The Shimanami Kaido has a dedicated lane for bicycles (and pedestrians) alongside a lane for two-wheeled motorized vehicles (125 cc or less). It is the only route spanning the Seto Inland Sea that is open to bicycles and two-wheeled motorized vehicles. In 2014, CNN Travel listed the Shimanami Kaido as one of the seven best bicycle routes in the world, and in 2019, this world-class roadway was designated as the first National Cycle Route in Japan.
Normally, there is a charge of ¥500 to use the cycling road (between Imabari and Onomichi), but use has been free for a limited time from July 2014 to the end of March 2022. Recently, this no charge period has been extended to the end of March 2024.
Why not visit the Shimanami Kaido and take advantage of this opportunity?

Extension of the Shimanami Kaido bicycle toll-free period and how it came about

Regarding the Shimanami Kaido bicycle toll (¥500 between Imabari and Onomichi), the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway Company Limited (hereinafter called HSBE) worked together with Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures, as well as the cities of Imabari and Onomichi, to bring about a no charge period beginning in July 2014.
Since sponsorship by companies listed below agreed to cover the cost of the portion of HSBE’s revenue loss resulting from the toll-free period borne by Ehime Prefecture and Imabari City, the period will continue until March 31, 2024.

Encouraging people to use the cycling road

The sponsorship funds are not only used to eliminate the toll, but also to support projects to encourage more people to use the Shimanami Kaido cycling road.

[Major commitments]

(1) Partial subsidies to cover bicycle rentals for school trips using the Shimanami Kaido cycling road <provided to travel agencies>

(2) Cyclist questionnaire surveys (e.g., points to be improved along the Shimanami Kaido cycling road)