Small rest stops, such as this park bench with a view of the Seto
The tall statue of Kannon
Inland Sea, are very common along the Shimanami Kaido.
towers over Kosenji temple.
A deity welcomes visitors to Kosenji temple on Innoshima Island, Japan, one of the most visited sites along the Shimanami Kaido.
most scenic natural landscapes, jointly developed a breathtakingly beautiful way to experience this picturesque rural area: the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Loosely translated, Shimanami means “island over sea route” describing perfectly the 70-kilometer bike route and paths that stretch over the Seto Inland Sea. Eight islands connected by a string of architecturally stunning bridges guide visitors through some of the loveliest coastlines in Asia. The Shimanami Kaido does more than just link two prefectures though; it connects urban Japan to its rural countryside, bridging the nation’s future with its culturally rich past. For most cyclists, their two-day journey starts in Onomichi City, a short distance from Hiroshima airport, and takes them to Imabari City on Shikoku Island with an overnight stop midway. Onomichi was founded as a port city and can trace its modern day prosperity to a close relationship to the Inland Sea. A steady influx of income from fishing and shipping meant that residents had more leisure time than their