There are two bike rental options along the Shimanami Kaido.
Regular system
The regular system has about ten rental stations along the route, and it's cheaper. You can rent a bike at one station and drop it off at another, or if you want, you can stop at a station in the middle and take a bus the rest of the way. The regular bikes cost 3,000 yen per day, electric-assist bikes and tandems cost 4,000 yen, and e-bikes are 8,000 yen. You can drop off the bikes at different stations, but tandems must be returned to the same station. You don't need to make a reservation, but you can book online if you prefer.
Giant rental system
The Giant rental system is more expensive, with only two terminals at Imabari Station and Onomichi Station. It offers high-quality bikes, ranging from 4,000 to 17,000 yen per day. If you want to return a bike to the other terminal, you must reserve a road bike in advance (reserve here), and there’s an extra fee of 3,300 yen.
Shimanami Kaido
Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道, Shimanami Kaidō) is a stunning 60-kilometer toll road that links Honshu to Shikoku, crossing six beautiful islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Opened in 1999, this route is unique as it’s the only one that can be traversed by foot or bike, making it a popular choice for cycling enthusiasts. The road connects Onomichi on Honshu with Imabari City on Shikoku, passing through scenic islands like Mukaishima, Innoshima, and Ikuchijima. Along the way, travelers can enjoy the peaceful landscapes, visit small towns, and explore cultural sites like Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima.
Cycling along the Shimanami Kaido is a must-do experience. The well-maintained bike route diverges from the expressway on the islands, offering a smooth ride with small inclines. With bike rental stations along the way, cyclists can easily rent a bike at one end and return it at the other. The route is manageable for intermediate cyclists, taking about a day to complete. Additionally, a temporary toll-free period for cyclists is currently in place, making it even more attractive to tourists.
Bike rental
Getting there
- Cycling Terminals
-
In Onomichi
There are two bike rental terminals about 150 meters from Onomichi Station. One is located in a parking lot near the Green Hill Hotel, west of the station, and close to the waterfront. The other is at the Giant Onomichi store, which is inside Onomichi U2, a renovated warehouse hotel right next to the parking lot. Ferries connect central Onomichi to Mukaishima, where the bike trail begins.
In Imabari
You’ll find two bike rental terminals. The first is located inside Imabari Station, with the regular rental system just a short walk from the station’s west exit. The second terminal is at the Giant Imabari store, also inside the station. There is another terminal at Sunrise Itoyama, which offers accommodations, but it’s a bit more difficult to access. You can take a taxi from Imabari Station for approximately 2,500 yen or walk 30 minutes from Hashihama Station. If you prefer, a shuttle bus is available with an advance reservation.
Resources
Reviews
There are no reviews