A Shimanami trip with a cycle ship
Demonstration experiment conducted to develop shipping route between Hiroshima/Onomichi and Ehime/Imabari
~ For the first time in 26 years, Onomichi and Imabari will be connected by shipping route ~
A demonstration project will be conducted on weekends and holidays in October, connecting Hiroshima/Onomichi with Ehime/Imabari by ferry.
The "cycle ship" will be operated, allowing for the loading of bicycles, making it ideal for cyclists to enhance their travel schedules, and is suitable for a wide range of people, including those who want to enjoy a boat trip or travel between islands by ferry. In
addition, in October, stores on Ikuchijima and Omishima will host a "Setouchi Stroll Stamp Rally" using the "WESTER app,"
issuing coupons that can be used at participating stores.
The Onomichi-Imabari ferry route was discontinued as a regular route in 1999, but since the opening of the Shimanami Kaido, it has become recognized as a mecca for cyclists, and
the number of tourists has been increasing. This has led to growing calls for the expansion of the ferry route, leading to the implementation of this project.
Shimanami Tourism Link Project
Two companies, Onomichi City passenger ship operator: Setouchi Cruising Co., Ltd. and Imabari City passenger ship operator: Shimanami Co., Ltd.,
operate cycle ships (passenger ships that can carry bicycles).
Both companies operate their own cycle ships, connecting Onomichi and Imabari by sea, with transfer ports at Setoda Port on Ikuchijima and Iguchi Port on Omishima.
(See below for ports of call and operating schedules.)
Demonstration Project: 9 days on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in October 2025
October 4th (Sat), 5th (Sun), 11th (Sat), 12th (Sun), 13th (Mon), 18th (Sat), 19th (Sun), 25th (Sat), 26th (Sun)
Shimanami Cruising Pass
| Tax included fee (per person) | Onomichi Station Pier - Imabari Port | Onomichi Station Pier - Omishimaiguchi Port | Ikuchijima Setoda Port to Imabari Port | Ikuguchishima Setoda Port - Omishima Iguchi Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 yen | 2,500 yen | 2,500 yen | 1,000 yen | |
| *For each section, this is an "unlimited ride ticket" for two consecutive operating days on weekends and holidays (*1). (*1) If the day after the start date of use is a weekday, it is valid for one day only. *The price includes the loading fee for loading bicycles. *Reservations and boarding may not be possible due to weather or passenger capacity. | ||||
| Boarding ticket | Ticket name: Shimanami Cruising Pass [How to purchase] Reservations can be made through the reservation sites listed in the table below. *Reservations and boarding may not be possible due to weather or passenger capacity. To reserve a ticket, you will need to download the respective app and register as a member (free of charge). Registering in advance will ensure a smoother experience. < How to purchase and use tickets > |
|---|---|
| Flight cancellations and ticket refunds | [Regarding notification of cancellations] If a flight is canceled due to weather or other reasons, the cancellation will be confirmed by 1:00 PM the day before. - Customers who have made reservations through "EX Travel," "EX Travel Pack," or "Tabiwa Travel (ticket + JR)" will be contacted by Nippon Travel Agency. - A cancellation notice will be posted on each airline's social media account "X" between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM the day before. *Please note that flights may be canceled suddenly on the day of travel due to weather. [Regarding refunds in the event of a cancellation] - If the ticket is unused, we will provide a refund. *Please note that if the ticket has been used even once, it will not be eligible for a refund. |
To reserve or purchase a ticket, you will need to download the respective app and register as a member (free of charge).
Introducing the model course
Requests regarding boarding
Notes
- If the captain gives you an instructed guide, please be sure to wear a life jacket. (We will prepare it on board.)
- Children are not allowed to participate or board the boat.
- Please do not walk around the ship while sailing as it may suddenly sway due to tides and waves. Please be especially careful if you have small children.
- Pets are not allowed on board. (Guide dogs are allowed on board.)
- You are asked to board and disembark with your bicycle yourself.
- Infants can board the boat using a stroller or baby carrier. (Please keep the stroller folded.)
- You cannot board the boat after drinking. We do not accept any fire or any cutlery or alcohol that is excluding some fires or other items.
- Please refrain from boarding if you are unwell or have a fever.
- If it is determined that it will interfere with safe flights, the flight may be cancelled on the day. (typhoons, heavy rain, storms, heavy snow, dense fog, lightning strikes, etc.)
Setouchi strolling stamp rally
To coincide with this demonstration project, the "Setouchi Stroll Stamp Rally" being conducted on the "WESTER App" will be holding the "Onomichi-Imabari Route Demonstration Commemorative Challenge." If you collect stamps by visiting stores on Ikuchijima and Omishima, you will receive a digital coupon that can be used on the spot.
| Challenge period | October 1st (Wed) to October 31st (Fri), 2025 *You can also participate in the challenge on days other than when the ship is in operation. (Use of this route is not required to participate.) *Coupons can also be used during the above period. Setouchi Stamp Rally |
|---|
How to participate ≪Digital coupon participation method≫
to participate in the stamp rally!
. *Answering a survey is required to complete the challenge.