JCC E-Magazine August 2024

One of the most memorable ways to travel within Japan is to cycle via Shimanami Kaido. Approximately 70 kilometres long, this cycling route is between Onomichi city of Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari city of Ehime Prefecture, and passes through six islands in the Seto Inland Sea. As the first cycling route to open in Japan that passes over sea straits, Shimanami Kaido has grown to become a popular attraction for cyclists all over the world, as they can leisurely enjoy the local culture and breath-taking views of the Setouchi region. While cars are not allowed to stop on the bridge, cyclists are able to do so, so it is a perfect mode to be able to stop and admire the view. The structural beauty of the bridges linking the islands add to the charm as well.

Besides appreciating the wonderful scenery, one can also visit numerous historical and cultural sites along the way. There are interesting spots related to the Murakami Pirates, who once occupied the Seto Inland Sea during the 16th century. For example, Innoshima Suigun Castle is the only pirate castle-style museum in Japan, and the Murakami Suigun Museum displays items and documents that were left behind by the clan. Other than that, there is Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima Island. It is a unique and colourful temple, with many of its buildings modeled after Japan’s most famous religious sites such as Toshogu Shrine and Byodoin Temple. On the same island is Hirayama Museum, which is dedicated to one of Japan’s most famous Nihonga painter, Ikuo Hirayama.

Another interesting site is Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island. It is the head shrine of the over 10,000 Yamazumi shrines and Mishima shrines across Japan, and it is dedicated to the god of sea, mountains, and military. Thus, you can find many weapons which had been offered by past military commanders in the shrine’s Treasury Museum. Apparently, the museum is home to 80% of weapons and armoury which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties or National Treasures in Japan. You can also visit Imabari Castle, which is recognised as one of Japan’s three Mizujiro, or “Castles on the sea”, as it uses the sea to fill its moat.

It is a great opportunity to savour the unique local cuisine that is available around the region. There is Kaizoku Musubi, which replicates the rice balls that the Murakami Pirates might have eaten in the past. Imabari Yakibuta Tamago Meshi is a hearty dish of grilled pork and egg over rice, and another famous dish is sea bream served on rice. Naturally, you can expect to plenty of seafood. For those with a sweet tooth, you can try ice-cream flavoured with salt from Seto Inland Sea.

There are several features which make Shimanami Kaido especially convenient. The route is segregated from the road for cars. There is a constant blue line on the cycling route, indicating the recommended path from Onomichi station to Imabari station. Besides that, there are numerous rest areas targeted to cyclists, known as Cycle Oasis, providing useful goods and services such as air pumps, bicycle stands, benches, drinking water and toilets. Rental cycles are available along the route, and you can freely drop the bicycles off at the rental cycle terminals located in each area, and even at some hotels and Japanese inns in Imabari city. You can even reserve a bicycle online in advance, before you depart for Japan. Of course, you can also choose to bring your own bicycle. There are buses, trains and shops which accommodate bicycles onboard, and some lodging facilities even allow you to bring your bicycle into the room.

If you wish to experience Japan from a different perspective and at your own pace, why not try cycling along Shimanami Kaido?

The cycle/pedestrian lanes on the Innoshima Great Bridge (Shimanami Kaido) © Web Japan

Murakami Suigun Museum © photoAC

Kosanji Temple © photoAC

Oyamazumi Shrine © photoAC

Resources

“SHIMANAMI KAIDO cycling road”. 2008. MLIT Japan. Accessed 22 July. https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/bicycleuse/good-cycle-japan/national_cycle_route/shimanami_en.html.

“Shimanami Kaido”. 2024. japan-guide.com. Accessed 22 July. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3478.html.

“Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road”. 2024. Japan National Tourism Organization. Accessed 22 July. https://www.japan.travel/en/sports/cycling/courses/shimanami-kaido-cycling-road/.

“Shimanami Kaido”. 2023. ANA. Accessed 22 July. https://www.ana.co.jp/en/ca/japan-travel-planner/ehime/0000004.html.

“First-Timer’s Guide to Shimanami Kaido Cycling”. 2024. SHIMANAMI JAPAN. Accessed 22 July. https://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/cycling/en.html.

< Home