Explore the historic Shimanami Kaido, a sixty-kilometer road linking Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture to Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture. Spanning the serene Seto Inland Sea and connecting its beautiful islands, this route affords stunning views from high above. Though the Shimanami Kaido is an expressway, it is uniquely bike friendly, and whizzing across its bridges with the sea breeze on your face is exhilarating. Join us on six specially crafted tours, part of a Japan Tourism Agency project, showcasing the beauty of the Shimanami Kaido and the enchantment of the Seto Inland Sea islands. Don't miss this chance to discover the hidden wonders of Japan.
Exclusive Four-Hour
Private Luxury Cruise around the Shimanami Kaido Islands
Embark on a journey along the Shimanami Kaido, tailored for the traveler seeking a luxury experience. Design your exclusive experience for up to eleven people. Starting in Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, the Shimanami Kaido beckons with its exquisite scenery and the glowing allure of the brilliant Seto Inland Sea and its charming islands. Step aboard your chartered cruiser—a private sanctuary with a lavish bedroom, shower room, and jacuzzi designed for unparalleled comfort. Any time from spring to autumn, you can immerse yourself in the ever-changing scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Complete the experience with a delightful culinary extravaganza—a sumptuous BBQ, a buffet, or even refined French cuisine. Your exclusive cruise promises not an ordinary trip but rather a lavish excursion through the breathtaking panoramas and singular beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, ensuring an unforgettable experience and timeless memories for you and your party.
Sacred Treasures and
Culinary Treats: Omishima Unveiled in E-bike and Hike Tour (Five Hours)
Journey through Omishima, a captivating island on the Shimanami Kaido, and delve into its rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and culinary delights.
Begin your tour at the revered Oyamazumi Shrine, a haven for samurai enthusiasts, which houses about eighty percent of Japan's National Treasure armaments and military wear. Nestled among ancient camphor trees, the shrine's guardian statues, portraying Zuijin in armor, showcase its martial heritage. Hike around Anjinyama's sacred peak, and witness its mystical rituals of gathering red clay while being surrounded by camphor trees. Indulge in authentic French cuisine, made with fresh, local ingredients, in a quaint, exquisitely renovated ninety-year-old traditional house along the route.
Bike along the picturesque route across Omishima and marvel at nature’s artistry as the wonders of the island and the Seto Inland Sea are unveiled to you.
Thrilling and Flavorful
Expedition: Omishima's Thirty-Four-Kilometer E-bike Adventure (Private, Six Hours)
Set off on an exciting adventure with this full-day e-bike tour, which extends thirty-four kilometers around the southern half of Omishima. Discover iconic landmarks, such as the awe-inspiring Oyamazumi Shrine, the imaginative Tokoro Museum, and the enchanting Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum.
Sense the pulse of the island as you pedal along the famed Shimanami Kaido past wineries and artisan-brewery shops, taking in the stunning coastal views. Stop at the Kaeru Bakery for a sweet treat, then later, lunch on a French-fusion meal made with local ingredients at the Shimanami French Flier, a ninety-year-old traditional home that has been carefully renovated.
Join us for a day brimming with activity and flavor, where each turn promises a new discovery and each stop adds a layer of delight to your exploration. It's not just a tour; it's a dynamic and delicious celebration of Omishima's treasures. Seize the moment and savor the thrill!
Coastal Explorer:
Imabari's E-bike and Fishery Experience
(Private, Full Day)
Venture forth on this picturesque cycling tour starting at Sunrise Itoyama, after capturing a moment at the Shimanami Crown Bridge monument, an iconic starting point for the Shimanami Kaido on the Shikoku side. Guided by a local expert, enjoy a comfortable e-bike ride through Imabari, known historically for shipbuilding and Murakami pirates.
Pedal across the long, graceful Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, then on to Oshima and the town of Miyakubo for a boat ride on the Seto Inland Sea, where fishing is a thriving industry. Board a boat for a one-hour tour to see Japanese fishing the traditional way before indulging in a local seafood favorite, called the “ten-knot sea-bream bowl” at a charming fisher's hut-style restaurant.
Take a break at the roadside station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan, where you can savor Ehime specialties like jakoten and salted soft-serve ice cream. Conclude the tour with a final run across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, soaking up the scenery along the way. This cycling tour seamlessly blends adventure, cultural discovery, and culinary indulgence for an unforgettable exploration of Imabari's coastal delights.
Bridges & Breezes:
Shimanami Kaido Scenic Cycling
Experience breathtaking beauty from the vantage points of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and the Kirosan Observatory Park on this cycling adventure. The e-bikes make climbing even the steepest hills a breeze, ensuring an enjoyable ride for everyone, regardless of cycling ability.
Traverse the renowned Shimanami Kaido, a sixty-kilometer expressway spanning the scenic Seto Inland Sea, which connects Honshu (Japan’s main island) to the island of Shikoku. This iconic route, popular among cyclists and drivers alike, is distinguished by its lofty bridges, modern tunnels, sweeping causeways, and especially its exceptional views of the sea and surrounding islands.
Discover hidden gems along the way by detouring to the small islands linked by the expressway. Explore the shrines and temples nestled in coniferous forests, the pristine beaches with rocky piers, and the sprawling citrus groves blanketing the hillsides. This is an adventure that promises not just a journey, but an immersive two-wheeled exploration of Japan's coastal treasures.
Island-Hopper Adventure:
Leisure Bike Excursion from Imabari to Oshima
Probe every part of Shimanami Kaido’s rich history and scenic wonders with this full-day tour. Starting at 08:30 at Imabari Station’s i.i.imabari! Cycle Station, which opened in 2020, this adventure covers a gentle fifteen kilometers of the famed cycling route. This tour is perfect for beginning cyclists or those seeking a leisurely ride.
Pedal past iconic landmarks, such as Imabari Castle and the Hashihama area, a symbol of shipbuilding in Imabari, before heading over to the serene island of Umashima. Conquer the majestic Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, with breathtaking vistas unveiled as you cross to Oshima. Indulge in a delectable lunch at a seaside restaurant in Itoyama Park while gazing at panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
The carefully curated itinerary promises a day filled with relaxing exploration of the variety offered by the Inland Sea, from Imabari's shipbuilding legacy to the tranquil beauty of Umashima and the Oshima islands.
Imabari is a city located in the north-east of Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. It takes 90 minutes to travel from Matsuyama Airport to Imabari Station by bus. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen bullet train from Hiroshima Station to Fukuyama Station (20 minutes) and cross the Shimanami Kaido Highway by Highway Bus to Imabari.
