Features

The Shimanami Kaido is unusual among the world’s top rated bike routes in that you can turn up pretty much empty-handed and still thoroughly enjoy the route. Many cyclists whizz along the route on fancy road bikes, but, whether you plan to tackle all or just part of the 70-km route, our rental bikes are more than adequate.

There are two main kinds of bikes to choose from; city cycles, cross bikes, battery assisted bikes and sports type E-bikes. Which you opt for will depend upon your ambitions, experience and time available.

City Bicycle

Referred to as city bicycles at Shimanami Kaido bike terminals, the ubiquitous mama-chari is the workhorse of Japanese bicycles. They tend to be quite heavy and have a limited number of gears. However, before you right off the idea of taking on the Shimanami Kaido on a mama-chari, remember that they are virtually indestructible, easy to ride for inexperienced cyclists, and come with baskets which are perfect for carrying a small daypack or snacks. They are quite popular with cycle tourists, but you should be prepared to walk up some of Shimanami’s steeper climbs and they are recommended for shorter trips or very leisurely multi-day tours.

・Multiple-day rental is possible and can be returned to any terminal.

Cross Bikes

Our more sporty cross bikes are the most popular rental bike among those aiming to complete the whole of the Blue Line route. They are lighter and come with more gears than our City Bikes which, despite the Shimanami Kaido’s reputation for being a flat route, come in very handy, especially later in the ride. Some of the cross bikes available at the rental stations come with racks, but they don’t have bottle cages, so think about how you plan to carry your fluids. A word to the delicate, these bikes come with a more sporty saddle than the more voluptuous mama-chari seats, so wearing padded shorts is recommended if you have them.

・Multiple-day rental is possible.
・Can be returned to any terminal.

Battery Assisted Bicycles

Battery-assisted bicycles give you an extra boost and can help inexperienced riders maintain a consistent pace. Our battery-assisted bicycles are close to our city bicycles in style and are suitable for beginners. They have three settings: Eco (200 km range), Auto (105 km range) and Power (62 km range). As performance can vary we recommend monitoring battery usage and to use Power Mode sparingly.

・Only one-day rental is possible.
・Can be picked up from Onomichi Port, Setoda Tourist Information, Setoda Sunset Beach, Kamiura Tatara Shimanami Park, Chuo terminals.
・Can be returned to any terminal.
・Replacement batteries are not available along the route.

Sports Type E-bikes

With wide tires, our sports type E-bikes provide the smoothest ride of all of our rental bikes and beginners, in particular, will appreciate the extra comfort if riding the full Shimanami Kaido Blue Line route. They have three settings: Eco (200 km range), Auto (105 km range) and Power (62 km range). As performance can vary we recommend monitoring battery usage and to use Power Mode sparingly.

・Only one-day rental is possible.
・Can be picked up from Onomichi Port, Chuo and Imabari Station terminals.
・Can be returned to Onomichi Port and Imabari Station terminals.
・Replacement batteries are not available along the route.

Families and children

For families traveling with young children we have a limited number of battery assisted bicycles with child seats attached available.

・Only one-day rental is possible.
・Can be picked up from Onomichi Port, Mukaishima, Habu Port, Setoda Tourist Information, Setoda Sunset Beach, Kamiura Tatara Shimanami Park, Hakata, Yoshiumi Iki Iki and Chuo terminals.
・Can be returned to any terminal.
・Child seats weight limits: 18kg front, 22kg back.

Kids bike

For older children who can cycle by themselves we have a range of mountain-bike style children’s bikes in a range of sizes.

・Multiple-day rental is possible.
・Can be picked up from any terminal.
・Can be returned to any terminal.
・Children’s bike size height guidelines: 20 inch 114 cm-137 cm in height, 22 inch 126 cm -145 cm in height, 24 inch over 137 cm in height.

Safety

The wearing of helmets is required on the Shimanami Kaido and we have a range of sizes available at rental stations, free of charge.

Lights and locks

Riding after dark isn’t recommended, but if you are caught out after dark, all bikes are equipped with small lights. Some are attached to handlebars and others are dynamo driven (which can slow you down). These lights will make you more visible to other traffic, but should not be relied upon to light your way along the more rural sections of the route. Simple bike locks are also provided.

Please note

Please be aware that tool kits, puncture repair kits, bicycle pumps or drink bottles are not provided. If you run into problems, you can get mechanical assistance at any of ten rental bicycle terminals along the route. If you find yourself stuck in between two terminals, please call Shimanami Japan on 0848-22-3911.

Do I need to reserve a bike in advance?

Reservations are recommended to ensure that you have the best chance of securing the type and size of bicycle you prefer. Also, the Shimanami Kaido is particularly busy during the spring and autumn seasons, especially on weekends and national holidays. As well as Golden Week in May, the Obon Holiday in mid-August are also very popular times to visit. There are, however, a number of bikes available on a first come first served basis everyday at the Onomichi Port from 7 am.

Reserve your bike here