Shimanami Kaido by E-Bike (Self-Guided)

With multiple route options available on most days, the distances provided are intended as a guide only and may vary depending on the choices you make.

The daily kilometres listed reflect cycling times only and do not account for stops, breaks, or visits to attractions, all of which contribute to a complete day of activity.

Make your way to Imabari, located in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku and serving as the gateway to the iconic Shimanami Kaido cycling route.

Imabari boasts a thriving maritime industry and a rich local heritage. Though compact in size, it’s worth arriving early enough to explore its highlights – especially Imabari Castle, one of Japan’s Top 100 castles. Surrounded by a seawater moat, the castle is particularly striking when illuminated at night.

Imabari is also famous for its premium towel production, and a visit to the Towel Museum is highly recommended. The museum features beautifully curated seasonal gardens and is a great place to enjoy a relaxing lunch.

There are also some excellent dining options near your accommodation, offering a chance to sample the local cuisine before your Shimanami adventure begins.

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast this morning – you’re in for a rewarding day on the bike. Make your way to the bike centre, where you’ll receive a briefing and get fitted with your e-bike before setting off on the Shimanami Kaido.

You’ll leave Imabari and soon approach your first bridge crossing, an exciting moment that offers breathtaking views across the Seto Inland Sea. Before crossing, consider a short detour to a nearby viewpoint overlooking the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge – the longest suspension bridge on the route and a fantastic introduction to the series of bridges ahead. Looking over the water below, you might spot the swirling patterns of tidal currents, similar to the famous Naruto whirlpools (which are strongest in the Naruto Strait of Tokushima). From this high vantage point, the natural patterns are still fascinating to observe.

Once you reach Oshima Island, follow the scenic coastal road past quiet fishing villages, offering beautiful views back toward the bridge. If you enjoy flora, you may like to stop in at Yoshiumi Rose Park. The park showcases rose varieties from around the world and also has a café perfect for a snack or an ice cream break.

Continuing on, you’ll pass a coastline dotted with large granite stones – Oshima is known for its high-quality stone, famously used in architecture and sculpture. There are several inviting cafés along the route, so you may like to break here for a relaxing lunch. You’ll then cross the Hakata-Oshima Bridge to Hakatajima Island, where the views will continue to impress. The island offers more great photo stops, tranquil sea vistas and additional places to pause for food, drinks or snacks.

Depending on your timing and energy, you may like to take a detour up to Hirakiyama Park, a popular viewpoint with sweeping panoramas of the surrounding islands – especially stunning in spring and autumn.

From here, you’ll cross a short bridge to Omishima Island and cycle through to your accommodation for the evening.

Meals: B, D

Enjoy breakfast with a view across the Seto Inland Sea as you prepare for another rewarding day on the Shimanami Kaido.

This morning, you’ll cycle around the coastline of Omishima, the largest island on the route. The ride takes you through peaceful scenery, passing through groves of mandarins and oranges for which the island is known.

As you continue along the coast, you’ll come across a couple of art and architecture museums, both worth a visit if time permits and you’re interested in seeking creative inspiration along the way.

From here, turn inland to visit the Oyamazumi Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. Dedicated to Oyamazumi-no-Kami, the elder brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu, he is revered as the god of mountains, the sea, and warriors. The shrine also holds the largest collection of samurai armor and weaponry in Japan, once worn by some of the country’s most legendary warriors.

After exploring the shrine, cross the impressive Tatara Bridge, which marks the border between Ehime and Hiroshima Prefectures and arrive on Ikuchijima, an island renowned for producing some of Japan’s best lemons.

Here, you can choose between cycling the full loop around Ikuchijima, taking in more coastal views or the shorter route directly to the charming port town of Setoda. Once there, drop off your bike at your accommodation and take a leisurely stroll along Shiomachi Shopping Street toward Kōsanji Temple. This striking temple complex, known for its vibrant architecture and elaborate grounds, is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. Don’t miss a walk up to the Hill of Hope, a dazzling marble terrace offering stunning views.

If time allows, you may also wish to visit the nearby Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art, which showcases the work of one of Japan’s most celebrated Nihonga (Japanese-style) painters.

Setoda offers a variety of fantastic dining options, so unwind this evening with a delicious local meal, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Meals: B

Back on the bike this morning, enjoy the relaxed ride from Setoda across the Ikuchibashi Bridge to Innoshima Island and the next leg of your Shimanami Kaido journey. Take in the expansive sea views as you pedal toward new discoveries.

Innoshima offers several worthwhile detours, depending on your interests and energy. For sweeping views, consider a ride up to Innoshima Park, a favourite spot in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom – though be prepared for some hill climbing to reach the top. Alternatively, head inland to explore Innoshima Suigun Castle, a small museum that tells the story of the Murakami Suigun, a powerful maritime clan who ruled these waters between the 14th and 15th centuries.

The Innoshima Flower Centre makes for a peaceful stop to wander among seasonal blooms and enjoy its well-kept gardens. It’s also a great option for a relaxed lunch break.

If you’re up for more adventure after lunch, hike up to the Mt. Shirataki Observation Deck. Along the trail, you’ll encounter around 700 stone Buddha statues in a variety of poses and expressions. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire route.

From here, cross the final bridge of your island-hopping journey to Mukaishima Island. Once across, pause at Tachibana Seaside Park to look back at the last bridge and reflect on the incredible ride you’ve just completed.

Continue cycling through to Mukaishimacho, from where a short ferry ride will take you across to your final destination – the quaint and welcoming port city of Onomichi.

On arrival, drop off your bike and check in to your accommodation. After a full day of scenic cycling and memorable stops, treat yourself to a well-earned dinner and celebrate the successful completion of your Shimanami Kaido adventure.

Meals: B

Your trip concludes after breakfast this morning. If time allows, you may wish to extend your stay and explore more of Onomichi – a city known for its charming laneways, hillside temples and artistic flair. Otherwise, depart when ready, traveling by train to your next destination.

Meals: B

• 4-nights twin-share accommodation 
• Daily meals (as listed in the itinerary)
• 3-days e-bike hire
• RAW Travel’s exclusive interactive navigation app
• Local and Australian emergency contacts
• Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted

• Single supplement – please ask for a quote
• Local train and ferry tickets
• Luggage transfers (details will be provided)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to local sites
• Expenses and items of a personal nature
• Flights
• Travel insurance