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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Ok_Syrup_190 on 2024-12-06 06:44:39+00:00.

Yesterday, I completed the Shimanami Kaido. Before I went, I couldn’t find anything on Reddit about doing it in December so I wanted to feedback.

I organised for my luggage to be collected from my hostel and paid 2200 yen for one bag one way. This all went really smoothly, the hostel was clearly used to organising this service and my bag was waiting for me when I arrived at my hotel in Imabari at about 16:30.

The weather was mostly okay, about 10-14 degrees C and sunny/cloudy. The wind picked up throughout the day so crossing the last 3 bridges was pretty blustery… Generally, I was warm enough, I wore leg thermals and a pair of leggings, then a gym top, long sleeve gym top and an ultra light down jacket from UNIQLO - the jacket was windproof which was very much needed. I wasn’t able to stop for very long because you very quickly get cold but as long as you are on the move, it’s okay.

I hired a road bike from Onomichi which cost 3000 yen and started the route by using the Fukumoto ferry to cross for just 70 yen (including bike) to Mukaishima Island. You pay when you get off the ferry and then follow the blue line from there. Initially to the end of the road and when you get to the traffic lights, you want to turn right - along the blue line you will find small arrows saying “Imabari” and the distance so about 73km to start.

Importantly, if you want to follow the recommended route, you must follow the blue LINE not just the blue ARROWS - I accidentally came off the line onto the arrows and ended up detouring onto the advanced route for 25km (not ideal when it’s cold and it gets dark at 4:30/5pm).

The recommended route is lovely, suitable for any cycling ability, only hills are going up onto the bridges but these are gentle inclines, and there is a bit of uphill as you cross the Oshima Island (the final one if you go from Onomichi to Imabari) as the route cuts across the island instead of following the coastline.

I didn’t wear padded shorts but really wish I had - 95km is a long cycle with no padding and it was sore by the end.

There are plenty of 7/11s, Lawsons and Family Marts all the way along - I was worried I might not have access to shops/restaurants on route as Onomichi had been so closed up (off season) but all the konbinis were open. You could easily go with a bottle of water and some brekkie and just pick up bits along the way if you are worried about weight.

I set off at 9:30am and arrived in Imabari about 16:30 (my watch died just before the end), and honestly I didn’t stop much along the way. I averaged 17km/h so the detour really set me back. Elevation gain was 583m although I think it’s only about 500m if you don’t detour - total distance was about 95km.

I would recommend this route, it was truly beautiful and the fact it’s still very doable despite being winter.

Top tips -

make sure you follow the blue LINE and keep an eye out for road signs too (I missed this and this is what caused the detour as I was so fixated on following what was on the road)