Biking the Shimanami Kaido: organizational questions

Hi fellow travelers! I’m planning a trip to Japan from March 22 to April 12 and really want to bike the Shimanami Kaido starting from Onomichi, but I don’t cycle regularly. Has anyone here done it and could share their experience or tips? Is the weather in March-April favorable? Should I plan for 2 or 3 days? Electric or regular bike? What’s better—having my luggage forwarded along the route or leaving it in a locker? Any recommendations for accommodations or bike rentals? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Good evening,

I'm about to leave soon. No stress for a trip to Japan! If you want to continue your journey after the SHIMANAMI, you can have your luggage transported to the other side: you just need to choose a hotel that offers this service. Otherwise, there are also collection points where you can pick it up on the other side at the location and date you’ve chosen. Three days is more relaxed and lets you explore off the direct paths, visit places worth seeing, and take ferries to switch islands. Otherwise, there are lockers, options to return by bus, and leave your bike on the other side (check with the rental shop, but this is usually planned from the start).

If you want to rent a bike, you’ll need to book in advance—there aren’t enough for everyone. They come in all price ranges. There are also a few climbs along the route, like the bridge ramps or roads that don’t run along the coast. Choose a rental shop that lets you leave your bike mid-route (at specific spots) if it’s too long for you; you can continue by bus and/or ferry.

For accommodation, it’s best to book a little ahead of time—comfort will be more limited, and places are scarcer and pricier. It’ll be a charming experience for you.

.... I really want to bike the Shimanami Kaido, starting from Onomichi, but I don’t bike regularly. Are there people who could share their experience and give me some tips?

My partner and I biked 8,400 km on our tandem, self-supported, from late March to mid-September 2024, mostly in Japan (125 days). For the Shimanami Kaido section, see our days #41-42-43 on our CGOAB blog (below)

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/NormandEtHeleneEnTandemAuJapon

We started the Shimanami Kaido from Imabari and finished in Hiroshima. It’s a stunning route, with a series of spectacular bridges and plenty of photo opportunities.

Is the weather in March-April favorable?

We cycled through southern Japan (Kyūshū, Shikoku (and a bit of Honshū): during May 2024 (April 28 to June 1) under near-perfect weather: mild temperatures, not too hot, occasional rain but nothing overwhelming. We were too late to see the cherry blossoms.

Some Quebecois friends, also cycle-travelers and tandem riders like us, are currently on a similar trip, including Kyūshū. Their early March reports mention cool and sometimes almost cold weather, with rain. But the weather is unpredictable everywhere these days!

https://nomadesavelos.com/

...Plan for 2 or 3 days?

2 days is enough—it’s not a particularly difficult route, with no major elevation changes, except for the ramps on some bridges. Allow a little extra time if you want to take detours through remote villages.

...Electric bike or regular bike?

Is it better to have your luggage forwarded along the route or leave it in a locker?

...Any recommended bike rentals or accommodations?...

Thanks Rikimiki! In the meantime, I’ve organized my trip since I’m leaving tomorrow 😉 I’ll be doing the reverse route from you. Starting in Onomichi – Omishima – Imabari – Yawatahama, then a ferry to Beppu. Catch you later to share all about this adventure !

Thanks so much! In the meantime, I’ve organized this trip and booked everything. See you soon for the full story