content: The bike route in Japan that many cyclists dream of cycling one day- the Shimanami Kaido. This beautiful network of roads and bridges offers a breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea, and delightful citrus fruits!
Summary
The bike route that many cyclists dream of cycling one day- the Shimanami Kaido. This beautiful network of roads and bridges offers a breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Se, and delightful citrus fruits!. Enjoy cycling, but also enjoy exploring the beauty, culture, history and food that the Setouchi area has to offer.
View on FacebookThe Beautiful Bike Route of Shimanami Kaido
Shimanami Kaido is a network of roads and bridges that connect Imabari city in Ehime prefecture and Onomichi city in Hiroshima prefecture. It connects Shikoku and Honshu, two of the four main islands in Japan, and six small islands in between with seven bridges. Completed in 2006, the official name for this network is the Nishiseto Expressway. It is a highway for cars with a route for pedestrians and bikes on the side. The bike route is estimated to be about 44 mi (70 km).
Since the bridges are constructed over the sea, the Shimanami Kaido is known as the “place where cyclists can ride on top of the sea.” It is not one of the most challenging bike routes in terms of length and steepness but is definitely one that offers some of the most sublime scenery; making it one of the best bike routes in the world, and one that many cyclists hope to bike one day. Considering its length, competitive cyclists can probably complete the bike route in less than half a day. This bike route however, is not about how fast you can complete the bike route; it’s about enjoying everything you come across along the way. From soaking in the breathtaking scenery of the Seto Inland Sea on each of the six islands, to exploring a temple, to munching on some fantastic tasting local oranges, to visiting places like the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art, the key phrase is to “take it slow” and stop riding every now and then to explore the beauty, culture and history that this Setouchi area of Japan has to offer. Since the bike route is not about how fast you can ride, it’s a friendly route for everyone including beginner cyclists. Electric-assist bicycles can be rented. There are 14 rent-a-cycle terminals along the way and travelers can return their bicycle at any terminal. In other words, travelers who get too tired along the way can return their bicycle to the nearest terminal and ride a bus or ship for the rest of the route. Travelers can travel from Onomichi to Imabari or the other way around.
The most recommended way to travel this bike route is to take two entire days to complete it, including spending a night at an inn in between. That way, travelers can take the time to explore the six small islands truly and won’t need to feel rushed when the sun is going down.
The Smell of Citrus in the Air
Many cyclists have commented that while they are cycling, they often smell citrus in the air. They’re not dreaming-- Seto Inland Sea’s temperate weather and ocean create the most delicious citrus in the country. Here are three islands along the Shimanami Kaido that are especially famous for their citrus fruits. 
1. Innoshima island
Around the 1850s to 60s, the original plant of the Japanese citrus hassaku, a type of orange that’s as big as a grapefruit, was found on this island. Try the island’s famous Hassaku Daifuku, a mochi sweet with hassaku inside. 
2. Ikuchijima Island
This island is the largest producer of lemons in the country. While you are on the island, try some of their famous lemon cake. The Tatara Bridge that connects Ikuchijima island and Oomishima island overlook a vast lemon farm. If in season, you’ll see many lemons and smell their refreshing aroma in the air.
- Oomishima Island
Ehime prefecture is one of the leading producers of oranges in the country. On this island there’s a road station called Shimanami no Eki Mishima, where you can expect to find the freshest, most delicious and cheapest citrus fruits. A bag of Satsuma oranges only cost about a dollar but are fresh from the farm and the sweetest. This island has many orange farms too.
Many of the farms on the Shimanami Kaido produce a wide variety of citrus fruits. Some examples are the Ponkan, a citrus hybrid of mandarin and pomelo; the Setoka, a seedless citrus fruit; and the Dekopon, a large oval type orange. If you are interested in trying some unusual citrus fruits, then the Shimanami Kaido is a good place to visit. The fruits are very affordable and fresh from the farm.
