Shimanami Kaido Cycling & Dogo Onsen
Cycle across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea from Onomichi to Imabari, then take the train to Matsuyama and end with Dogo Onsen.
Split the roughly 70-kilometer Shimanami Kaido into a two-day ride, staying overnight in Setoda to allow time for Kosan-ji Temple and Oyamazumi Shrine. With the widespread availability of e-bikes, travelers with average fitness can easily complete this route. Return your bike in Imabari and take the limited express train to Matsuyama to relax with hot springs and historic streets. Perfect for couples and friends looking for light outdoor activity.
Summer can be extremely hot with intense sun; spring and autumn are the best seasons for cycling. Book accommodations well in advance during the cherry blossom season.
Day by day
Day 1 · Onomichi Slopes & Senko-ji Temple
Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido（Senkoji Park & Ropeway、Senkoji Temple、Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi)、Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street、ONOMICHI U2）
Transfer to the JR line at Fukuyama and ride about 20 minutes to Onomichi. Take the ropeway up Mount Senko-ji, then walk down through the sloping alleys to the waterfront.
Stay: Onomichi Station / Waterfront
Day 2 · Cycling to Setoda on Ikuchijima
Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido（Kosanji Temple & Hill of Hope、Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art、Setoda Sunset Beach）
Pick up your bike at Onomichi Port, take the ferry to Mukaishima, and cycle via Innoshima to Setoda (about 30 km, reachable in half a day).
If you lack the stamina, you can take the ferry from Onomichi to Setoda (about 40 minutes), which allows bicycles on board.
Stay: Setoda (Ikuchijima)
Day 3 · Across Tatara Bridge to Imabari
Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido（Tatara Bridge、Oyamazumi Shrine、Murakami Kaizoku Museum、Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge & Mt. Kiro Observatory）
Cycle from Setoda through Omishima and Oshima to Imabari (about 50 km). This takes a full day, including a detour to Oyamazumi Shrine.
Confirm the drop-off locations and your e-bike's battery level in advance. Watch out for strong winds on the bridges.
Stay: Around Imabari Station
Day 4 · Imabari Castle to Matsuyama Castle
Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido（Imabari Castle） → Matsuyama（Matsuyama Castle、Dogo Haikara-dori & Botchan Karakuri Clock、Dogo Onsen Honkan）
Take the Shiokaze Limited Express from Imabari to Matsuyama (about 40 minutes), then transfer to the city tram to reach Shiroyama and Dogo.
Stay: Dogo Onsen
Day 5 · Ishite-ji Temple & Matsuyama Departure
Matsuyama（Ishite-ji、Shiki Memorial Museum、Okaido & Gintengai Arcades）
Walk from Dogo to Ishite-ji Temple, take the city tram to Okaido, and then take the bus for about half an hour to the airport.