Hi there! I plan to do a quick 4 days trip involving the Shimanami Kaido and would like some feedback/recommendations for my itinerary as per below:
Day 1 (Thursday), flight arrives Kansai Airport at 3.50pm > Take a train to Onomichi which takes around 3.5 hours, put luggage in coin locker at Osaka-station as will be coming back to Osaka later > Settle down in Onomichi for the night
Day 2 (Friday), Stay in Onomichi for a bit visiting Cat Alley > Get a bike from Giant > Have lunch at Omishima Island > go to rabbit island > Return to Omishima Island and book into hotel
Day 3 (Saturday), Continue cycle, going back Ikuchi Island and exploring, then head to Imabari > Return bike and head to Toyo port (Taking 10pm Ferry to Osaka \[Orange Ferry\])
Day 4 (Sunday), Ferry arrives at 6am > Visit christmas attractions around Osaka > Collect my luggage bag and take flight back home at 5pm
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One question is about the bikes, for those that have been on the Shimanami Kaido, is it correct that Giant is the only one that supports one-way bike rentals, and I would need to rent a hybrid bike as the e-bike rental needs to be returned on the same day? Finally, is there any better way to store my luggage other than a coin locker? Thank in advance!
by Wolapo
6 comments
Most (all?) coin lockers at stations are only 24h. So not sure if you can find one for multiple days. Why are you bringing this luggage if you’re gonna store it at a locker the whole time anyways? Usually airports have luggage storage, so I would leave it at the airport.
No, the regular bike rental service also does one way. Also better reserve the bike you want beforehand. But same as giant, no e-bike.
Day 2: I’ve gone to rabbit island while biking shimanami kaido and if you actually want to spend some time on the island your day might be quite tight if you explore Onomichi in the morning. Have a look at the ferry times.
You have to book in advance, if you want a bike from Giant. When we tried renting one on the spot, everything was booked for a week in advance.
And there is at least one other bike rental (https://maps.app.goo.gl/XKyRgCkUKXWn7dWE8 this one I think) that also allows one-way rental, but their bikes are old and not-so-good.
I was able to get an on the spot e-bike rental a week ago but would have much preferred a regular bike. I think because biking season is coming to a close there’s less demand so you should be good.
If you can manage to make it back to onomichi by bus at the end either the bike shop or whatever hotel/hostel you stay at should be willing to hold your luggage for several days, mine was.
Also please give this sweet old 80 year old woman your buisiness while in omishima Island. It’ll be one of the best meals you have in japan at the most affordable price and she cooks it right in front of you.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8S2hbhd427onagmY8
There’s a bike rental place right next to the green hill hotel in onomichi that you don’t need a reservation for. Just show up early to get your pick of the lot. The bikes are fine but nothing special. They do one way rentals, just return them near the station in Imabari.
Definitely get a reservation at Giant for peace of mind. Biggest flag is Day 2 IMO. I thinks it’s very difficult to pack in Cat Alley, bike rental (still takes about 30min), and bike to Omishima to catch a ferry to Rabbit Island in one day, especially with the Rabbit Island ferry times (few and far in between). FYI, we spent a couple of hours visiting Cat Alley and Senkoji Park.
I would probably explore Ikuchi Island on Day 2 (there’s ice cream, restaurants, etc), have lunch there, then get a lodging at Omishima Island. Early morning on Day 3 catch the first ferry to Rabbit Island, then go to Imabari. That way there’s no backtracking.
A couple weeks ago I rented a Giant Escape RX from the rental shop by the ferry. Biked to end of last bridge at km 69 & turned back. Missed the turnoff on Hakatajima island & accidentally went around the entire island (20km) so had to race the sun. It was quite hard, especially in windy areas as the bike is not great. The bonus of that rental place is they open at 7am (I needed to rent at 7 sharp as sunset is 5:30) Giant is 9 I think. I don’t recommend anyone bike 11 hours like I did on a bike like that. But you can rent multiple days so if you hoteling it have a relaxing time. It’s a BEAUTIFUL ride. Many of the islands are super cool. I wish I remember the Island the food truck with the fish burgers with curry sauce were on. Amazing