Recommended courses for boats and bicycles
Popular tourist areas
This route covers popular spots such as Kurishima Kaikyo Bridge, Usagi Island, Setoda Town, and Tatara Bridge, which are difficult to visit in one day due to location reasons. By utilizing Kitaura Port, which does not have regular routes, you can enjoy the Shimanami Kaido on a limited itinerary.
For group travel
Shimanami Kaido
Route map
Cycling information
| Distance | Approx. 36km (driving time: approx. 4-5 hours) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | For beginners |
| Things to note | There are two mountain passes along the Omishima coastline, and if you try hard on these two mountain passes, you'll be able to get a safe route with a flat road. |
A magnificent bridge that connects them with the islands scattered across the beautiful sea.
The beauty of the Shimanami Kaido is a blend of rich nature and people's lives, giving us time to relax.
We read the scenery of the Shimanami Kaido as "Shimanami Scenes."
Imabari to Oshima
Kurushima Kaikyo Ohashiura
The Kurishima Strait is one of Japan's three most powerful currents. The difficult sea area, which reaches 10 knots (about 18 km/h), is known to sailors around the world as a key point for maritime transportation, with 500 ships traveling a day. The world's first three-way suspension bridge, Kurishima Kaikyo Bridge, is a highlight of the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido! An endlessly spreading azure sky and sea, the shadows of the islands and the villages standing below, ships of large and small boldly tackling the swirling currents, and cyclists peer straight at the bridge. The world's crowning Kurushima Strait - 4.1km in conjunction with its dynamic landscape.
Oshima
Shimoda Mizu Port (Oshima)
The gateway on Oshima was once a ferry and other trip that connected to Imabari Port in about 20 minutes. Even today, this is an indispensable area for your trip to Oshima, with a close look at the spectacular scenery of Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. After replenishing drinks and other items at the roadside station Yoshiumiikiikikan, you will be heading out on a boat trip to Hakata Island (Kumaguchi Port)!
Okunojima
Okunojima Cycling
Okunojima is a rabbit island that is a dream of domestic and international tourists. The "island erased from the map" before the war has now been designated as Seto Inland Sea National Park and is now a holiday village. The island is prohibited from passing by any general vehicles, so the 4km outwards are perfect for cycling! The islands of Seto, the towns of Honshu, and the passing ships change with each curve, giving the scenery of Okuno Island a variety of colors. Approximately 600 "islanders" suddenly greet you, and your heart is excited.
