Start Point

Imabari Station Bus Stop

This bus stop serves as the starting hub for your journey from Imabari. Your Shimanami Kaido cycling adventure begins by taking a bus from here to the “Sunrise Itoyama” rental bike facility. Since buses to Sunrise Itoyama are not very frequent, it’s best to check the schedule in advance and plan ahead. Waiting for the bus while feeling the morning air and the atmosphere of a new city makes for a great prologue to your trip. You can also rent a bike at the i.i.imabari! Cycle Station located right in front of Imabari Station.

Address: 1-chome Kitahorai-cho, Imabari, EhimeView on Google Maps

7km Point

Sunrise Itoyama

This facility is the central hub for cycling the Shimanami Kaido. It offers rental bike pickups and returns, with services designed to be accessible for everyone. Located right next to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, it allows you to enjoy dynamic views of shipyards and the Seto Inland Sea right from the start. Don’t forget to take a commemorative photo with the “SHIMANAMI” monument with the grand bridge in the background.

Address: 2-8-1 Sunaba-cho, Imabari, EhimeView on Google Maps

Official Website

9km Point

Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge

The first bridge you’ll cross on the Shimanami Kaido is the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. Stretching approximately 4km, it is one of the world’s largest triple-suspension bridges and is famous for tours that allow visitors to climb its towers. The slope leading up to the bridge from Sunrise Itoyama is surprisingly steep, but once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with the quintessential “Setouchi” view overlooking the shipyards below. Using an E-bike reduces the strain on your legs, giving you more energy to enjoy the scenery.

14km Point

Michi-no-Eki Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan

The first rest stop of the journey is “Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan.” Situated right by the sea, it is famous for its hearty seafood bowls and BBQ with a beach-like atmosphere. A must-try here is the “Hakata Salt Soft Serve.” The gentle saltiness goes down smoothly, pleasantly rehydrating you after a ride. Eating it while gazing at the calm Seto Inland Sea and the majestic Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge makes the experience truly special.

Address: 4520-2 Yoshiumicho-myo, Imabari, EhimeView on Google Maps

Official Website

15km Point

Oshima West Coast

Ride along the west side of Oshima, where “turquoise blue” waters and sandy beaches stretch out before you. Resisting the urge to jump into the beautiful sea, you’ll reach a point where you can look back at the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge from the side. The coastal road is peaceful with little traffic, making for a pleasant ride with views of the islands. Eventually, massive shipyards appear by the roadside. The sheer scale of the tankers towering over you is a powerful reminder that this island is truly a “shipbuilding town.”

35km Point

Hakatajima Island Loop Route

Hakatajima often gets passed quickly because its main cycling route is short, but the island has many hidden charms. It is the home of the famous “Hakata Salt,” produced by combining Seto Inland Sea water with solar salt from overseas and slowly simmering it in cauldrons. Cycling along the north side of the island leads you to “Funaori Seto,” a scenic spot known for its currents so powerful they were said to “break ships.” It’s a landscape that shows a different, more intense side of the usually calm Setouchi region.

60km Point

fork_spoon Omishima and Shishikotsu Ramen

The final destination of this trip is “Omishima,” the largest island on the Shimanami Kaido. Known since ancient times as the “Island of the Gods,” it is home to Oyamazumi Shrine, the head shrine of all Yamazumi Shrines in Japan. It is a renowned spiritual site attracting visitors from all over the country. At “Shishikotsu Ramen” located on the shrine’s approach, the owner—who handles everything from hunting to butchering—serves a unique bowl of ramen that highlights the flavors of wild boar and local ingredients. Available in Salt, Miso, and Soy Sauce varieties, it is a truly special local dish.
[Hours (Shishikotsu Ramen)]: Wed–Mon, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Last order: 1:45 PM)

Address: 5516 Miyaura, Omishimacho, Imabari, EhimeView on Google Maps

Official Website

70km Point

Tatara Shimanami Park

Tatara Shimanami Park is home to the famous “Cyclist Sanctuary” monument. This facility includes a Michi-no-Eki and a cycle station where you can return your rental bike. Right behind the monument is the Tatara Bridge, which stretches towards Ikuchijima, making it a perfect spot for photos. Interestingly, the large stone on top of the monument represents a bicycle saddle. With various unique monuments scattered throughout the park, it’s a wonderful place to take a slow stroll after finishing your ride.

Address: 9180-2 Iguchi, Kamiuura-cho, Imabari, EhimeView on Google Maps

Official Website

71km Point

Omishima Bus Stop

After returning your rental bike, head to the nearby Omishima Bus Stop to return to Imabari. One of the perks of a rental bike trip is having minimal luggage, allowing you time to browse for souvenirs at the Michi-no-Eki before heading back. Buses from Omishima to Imabari run about once an hour, so it’s recommended to check the schedule and enjoy some final sightseeing at a relaxed pace.

Address: Amazaki, Kamiura-cho, Imabari, EhimeView on Google Maps

fork_spoon Imabari Local Food: “Yakibuta Tamago Meshi”

Upon returning to Imabari Station, end your trip with Imabari’s local food, “Yakibuta Tamago Meshi” (Roast Pork and Egg on Rice). The restaurant Hakurakuten is known as the pioneer of this dish, which originated in 1970 as a staff meal. It quickly became popular, and it is now a representative local gourmet of Imabari. Use a spoon to break the yolk and mix it lightly with the rice, roast pork, and sweet-savory sauce. The combination of the aromatic sauce, savory pork, and mellow warm egg is so good you’ll finish it in no time.
[Hours]: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM Last order (Set menus until 2:00 PM) Closes 2:45 PM
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Last order (Set menus until 8:30 PM) Closes 9:15 PM

Address: 4-1-19 Tokiwa-cho, Imabari, EhimeView on Google Maps

Official Website