed): Take the flat “Blue Line” on the north side directly to your hotel.
Option B (Active): Ride the southern route through the scenic citrus hills. Stay in the Setoda area, home to stylish hotels like Azumi Setoda, Yubune, SOIL, or Bonapour. The area has great dinner options.
Day 2
Before leaving Setoda, loop around Takane-shima, famous for Japan’s top lemon production (approx. 10km / 6 miles). The farm roads offer gentle slopes and beautiful views.
Next, cross the majestic Tatara Bridge (220m high) to Omishima, then take a ferry from Sakari Port to Okuno-shima (Rabbit Island). After visiting the wild rabbits and the Poison Gas Museum, take a ferry to Tadanoumi on the mainland for lunch. Finally, enjoy a coastal ride back to Onomichi.
If you are a beginner or encounter bad weather, you don’t have to ride the full distance. We offer a “One-Way Drop-off” service. You can return your bike at:
Ikuchijima (Setoda Port): End your ride on Day 1 or Day 2 morning.
Tadanoumi Port: End your ride after the Rabbit Island visit.
From these ports, you can easily take a ferry or train back to Onomichi.
Route 2: The "Shimanami Classic & Dream Islands" Loop / 2 days
This route is designed for pure road cycling pleasure. It combines the satisfaction of conquering the entire “Blue Line” with the hidden paradise of the “Yumeshima Kaido” (Dream Island Route).
Duration : 2 Days / 1 Night
Total Distance : Approx. 123km (76 miles)
Day 1: 77km (48 miles)
Day 2: 46km (28 miles)
Elevation Gain : Approx. 1,030m+ (3,380 ft+)
Day 1: 430m (1,410 ft) [+280m if climbing Mt. Kirosan]
Day 2: 600m (1,970 ft)
Difficulty : ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
Recommended Bike: Carbon Road Bike or E-Road Bike (Exhilarating speed and climbing ability are key for this route.)
Detail
Day 1 The Blue Line Conquest (Onomichi to Imabari)
Ride the classic “Blue Line” all the way from Onomichi to Shikoku. The goal is to cross all six major bridges.
The Climax: The final bridge, Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, is the highlight. Riding across this massive 4km (2.5 miles) triple-suspension bridge offers an overwhelming panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Challenge Option: If you have the energy, climb Mt. Kirosan on Oshima Island (+7km, +280m elev.). The view from the top is considered the best in the region.
Accommodation Tip: Imabari is a large industrial city with many business hotels. We recommend the Imabari Kokusai Hotel for a comfortable stay with bicycle-friendly service.
Day 2: The "Dream Islands" & Ferry Adventure
Start your day with a short sea voyage. Take the Geiyo Kisen Ferry from Imabari Port to Iwagi Port.
⚠️ Important: Ferry Schedule (Critical!) This ferry runs only 4 times a day. Missing it means a major delay. Please check the website in advance.
Weekday Departures (Imabari): 06:00 / 08:00 / 14:30 / 17:20
Weekend/Holiday Departures (Imabari): 06:20 / 09:15 / 14:30 / 17:20
Schedule Link: Geiyo Kisen Official Site
The Yumeshima Experience: Once you land on Iwagi Island, you enter the “Yumeshima Kaido”. Since these islands are not connected to the mainland by bridge, there are no traffic lights and almost no cars. It is a cycling paradise.
Climb & Views: Tackle the Mt. Iwagi Hill Climb or Mt. Sekizen on Iwagi Island for breathtaking 360-degree views.
Beach Stop: Relax at the beautiful Matsubara Beach on Yuge Island.
The Return: From Yuge Island, take a short ferry to Innoshima. For the ride back to Onomichi, take the East Coast Route of Innoshima and Mukaishima. This offers a completely different scenery from Day 1.
Why Choose This Route?
Unlike Route 1, which focuses on touring tourist spots, Route 2 focuses on the **joy of riding**. Seamless roads, huge bridges, ferry connections, and car-free islands create a pure cycling experience. You’ll feel the deep emotion of having truly completed the Shimanami Kaido.
Of course, it’s also a good idea to combine it with Route 1’s Island Hopping, taking it easy and exploring the islands as you complete the course over a period of three days or more.
Route 3: The "Maritime History & Path to Peace" (Onomichi to Hiroshima) / 3 days
This route is special. As a former officer of the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), I designed this course to tell the story of Japan’s maritime history—from ancient pirates to WWII, and finally to modern peace. It connects the “God of War” in Omishima to the naval port of Kure, and ends at the atomic bomb site in Hiroshima. (Author: Masuda)
Duration : 3 Days / 2 Nights
Total Distance : Approx. 160km (100 miles)
Total Elevation Gain : Approx. 840m (2,760 ft)
Difficulty : ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
Service: One-way Drop-off at Hiroshima Port available.
Detail
Day 1: The God of War & The Sea (Onomichi to Omishima)
Distance: 46km (28 miles)
Elevation Gain: 243m (800 ft)
Ride the standard Blue Line to Omishima (The Island of Gods). Highlight: Oyamazumi Shrine This ancient shrine is dedicated to the God of War and the Sea. For over 1,000 years, samurai and naval officers—including current Maritime Self-Defense Force officials—have come here to pray for safety and victory. The treasury museum holds 80% of Japan’s National Treasure samurai armor. It is a must-visit. Stay at a Ryokan or Guesthouse near the shrine.
Day 2: The Citrus Road & Naval Legacy (Omishima to Kure)
Distance: 66km (41 miles)
Elevation Gain: 420m (1,380 ft)
Ride 10km (30 min) to Munakata Port on the west side of Omishima. From here, take a ferry to Okamura Island to join the “Tobishima Kaido.”
⚠️ Critical Ferry Info (Munakata to Okamura) You must take a ferry to connect to the next island chain. There are 9 departures daily, operated by two different companies. Their websites can be confusing, so please plan carefully.
Departures: 07:54 / 08:50 / 09:40 / 10:04 / 14:35 / 15:25 / 16:04 / 17:40 / 19:34
Links: Omishima Blue Line / Sekizen Ferry
Cycling the Tobishima Kaido: Once on Okamura Island, you are on the “Tobishima Kaido,” a series of bridges connecting islands famous for citrus.
Mitarai District: A preserved port town from the Edo period. Its maze-like alleys remain unchanged for centuries.
The Mandarin Road: The islands from Osaki Shimojima to Shimokamagari are covered in mandarin orange (Mikan) fields. You will find “Unmanned Fruit Stands” everywhere—drop 100 yen and grab a bag of fresh citrus.
Uzushio Apartment: Look for the “Whirlpool Apartment,” a unique residential building clinging to a sheer cliff built 50 years ago. It’s a mysterious architectural sight.
Goal: Kure City (The Naval Capital) Cross the final bridge to reach Kure. This city has been Japan’s largest naval arsenal since WWII. Visit the Yamato Museum or stay at a hotel shaped like a submarine. If you prefer a budget option, stay near Hiro Station.
Day 3: Etajima & The Path to Peace (Kure to Hiroshima)
Distance: 49km (30 miles)
Elevation Gain: 180m (590 ft)
This is the most meaningful part of the journey. Ride from Kure to Etajima (Kakishima Kaido) via the Ondo Bridge.
History & Reflection: The 1st Service School Etajima has hosted the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy since before WWII and is now the JMSDF officer candidate school.
Insider Access: You can enter the 1st Service School for free (sign-in required). I underwent my own training here.
The Kaiten Memorial: In the center of the campus lies a memorial for the “Kaiten”—suicide submarines used in WWII. Over 1,000 were produced. Every day, young officer candidates salute this memorial. It is a solemn place to reflect on the tragedy of war and the weight of maintaining peace today.
The Final Ride: Leaving the history behind, enjoy a scenic ride past Japan’s largest oyster rafts. From Kirikushi Port on the north tip, take a frequent ferry to Hiroshima Port.
Finish at Hiroshima: You can drop off your rental bike at Hiroshima Port.
Stay: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima (Luxury) or city hotels.
Extension to Miyajima: From Hiroshima Port, you can take a direct ferry to Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine), avoiding the crowds at the main gate.
Historical Note: The famous shrine was built by a warlord seeking redemption for a battle 500 years ago. That victory was won with the help of the Shimanami Pirates. The history of the Seto Inland Sea is a continuous loop of war and prayer.
(Option: Return to Onomichi) If you prefer, you can ride back to Onomichi from Kure via the “Sazanami Kaido,” a 75km flat coastal route.
Route 4: The "Sea to Sky" Ultimate Challenge (Shikoku Alps & UFO Line)
This is the hardest and most rewarding route we offer. It combines the world-class island hopping of the Shimanami Kaido with the grueling yet breathtaking ridge cycling of the Shikoku Mountains (the “Roof of Western Japan”).
Target Audience: Advanced Cyclists / Climbers
Duration : 4 Days / 3 Nights
Total Distance : Approx. 288km (179 miles)
Total Elevation Gain : Approx. 3,170m (10,400 ft)
Difficulty : ★★★★★ (Advanced)
Recommended Bike: Carbon Road Bike or High-End E-Bike (Battery management required)
Detail
Day 1: The Blue Line Warm-up (Onomichi to Imabari)
Distance: 77km (48 miles)
Elevation Gain: 440m (1,440 ft)
Ride the standard Shimanami Kaido route to Imabari. Use this day to warm up your legs and enjoy the sea breeze. Stay in Imabari City.
Day 2: Coastal Road & Pilgrimage Path (Imabari to Kuma Kogen)
Distance: 78km (48 miles)
Elevation Gain: 780m (2,560 ft)
Ride along the coastline to Matsuyama, then turn inland towards the mountains. You will follow a section of the famous Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage route (passing Temples #48 to #44).
Goal: Kuma Kogen (Kumakogen Town) This plateau town is famous for skiing and Karst geology. It has good restaurants and accommodations (Hotels/Guesthouses) to rest before the big climb.
Day 3: The "Queen Stage" (Climb to Mt. Ishizuchi)
Distance: 50km (31 miles)
Elevation Gain: 1,400m (4,600 ft)
This is the toughest day. You will climb Prefectural Road 12, the course used for the annual “Ishizuchi Hill Climb Race.” The road winds up through deep forests to the sky.
⚠️Accommodation Warning You will stay at a lodge halfway up the mountain (e.g., Kokumin Shukusha Ishizuchi).
Note: Accommodations here are very limited. You must book well in advance. There are no convenience stores nearby.
Day 4: The UFO Line & The Great Descent (Sky to Sea)
Distance: 83km (51 miles)
Elevation Gain: 550m (1,800 ft)
Elevation Loss (Descent): Approx. 2,000m (6,560 ft) down!
Highlight: The UFO Line Ride along the ridge of the Shikoku Mountains. This road is known as the “UFO Line” because of its unearthly beauty. You are cycling on the spine of western Japan with panoramic views.
The Descent: After the ridge, enjoy a thrilling 2,000m descent back to Imabari. Check your brakes!
Finish Options:
End in Imabari: Return the bike and take a highway bus/train back to Onomichi or Hiroshima.
Day 5 Extension: Stay in Imabari and ride back to Onomichi via the Yumeshima Kaido (see Route 2) for a victory lap.
