Shimanami Kaido Expressway
Hiroshima, Japan • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr, May, Oct
10°C – 20°C, comfortable temperatures with blooming flora; generally clear skies, high crowds, peak season
10°C – 20°C, comfortable temperatures with blooming flora; generally clear skies, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
While the expressway itself is paved and suitable for vehicles and bicycles, some attractions along the route may have uneven terrain or limited accessibility features.
While the expressway itself is paved and suitable for vehicles and bicycles, some attractions along the route may have uneven terrain or limited accessibility features.
Value for money
Medium
Tolls waived but rentals and food can become costly.
Tolls waived but rentals and food can become costly.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Scenic Romance
Couples found the cycling route perfect for a romantic getaway with stunning views and peaceful trails.
Breathtaking Bridges
Visitors were amazed by the engineering and beauty of the bridges, perfect for photos together.
Unforgettable Journey
Couples felt the Shimanami Kaido offered an unforgettable experience, ideal for creating memories.
Overcrowded Weekends
Some couples found popular spots crowded, especially during peak seasons, affecting privacy.
Costly Rentals
High-performance bike rentals were expensive, impacting the overall budget for some couples.
Weather Dependent
Rainy days could ruin the experience, forcing couples to alter or cancel plans.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
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USD 70
per_person
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Uncover the ultimate guide to embarking on a thrilling cycling adventure on Shimanami Kaido Expressway.
Embark on a thrilling cycling journey across the scenic Shimanami Kaido Expressway.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
5-12°C
Cold with brisk winds; generally dry with occasional overcast days.
Cold with brisk winds; generally dry with occasional overcast days.
Open
Some facilities may have limited operations.
Some facilities may have limited operations.
Not recommended
Challenging conditions for cycling due to cold and wind; proper gear is essential for comfort.
Challenging conditions for cycling due to cold and wind; proper gear is essential for comfort.
January
LOW
1-10°C
Cold with occasional clear days; strong crosswinds on bridges.
Cold with occasional clear days; strong crosswinds on bridges.
Open
Dress warmly; some facilities may have reduced hours.
Dress warmly; some facilities may have reduced hours.
Not recommended
January offers a quiet experience on the Shimanami Kaido, but cold temperatures and strong winds may pose challenges for cyclists.
January offers a quiet experience on the Shimanami Kaido, but cold temperatures and strong winds may pose challenges for cyclists.
February
LOW
2-11°C
Cold with occasional rain; potential for strong crosswinds.
Cold with occasional rain; potential for strong crosswinds.
Open
Appropriate cold-weather gear recommended; check facility schedules.
Appropriate cold-weather gear recommended; check facility schedules.
Not recommended
February remains cold with low tourist presence, making it suitable for those prepared for the weather and seeking solitude.
February remains cold with low tourist presence, making it suitable for those prepared for the weather and seeking solitude.
March
MEDIUM
5-15°C
Mild temperatures with increasing sunshine; occasional rain showers.
Mild temperatures with increasing sunshine; occasional rain showers.
Open
Booking accommodations in advance is advisable.
Booking accommodations in advance is advisable.
Recommended
March offers milder weather, making it a favorable time for cycling with moderate crowds.
March offers milder weather, making it a favorable time for cycling with moderate crowds.
How to get there
Bike
Recommended
The dedicated cycling path, marked with a blue line, is the most celebrated way to experience the Shimanami Kaido. Bicycle rentals are available at both ends of the expressway, including Shimanami Japan and Giant Onomichi.
Car
Recommended
Drive the Sanyo Expressway, exiting at the Fukuyama-Nishi Interchange to reach Onomichi, or take the Shimanami Kaido itself. Parking is available in Onomichi at the Onomichi Ekimae Kowan Parking Space.
Ferry
Recommended
Ferries provide an excellent way to experience the seascape and bypass sections of the cycling route. A popular option is the ferry from Onomichi Port to Setoda Port on Ikuchijima Island.
Boat
Several ferries cross from Onomichi to the first island, Mukaishima. Ferries also connect Imabari Port with some of the islands, such as Habu Port on Innoshima.
Bus
Highway buses, such as the Shimanami Liner, connect Imabari with Fukuyama and Hiroshima. Local buses serve the islands, with a key transfer point at the Innoshima Ohashi bus stop.
Taxi
Taxis are available for shorter distances or to reach specific points of interest, such as from Imabari Station to the Sunrise Itoyama cycling terminal.
Train
Reach Onomichi via the JR Sanyo Main Line to JR Onomichi Station or the Sanyo Shinkansen to Fukuyama Station, transferring to a local train. Imabari is served by JR Imabari Station on the JR Yosan Line.
Walking
Walking is permitted on the expressway, particularly on the bridges, offering scenic views. However, it is primarily a cycling and driving route.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Seating Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required