Shimanami-kaido (しまなみ海道) is, in my opinion, the most popular place for long cycling road in Japan. Shimanami-kaido is a long way from main island of Japan (Onomichi-city) to Shikoku island (Imabari-city). These two islands are connected by bridges between several tiny islands, so you can stop by each island and enjoy their great ocean view and local vibes.
First, let me show you some of my favorite photos!
MUST eat in shimanami-kaido
1. Pork and egg rice bowl @ Shigematsu-hanten
Shigematsu-hanten is located at the goal of Shimanami-kaido. Shigematsu-hanten is Chinese restaurant but its foods are unique comparing to original Chinese food. I think you cannot find this pork and egg rice bowl anywhere except Shigematsu-hanten. Most of cyclists arrive at the goal of Shimanami-kaido (Onimichi-city) at night so this is the best dinner after bicycling about 70 km.
2. Hakata salt ice cream @Hakata beach
Hakata island is famous for salt production. Hakata salt ice cream had good combination of sweetness and saltness. You can buy it at the roadside rest station.
3. Conger eel rice bowl @Ikuchi-jima island
We stopped at Japanese restaurant Wakaba and ate conger eel rice bowl. They have tempura rice bowl and sushi as well. They mainly serve fish because the ocean surrounding those islands is calm and rich in nutrients, so it is a great place for fish to grow.
Guest house in Onimichi city
Anago-no-medoko (あなごのねどこ) is a guest house in Onomichi city. It’s in the shopping street so it’s convenient to find out restaurant or buy something you need before go to island hopping. Also this guest house is renovated old Japanese style house (the most oldest part of this building is thought over 200 years).
The building and its interior furnishing made me feel calm. I highly recommend to stay here! Please visit their website (Anago-no-nedoko) to see fees and reserve a bed. They have English page, too.
By the way, “anago” means conger eel in Japanese. Old Japanese house in this distinct had small width and long depth perpendicular to the road. So it looks like the house for long body fish. This is why the guest house is called “Anago-no-nedoko” (
“Nedoko” means bed. ).
My comments
Today I introduced one of the favorite spots, Shimanami-kaido. Unfortunately, when I went there first time, there was a storm and I could not see anything. So I decided to come again and I could go there a year later. This time everyday was sunny days and I enjoyed cycling.
Thank you for reading! I really appreciate if you tell me my English mistakes because one of the reason for writing the blog is to study English. If you interested in me, please read self-introduction post.
Tohoko (*’ω’*)
BICYCLE JOURNEY JAPAN 