The measure to waive bicycle tolls on the “Shimanami Kaido” connecting Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture has been extended for two years until March 31, 2026.
The Shimanami Kaido features dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths, offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea’s numerous islands and providing cyclists with a refreshing experience as they pedal through groves of lemon trees. It has gained popularity as a “holy land for cyclists” both nationally and internationally.
In November 2019, it was designated as a National Cycle Route by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, and large-scale cycling events are held annually.
Originally, cyclists had to pay a total of 500 yen for six sections between Onomichi and Imabari. However, to allow more people to experience cycling on the Shimanami Kaido, tolls have been waived since July 2014, and the free period has been extended several times.
It’s worth noting that there is no bicycle path on the “Shin-Onomichi Ohashi” crossing to the first island, Mukojima, from Onomichi, making it unsafe for cyclists. Therefore, it is common for cyclists to take a ferry from near Onomichi Station to Mukojima and enjoy cycling from there.
