So the information from this subReddit helped a lot & I did the Shimanamj Kaido cycling yesterday from Onomichi to Imabari.
This is overview & a guide to help future cyclists.
The whole route till the Imabari station is 75km & you can hire a bicycle from the Onomichi port for 3000¥ (payment cash/card) then the ferry to the other side of the river (110¥,only cash)The people were nice enough to help me with the small change too. I suggest you start early (7-7:30am) because by the time I picked up my bicycle(no reservation) there was a queue of 20 people.(could also be because of weekend/easter weekend) I chose to drop it at Imabari station because I wanted to make my way back to Onomichi. The cycling stand is open till 19hrs in the evening.
The first 35kms felt like a breeze. I made stops at the scenic places(one of the most scenic cycling routes) & spoke to other cyclists. I only difficult parts are the incline towards each bridge(but rewarded with going downhill the other side). There are family mart,Lawson supermarkets all along the route(the last twenty km I couldn’t find many, or was just tired to look around) the first 50kms I did it with not a lot of trouble(stopping well along the way for my feet & back to adjust well) but the last 20kms were difficult but nothing an average working out person cannot do. I work out & do yoga 4 times a week, so I don’t know how much role that plays. The last bridge is the longest(feels like never ending haha)& you are cycling against the wind & then again a 5km downhill/flat ride from there to destination. There are different points on each island marked for photography & also to give back your bicycles. You have to get back to Imabari station dropping point for a bus to Onomichi.its right outside the cycling point.
Cash is your best bet to travel in the buses and the ride back to Onomichi is of 2hrs with a bus change in innoshima. It costs 2300¥. I have the timetable pictured, so let me know if you need one.
All in all, a good cycling route(very difficult to be lost) and very much possible in a day(with basic fitness). But also amazingly worth 2-3 days if you want to explore each or atleast two islands.The beauty is unparalleled. The experience of a lifetime for me. Thank you Japan 🙌🏼
by akasopa
