10 Things you should know BEFORE you Cycle the Shimanami Kaido in Japan!
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- Опубліковано 16 лис 2024
- Cycle the most beautiful coastal scenery route in Japan! CNN Travel wrote that this is one of the most incredible cycling routes in the world! And surprisingly, it is still the best-kept secret in Japan! Not many Japanese are familiar with the Shimanami Kaido cycling route from Onomichi, Hiroshima to Imabari, Ehime in Shikoku. In this video, I will cover 10-18 different observations and suggestions on what you should know before you attempt to cycle the Shimanami Kaido. There are a lot of UA-cam videos about cycling, vlogging, and experiencing the Shimanami Kaido, but none of them cover in detail what you should know if this is your first time cycling the Shimanami. This video tries to cover everything that I noticed and wish I knew before I started cycling the Shimanami Kaido for three days.
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 shout-out to Taro @sc_dreamin for the E-Bike photos and bicycle rental information. Taro is an amazing cyclist who has completed the full 75 kilometers of the Shimanani Kaido in just three hours! He works part-time as a bike mechanic at the Onomichi Rental Shop, and also is a cycling guide on the Shinamami Kaido, all known as "The coolest cycling guide in Shimanami Kaido." www.apidura.co.... If interested in hiring a cycling guide on the Shimanami, contact Taro at @sc_dreamin
The Shimanami Kaido Association website: shimanami-cycl...
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The Shimanami Kaido is easy enough. I have ridden it three times. 63, 65 and 67 years old. 2015, 2017 and 2019. First time it was my partner and me. She is a year younger. Second time four of us. Third time my partner and I took ten others with us, some in their 70s. There was no shortage of food stores and eateries along the way. We used hybrid/cross bikes.
How long did it take? I made it in one day?
Hi mike - really enjoyed this vid. I commented on your last one that you posted the night before your trip that I have been fortunate enough to have cycled the shimanami 6 times. Here are a few comments addressing some of your points for you and your viewers:
There are many bicycle rental places in Onomichi, at least 10. Unless renting on a weekend with great weather or a national holiday where domestic tourism is high, renting on the day is normally fine.
If you do wish to lock a bike in for piece of mind - it can be / will be quite challenging to communicate with the bike stores. Many have little or no English, while using their English translated websites can be difficult also.
There is a difference between an e-bike (no pedalling required) and an electric assisted bike, but sometimes they are referred to collectively the same. You can rent both types of these bikes for multiple days from many of the rental shops. It is only the popular under car park rental place and a couple of others that have a same day return policy.
Most shops that allow multi day hire, provide you with the charger and expect you to return it to the same place your hired it. Some allow dropping of at another location for a fee.
You’re right about there being sections where food and drink are not readily available, but if you have your gps / phone, you are never more than a couple of km’s away from some shop, albeit not always on the blue lined road.
Be mindful that although following the blue line is “almost” fool proof, there are occasions where the line splits. One direction for the most direct route to the next bridge and the other to circumnavigate the island you are on - yes, I made that mistake only once Easiest thing is to ALWAYS look for the IMABARI km marker or ONOMICHI marker, depending on which direction you’re cycling. They appear VERY often on the blue line. Also, although there are dedicated cycle paths, be aware that there is a lot of riding on regular roads. Generally speaking, it all feels quite safe as Japanese drivers are very aware / mindful of cyclists.
For those looking to video preserve their trip, be aware since 2022, it is illegal to fly drones ANYWHERE in JAPAN without registering your drone and can be subject to fines up to 500000Y - even if you have a drone licence. You need to register on the DIPS-REG site and pay the registration fee. The process takes about a week or two usually and therefore should be done before arriving.
Yes, I also highly recommend a multi-day trip, even if you are an avid cyclist and can do the return trip in a day. It is a beautiful area and exploring the islands and just relaxing over a few days is fantastic. Yes, I can concur riding in heavy rain is not fun - did it from imabari to onomichi in winter and it p##sed down the whole way.
Thank you very much for your post and information. I am sure others who read your post will be very interested to learn more detailed information from a veteran of the Shimanami Kaido. Thank you for your advice and information!
We wanted a 2 day trip staying one night on the Ikuchi island, but almost all the rentals seemed to be closed on tuesdays/wednesdays or not renting out e-bikes for 2 days / allowing to drop the bike in a different than rental spot. Is the trip doable in one day on an e-bike for an inexperience biker? From around 10:00 to 18:00?
@@dontdrinkmilkhere hi there, im not sure what you're asking? most shops won't let you rent an e-bike and drop off at another location. many ships will rent you an e-bike for multiple days with a charger but you have to return to same shop. other shops rent e-bikes but do not allow overnight rentals. so depending on what you are looking to do.... as foris the trip doable from 10 to 6? im assuming this would be looking at the latter of the 3 options, i.e a shop who will only allow daily rental. it would depend on your start city. likely to be either onomichi or imabari. regardless of which city you start from, riding to ikuchi and then back would be done very leisurely in that time window, especially with e-bikes. it would allow you to stop and smell the roses :) i hope this helped
@@Its_just_me_again sorry, i meant from onomichi to imabari in that time period...
@@dontdrinkmilkhere hi again. it is still unclear what ur asking? yes, you can easily get from onomichi to imabari between 10 and 6 with e-bikes even if ur inexperienced. OR you could get from onomich to ikuchi and then back to onomichi in the same time, if u needed to return your e-bike to the same place. hopefully this helps, else ull need to be very specific. all the best :)
Thank you for making a video with actual actionable information! We need more of that regarding Japan content.
More to come! I am now working on a video of Shimanami Maps that might help you. It should be coming out in a couple of days.
That video makes me want to pack my bag and head over. Well maybe I’ll wait til spring. Great tips! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you for the advice. I did it today in 32 degrees and saw plenty of vending machines and convenience stores. So we were able to buy water multiple times along the route.
Hi Mike, I enjoy your videos and thanks for the tips. I'm riding the shimanamikaido tomorrow for 3 days. Unfortunately, the forecast is for heavy rain on Sat/Sun so I might bail out with the ferry mid way. Definitely call ahead and get the latest ferry schedule as the timetable on the maps have changed.
Edit Aug 2023: I had a leisurely ride over 2 days in early July, thinking that the heat would be unbearable. Fortunately, the rain worked in my favor with cooler temperatures. I avoided getting soaked by watching the real-time weather radar maps and timing my departure during the rain gaps. Only got drenched for the last 20 minutes at Imabari. I rented a car there and drove back in heavy rain with my 7 speed folding e-assist bike in the trunk. The climbs to the bridges were relatively easy, but I used to be an avid mountain biker many years ago.
Yes, there are several small bike rental shops that aren't online. I inquired at 3 different bike rental shops in the opposite direction from the parking garage where the more popular bike renters are located. Go left toward the covered shopping street after exiting the Onomichi train station and crossing the main street. I paid a lot less and had more bike options, and they gave me a charger to take with me.
If you have the time, I recommend exploring areas outside of the main blue line. I ended up driving the rental car to areas that I didn't bike.
Thank you for all the tips. Very usefull and practical information. I plan to ride it this year from onomichi to imabari and back again.
Have fun!
v helpful! ty for the straightforward advice
This was exactly the kind of useful information that I've been looking for. Thanks very much for the video!
Thank you so much for this video! It was very insightful :) My partner and I will be cycling the Shimanami Kaido this coming November, we are sooo excited.. and fingers crossed for good weather!
You can hand the bike in at the end. There are about 6 cycle shops en route, so id say they've improved. Luggage was forwarded on by the hotel. Brilliant service all round.
As someone living in Imabari, I’m finally cycling the Shimanami this weekend! Thank you for the tips!
Have fun!
I did it on a folding bike with no gears suitable for climbing hills. Didn't help that I had heavy bags on it too. 😂 I just walked up the hills, I wasn't in any hurry.
Hi Mike! This was a very entertaining and informative video. My Japanese partner is a cycling aficionado so I would love to experience this with him, I’ll definitely need the electric bike 😂
After a long wait of 3 years due to COVID restrictions, I finally had the great opportunity to go back to Japan last November for two weeks. I missed. It incredibly.
When I did my reservations the exchange for 1USD was 150JPY and by the end of my trip, the yen was much stronger 1USD to 142JPY and now it’s at 136JPY. The decision to let foreign travelers back in Japan was the right choice. ❤
I'll keep this vid in mind when I go to Japan next year and try the Shimanami Kaido. Those were definitely helpful tips that I didn't see or read elsewhere.
Thanks, Mike!
amazing useful video ! it is on my list and while preparing this trip i felt on your channel and video ! thank you so much !
Thanks Mike, I am planning to do Shimanami kaido this April. Your video really helps.😊
Glad it was helpful! I am now working on a video of Shimanami Maps that might help you with your trip. It should be coming out in a couple of days.
Great fun that ride. I thought it was fairly easy. Just take your time.
Hi Mike, this is a great video for tourists considering cycling the Shiminami Kaido route. I agree that thorough planning is key to a positive and safe experience. We rode this beautiful route twice- March of 2021 and 2022. We took the Orange Ferry from Osaka and rented Giants and used backpacks to carry everything. Each trip we stayed at Wakka, a fabulous bike resort that I would highly recommend. We are back in Canada now and our fondest memories are of this remarkable journey through rural, traditional Japan. Thanks! Gregg
Thank you for sharing about your two trips on the Shimanami Kaido! And thanks for the advice on the bikes and the backpacks to carry everything, and Wakka. I tried calling there to stay that Monday night but they were full. Maybe next time. Thank you, Gregg!
What did you do when you completed the trip? Did you bike back to where you started?
@@MADfootage We started from Imabari and rented bikes at Sunrise. We stayed at Wakka and then finished the next day at Omomichi. We lived in Osaka so we returned our rental bike in Onomichi (paid the fee) and then took the train at the station back home.
Thanks for this very helpful video! Going to try tackle the road at the end of this month D:
Is there such a thing as an official route saved in google maps that we can download and use? That would be much better than looking for signs.
Great video! Thank you so much for the insights.I will travel to Japan in two weeks and been thinking about cycling the Shimanami Kaido from Onomichi to Imabari. It's such a shame that the e-bikes need to be returned to the same shop, because I don't think I my friends can do the whole route in one day and enjoy it. But I'm coming from Kurashiki and my journey continues from Imabari to Matsuyama. So I'm not really sure what to do...
Great information.
Fabulous advice. Thank you
Thank you for the video!! Very useful!! Is it possibel to rent a bike or e-bike just for crossing the Kurushima Bridge and back? I'll have a short time to do this in my itinerary, and I want at least a glimpse of the experience.... is November ok to do this or maybe too cold/windy up there? Great video!
Will you be renting a bike or e-bike from Imabari? If so, that is no problem to rent a bike and ride to and across the Kurushima Bridge. From the Imabari train station to the Kurushima Bridge is about 7 kilometers one-way and across the entire bridge is about 4 kilometers one-way. If you are staying overnight at an accommodation in Imabari, some places may offer free bicycles to guests for use but they are "mama-chari" types. November is a little cool, but still nice in the day. Have a great visit!
@@MikeMatsuno thank you very much! Yes, I’ll go to Imabari, rent it, ride on the bridge and return it! Your video inspired me! Best regards
I am working on another video about cycling the Shimanami from the Imabari side. It should be coming our in the next 1-2 weeks if you are interested. :)
@@MikeMatsuno perfect!! Maybe with some tips for just a day-use, or how to rent the bikes 🚴🏻 after we arrive at the station! And if it make sense to rent an E-bike just for this crossing! You’re the man, thank you very much 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Mike Sensei: Thanks for this video. The description of the geography is a bit confusing, but the route looks wonderful! I’m ready to go! Additional tips: ride it with a friend? If you cannot rent an e-bike overnight (?), are you saying you have to ride the entire route in one day?
I’m ready to ride it; let me know when you are again.
Thanks always for your tips about Japan, Mr. Man in Japan.
Hi Stan-san, riding with someone would be ideal and more fun. And yes, with the E-bike you will have to return the E-bike by the end of the day. You can return it to another rental station, however, if you do that, you will forfeit the "return deposit" of 5,000 yen. You can only get the return deposit back if you return the E-bike to the original rental shop on the same day. So you could ride the 75 kilometers from Onomichi to Imabari or the reverse but you would not be able to return the E-bike to the original rental shop and will lose the return deposit. The E-bike costs 7,000 yen to rent per day plus 5,000 yen for the return deposit. But for standard bicycles, you can cycle and stay out as long as you want to. But in the end, the same rule applies, if you return a standard bicycle to another rental station, you will lose the return deposit which is much less, 1,100 yen. So for a standard bike, it would be 2,000 per day plus a 1,100 yen return deposit. Much cheaper than the E-bike. :)
Hi, love your video. Very insightful. Mentioned “My age” - curious how old you are? Mamachari can be tough. I am 60 and do regular 60 km plus rides on weekends averaging around 20 km/h plus. I am not a great climber but can grind up hills - made easier and possible because of 2 X 11 gearing. Previous bike had 1 X 8 and that was tough on steeper gradients. Thanks!
Been in matsuyama /ehime-ken just a month ,might try cycling matsuyama to shinminami kaido on holidays wml lol
some great advice
Thank you so much for your video it's so helpful !! I knew it wouldn't be easy...
Can you cycle from Imabari to Onomichi or is only the other way allowed ?
You can ride either way. But you have to be sure to rent from a bicycle rental shop that has their branch on the other end. For some shops in Imabari and Onomichi, the bicycles have to be returned to the original shop. I am working on a video of Shimanami Maps that might help you. It should be coming out in a couple of days.
Is there a ferry from Maibarin to Onomichi where we will leave our car so we can come back on the same day? We will have 4 road bikes that needs to be on the ferry.
I love your videos Mike, this is awesome, very honest and helpful 😊 and I was smiling all the way!
We plan to do the Shimanami Kaido next year, probably October or early November and in fact one of the main headaches is the rain… hard to plan and with all the precooked hotels etc it’s also hard to accommodate.
What an excellent and informative video! I hope to do the Shimanami Kaido on my next visit to Japan. I'd plan to stay overnight on one of the islands and break it up into two days, but that means I wouldn't be able to use an e-bike. Maybe the rental companies can figure out a way to do a halfway point or multiday rental for ebikes. I also fear that I'd plan this whole trip and the weather would be terrible. In reality I can only do 2 week trips since I work full time and can't take off for extended periods. I wish I could take off a month and give myself a week buffer in case of bad weather and just book a few days before!
What season do you think is best for cycling the Shimanami Kaido. I assume Summer is miserably hot and humid. Winter is probably the least rainy.
Fall and spring would be the best. But you never know about the rain. Winter might be too cold, but that depends on what you are used to. Winter would be the least crowded. I am now working on a video of Shimanami Maps that might help you. It should be coming out in a couple of days.
Hi Mike thank you for the video! If you start in onomichi and bike all the way to imabari, how do you get back to onomichi after?
Very informative! Thanks! ❤
Thank you for making this video! Myself and two friends are planning on doing the Shimanami Kaido in one day next year and you've been a huge help! We are all young and quite fit so one day should be fine, but even still we plan on going with e-bikes just to be safe. Do you know how one would return their e-bikes though? I know that if we start in Onomichi and end in Imabari we'd still need to return the e-bikes at the same shop, so is there some sort of bus or ferry we can take with the bikes back? If not, can always just lose the 5000 yen deposit fee worst case, but we'd still need to get back somehow. Also, is there anywhere online I could check the bus/ferry schedules? Thank you so much!!
There is a bus, but I do not think you can take an e-bike back on the bus. You can check with the bus companies. I also have a hard time finding any exact bus schedule on the internet, so please make sure on the schedule as it seems to change seasonally. There are some ferry and bus schedules listed on this link but please be sure to check for yourself because things change quite a bit. www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g651649-d658632-r684967398-Shimanami_Rental_Bike_Shimanami_Japan-Onomichi_Hiroshima_Prefecture_Chugoku.html
There is only one ferry back to onomichi. You must line up at like 7am to catch it because they only take a dozen or so bikes and everyone wants to ride it. Just keep that in mind
Where can i book the bikes in Advanced?
I am going to jog it when I visit next March 😅 pray for my legs
Hi Mike, any advice for non Japanese speakers on how to pre book accommodation? Thanks
I have used Booking.com in the past. It does not list all possible places to stay but it is the best for non-Japanese speakers. I am quite sure that other hotel search platforms in English may also offer some options. Happy Shimanami!
Tq your information.....how to go i am from north Borneo Sabah Malaysia i One to go touring this island
If I recall, Onomichi Base lends a charger if you plan to rent an E-bike for multiple days. Perhaps that is still the case? If someone in the comments can get back with me on that, I'd appreciate it.
Would a foldable bike like brompton be suitable for doing this route?
It is possible but I think it would be really difficult to ride the full 75 kilometers. I would not attempt it on a foldable bike unless you were in super-duper shape. If it were 20-30 kilometers it may be possible.
Hi Mike! Thank you for the good information! With the ebike charging at the Cyclists Sactuary, what does it cost? Do you need to bring your own charging unit? And where abouts at the Sanctuary is the charging available?
I couldn't find any information with a Google search in English, and even searching 充電スポット しまなみ海道 doesn't show me any EBIKE charging, only EV charging.
I cannot remember exactly but I think they said it was free. But if anything the cost would be minimal. Depending on where you rent from, some shops will give you the charging unit but the big main rental shop does not. At the Cyclist Sanctuary, there is a rental shop/information counter and a tourist stop with restaurants. It is in the middle of the complex. I am also now working on a video of Shimanami Maps that might help you with your trip. It should be coming out in a couple of days.
Great video in managing expectations and giving more consideration to planning the Shimanami Kaido, Mike. Do you mind if I share on our SNS? Regards Gareth
Hi Gareth, thanks for your comments. Of course, share and use whatever you want.
@@MikeMatsuno Thanks, Mike! Much appreciated.
Very helpful, thank you! Do you think it would be possible to take a taxi from Imabari to Innoshima? I was trying to figure out how to get back to my hotel at the end of the day.
There are taxis, but I am not sure what they would charge from Imabari to Innoshima. The other question would be are you returning your bike at Imabari? If you are not, you will have to hire a bicycle taxi that takes bicycles and I think e-bikes. There are a fewer number of these types of bicycle taxis. I don't know much about that system as I have not used them before. But if you find out, please write about it in the comments, it could be helpful for others who want to do similar things.
Yes, I was planning on returning my bike at Imabari, so I wouldn't need a special taxi. I'm not too worried about the cost because it would be worth the convenience. I heard I can get a bus from Imabari to Innoshima, but I know the busses do not run that often, so I was looking at alternative ways to return just in case. I was guessing that there would probably be taxis at Imabari station. @@MikeMatsuno
Hi Mike, I had a question regarding the cycle route. Do you know of a way to get back to Onomichi from Imabari? (Bus, train?) Thank you!
Yes, Kayla, you can take a bus back. They are not that frequent but there are buses. Another way would be to take the ferry back to Onomichi. But it cannot be done from Imabari, you would have to cycle to one of the 5-6 ferry pick-up points that can take you back to Onomichi. But those ferry stops are on the Onomichi half of the Shimanami.
Yes, there is a bus service. I am actually working on a video that talks about getting the maps that would have that information on it. But always be sure to double-check and reconfirm as the schedule changes by season, need, etc. I wanted to send you a photo but I found out that I cannot attach photos to comments. Please watch my next video on Shimanami Toso Map.
Hi Mike,
You are a very adventurous guy taking the ‘ Mama Chari’ for this trip. I am a retiree from HKG planning to do the same this year. I like your ad-hoc planning which can only come from experience. ❤🫡