Bike Rental in Onomichi & Imabari | Shimanami Kaido

Bike Rental in Onomichi & Imabari | Shimanami Kaido

By June Jungreis | February 17, 2022 |

Table Of Contents

Bike Rental in Onomichi & Imabari | Shimanami Kaido

The Seto Inland Sea is one of Japan’s most beautiful seascapes. You don’t need to be a beach-lover to enjoy it though, thanks to the Shimanami Kaido, a series of bridges and island roads that spans the inland sea. There are bike paths running along the entire thing, so you can enjoy the stunning views and sea breeze at the perfect pace, all while getting in a bit of exercise… or the workout of your life. The path is 70 km long. Expert cyclists will breeze through it, while more casual cyclists may want to break it up into two days. However you do it, you’ll need a good bicycle for your journey. We’ve put together a list of bike rental shops on the Shimanami Kaido to help you select one, whatever your needs may be.

Shimanami Kaido spiral bridge up to the Kurushima Bridge.
Shimanami Kaido spiral bridge up to the Kurushima Bridge.

Things to Consider When Renting A Bicycle

Type of Bike

  • City/hybrid bikes (“cross bike” in Japan) are good for casual sport riders.
  • Road bikes may be more fun for serious riders who like going fast.
  • Electric bikes (e-bikes) have pedals like a normal bicycle, but an electric assist motor makes it easier to ride uphill. 

Return Location

Return at point of rental is a good option if you’d like to ride the Shimanami Kaido out and back, or ride out and take the bus back. See our guide on cycling the Shimanami Kaido for info on getting back and forth. Alternatively, if you’d like to ride out and spend some time on the other end, consider a one-way rental, i.e. a shop that allows you to return at a different location for a fee.

Availability

While most shops accept walk-ins, some run out of bikes during busy periods. Be prepared to shop around or reserve in advance. Also, some places close on a certain day of the week, so be sure look for a shop that fits your schedule.

Cycling the Shimanami Kaido しまなみ海道 | 7 Bridges of the Setouchi Sea
Lake Biwa Cycling
The perfect bike for the perfect island ride.

Where to rent a bike on the Shimanami Kaido

The Shimanami Kaido runs from Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari on Shikoku island. Here are a few places to rent bikes at both ends of the route.

Onomichi Bike Rental Shops 

The small city of Onomichi is the start of the route, and also the more scenic of the two cities. There are several bike rental shops here at the beginning of the Shimanami Kaido. These are all within walking distance of Onomichi Station.

Onomichi Port Bicycle Rental (Shimanami Japan) | Cheapest + Most Flexible Option

Website | Location & Hours

This very large public operation is the cheapest and easiest option for casual riders. They have hybrids for around 2,000 yen per day, plus e-bikes and others.

One-way rentals: YES (drop off at any Shimanami Japan rental location, depending on type of bike)
Multi-day rentals: YES (for city/cross bikes) 
Reservations: Reserve online in English, or first-come first-served if available.
Open 7 days a week.

Giant Store Onomichi | Name Brand & Higher End Options

Website | Location & Hours

A whole range of top-brand options, including road bikes, city bikes, and electric bikes. The building also has showers, and a bakery/cafe/restaurant.

One-way rentals:  YES (drop off at Giant Store in Imabari, road bikes only, must have a reservation)
Multi-day rentals: YES
Reservations: Book online in English, or first-come first-served if available. 
Closed on Tuesdays.

The Red Bicycles | Cheapest Road Bikes

Website | Location & Hours

Small independent shop offering road bikes and e-bikes. 2*8 and 2*9 speed aluminum road bikes for just under 4,000 yen a day.

One-way rentals: NO
Multi-day rentals: YES
Reservations: Reserve online in English, or first-come first-served if available.
Closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays.

Better Bicycles | Cutest Rental Bikes

Website | Location & Hours

Independent shop renting out original 3-speed and 7-speed bikes. Budget friendly for casual riders. Road and e-bikes are also available on the Japanese site. 

One-way rentals: NO
Multi-day rentals: YES
Reservations: Reserve online in English.
Closed on Wednesdays.

Seaside scenery of the Shimanami Kaido.
Seaside scenery of the Shimanami Kaido.

Imabari Bike Rental Shops

Imabari is a small industrial city on the island of Shikoku. It is usually considered the end of the route, but if you want to be a rebel and start your ride here, go for it. This can be a good option for anyone who is already traveling in Shikoku.

Sunrise Itoyama (Shimanami Japan) | Cheapest Option + Multiple Locations

English Website | Detailed Info on Rentals and Reservations (Japanese)

Locations

Sunrise Itoyama
Fully equipped rental facility and hotel located right at the first bridge of the route. Full range of casual bikes including tandem and bikes with child seats.

i.i.imabari! Cycle Station
Fully equipped rental facility at Imabari Station. City and hybrid bikes for rent, plus showers and even a spare tube vending machine.

Imabari Port Community Center
Located at Imabari Port with convenient ferry access, this community center offers road and hybrid bike rentals.

One-way rentals: YES (drop off at any Shimanami Japan rental location, depending on type of bike)
Multi-day rentals: YES (for city/cross bikes) 
Reservations/Walk-ins: They keep a number of bikes available for day-of rentals, first-come first-served. Or call Sunrise Itoyama in Japanese to reserve in advance (only for some bikes/periods).
Open 7 days a week, hours vary by location.

Giant Store Imabari | Name Brand & Higher End Bikes

Website | Location & Hours

A whole range of top-brand options, including road bikes, city bikes, and electric bikes. Located inside JR Imabari Station, the shop has showers and lockers for your convenience.

One-way rentals:  YES (drop off at Giant Store in Onomichi, road bikes only, must have a reservation)
Multi-day rentals: YES
Reservations: Book online in English, or first-come first-served. 
Closed on Tuesdays.

Trip Planning for the Shimanami Kaido

Now that you know where to get a bike for the Shimanami Kaido, you’re probably ready to plan the rest of your trip. Check out the articles below for info on how to get there, cycling routes, and useful tips.

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Posted in Bike Rental, Famous Bike Routes in Japan, Seto Naikai (Inland Sea) Region, Shimanami Kaido

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