Nishi Seto Expressway

The Shimanami Kaido is an expressway route connecting Onomichi and Imabari. It is a highway running over the sea that links Onomichi City with Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture. Its official name is the Nishiseto Expressway, but it is widely known and loved as the Shimanami Kaido. It is also famous as the only route in Japan with a dedicated cycling road and is known as a holy ground for cycling, where people from across Japan bring their beloved bicycles and enjoy crossing the small Setouchi islands between Onomichi and Imabari. From Onomichi to Imabari, there are the Shin-Onomichi Bridge, Innoshima Bridge, Ikuchi Bridge, Tatara Bridge, Omishima Bridge, Hakata-Oshima Bridge (Hakata Bridge and Oshima Bridge), and the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge (First, Second, and Third Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges). Each has sightseeing spots and accommodations nearby, so many people visit for several days at a time. Even though it is called cycling, you need the stamina to ride up to the bridges, so it can be physically demanding. Rental bicycles are also available, so you can go even if you do not have your own bike. To get to the Shimanami Kaido, transfer at Fukuyama Station from the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to the Sanyo Main Line, then in about 20 minutes get off at Onomichi Station and you are right there.