Biking across the Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaido is one of Japan’s most famous outdoor journeys, spanning about 70 kilometers and connecting Honshu to Shikoku. The route crosses six major islands via a series of massive suspension bridges, allowing travelers to experience local coastal culture, citrus farms, and historic temples. You can complete the ride in one challenging day or pace yourself over two days by renting standard bicycles or electric-assist bikes along the way. Planning your overnight stops, luggage forwarding, and local food stops is key to enjoying this scenic island-hopping adventure.
Biking Shimanami Kaido in 24 Hours with Abroad in Japan
Chris Broad from Abroad in Japan takes on the Shimanami Kaido cycle route across the chain of islands spanning Japan’s Inland Sea. He documents the journey as a 24-hour challenge, comparing the physical difficulty of the ride to climbing Mount Fuji. The video features behind-the-scenes support from Tokyo Creative and an appearance by fellow creator Sharla. Chris shares the realities of navigating the long bridges and steep inclines while managing his camera gear. He captures the coastal scenery and details the demanding nature of finishing the entire route within a single day.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Shimanami Kaido Cycle Route
- 💡 Best for: Active Travelers, Cycling Enthusiasts
Two-Day Cycling Challenge with ConnorDawg and Abroad in Japan
Connor (ConnorDawg) teams up with Chris Broad from Abroad in Japan for a mini-cyclethon across the Shimanami Kaido. They spend two days cycling through the scenic route to experience the local islands and bridges. The vlog captures their physical efforts, comedic interactions, and occasional breaks along the way. Editor Turbovarg and channel manager Mudan helped assemble this video documenting the 48-hour journey. Connor tracks their progress from the start of the route to their final destination, highlighting the challenges of multi-day cycling.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Shimanami Kaido
- 💡 Best for: Friends, Cycling Enthusiasts
Two-Day Stream Archive of Kousanji Temple and Shimanami Island Stops
This archive from CDawgVODs details a two-day mini-cyclethon along the Shimanami Kaido with Chris Broad. Connor highlights specific waypoints from his stream, including taking a ferry, stopping for ice cream, and visiting the detailed Kousanji Temple on Day 1. The stream tracking continues into Day 2 with more cycling segments, local food breaks, and a brief cat break.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Kousanji Temple
- 💡 Best for: Stream Fans, Slow Travelers
Riding the 70km Route from Onomichi to Imabari with Kampai Cam
This comprehensive guide covers the 70km ride connecting Honshu to Shikoku via a series of islands. The host explains practical logistical steps, including renting bikes and using the Sagawa Express baggage forwarding service to ride without heavy luggage. The journey stops at local landmarks like Hassaku-ya on Innoshima for fruit sweets and Dolce Gelato on Ikuchi Island. Viewers also see key accommodation and rest spots, such as the bike-friendly Wakka resort and the I-Link Hostel and Cafe on Omishima Island. The video concludes in Imabari with a visit to the Kisuke no Yu Bathhouse to soak after the long ride.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Hassaku-ya
- 💡 Best for: Practical Planners, First-Time Cyclists
Budget Guide and Day Two Route Planning with Josh Kwan
Josh Kwan shares his budget-friendly tips and tricks after completing a two-day cycling trip along the Shimanami Kaido. He breaks down the total costs of bike hire, local food, and overnight accommodations to show how affordable the journey can be. On the second day, Josh captures his ride using an Insta360 Ace Pro camera as he crosses Omishima Island. He documents the physical challenge of racing up a mountain before crossing the final and longest suspension bridge of the route. The journey wraps up in Imabari, where he completes his final quest and summarizes his route planning advice.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Omishima Island
- 💡 Best for: Budget Travelers, Solo Cyclists
Imabari to Onomichi Itinerary and Hotel Budgets by Solo Travel POV
This itinerary guide covers the Shimanami Kaido route ridden in the direction from Imabari to Onomichi. The creator outlines the exact costs for bike rentals, noting that a standard adult bike is around 3,000 yen per day while a pedal-assist e-bike costs about 4,000 yen. The video compares three distinct accommodation options: Primehotel in Imabari, the seaside Wakka resort on Omishima, and the stylish Hotel Cycle in Onomichi. Viewers get a clear look at the paths running alongside the Nishiseto Expressway and across the Seto Inland Sea. The guide provides practical logistics for booking high-end road bikes and choosing where to stop for overnight stays.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Hotel Cycle (Onomichi)
- 💡 Best for: Luxury & Budget Planners
Solo Cycling and Soba Stops on Ikuchijima with Lindsay Arakawa
Lindsay Arakawa steps out of her Tokyo comfort zone to document a solo journey along the Shimanami Kaido. She shares her personal reflections on traveling alone through southern Japan during her 30s. On her first full day of cycling, Lindsay stops on Ikuchijima to eat what she describes as the most delicious soba of her life. She spends time exploring the local island streets and cultural sights before resting for the night. The second day shows her dealing with physical fatigue as she continues pedaling across the remaining bridges.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Ikuchijima
- 💡 Best for: Solo Travelers, Female Travelers
Sidequests, Lemon Treats in Setoda, and Kirosan Observatory with Hao Right Now
Hao Right Now introduces a bikepacking journey along the Shimanami Kaido carrying only a backpack and dried fish snacks. He suggests several sidequests along the route, such as eating citrus desserts in the lemon-themed town of Setoda and visiting Okunoshima rabbit island. The video highlights structural stops like the Kosanji Temple and climbing to Kirosan Observatory Park for a panoramic view of the biggest suspension bridge.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Setoda (Ikuchi Island)
- 💡 Best for: Adventurers, Solo Backpackers
Exploring the 70-Kilometer Island Highway with Travel + Leisure
Contributor @alexxyem takes viewers on a brief ride along the famous Shimanami Kaido for Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia. The video highlights the scenic paths of the 70-kilometer route, which winds across six distinct islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The quick visual tour showcases the transition from Onomichi on Honshū to Imabari on Shikoku.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Seto Inland Sea Islands
- 💡 Best for: Quick Inspiration, Visual Travelers
Driving a Shimanami Kaido Road Trip and Visiting the Hill of Hope with Sarah
Local guide Tokyo Foodie Sarah trades the bicycle for a car to showcase a scenic road trip along the Shimanami Kaido. She travels between Honshu and Shikoku, highlighting key spots that can be reached by vehicle across the islands of Ikuchijima and Oshima. Sarah stops at Kousanji Temple to explore its elaborate architecture and walks up the stunning white marble monument known as the Hill of Hope. She also tries refreshing lemon gelato made from locally grown citrus fruit on the islands. The vlog presents a relaxed alternative to cycling, proving that the island route is highly accessible for drivers too.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Hill of Hope (Kousanji Temple)
- 💡 Best for: Road Trippers, Families
