Visit Shimanami Japan

01/09/2024

Normal service has been resumed⛴🚴‍♀️

We are happy to report that ferry services across the Onomichi Channel between Onomichi and Mukaishima Island have resumed. While all visitors are advised to monitor weather news in the aftermath of Typhoon 10, our rental terminals are all now operating as normal.

If you are out and about on the Shimanami Kaido today, you may notice a lot of people wearing T-shirts and brandishing towels proclaiming "Romance P0rn0" 😱 Please don't be alarmed; it is for the pop group P*rn0graffity's homecoming live concert on Innoshima Island!

2nd Photo: Courtsey of the P0rn0graffity official X account.

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30/08/2024

🚴‍♂️ August 31st (Sat) – Rental Bike Service Update 🌤

Typhoon No. 10 is moving slowly and will still be crossing Shikoku on the 31st, but the weather in the Shimanami Kaido area is expected to improve from the morning of the 31st, so we will be operating our rental bike service as usual!🌈

However, please note that the ferry between Onomichi and Mukaishima is likely to be suspended on the 31st ⛴. The Onomichi Bridge is narrow and has heavy traffic, so it’s not safe to cross by bike ⚠️. We suggest using buses or other options to get around 🚌.

For those traveling from Imabari to Onomichi, keep in mind that biking from Mukaishima to Onomichi will also be difficult. We recommend planning to use buses or other transportation options 😊.

Please check the latest updates and prioritize safety as you travel! ✨

29/08/2024

📣🌧 TYPHOON WARNING🌧 📣

As you may be aware, a powerful typhoon is heading towards the Shimanami region. All of our cycle terminals will be closed tomorrow August 30. We strongly advise not attempting to ride the Shimanami Kaido until after the typhoon has passed.

We apologize for any inconvenience and will post an update to this post when our terminals reopen.

Stay safe and we hope to see you after the storm has passed.🤞

26/08/2024

Shimanami Japan จะมีการจัดแสดงและให้ความรู้เกี่ยวกับสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวในงาน "NIPPON HAKU BANGKOK 2024" ซึ่งจะจัดขึ้นตั้งแต่วันที่ 30 สิงหาคมถึง 1 กันยายนที่กรุงเทพมหานคร(ประเทศไทย) หากคุณตอบแบบสอบถามของเราเรียบร้อยแล้วสามารถรับของฝากภายในงานNIPPON HAKU(บูท T19)　เรารอพบทุกๆท่าน✨

22/08/2024

Pirate party at the Innoshima Suigun Matsuri🏴‍☠️🎉

Innoshima celebrates its Suigun pirate history over two days on Shimanami Beach, August 24 and 25.

The Fire Festival on Saturday, August 24 a re-enactment of the return of the seafaring warriors from a mission that involves scores of local people dressed in period dress, traditional dances, and lots of fire🔥

Saturday night’s festivities come to a close with a spectacular fireworks display over the sea🎇

Celebrations continue on Sunday with the Sea Festival. Teams of 16 challenge each other in Kohaya boat races using faithful replicas of the small, fast row boats once used by the Suigun over a 1-km course. Festival visitors can also try their hand at rowing a Kohaya boat between 12:00 and 12:45.

Festival stalls serving all kinds of goodies and things on sticks are on hand throughout the festival to keep you and the locals, many dressed in colorful yukata summer kimono, well fed😋

📌Innoshima Suigun Matsuri
📍Shimanami Beach, Innoshima
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/7SiKssu3meRuTMDY6

✨Fire Festival✨
August 24, 2023
💃 18:00 Opening ceremony, dances and drumming performances
🔥 19:40 Purification ritual with giant flaming pine torches
🏮 20:00 Reenactment of the return of the Suigun
🎇 20:30 Fireworks display

✨Sea Festival✨
August 25, 2023
🚣‍♂️09:00-16:00

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19/08/2024

From TDFF Yellow to Shimanami Blue🚴‍♀️✨

Hot on the heels of the Paris Olympics, we were treated to a thrilling Tour de France Femmes finale. With more amazing performances from the Paralympics sure to follow, 2024 is proving to be a great year for women's cycling.

Here on the Shimanami Kaido, we are delighted to see the increasing number of female cyclists. Our cycle-friendly infrastructure and the respect and warmth the locals show cyclists make the Shimanami Kaido a welcoming destination for all abilities. Whether you're a seasoned lycra-clad speedster, a novice, or simply someone who loves the idea of exploring a beautiful region under your own steam, you'll find your perfect route in Shimanami👌

So, ladies, when will we be seeing YOU here on the Shimanami Kaido😃



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16/08/2024

Summer vibes on Yugeshima Island on Kamijima's Yumeshima Kaido🌥🏖⛵️

📍Yugeshima Island
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/KC1UDX919A3HBrZi6
🔗 https://www.kamijima.info/en/

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14/08/2024

Setoda Summer Festival👘🎆

Setoda's annual summer festival will be held at beautiful Setoda Sunset Beach on the island of Ikuchijima on Saturday, August 17✨

The dramatic climax to an evening of festival fun, complete with stalls offering food, drinks, and carnival games, is a huge fireworks display over the sea. It's absolutely stunning😍

✨Setoda Summer Festival✨
📍 Setoda Sunset Beach
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/7mrek1VMbGu4bkGu7
🍧 Festival 16:30-21:00
🎇 Fireworks 20:30-21:00
☔️ Fireworks postponed until August 18 in the event of rain

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07/08/2024

Shimanami Beach Quiz #3 🏖

Look slightly beyond the Shimanami Blue Line to reach this lovely sandy spot✨

Hint: If you know a bit of Japanese, the trees in the lower pics might provide a helpful hint🌲

Venture a guess and we'll post the location and how to get there in a couple of days if no one gets it!

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04/08/2024

Shimanami Beach Quiz #2 🏖

A bit trickier than our first "spot the Shimanami beach" quiz.... Where you can find this pretty hidden spot along the Shimanami Kaido?

Hint: This beach can be accessed in a rather unique way🤔

Venture a guess and we'll post the location and how to get there in a couple of days if no one gets it!

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02/08/2024

Shimanami Beach Quiz #1🏖

August is here and although it is definitely hot here in Shimanami, you can feel the summer vibes along the Blue Line and beyond🏄️

Through August, we will be featuting some of our favorite beach spots and invite you to guess where they may be.

This first should be pretty easy, but if you need a hint, check out the first and last pics 🌄

Post your guesses in the comments and we'll reveal the location and how to get there in a couple of days!

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27/07/2024

Follow the wake of Shimanami's pirates on an island hopping adventure across the Kurushima Straits🏴‍☠️

Jump on the little ferry from Namikata (a short distance from Imabari side of the Kurushima Straits Bridge) to make the short hop to the tiny islands of Kurushima and Oshima (with a 小 (little) rather than the 大 (big) of the Oshima on Shimanami Kaido's Blue Line)✨

Run shoulders with local fishermen, take in the huge vessels that tower as you sail through the shipyard, and out to the straits, where you can get an up-close look at the swirling currents these waters are famous for🌀

Intimate knowledge of these currents gave the local Suigun “pirates” control over traffic traversing these waters during Japan’s warring states period. On Kurushima, make the short hike to survey their domain from the now-barren site of a former pirate fort.

Centuries later, neighboring Oshima was heavily fortified during Japan’s wars with Russia and China. A large cannon points out to sea and the ruins of military installation remain at the island’s highest point. Seek out the hidden beach with unbelievably fine white sand and crystal-clear water🏖

Although you can’t cycle around Kurushima and Oshima, it’s worth loading your bike onto the ferry so you can continue to Umashima Island from where you can get up to the Kurushima Straits Bridge by elevator (!), from where you can either cycle back to Imabari or head towards Onomichi along the Shimanami Kaido🚴

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24/07/2024

Shimanami’s biggest fireworks festival gets poptastic in 2024🎇

On July 27, 13,000 fireworks will light up the sky as they explode above the Onomichi Channel that separates the historic port town from Mukaishima Island to the delight of the thousands of people who take in the hour-long show from the waterfront🎉

The show is divided into 4 “acts” and the second half of this year’s display offers a special treat for fans of Japanese pop music.

The music for the 3rd act is provided by local stars P*rnografitty who are celebrating 25 years since making their pop debut. Parents, don’t fret. Despite the weird name, this is all good, clean, family fun😬�

The grand finale will be a synchronized display featuring "weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom” display set to the mega-hit “Idol” by Yoasobi song Idol✨

This fireworks festival always attracts huge crowds, so please be prepared for that, and plan your travel accordingly.

✨Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival✨
📍 Onomichi Waterfront
🗓 July 27, 2024
🕛 19:30-20:30

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20/07/2024

SHIMANAMI KAIDO FINISHER'S SHIRT✨

Our new finisher's shirts featuring the Shimanami Kaido's iconic "Blue Line" are now available!

They make a great souvenir of your effort and time in Shimanami. Plus, if you've done the work, why not let everyone know😜

No proof of completing the entire route is required on purchase, but we can trust you, right?!

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20/07/2024

in full effect in these shots from Innoshima on the Shimanami Kaido💙

14/07/2024

Happy Marine Day 🏖

Umi-no-hi Marine Day national holiday is tomorrow (July 15), and although it’s been pretty hot for a while now, it marks the official start of summer for many here in Japan☀️

The region’s officially designated swimming beaches will be open (and the showers turned on) and will no doubt be busy as many locals get into the spirit of the holiday by heading out for some fun in the water😎

If you are traveling through Shimanami this summer, we highly recommend packing your swimmers as a dip in the sea is a great way to combat the heat🏊‍♀️

Here are some of the swimming beaches along or near the Shimanami Kaido. You’ll see lots of little beaches but as these waters have some treacherous currents caution is advised❗️

And, as it is Marine Day, if you see any trash, you know what to do🚮

📍 Iwashijima Beach (Mukaishima Island)
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/asHKoDzn4UEiwVUg7

📍 Hishio Beach (Mukaishima Island)
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/U1fpYaQjwicfKHTY8

📍 Shimanami Beach (Innoshima Island)
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/asHKoDzn4UEiwVUg7

📍 Setoda Sunset Beach (Ikuchijima Island)
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/4MDLoFPJLZaVpK9Y9

📍 Utena Beach (Omishima)
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/HmGhk3MfHX59GomKA

📍 Hakata Beach (Hakata Island)
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/nBeos6UXqA8pRMAo7

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12/07/2024

Shimanami Beach Fes 2024🏖🪇

It looks like the weather could go either way but we have our fingers crossed that rain won't stop play at the 2-day Shimanami Beach Festival this Marine Day holiday weekend.

Head to Shimanami Beach, located just off the Shimanami Kaido Blue Line bike route on the island of Innoshima, for two days of music, dance, food, and marine sports.

Best of all, admission is completely FREE!!

✨Shimanami Beach Fes 24✨
📍 Shimanami Beach, Innoshima
🗓 July 14 & 15, 2024
🕛 10:00-19:00
💰 FREE!!
IG

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10/07/2024

Onomichi Tenjin Festival🏮

Another of Onomichi’s vibrant traditional festivals, the 3-day Tenjin Matsuri is being held this weekend✨

The festival culminates in groups of men carrying a 450 kg portable shrine up and down the steep steps that lead to Misode Tenmangu Shrine💪

You will be able to catch the portable shrine being paraded through Onomichi’s neighborhoods on the evening of Friday, July 12 between 5 pm and 9 pm, as well as on Sunday, July 14.

Head to Misode Tenmangu Shrine for 4 pm on Sunday to witness the feat of strength and dexterity as the portable shrine is carried up and down 55 stone steps, not once, but five times!

As the sun sets, the portable shrine is jostled up and down, before being spun around and around at great speed within the narrow confines of the shrine precinct.

Onomichi Tenjin Festival
📍 Misode Tenmangu Shrine, Onomichi
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/TWXpQwwSEXW12DfH8

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07/07/2024

Hot in herre☀️🌡

This past week has been a real scorcher here in Shimanami. The water and the views are stunning on sunny summer days, but we also have to be careful not to overdo it and stay healthy on the bike.

Shimanami Blue Summer Bike Tips

⏰ Start early. Get out on the bike as early as you can. The temperatures are cooler and the light is gorgeous😍

🍧 Stay as cool as you can, whether by enjoying some local shaved ice, spending time in the shade, or taking a dip in the ocean🩳

🧊 Most importantly, stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle (or two) and refill it regularly at our cycle terminals along the way.

How do you cope with riding in the heat? Let us know in the comments👇

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04/07/2024

Summer is here... we think!

As we mentioned in our post the other day, the rainy season has been a fickle beast in recent years. What we thought would be a wet and gray week has turned into the first burst of summer with blue skies, fluffy clouds, and high temperatures☀️

At this time of year, we do recommend being careful not to overdo things on the Shimanami Kaido. Do most of your riding early or later in the day and be sure to drink plenty of fluids. You can also manage the heat by stopping off at some of our beautiful beaches🏖

Drop by for a refreshing dip, retro beach vibes, and unusual objets d'art. If you are staying overnight in Setoda, you have a good chance of catching one of the beach's famous sunsets🌅

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03/07/2024

Beyond the Blue Line 🟦🚴‍♀️🟦

It's always nice to see the Shimanami Kaido featured on TV, and we are delighted to see this segment on NHK WORLD-JAPAN looking at how we can help visitors deepen their experience when cycling here😊

We hope that this page helps visitors look up from the Blue Line and take in more of what the islands have to offer. We'd love to hear from past visitors what sticks in your mind from your trip👀

Has anyone used the app (link in comments) mentioned in the video?

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The Shimanami Kaido attracts about 300,000 cyclists a year. Businesses there hope more visitors will slow down their pace and check out the local sites. *p...

30/06/2024

Rainy season breakout🚴‍♀️

We are currently in the grip of the annual summer monsoon and the forecast is looking rather wet and gray for most of next week. For those with flexible schedules, however, it does look like the sun will be making an appearance along the Shimanmai Kaido on Tuesday🌤

The weather at this time of year has been quite unpredictable at this time of year so it makes sense to keep an eye on the forecasts and strike when things are looking promising👀

A loop of island of Oshima, at the Imabari end of the Shimanami Kaido, is an excellent option for an off-the-blue-line spin. Enjoy great views, local island scenes, and, of course, the iconic panoramic views from the Mt Kiro observation platform🙌

If you can score a table at Bistro Paysan, their delicious pizza provides both　excellent motivation and fuel🍕

📍 Bistro Paysan
IG .paysan

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#今治
#亀老山展望台
#しまなみ海道
#サイクリング

29/06/2024

Bike by Boat to Setoda🛳

Beat the heat by stashing your bike on the ferry and letting it whisk you to Setoda in the heart of the Shimanami Kaido in just 40 minutes✨

📣Read more about Setoda on Ikuchijima Island here https://visitshimanami.com/area-guides/ikuchijima/

27/06/2024

Gion Festival: Trad matsuri on speed⛩🎉

Onomichi’s annual Gion Festival is one of the port town’s oldest and most vibrant events.

Like its famous namesake in Kyoto, the festival’s origins can be traced to calling on the deity of disease and healing, Gion Tenno, in times of pestilence.

Representatives of three local neighborhoods depart Yasaka Shrine with portable shrines and make their way along the covered shopping arcades and through the streets of Onomichi, stopping in front of local businesses and chanting as they go.

Eventually, the three teams converge in the open space in front of Tsuchido pier, where, after an awesome Japanese drum performance, they engage in a trial of speed and teamwork, racing around a tall pole with the portable, but very heavy, shrines.

The local rivalry is palpable. The strain can be seen on the men’s faces, and those unable to keep up are sent flying off the back of the group into the watching crowds. But once the content has been decided, and the fleetest of foot crowned, all three shrines lock onto the pole and the teams make a final circuit, this time in unison as Onomichi becomes one.

The Gion Festival starts at 6 pm and the speed contests are held between 8 pm and 9 pm. Onomichi’s Saturday NIght Market is also held at the same time so it’s a great night to be in town if you can make it!

📣Onomichi Gion Festival Saturday, June 29�📣

📍 Yasaka Shrine
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/H6GUUBA4L3K2Zwbu8
☝️ Portable shrines depart from 6 pm

☝️ Follow the chants to see the teams parade along the covered arcade✨

📍 Onomichi Ferry (Tsuchido Pier)
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/T1j75KBmshg1Y3xe9
☝️ Drum performance and portable shrine races 8 pm - 9pm

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25/06/2024

Some of the many faces of the Kurushima Straits Bridge(s). A 4km-long marvel of engineering that connects the island Oshima and Imabari on Shikoku. Depending on your direction of travel, it is either the first or last of the Shimanami Bridges. Either way, it is always spectacular.

Thank you to the Embassy of Japan in Canada for sharing. Shimanami is ready to welcome visitors from Canada and around the world 🇨🇦🌎

23/06/2024

Shimanami undercover☔️

Well... the 2024 rainy season has finally arrived. And it is really coming down🌀

If getting sloshy on the bike isn't for you, forget your stats and explore Onomichi, the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido👟

The back streets and alleys take on a lovely sheen during the damp season, and the covered shopping arcades provide ample opportunities for extended coffee breaks and people-watching☕️👀

It's also a great time to indulge in a piping hot bowl of local soul food Onomichi Ramen before the steaming hot summer arrives🍜

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21/06/2024

Bye bye sunshine☀️👋

Here in Shimanami, we are enjoying the final hours before the arrival of the seasonal rain front that brings the summer monsoon. This year, we've had a bonus two weeks of clear weather so we cannot complain🙏

Recent rainy seasons have been punctuated with more than a few beautiful sunny days, so it's not all doom and gloom. The current forecast, however, wet weather for the whole of the coming week☔️

So Mr Sunshine, we thank you for the memories and bid you adieu for now!

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17/06/2024

Sherry Buzzalong kicked off her 2200km bikepacking odyssey across Japan with the Shimanami Kaido. Thank you for visiting and sharing your journey!

Bikepacking Adventure across Japan, cycling 2,200 km from Hiroshima to Tokyo.Check and subscribe to my newsletter to receive the full report of my bikepackin...

15/06/2024

Smooth sailing on the Shimanami Kaido🚴‍♂️

We do have the odd rough patch, but thanks to all the support of local governments and hard-working volunteers who help keep the route free from fallen leaves and other debris, we are lucky indeed to enjoy 😊

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14/06/2024

Making the most of the sunshine on Mukaishima☀️

We hear the seasonal rain front may finally arrive in Shimanami next week. All the more reason to make the most of what looks to be a weekend of clear skies and Shimanami blue seas🛥

Temperatures are getting quite high, so if you are concerned that a long ride may be beyond you, why not try one of our favorite short outings? Hop on the ferry from Onomichi to Mukaishima and ride down to the gorgeous Tachibana Coast🌴

The views are stunning and there are a bunch of cafes in Tachibana that are perfect for chilling out in the shade with a refreshing beverage or shaved ice🍧

📍 Tachibana Coast, Mukaishima Island
🚴‍♀️ Approx 8 km from Mukaishima pier (5 minutes by ferry from Onomichi Port)

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