What to know and prepare for on the best scenic cycling route in Japan! (Part 1)
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- Опубліковано 20 гру 2022
- One of the most magnificent coastal scenic views in all of Japan - the Shimanami Kaido is still one of the best-kept secrets even in Japan as only a few Japanese know the Shimanami Kaido. In this video, I will tell my story of how to get to Onomichi which is the start of the Shimanami Kaido, and then the logistics of some of the things I had to do to prepare for the ride for the next day. If this is your first time cycling the Shimanami Kaido, then watch this video Part 1 and then Part 2: the actual story of riding the Shimanami Kaido and sharing my problems and mistakes: • Cycling the Shimanami ...
The entire Shimanami Kaido one-way route is 75 kilometers, crossing over six islands and six massive suspension bridges. The last bridge before Imabari, the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, is the world's longest suspension bridge at four kilometers long. If you are planning to visit Japan or presently live in Japan and enjoy cycling, the "Shimanami Kaido" is a must on your bucket list!
Other Shimanami Kaido series videos (5 total):
#1: Part 1 - Ready to cycle the Shimanami Kaido? Getting there and preparing for the cycling ride of your life!
• What to know and prepa...
#2: Part 2- The Real Story of Riding the Shimanami Kaido with all my problems and mistakes.
• Cycling the Shimanami ...
#3 Part 3 - Cycling the Shimanami Kaido: Going Home!
• Cycling the Shimanami ...
#4 of the 5 video series: 10 Things to Know BEFORE you cycle the Shimanami Kaido!
• 10 Things you should k...
#5 of the 5 video series: A MUST for English speakers and the key to a successful Shimanami Kaido!
• "The Shimanami Toso Ma...
A big thank you to Chris and Sharmeleon for the use of their video clips:
Abroad in Japan (@abroadinjapan) • 24 Hours in Japan's In...
Sharmeleon (@sharmeleon) • Cycling Japan’s Most S...
The Shimanami Kaido Association website: shimanami-cycle.or.jp/cycling...
UA-cam Channel page with #shorts and regular videos: / mikematsuno
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Mike's website: www.goglobal.me/.
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25 years in japan, a cyclist and only now doing the shimanami? glad to see u finally made it mike :) iv done it 6 times now as a tourist and it never gets old - always something new to see :)
I wouldn't call myself a cyclist but I like to try! 😆 You have gone 6 times?!! That is really amazing, you must be an avid cyclist. I hope to return with some visiting friends in April. That was part of the reason to go in November, to scout out the route because I did not want to be leading a group and end up lost or having problems like I did on this last trip! 😊
Mike! This is the best review of all shimanami bike trail video! Congratulations!
Thanks mate. So helpful!!!!
Mike thanks for the information in your videos! My friends and I planned to visit Japan in 2020 from the US but you know what happened that year…we eagerly waited a few years for a chance to make it happen. Now we’re back to planning & the Shiminami Kaido is definitely on the top of our list. But you’re right, there’s not a lot of videos talking about how to prepare properly. We’re planning the one-way route from Onomichi to Imabari, split up into two days of cycling and staying on an island half-way for a night. A lot of things to consider/book!
Please give us more commentaries on this route!
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Mike, we have been inspired by your videos and are going to do it next month! Unfortunately we weren't successful in booking bikes despite our best efforts. Would you happen to know if we should be okay arriving very early at Imabari (Sunrise Itoyama) and pick up a couple of bikes? Our research hasn't really indicated how easy it is to obtain a bike without a reservation and we're a little worried. Any helpful insight you can provide would be super appreciated!
Want to enjoy that bike route the way the locals do, especially if you're not a hardcore mountain cyclist?
Do what the locals do! Use a gasoline-powered scooter! You can rent a Scooter at either end of the bikeway (Onomichi is where I'll do it next time), and you'll enjoy the scenery a whole lot better without killing yourself on a bicycle and having to abandon the route midway and have to take a water-taxi back to Onomichi like I did. But the water-taxi was new, neat, & interesting, so all was not lost!
Yes, I would definitely recommend an E-bike if people are not sure if they can cycle to their destination. I also did not make it to my goal and took the ferry back to Onomichi, and like you, it was an interesting learning experience! 😄
Mike, I am attempting this on 13 Aug, will do it in two days after watching your video, however I wasnt able to reserve a bike(they wrote it slot reserve is over) and my route was from Imabari to Onomichi, cant seem to figure out why I cant reserve, shpuld I just try my luck at get the bike while Im there? From your video, it seems like theres a ton of bike and getting it wouldnt be a problem at all.
Also, is 13Aug any major holiday.?
thank you for the information in your video. i would like to ask about shipping luggage or bags from onomichi to imabari or vice versa, is the shipping service (takyubin) located near the bicycle rental? so that we can ship the luggage at the same time as picking up the bicycle? thank you..
It depends on where you are renting a bicycle from. If you are renting from the rental shop on the pier next to the Green Hills Hotel in Onomichi, there used to be a Yamato counter on the first floor of the hotel but in November it was closed. I do not know if they reopened that counter or not. If not, you would have to take it to the shopping arcade where there is a Yamato branch, I think a 10-15 minute walk. Many larger hotels and accommodations will also accept and send your takkyubin for you. Please check with your hotel or guest house. Also convenience stores usually will accept takkyubin and send it for you. But there is a size restriction, so please check with them first.