Shimanami Kaido with Yumeshima islands by E-bike

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.

Meals: None

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 flowers, 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 a refreshing 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 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

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 well 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 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, take 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. Alternatively, lace up for a rewarding hike up Mt. Choonzan to Kojoji Temple, where a vivid three-storied pagoda, built in the 1400s, rises dramatically above Setoda Harbour. Its bold vermilion design, blending Japanese and Western influences, has earned it recognition as a National Treasure. The climb itself is part of the reward, with quiet forest trails and sweeping panoramas along the way.

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

Setting out this morning, you’ll cycle around Ikuchijima, passing the 790m Ikuchi Bridge before arriving at Sunoe Port, where a short ferry ride takes you to Iwagijima. The largest of the Kamijima Islands, Iwagijima marks the start of the Yumeshima Kaidō; the “Dream Island Road.” This off-the-beaten-path route links four small islands, offering some of the most relaxed and rewarding cycling in the Seto Inland Sea. Life here moves at a gentler rhythm, giving you a true taste of island life that has remained unchanged for decades. The direct route across the bridges is fairly quick, leaving plenty of time for deeper exploration.

On Iwagijima, you can follow the scenic coastal road to the first bridge; however, we recommend detouring inland to tackle the island’s celebrated peak, Mt. Sekizen, fondly known as Iwagi-Fuji. Cycle to the trailhead, then set out on the approximately 1-hour hike up the 350m ascent. It’s a rewarding climb, lined with over 3,000 cherry trees that burst into bloom each spring, creating a striking contrast of soft pink against the deep blue sea. From the summit, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Shimanami Kaidō, the Yumeshima Kaidō, and the distant ridgelines of the Shikoku and Chūgoku mountains. It’s a view that makes every step worthwhile.

After descending, return to your bike and continue along the coast toward the 916m Iwagi Bridge, the newest of the island crossings, opening in March 2022. From here, the quiet coastal road of Ikinajima awaits, passing a popular summer campground before leading to Ikina Bridge. Pause along the way for a relaxed seaside lunch.

Next, you’ll roll onto Sashima, the smallest of the islands, home to just 450 residents and some of the Seto Inland Sea’s most secluded beaches. You can take the quick route across the island’s north, or head south for the more adventurous loop, which includes Nagaiso Beach, known locally as the “hidden beach.” Along this route, you’ll follow a miniature version of the famed 1,200km Shikoku Pilgrimage, with numbered roadside shrines, some just a few metres apart, tucked between shrubs and stone markers. What takes weeks on Shikoku can be experienced here in under an hour.

Finally, cross the last bridge of the Yumeshima Kaidō to reach Yuge Island and the welcoming port town of Kamijima, celebrated as one of the most beautiful villages in Japan. On arrival, take time to explore the shops, or stop by the Yuge Sea Station to connect with locals and sample freshly baked treats. Depending on the season, you might end your day with a refreshing swim at Matsubara Beach, or sink into the warmth of a local onsen to soothe your legs after the ride. Either way, it’s the perfect ending to a memorable day of cycling, hiking and discovery.

Meals: B, D

On Yuge Island, you can choose between two cycling routes: a gentle, flat ride along the west coast with sweeping sea views, or a more adventurous option along the hillier east side (eased by your e-bike, with the highest point around 100m). Setting out after breakfast, the ride is especially beautiful as the morning sun rises over the eastern coastline. Looping around the northern tip, you’ll encounter the striking mural sea wall, a vibrant creation from the Setouchi Kamijima Art Project. Continuing south toward the port, you’ll pass the historic Takahamahachiman Shrine before boarding the ferry to Koroto Port on Innoshima Island.

Innoshima offers several rewarding detours, depending on your energy and interests. For sweeping views, you might tackle the climb up to Innoshima Park, especially stunning in spring when cherry blossoms are in bloom. Alternatively, head inland to explore Innoshima Suigun Castle, a small museum recounting the story of the Murakami Suigun, the powerful maritime clan who once ruled these waters. For a gentler option, the Innoshima Flower Center is a peaceful stop to wander among seasonal blooms, enjoy the well-kept gardens, and take in the views from the rooftop observatory – a great spot for a relaxed lunch.

If you’re up for more adventure after lunch, hike up to Mt. Shirataki’s Observation Deck. The trail is lined with over 700 stone Buddha statues in every imaginable pose, creating a striking path to one of the most breathtaking panoramas along the route.

From here, continue across Innoshima to reach the final bridge of your island-hopping journey, crossing over to Mukaishima Island. If time allows, take a short diversion to the small island of Iwashijima. At just 8km around, it’s a quiet and rewarding loop. On its west coast stands the serene Itsukushima Shrine, its torii gate appearing to float at high tide. Though smaller than its famous namesake on Miyajima, this peaceful spot is often free of crowds, perfect for an afternoon pause and reflection on your incredible ride.

Cycling onward through Mukaishimacho, a short ferry ride will take you to Onomichi. Drop off your bike, check into your accommodation, and celebrate the completion of both the Shimanami Kaido and Yumeshima Kaido adventures with a well-earned dinner in this welcoming port city.

Meals: B

Spend the day uncovering the hidden charm of Onomichi, hiking along its famed 25 Temple Walk, a designated trail that weaves through the town’s maze of narrow lanes and quiet alleyways. This trail is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves more deeply in Japanese culture while enjoying an experience that’s away from the usual tourist areas.

Along the way, you’ll wander along winding paths, passing by homes, shops, and schools, uncovering hidden corners that reveal the charm of daily life in this hillside port town. The route also highlights Onomichi’s cultural side, including sites connected to celebrated authors and a “Literature Path” where stones are etched with poetry. You may like to take a short detour that takes you to the Motion Picture Museum, a nod to Onomichi’s long-standing ties to Japanese cinema.

Many of the temples along the walk are small and tucked into the hillsides, while others are larger and require short diversions uphill. Senkoji Temple (Temple No. 7), founded in the 9th century, is one of the highlights. The climb rewards you with sweeping views across the port town and the Seto Inland Sea. On a clear blue day, it offers a view you won’t soon forget. The temple is revered for blessings of safe travel, family well-being, and love. Nearby, the Onomichi City Museum of Art, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, sits in Senkoji Park, which bursts into life each spring with around 1,500 cherry blossoms.

After exploring the park, wander back down the hillside trails into town. At the end of the Temple Walk, you can choose to return along the retro Hondori Shopping Street, lined with some 400 unique shops, or follow the scenic coastal route alive with atmosphere. Along the way, be sure to try the town’s signature dish, steaming bowls of Onomichi ramen.

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

24kg of CO2-e per person per day

We pay for a monthly offset to cover the estimated emissions of our walkers / cyclists for all trips with RAW Travel, which goes into local reforestation or biodiversity restoration. Explore the practical actions behind these estimated carbon offsets for your trip here, following a philosophy of ‘re-wilding the planet’ with native tree planting & Ocean plastic cleans ups.

A reasonable estimate for a pilgrim is 24kg of CO2-e per person per day, primarily due to hotels, meals and emissions from luggage transfers. The act of walking / cycling itself is a form of sustainable travel, so the carbon footprint calculated here is a measure of the ancillary activities surrounding the ride, not the riding itself. The figures are estimates, not precise measurements for each route/trip, as it’s difficult to provide an exact number without detailed data on specific hotels, menus, and transfer routes which vary from person to person. This figure represents the operational footprint of the ride and its included services only. It does not include the flights and other transport needed to get to the start and finish of the walk.

An individual can significantly influence their footprint with the varied choices they make around food and drink at each meal. For instance, a diet rich in meat, imported goods and alcohol, will have a much higher impact than one focused on local, seasonal, and plant-based options. This daily stated figure is an average across all days of the trip, derived from the key consumption components listed below.

Carbon Footprint Breakdown (7-Day Trip)

• 6-nights twin-share accommodation 
• Daily meals (as listed in the itinerary)
• 4-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