Shimanami Kaido — Six Bridges across the Seto InlandSea.
Distance
80 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
420 m
Shimanami Kaido — Six Bridges across the Seto Inland Sea.
The Shimanami Kaido is Japan's only inter-island expressway open to motorcycles — 70km of bridges and causeways linking Honshu to Shikoku across six islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Each bridge is a feat of engineering; each island has its own character. Onomichi is a cinematic hillside port town; Omishima hosts the oldest shrine in Japan devoted to the sea god Oyamazumi. Ride it one-way (ferry back) or as an out-and-back.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance80 km
Days1
Total climb420 m
DifficultyEasy
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The route.
OnomichiStart · Start in Onomichi — a steep hillside port town full of temples, cats, and film-set alleys. The Onomichi U2 cycling hotel is a landmark. Cross to Mukaishima island on the short ferry.
Innoshima — Habu PortScenic Point · Innoshima is octopus country — the island supplies much of Japan's tako. The Habu Port area has views back across the Onomichi Strait and the first of the long suspension bridges above you.
Setoda — Kosanji TemplePhoto Spot · Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima was built by a wealthy industrialist over 30 years as a monument to his mother. The white marble 'Hill of Hope' sculpture garden above the temple is surreal.
Oyamazumi Shrine — OmishimaScenic Point · Oyamazumi Shrine is one of Japan's oldest, dedicated to the sea god. Its treasure hall holds over 80% of all designated National Treasure armour in Japan — donated by warriors seeking maritime protection.
ImabariEnd · End in Imabari on Shikoku. The city is famous for its towels (Imabari towels are a Japanese luxury brand). The castle is visible from the water. Ferry or bus back to Onomichi if riding one-way.
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