しまなみ海道サイクリングロード, Cycling and walking path in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road is a paved cycling and walking path in Hiroshima and Ehime prefectures, running between Onomichi and Imabari across the Seto Inland Sea. It links several islands via suspension bridges and runs alongside the coastal roads, offering open sea views and passing through small island towns.
The route was built as part of the Shimanami Kaido project, which first opened in 1999 as a road connection across the Seto Inland Sea. Over time, a dedicated lane for cyclists and walkers was added, making it the first route in Japan where bicycles could cross sea straits.
Among cyclists worldwide, this route is considered one of the top riding paths in the world, a status recognized by the Michelin travel guide with a one-star rating. Along the way, riders often stop at small fishing harbors to try fresh seafood or browse local market stalls.
The path is open all year, though spring and autumn draw the most riders due to mild weather; rain and wind can make conditions difficult over the sea. Bicycles can be rented at multiple points along the route, and riders can return them at a different station from where they picked them up.
A monument near the start of the route was erected in 2014 to mark an international cycling event and a sister cycling route agreement with another path around the world. Its shape is meant to represent a bridge and a bicycle wheel with a saddle, standing for the links the route creates between islands.
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