Japan Trip: Taking in the Fresh Sea Air on the Shimanami, Kaido Bridge, Onomichi, Hiroshima 08
Japan Trip: Taking in the Fresh Sea Air on the Shimanami, Kaido Bridge, Onomichi, Hiroshima 08 Moochan
Visitors who love the outdoors, island hopping, or cycling are strongly recommended to visit the Shimanami Kaido bridge located in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. However, to be fair, Shimanami Kaido Bridge’s Honshu location is in Onomichi City with its Shikoku partner in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. This 60 kilometer bridge which spans over Seto Inland Sea also connects Honshu (Japan’s main island) with the island of Shikoku. In addition, bridge has ramps along the route for visitors to stop at one of the six islands (Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima) in the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can either drive or cycle across the bridge.
Many visitors, both domestic and international, who love to cycle, will enjoy travelling across this bridge via bicycle, experiencing the wind in the hair as they take in the beautiful sea scenery. Please note: the total bicycle route is 70 kilometers, including the bridge ramps. There are 14 different bicycle rental terminals along Shimanami Kaido Bridge. In addition to the main terminals at Onomichi Port and Sunrise Itoyama, visitors can rent bicycles from various terminals including Hakata Rental Cycle Terminal on Hakatajima Island, Shigei Nishi Port on Innoshima Island and so on. A deposit of 1000 yen is required. For adults (meaning junior high school students and older), the rental fee is 500 yen per day. For children (meaning elementary school and younger), the cost is 300 yen per day. Electric bicycles are available, but only for adults. Electric bicycles are 800 yen for 4 hours.
The islands have various accommodations, including minshuku (private residences turned into a bed and breakfast), camping grounds, and traditional hot spring (onsen) inns (ryokan) for visitors to spend the night. The view of Shimanami Kaido from one of the islands in the evening is just one of the beautiful sights visitors can experience.
Visitors looking for rest spots need not worry. The cycling route takes cyclists along restaurants and other rest areas the islands have. For motorists, there are various “service areas” on the expressway bridge where drivers can exit the car to stretch, eat, and take in the fresh sea air.
Please enjoy the attractions the islands hold. Among the most popular are Kosanji Temple and Museum on Ikuchijima Island, Flower Center in Innoshima Island, and Home of the Yoshihara Family (Very Important Cultural Property) on Mukaishima Island. In addition to the cultural aspects, in the summer, the islands have great beaches, annual firework festivals. Visitors can experiences thrilling and scenic boat rides such as the Tide Ride (a boat ride on the one of the fastest streams) in Oshima Island. And foodies are sure to enjoy the fresh seafood, caught in the local sea, as well as local, seasonal vegetables.
Cycling along the Shimanami Kaido Toll Bridge/Road is a new way to explore the islands of Seto Inland Sea. With the beautiful view of the water and the islands, cyclists from all over the world are sure to remember this Japanese cycling adventure!!