The Shimanami Kaido is one of Japan's best-known cycling routes - a spectacular 70 km ride across six islands and seven bridges connecting Shikoku to Honshu. It can be done in either direction, but this route example covers the full ride from near Matsuyama to Onomichi, completed in a single day with plenty of detours, ferry hops, and quiet roads.

Starting Near Matsuyama

Rather than follow the congested coastal highway out of Matsuyama, a better option is to start from Hashihama Station, about an hour away by train. From there, you can join the Kaido route early and enjoy a relaxed start without traffic.

What Makes the Shimanami Kaido Special

The route is fully paved and well-signed for cyclists, with side routes to small fishing villages, rural temples, shrines, and modern museums. It's flat enough for casual riders but scenic and diverse enough for experienced cyclists to enjoy too.

Expect quiet roads, coastal views of the Seto Inland Sea, and occasional bridges with sweeping panoramas. Ferries connect several offshoot islands, allowing more route flexibility. Small detours add charm - like lookout points, castle ruins, and local museums - without adding too much distance.

One standout is the Murakami Pirate Museum early on, and later in the day, a ride across the Tatara Bridge offers some of the best views of the inland sea. The route also includes fun mini-ferries, like at Sunoe, and long bridges between Ōmishima, Ikina, and Innoshima Islands.

Lunch is easy to manage at a convenience store or local market - there's even a small town near Kamiyuge that's perfect for a midday stop while waiting for a ferry.

Ending in Onomichi or Beyond

Some riders finish the Kaido in Onomichi, while others head toward Mihara for easier access to long-distance trains. In this case, the full distance to Onomichi was completed for the satisfaction of riding the entire route - ferries and all - rather than skipping a section for convenience.

From Onomichi, it's easy to connect to the mainland by local train. Carrying bikes on trains can be a hassle, so direct lines with minimal transfers are worth seeking out. In this example, a direct local train to Himeji was chosen over the faster but less convenient bullet train transfer at Fukuyama or Mihara.

Notes for Trip Planning

• Distance: ~70 km (more with detours)
• Time required: One full day at a relaxed pace
• Best for: Scenic day rides, short cycling trips, first-time bike tourists
• Tip: If you're heading inland after, Himeji Castle makes a great follow-up stop - and a good rest day if the weather turns.