ネイティブが教える英会話のジェムスクール☆Teachers☆

The Shimanami Kaido (island road on the sea) is a popular bike route that travels from Shikoku to Honshu. This road traverses 6 islands from Imabari in Ehime Prefecture to Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture. You can ride in either direction – depending on where you begin.

The route is about 70 kilometers and is clearly marked by a thick blue line and a cycling-specific lane for riders. It is simple, fun, and very scenic. You can bring your own bike or rent one at either terminal with drop off points all along the island as you travel.
I recently took the ride from Imabari to Onomichi, and rented my bike from the GIANT bike store located at Imabari station. Reservations are recommended but bikes can be rented on the same day if available.

I rode from Imabari to Innoshima on the first day and stopped at a cycle friendly hotel (where they stored my bike free of charge). The hotel included meals (Kaiseki or traditional Japanese high-quality food). The location was at the top of a hill overlooking the island with beautiful views, and even had a hot bath to soak in after a long day of riding.

I completed my ride on the second day arriving at Onomichi and dropping off my bike at the local GIANT store. Then I found a 100-yen (5 minute) shower room (next to the bike shop) and changed my clothes. After that I explored the area around Onomichi Station, ate local ramen, looked around the shopping streets, and then sat outside on the pier under a shade covered area to watch the ships traverse the area while drinking a cool beverage. If you like exercise, biking, scenery, food, drink, and just being outdoors in nature, then the Shimanami Kaido may be just the adventure you are looking for to try!