Let's go cycling on the Shimanami Kaido! We will follow the recommended beginner route that measures 76km in total length from Onomichi to Imabari. First you take a ferry from Onomichi to Mukaishima as the bridge that connects them is only for cars.

Let's go cycling on the Shimanami Kaido! We will follow the recommended beginner route that measures 76km in total length from Onomichi to Imabari. First you take a ferry from Onomichi to Mukaishima as the bridge that connects them is only for cars. (Photo: Jaclynn Seah)

The Bridges of the Shimanami Kaido

Connecting Chugoku and Shikoku over the Seto Inland Sea

Jaclynn Seah Apr 19, 2016 - 1 min read

Let's go cycling on the Shimanami Kaido! We will follow the recommended beginner route that measures 76km in total length from Onomichi to Imabari. First you take a ferry from Onomichi to Mukaishima as the bridge that connects them is only for cars.

The first bridge you cross is Innoshima Bridge, a 1.27km long suspended bridge connects Mukaishima to Innoshima.

Innoshima Bridge is the only bridge where cyclists and pedestrians go under the motorway instead of sharing the road.

Following the recommended Shimanami Kaido route is easy - just follow the blue line all the way.

The next one is Ikuchi Bridge that connects Innoshima to Ikuchijima. It is just 790m long.

Cycling on the bridges mostly takes place at the same level as cars - the sidewalks are wide enough for cyclists to pass each other in both directions.

Connecting Ikuchijima to Omishima is the 1.48km long Tatara Bridge.

Getting up to bridge level usually involves cycling up at least 1km of gentle slopes. The slopes are designed for cyclists, but it can still can be pretty tiring. Use your bicycle's gears and rest points liberally.

Views like these are worth it though. Also, getting to go down slope on the other side of the bridge is such a relief!

You'll only cover the south-east end of Omishima before you reach the next bridge. Omishima Bridge is the shortest of the lot at just 328m, a pleasing arch shape bridging the strait between Omishima and Hakatajima

Usually cyclists would have to pay small tolls when crossing the bridges, but these tolls have been waived till 2018 to help boost tourism. Enjoy the free roads while you can!

You'll cycle through the north-west part of Hakatajima before reaching the next bridge. Connecting Hakata to Oshima is the 1.165km long Hakata-Oshima suspended bridge.

Gearing up for the last and longest bridge with mikan (orange) flavored ice cream! There are plenty of rest stops and convenience stores along the way where you can rest and refuel for the long journey.

The last bridge connecting Oshima to Imabari are the Kurushima-Kaikyo bridges, which are actually 3 sets of bridges that measure 4.105km in total.

You can take a pitstop at Umashima Island along the way if you like!

You are rewarded for making such a long crossing with a pleasantly curving downslope ramp towards Sunrise Itoyama. Congratulations for completing the Shimanami Kaido!

The 76km long Shimanami Kaido straddles the Seto Inland Sea connecting Chugoku to Shikoku through several islands that have been seamlessly linked through a series of bridges. The route is extremely scenic, but cycling up slope to the bridge level is one of the toughest parts. Each bridge has its own characteristic shape and length - when you are admiring the excellent view, don't forget to take a closer look at the bridges that you are on, and marvel at the engineering feat that makes this entire journey possible in the first place!

Jaclynn Seah

Jaclynn Seah @jaclynn.seah979

Jaclynn Seah is The Occasional Traveller, inspiring other working people to remember to take that time off and travel a little more.