Hello JapanTravelTrips, I am planning a 2 day cycling trip through the Shimanami Kaido in late September. I will be starting in Onomichi, staying the night in Setoda City on Ikuchi Island, and then over the Imabari the next day (where I will go on to Matsuyama for the night). Since by many accounts it's feasible for a beginner cyclist to finish the entire route in one day, I am hoping to split it up into a 2-day excursion and visit some detours along the way.
What are some interesting detours I can make along the way on the Shimanami Kaido? For context, I am of medium fitness (exercise twice a week, including hill training on a stationary bike). My guess is that it would take about 3-4 hours to get from the ferry port to Sedota City, and then 3-4 hours to get from Sedota City to Imabari. Is this a sensible timeframe in your experiences?
Some possible detours I've found for your scrutiny (but would love to hear any suggestions) :
Day 1 (Between Mukaishima Island and Ikuchi Island)
Mountain Takamiyama (Mukaishima Island): Looking on Google Map, the uphill on this detour looks extremely steep and may not be feasible to cycle. Is it possible to park a bicycle somewhere at the base and hike up to the viewpoint by foot? For anyone that has done it themselves, how long would you say it took?
Mountain Shirataki (Innoshima Island): Some questions as Mountain Takamiyama. Most likely I would choose one over the other, does one offer more spectacular views over the other, and is one more difficult?
Innoshima Navy Castle (Innoshima Island): A little bit out of the way of the blue line, but could be a nice respite from all the cycling
Hill of Hope, Cave of 1000 Buddhas (Ikuchi Island): Near my accommodations, so very on-the-way
Day 2 (Between Ikuchi Island and Imabari)
- Bunny Island (and I guess aka poison gas/hazardous waste island), Okunoshima Island (Off of Omishima): How long would it take to detour from the blue line to get to this island and back on route?
-Dophin Farm Shimanami (Hakatajima Island): Just found it on Google Maps, could be a fun diversion that's on the way.
- Kirosan Observatory (Oshima Island): By all accounts, one of the most scenic viewpoints on the island, and a likely detour.
Any opinions/thoughts/criticisms are greatly appreciated. Would be very grateful for personal experiences, and whether based on your own trips if these or any detours you made were highlights of your trips (or if you felt the juice was not worth the squeeze).
Thank you for taking the time!
by yellodoodle