Shimanami Kaido: A Foolproof Guide to Enjoying Japan’s Cycling Sanctuary

Seventy kilometers, six scenic islands, six massive bridges, and two prefectures — all woven together by a single blue line

All photos taken by the author

Seventy kilometers, six scenic islands, six massive bridges, and two prefectures — all woven together by a single blue line. This is the Shimanami Kaido: Japan’s premier long-distance cycling route.

There are countless articles and videos that cover this internationally popular tourist destination. It’s convenient to have so many resources, but when I was planning my cycling adventure, I suffered from information overload. I wasn’t sure exactly where to start or what to expect, and I ended up taking a few leaps of faith to make my trip a reality.

Therefore, with this article, I’m laying out a foolproof plan for your first Shimanami Kaido adventure. Follow the tips and sample itinerary in this article, and you’ll have the time of your life, casually cycling through some of Japan’s most beautiful tropical scenery.

Preparing for your Journey: The Basics