Recommended Routes & Itineraries
Ride the Shimanami “Blue Line” in Two Days
Spreading your Shimanami Kaido ride over two days gives you more time to take in the amazing scenery and check out places along the way than a one-day ride. The picturesque port town of Setoda on Ikuchijima Island, is located approximately half way along the main Blue Line route and has a variety of accommodation and dining options, making it the perfect place to break your trip.
DAY 1 Onomichi to Setoda
Onomichi Port
・10-min ferry across the Onomichi Channel to Mukaishima Island (100 yen/person, 10 yen/bike)
・After approx 3 km, turn south along Mukaishima’s east coast which offers great views of the Innoshima Bridge.Approx 10km
Tachibana Coast
・There are several cafes offering snacks and lunches along the pretty Tachibana Coast.
・Climb up to the Innoshima Bridge which has a dedicated cycle lane under the bridge.
・Descend to Innoshima Shimanami Beach (behind the big white dinosaur!).Approx 12km
Innoshima Shimanami Beach
・Spacious beach park with a cafe, playground and summer leisure pool.
・From Innoshima Shimanami Park, it is approx 10 km along the coast to Ikuchi Bridge.
・Look out for Moai statues and Hakko Fermentation Park along the way.Approx 12km
Ikuchi Bridge
・Enjoy great views as you cross the 490m Ikuchi Bridge.
・Look out for public art works as you cycle along the coast with views of the “heron” sand islands. Setouchi Dolche is a popular stop for gelato along here.Approx 8km
Setoda
・Setoda is a pretty port town with cafes, restaurants, shops and interesting places to visit.
・Setoda offers a range of accommodation from cheap hostels to high end ryokan and glamping options.
・Staying overnight also means you can enjoy the sunset from Setoda Sunset Beach.
◆ Notice
✔︎Cycling for the day: Approx 35 km
✔︎Recommended Bike: Cross Bike, E-bike
Day 2 Setoda to Imabari
Setoda
・Loosen up the legs with a morning stroll around Setoda.
・The road south passes Setoda Sunset Beach before climbing up through the orchards of Lemon Valley to the impressive Tatara Bridge across to Omishima Island.Approx 8.5 km
Tatara Shimanami Park
・Tatara Shimanami Park is a major rest stop along the “Blue Line” route. As well as bathrooms, a restaurant, fast food outlets, a farmers market, and souvenir shop, it is home to the “Cyclist Sanctuary” monument.
・After crossing the Omishima Bridge to Hakata Island, look out for Shimanami Shipyard.9km
Hakata Beach Park
・As well as a small eatery and souvenir shop, Hakata Beach Park has a white sand beach with a great view of the Hakata-Oshima Bridge. Hakata salted soft serve ice cream is a favorite here.
・Once across the Hakata-Oshima Bridge, the Blue Line takes you along the northeast coast of Oshima Island with glorious views of the former Suigun pirate stronghold of Noshima.5km
Miyakubo Port
・The 2.5km climb to Miyakubo Pass is the most challenging climb of the day.
・Please watch your speed on the descent once over the pass.9km
Iki Iki Kan Rest Stop
・Snacks, souvenirs, and even fresh seafood BBQs are available at Iki Iki Kan Rest Stop at the foot of Kurushima Straits Bridge.
・The 4-km Kurushima Straits Bridge is a highlight of the ride, but you have to get there first! The climb up to the bridge is a gradual climb on a bike path that is almost 2 km long.
・Be mindful of oncoming cyclists and pedestrians on the bridge and going up and down the access ramps.6.5km
Sunrise Itoyama
・You are almost there! Sunrise Itoyama at the end of the Kurushima Straits Bridge is the final rest stop before Imabari Station. Don’t forget to snap your souvenir photo in front of the SHIMANAMI sign with the Kurushima Straits Bridge in the background.
・From Sunrise Itoyama, the rest of the ride is on public roads to Imabari Station. Please take care as traffic can be heavy along this section.6 km
Imabari Station
◆ Notice
✔︎Cycling for the day: Approx 43 km
✔︎Recommended Bike: Cross Bike, E-bike