Shimanami Kaido – A Scenic Ride Across the Islands
Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, the Shimanami Kaido is a route unlike any other. Stretching over 70 kilometers from the quaint city of Onomichi on the main island of Honshu to the port town of Imabari on Shikoku, this road weaves together a string of islands with a series of impressive bridges. The Kaido is often hailed as a paradise for cyclists. But for motorcyclists it offers something a bit different, giving you a feeling like you're skimming across the ocean, with sweeping views and a true sense of freedom.
Set against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea, the Shimanami Kaido is all about wide horizons and an endless expanse of shimmering blue water. The route takes you across six islands, each connected by a bridge that seems to float above the sea. It’s a landscape that feels almost surreal, especially on clear days when the sky is a bright, piercing blue, and the islands dot the water like stepping stones.
This is a part of Japan where life moves a little slower, where fishing boats drift along the shore, and locals stop to wave as you ride by. The islands are small, with quiet villages and winding roads that invite exploration. The scenery here has a kind of understated beauty, with lush hills, rocky shores, and the occasional splash of citrus groves that thrive in the mild coastal climate.
Getting to the Shimanami Kaido
The journey kicks off in Onomichi, a small port city in Hiroshima Prefecture known for its winding alleyways, temples and old streets. Onomichi is an easy train ride from Hiroshima, but it’s worth taking the extra time to ride along the coastline. This stretch offers a scenic warm-up before reaching the main event. Onomichi itself has a relaxed vibe, with coffee shops, local eateries, and a handful of places to grab any last minute shopping.
From Onomichi, the Shimanami Kaido stretches all the way to Imabari on Shikoku. This route is well-marked and straightforward, so it’s hard to get lost. Although it’s entirely possible to ride the route in a single day, we recommend you stay overnight on one of the islands, allowing for a more laid-back pace and time to soak in the local culture.
The Route
The beauty of the Shimanami Kaido lies in its unique blend of bridges and islands. Each island has its own character and vibe. Expect wide open bridge views, and quiet island roads (when you step off).
The islands connected by the Kaido are all worth a stop, whether it’s for a quick snack, a stroll along the beach, or a short detour to a local shrine. This is a route that’s about taking it slow, enjoying the scenery, and letting the sense of discovery unfold with every new stretch of road. You can literally hop on and off, and experiencing this on a bike is the best way to do it!
Highlights & What to Expect
The Bridges
The bridges are more than just ways to get from one island to another; they’re part of the experience. Each bridge offers a unique perspective on the Seto Inland Sea, with sweeping views of the water, dotted with tiny islands and the occasional fishing boat. The Tatara Bridge, connecting Ikuchi and Ōmishima islands, is one of the most iconic. It’s a long, elegant structure that feels like it’s pulling you right out into the sea. And then there’s the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge, the climax as you approach Imabari. Spanning over four kilometers, this suspension bridge gives an almost surreal sense of floating over the ocean.
Island Stops: Ikuchi Island and Ōmishima Island
Ikuchi Island is famous for its citrus orchards, especially lemons. If you’re a fan of lemon flavored anything, this is your place. A favorite stop here is Kosanji Temple, a colorful and quirky temple complex that includes an underground cave and a strikingly white marble garden that feels almost like something from ancient Greece. It’s a place that’s both serene and a little surreal. A perfect spot to stretch your legs and snap some photos.
Ōmishima Island has a more traditional vibe, with Oyamazumi Shrine as its main attraction. This is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, surrounded by towering ancient camphor trees. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of samurai armor that’s been preserved over centuries. It’s a peaceful stop, where you can take a moment to appreciate the island’s history and connection to Japan’s feudal past.
Sea Breezes and Open Roads
One of the best parts of this ride is the fresh sea air. Unlike Japan’s inland roads, the Shimanami Kaido has a constant breeze that makes even the hottest summer day feel comfortable. Riding along the coast, with the ocean on one side and hills on the other, it’s easy to get lost in the rhythm of the ride. The bridges can be a bit windy at times, but that only adds to the sense of freedom.
Key Points
While the Shimanami Kaido may not be the most challenging route, it’s all about the views and the journey. The road quality is excellent, with smooth asphalt and well-maintained bridges. Traffic is generally light, giving a chance to ride at a relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery. There are no gas stations on the islands themselves, so it’s best to fill up in Onomichi or Imabari. Packing a few onigiri and a water bottle is also a good idea as some of the island rest stops are very small, with just a vending machine or two.
We also recommend you bring some swimmers, especially if it's a hot day, so that you can enjoy the ocean.
Food Stops
Ikuchi Island: This island is famous for its citrus fruit, especially lemons. Stop by Setoda Lemon for a taste of the local specialty—lemon ramen. It might sound strange, but the fresh, zesty flavor makes it refreshing, especially when you've been riding under the hot summer sun!
Ōmishima Island: Here, try the seafood udon at one of the local eateries near Oyamazumi Shrine. The seafood is as fresh as it gets, caught right from the surrounding waters. Simple but delicious, it’s a perfect meal after a morning on the road.
Verdict
Shimamami Kaido is a relaxing and easy going experience that is best enjoyed by taking it slow. Cruising along the bridge, soaking in the scenery and hopping along the islands, it's a journey across the heart of the Seto Inland Sea.
The combination of breathtaking views, cultural stops, and the cool sea air makes it one of Japan’s most unforgettable motorcycle routes, and that's why it deserves a spot on our list.
Score (out of 5)
Stylish Rank: Fresh!
Scenery: 5
Technicality: 1
Road Quality: 4
Challenge: 1
Accessibility and Traffic: 4
Connecting /Nearby Routes
Here are three other scenic routes that can be combined with the Shimanami Kaido to create a longer and more adventurous journey:
1. Kure Scenic Route (Route 185) (呉・瀬戸内ドライブコース)
Starting from Hiroshima, Route 185 takes you along the coastal road through Kure City and past several beautiful seaside parks.
- Location: Connects Hiroshima City to Kure City, then runs eastward toward Takehara, where you can eventually connect with the Shimanami Kaido.
- Search Terms: "Kure Scenic Route" or 呉ドライブコース
- Route Number: National Route 185
- Tip: Stop in Kure to visit the Yamato Museum, which showcases Japan’s maritime history, or relax at one of the seaside parks with beautiful views of the Inland Sea.
2. Ikuchi Island Scenic Drive (Prefectural Route 21) (生口島)
Once you’re on the Shimanami Kaido, take some time to explore Ikuchi Island. This route offers a more intimate exploration of the island’s beautiful coastal areas.
- Location: Loops around Ikuchi Island, accessible from the Ikuchi Bridge on the Shimanami Kaido.
- Search Terms: "Ikuchi Island Route 21" or 生口島県道21号
- Route Number: Prefectural Route 21
- Tip: Take a break to visit the Kosanjii Temple, known for its spectacular architecture and sea views.
3. Towel Museum Road (Route 317) (タオル美術館前の道)
Once you reach the end of the Shimanami Kaido in Imabari, continue onto Route 317 for a quick detour to the Towel Museum of Art. This unique attraction showcases beautiful towel art and textiles, while the road leading to it offers scenic rural views and gentle curves. Afterward, continue on Route 317 for a peaceful ride along the coast.
- Location: Connects from Imabari, following Route 317 toward Towel Museum and other attractions around Takataki.
- Search Terms: "Towel Museum of Art" or タオル美術館
- Route Number: National Route 317
- Tip: Stop at the Towel Museum of Art for a break and enjoy the quirky exhibitions. Continue south along the coast for a relaxing ride with scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Planning Your Own Japan Motorbike Tour?
If you're planning your own motorbike tour through Japan, renting a bike is a great option. Our friends at Rental819 are a fantastic choice for foreign riders—they offer a wide selection of well-maintained bikes at reasonable prices, with locations all across Japan. They're also known for being very foreigner-friendly, making the process easy even if your Japanese isn't perfect.
Whether you're after a quick weekend trip or a full-blown tour, Rental819 has got you covered. And if you need any tips or advice along the way, feel free to reach out! At Shogun Motorbike Adventures, we're always happy to help fellow riders experience the incredible roads and rich culture that Japan has to offer.
Experience This Route On A Shogun Adventure:
We are working hard to bring you our Shikoku Gateway Tour which will be heavily focussed around the Shimanami Kaido and the region around Hiroshima. It's going to be awesome!
If you can’t wait until then, and want to experience what else Japan has on offer, check out our Fuji Explorer Tour, with 7-day and 10-day options, both running in May and October 2025 and 2026.
As well as the Fuji Explorer Tour, in 2026 we will be running the Mountain Strider Tour, the Volcanic Voyage Tour and the Wilderness Expedition Tour. These are brand new tours that you can read up about and register interest for right now.
