Japan’s “Nishiseto Expressway” – The Only Option to Cycle Across the Strait

▲ Cycling acrossShimap (p,b8 Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Promotion Council) fan page）

Travel Center / General Report

Want to experience crossing the sea by bike or on foot? Then the "Shimanami Kaido," Japan's first cycling route that allows you to pedal across the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku, is your closest option for a cross-sea adventure from Taiwan.

The "Shimanami Kaido," also known as the Setouchi Shimanami Sea Route (p,b8 Setouchi Shimanami Kaido), stretches from Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture. It connects seven major bridges, passes through six islands, and spans a total length of 70 kilometers. Travelers can choose to cycle or walk, starting by taking their bikes on a ferry from Onomichi City across the New Onomichi Bridge to Mukaishima. From the "Innoshima Bridge" onward, you can pedal along while enjoying the mild and pleasant climate of the Seto Inland Sea, as well as taking in the scenery of each island.

▲ The bicycle lanes on the bridges are separate from the regular traffic lanes, allowing cyclists to leisurely enjoy coastal riding. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

No bike? No problem. There are bicycle rental stations along the route offering services. Renting a bike for one day costs just 500 yen (about NT$150) for adults, with an additional 1,000 yen deposit required at the time of rental, which will be refunded upon returning the bike. However, remember that the bike must be returned to the same rental station to get the deposit back.

Additionally, when cycling across the various bridges (except the New Onomichi Bridge), tolls apply, ranging from 50 to 200 yen per bridge. For more detailed travel information, visit the"Setouchi Shimanami Kaido" official websitefor inquiries.