Hiroshima's cycling culture has a unique maritime DNA. Unlike Kyoto's ancient capital tours or Fukuoka's urban commuting, the greatest charm of cycling in Hiroshima lies in "island hopping" — through the clever combination of bicycles and ferries, linking the pearl islands of the Seto Inland Sea and creating Japan's most seafaring cycling experience.
Three Major Features of Island Cycling
Seamless Ferry + Bicycle Connections
Hiroshima's ferry system is extremely bicycle-friendly, with most routes allowing bikes on board (usually with an additional ¥100-300 bicycle fee). This allows cyclists to easily move between Hiroshima's main island, Miyajima, and Innoshima without being restricted by straits. Especially the Miyajima口-Miyajima route runs every 15 minutes, allowing cyclists to go at any time.
Shimanami Kaido: World-Class Cycling Route
The Shimanami Kaido, connecting Onomichi on Honshu to Imabari on Shikoku, has been selected by CNN as one of the world's seven most beautiful cycling routes. The approximately 70km cross-sea bridge ensemble is not only an engineering marvel, but also has dedicated bicycle lanes on each bridge, allowing cyclists to safely "ride across the sea."
Seasonal Seascape Variations
The cycling charm of the Seto Inland Sea changes with the seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms complement the sea views; in summer, you can see fishing boats returning fully loaded; in autumn, the setting sun paints the sea in gold and red; in winter, the clear air reveals distinct layers of distant mountains. Each season offers a different island experience.
Selected Cycling Destinations
Shimanami Kaido Onomichi Starting Area
〒722-0036 Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi City, Higashimiyoshicho
The area around Onomichi Station is the official starting point for the Shimanami Kaido, with more than a dozen bicycle rental shops concentrated here, offering everything from standard city bikes to professional road bikes. It is recommended to choose shops that offer "nori-sute" (one-way drop-off) service, where you can return the bike directly in Imabari and avoid the physical exertion of cycling back. Rental prices range from approximately ¥1,000-3,000 per day, depending on the model. Senkoji Park near the starting point offers excellent panoramic views of the Onomichi waterway, making it an ideal spot for warm-up photos before departure.
Miyajima口 Coastal Cycling Path
〒739-0411 Hiroshima Prefecture, Hatsukaichi City, Miyajimaguchi
Miyajima口 is not just a ferry terminal for Itsukushima Shrine; its coastal cycling path is also quite spectacular. Starting from Miyajima口 Station, cycling east along National Route 2 offers views of the expansive Hiroshima Bay seascape. Evening cycling is especially recommended, where you can capture the sunset silhouette of the Itsukushima Torii Gate. This route is gentle and easy, suitable for families or beginners, with approximately 5km one-way to the海滨公园 in Ajinodai area.
Ikuchi Island Lemon Farm Island Loop Route
〒722-2102 Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi City, Setouchicho
Ikuchi Island is the island with the highest lemon production in Hiroshima Prefecture. The island's circular cycling route is approximately 15km, allowing deep exploration into lemon farm areas. The island's terrain has moderate起伏, with both gentle coastlines and small hills overlooking panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. The cycling experience in spring with lemon blossom fragrance blending with sea breezes is unique. The island's "Setoda Sunset Beach" is an ideal rest stop, and swimming is possible in summer.
Hiroshima City Central Park Bicycle Network
〒730-0011 Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima City, Chuo-ku, Motomachi
The cycling focus in Hiroshima city is on the dedicated bicycle path along the Ota River. Starting from Central Park, you can ride along the riverbank all the way to Hiroshima Port, with approximately 8km of flat terrain. Along the way, you will pass important sites such as the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park, making it a classic route combining sightseeing and cycling. Within the city, there is the "Pisukuru" shared bicycle system, ¥100 for under 30 minutes, suitable for short-distance travel.
Eta Island Naval Academy Site Island Loop Cycling
¥737-2100 Hiroshima Prefecture, Etajima City, Etajimacho
Eta Island has a moderate size (approximately 35 square km), with a circular loop of about 25km, making it an ideal half-day cycling destination. The island preserves historic buildings of the former Japanese Naval Academy, and cycling through the area offers a strong atmosphere of modern history. The southern part of the island has "Sakura no Sato," which is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in the Seto Inland Sea region during spring. Ferries from Hiroshima Port take approximately 30 minutes, with a bicycle boarding fee of ¥200.
Practical Information
Transportation Connections
Hiroshima Station is the transportation hub for all cycling routes. To reach Onomichi, take the JR Sanyo Main Line for approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (¥970); to reach Miyajima口, take the JR Sanyo Main Line for approximately 40 minutes (¥420). Inter-island transportation mainly relies on ferries, with frequent departures typically every 15-30 minutes.
Rental Fees
Standard bicycle rental: ¥1,000-2,000/day
Professional cycling bike: ¥2,500-4,000/day
Electric assist bicycle: ¥1,500-3,000/day
Ferry bicycle surcharge: ¥100-300/trip
Best Cycling Time
Most operations are from 8:00-18:00 (may close earlier at 17:00 in winter)
It is recommended to avoid the hot summer months of July-August and the strong wind period of December-February
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most comfortable cycling seasons
Island Cycling Tips
Wind and Tidal Planning
Wind direction in the Seto Inland Sea region changes significantly. It is recommended to cycle from west to east in the morning and return with the wind in the afternoon. Check the daily tide table; cycling along coastline sections during low tide reveals more exposed reef scenery.
Equipment Preparation
Cycling in sea wind consumes more energy than expected. It is recommended to bring sufficient water and windproof clothing. Supply points on islands are limited; purchase food and water in advance at main towns. Sunscreen is essential, as sea reflection intensifies UV radiation.
Ferry Connection Tips
Check the "last boat" times for each ferry route to avoid missing the return ferry. Some smaller island ferry services are reduced in winter, so be sure to confirm the schedule in advance. For JR Pass holders, JR ferries on the Miyajima route can be used for free.
Emergency Response
If you encounter bicycle breakdowns during island cycling, you can contact the rental shop's roadside assistance service (usually an additional ¥3,000-5,000 fee). It is recommended to download offline maps, as some island mountain areas have weak mobile signals. Each island has a police box, so you can seek help nearby if needed.
