Shimanami Kaido Expressway
Hiroshima, Japan • 
Underrated
UnderratedHiroshima, Japan
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.
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
April
HIGH
10-20°C
Comfortable temperatures with blooming flora; generally clear skies.
Comfortable temperatures with blooming flora; generally clear skies.
Open
Early reservations for accommodations and rentals are essential.
Early reservations for accommodations and rentals are essential.
Recommended
April is popular for its pleasant weather and scenic beauty, attracting many visitors; plan ahead to secure bookings.
April is popular for its pleasant weather and scenic beauty, attracting many visitors; plan ahead to secure bookings.
May
HIGH
15-25°C
Warm and sunny; ideal for outdoor activities.
Warm and sunny; ideal for outdoor activities.
Open
Advance bookings are crucial, especially during Golden Week.
Advance bookings are crucial, especially during Golden Week.
Recommended
May offers excellent weather for cycling, but expect high crowds and book services well in advance.
May offers excellent weather for cycling, but expect high crowds and book services well in advance.
June
MEDIUM
20-28°C
Warm temperatures with increased humidity; onset of rainy season.
Warm temperatures with increased humidity; onset of rainy season.
Open
Prepare for rain; some outdoor facilities may have limited operations.
Prepare for rain; some outdoor facilities may have limited operations.
Not recommended
June marks the beginning of the rainy season, leading to fewer visitors; suitable for those comfortable with potential rain.
June marks the beginning of the rainy season, leading to fewer visitors; suitable for those comfortable with potential rain.
July
MEDIUM
25-35°C
Hot and humid with potential for early summer rains.
Hot and humid with potential for early summer rains.
Open
Not recommended
Due to high temperatures and humidity, cycling can be challenging. Early mornings and evenings are more comfortable for activities.
Due to high temperatures and humidity, cycling can be challenging. Early mornings and evenings are more comfortable for activities.
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
