Adventure in Japan – Part 3

Shimanami Kaido

The Shimanami Kaido highway connects six islands: Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima and Oshima, before terminating on Shikoku in Imabari City. The highway is a bicycle-friendly 70km route. 

(Image source: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/riding-shimanami-kaido/)

We took Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka and got off at Onomichi. We spent a day walking up the hills, visiting shrines and temples in the city. We visited at least 10 places that day, most were pretty close to each other but the condition of some of the shrines are ghastly. We stayed overnight in one of the hotels in Onomichi.

The next morning we rented a bicycle at the rental place near the hotel. You have the option of renting an electric bike (last a few hours), a mummy’s bike with seat at the back (we rented these due to overnight bags) or the proper cycling bike.

We had to catch a ferry to the first island before we can begin our adventure. Cyclists share the road with cars; there was a side path specifically for bikes and all we need to do is follow the blue path.  More advance riders can choose the harder path with more hills but of course we chose the easy path. The routes were a mixture of ups and downs; I hopped off every time we had to go uphills and walk with my bike until we reach the flat path again. I am, obviously, not a fit person. 

(Image source:  https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3478.html)

(image source: http://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/hiroshima-shimanami-kaido-cycling/index.html)

On the third island, we stopped by at Dolce – a gelato shop, famous for lemon ice cream as it was made from local citrus fruit. It was a good break from the riding.

By around 3pm, we rode up to the bridge where if we cross, we’d have been on the fifth island however, we had to turn around because our accommodation was on the fourth island. That u-turn was an extra 10km added to our 70km route. Internet is essential for this trip.

At around 5pm, we found our accommodation. We showered and had our dinner at around 6pm. At this point, it was so painful for me to sit.

The next morning, we left our accommodation at around 9am. Before we depart, I had to wrap up the bike seat with my jumper to soften the seat but it didn’t work, I could still feel the pain.  I was at the point where I prefer not to stop riding because every time we had to stop, I need to jump off the bike and the process of getting back on to the bike was so painful for me.

We reached Imabari city at around 2pm. We returned the bikes and had our lunch while waiting for Shinkansen to Hiroshima.

Overall, this was a fun trip, and I’m proud of myself that I could actually complete the 80km route. Recommendations:

• Don’t bring a lot of things with you, keep it light
• You don’t need a lot of water bottles; there are vending machines along the way
• Internet is needed if you don’t know the way
• Bring a gel padded seat cushion for the bike seat
• Wear light/thin long sleeves shirt or jacket because you will get sunburn (I did) and long pants (in case you fall)
• Wear bike gloves (not essential but saves you from having blisters) 

Have fun riding!

Author: Pim