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\n\t\t\t\tThe Seto Inland Sea (Photo by Yasuhiro Muneno\/Stripes Japan)
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In early March, I traveled the Shimanami Kaido, one of Japan\u2019s most scenic cycling routes, with my friend. My journey began at 7 a.m. from Iwakuni, heading to Hiroshima by train. From there, I took a highway bus departing Hiroshima Station\u2019s Shinkansen Exit at 8:10 a.m., arriving at Imabari Station at 10:40 a.m. <\/p>\n
Bicycle rental facilities are conveniently located in front of Imabari Station, making it easy to get started. Since I planned to ride for two days, I chose an electric-assist bicycle for a more comfortable experience. Before setting off, I stopped for lunch at a popular local udon restaurant, Matsuseimenjo, where I had to wait briefly due to the lunchtime crowd. <\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tUdon and kakiage (Photo by Yasuhiro Muneno\/Stripes Japan)
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Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and Kirosan Observatory <\/p>\n
My first major crossing was the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the longest bridge along the Shimanami route, stretching over six kilometers. The views along the way were truly breathtaking. <\/p>\n
After reaching Oshima Island, I headed to Kirosan Observatory Park. The climb took about 30 minutes with gradients ranging from 5-10%, but the panoramic views at the top made the effort worthwhile. Many tourists also came by bus to enjoy the scenery. <\/p>\n
After a short break, I descended quickly by bicycle and continued along the southern coastal road of Oshima, slightly off the main cycling route. The crystal-clear waters and peaceful coastline made for a memorable ride. I then crossed the Hakata-Oshima Bridge and stopped by a souvenir shop on Hakata Island, though unfortunately it was closed that day. <\/p>\n
Omishima <\/p>\n
Continuing, I crossed Omishima Bridge and at 5 p.m., arrived at Omishima, my destination for the night. At Mare Gracia Omishima, a public bath facility, I relaxed away the long day of cycling in the jacuzzi. A few kilometers later, I checked in at my accommodation, Guesthouse Co-Living & Caf\u00e9 SANDO. The room was clean, compact and comfortable.<\/p>\n
Since it was a weekday, many restaurants were closed that evening. I eventually found an open spot, Okonomiyaki Otorii, where I enjoyed okonomiyaki and oden for dinner. With little else to do, I went to bed early in preparation for the next day.kaki <\/p>\n
Day two – Oyamazumi Shrine visit and hiking <\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\ta gate of Oyamazumi Shrine (Photo by Yasuhiro Muneno\/Stripes Japan)
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The second day began with a quiet morning walk around Oyamazumi Shrine before breakfast. Next on the agenda after breakfast was a hike to the top of Mt. Washigatake, the highest peak along the Shimanami Kaido. The route passed through Mt. Anjin, a steep and striking mountain visible from Omishima town. The climb included a section with chains, adding a sense of adventure. After reaching the summit, the trail became more gradual. The trek took about 2.5 hours roundtrip.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t (Photo by Yasuhiro Muneno\/Stripes Japan)
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\n\t\t\t\t (Photo by Yasuhiro Muneno\/Stripes Japan)
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I refueled with fresh seafood served over rice at Tairyo nearby for lunch. After I stopped at a nearby cycling terminal to exchange my bicycle battery before continuing my journey. Across the street at the roadside station, I made sure to pick up some local specialty mikan oranges for later. <\/p>\n
Ikuchijima Island <\/p>\n
Crossing the Tatara Bridge, which marks the border between Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures, I arrived on Ikuchijima Island. I followed the northern coastal route and stopped in the town of Setoda to try a famous local sweet, hassaku daifuku. This mochi ball treat consists of white bean paste with a piece of hassaku citrus fruit inside. <\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tTatara Bridge (Photo by Yasuhiro Muneno\/Stripes Japan)
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After, I took some time to explore Kosanji Temple, where I viewed vivid depictions of Buddhist hell in an underground exhibit that left a strong imprtession. <\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tKosanji Koyomon Gate (Photo by Yasuhiro Muneno\/Stripes Japan)
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Continuing through the nostalgic streets, I enjoyed freshly squeezed citrus juice before crossing the Ikuchi Bridge to Innoshima Island. I planned to visit the Manda Fermentation HAKKO Park, but it too was closed due to the weekday schedule. <\/p>\n
Pushing through to Onomichi <\/p>\n
By this point, after two days of cycling, I began to feel soreness from the saddle. Still, I pushed on, crossing the Innoshima Bridge and reaching Mukojima Island. Since there is no dedicated cycling or pedestrian bridge to Onomichi, I boarded a short ferry ride to complete the crossing.<\/p>\n
At 5 p.m., I finally arrived in Onomichi. To celebrate the end of my journey, I enjoyed a satisfying meal of Onomichi ramen and a yakiniku rice bowl at a local restaurant. After returning my bicycle near the station, I boarded the 6 p.m. train and arrived back in Iwakuni just before 9 p.m. <\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tOnomichi Ramen (Photo by Yasuhiro Muneno\/Stripes Japan)
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Although many shops were closed due to traveling on weekdays, the quieter atmosphere made for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience overall. It was a truly fulfilling journey across one of Japan\u2019s most beautiful cycling routes.<\/p>\n
Things to know<\/p>\n
Shimanami Kaido connects Onomichi to Imabari across six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The 60-km-long trail can be completed by foot or on bicycle.<\/p>\n
You can start your journey from Onomichi to Imabari or from Imabari to Onomichi.<\/p>\n
Bike rentals and service stations are available along the route.<\/p>\n
Read more about cycling the Shimanami Kaido here<\/a>. <\/p>\n