Shimanami Day Bike Tour: Fun for All, Great for Families

Onomichi , Japan

Shimanami Day Bike Tour: Fun for All, Great for Families

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your one-day, family-friendly tour is a ferry and bike tour that starts and ends with a relaxing ferry trip through the inland sea and is for anyone who wants to ride shorter distances, making it a great choice for anyone with kids or for people who just want a relaxing day at a slow pace. A peaceful island-hopping guided tour and the perfect addition to your Japanese experience!

WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR UNIQUE
-The only Shimanami tour suitable for people of all ages
-Designed to highlight all “must see” spots
-A mix of cycling and ferries to make it suitable in the summer heat
-Free time at our main destination, to explore what you want, at your own pace
-Expert Guide and native english speaker who also designed the tour from years of experience
-An immersive rural and cultural experience you will never forget
-Best suited to travellers, families with children, adventure seekers and people who want to enjoy a unique cultural experience in Japan, with limited time!

Available options

Shimanami Day Bike Tour: Fun for All, Great for Families

What's included

Bottled water given at the start of the day

Cycling insurance(accidents, Injury and liability)

Bike & helmet rental (Cross Bikes, City Bikes, Battery Assisted Bikes & Battery Assisted Bikes with a child seat. An E-Bike [More powerful and longer range] is an extra cost.)

Light snacks such as bars and fruit

Ferry from Onomichi to Innoshima, from Setoda to Onomichi

Detailed itinerary

The day will start in the beautiful Onomichi, where you meet your guide at JR Onomichi station, have introductions and a debrief on your day ahead. Then you will collect your bikes and board the ferry to sail out into the inland sea.

On Innoshima, you will start a relaxing ride to just enjoy and “breath-in” island life as you cycle past farms, flower fields and rural towns, before crossing the stunning Ikuchi bridge onto Ikuchijima.

Ikuchijima, the “Art Island” and known as the birthplace of lemons in Japan. Here you ride along the island’s scenic northern coast, passing citrus orchards and fishing villages, enjoy a Lemon or Salt ice cream , before arriving at the charming town of Setoda.

Setoda town is your main destination where you'll have your own free time to enjoy at your own pace. The guide will give you information on restaurants, cafes and sightseeing spots. Enjoy a nice lunch, explore fascinating temples, walk through hidden caves, and visit the “Hill of Hope”, a dazzling marble sculpture garden. If you want to cycle a little more, also included in your tour is an extra 18 km round trip. This is a free option, so check with your legs and meet your guide after lunch if you want to keep pedalling. If you decide to stay in Setoda town, you will have an extra 1.5 hours of free time. There are so many more things to do such as walking the old shopping street or soothing your muscles in an onsen (bring spare clothes if you want to change).

If you want to cycle a little more, let's ride to the beautiful Sunset Beach, where you can capture stunning coastal photos. Then through citrus fields, across the Tatara Bridge, the second-longest bridge on the Shimanami Kaido (1,480m), and cross onto Omishima Island.

Finally, we will meet back in Setoda, drop off the bikes and head to the Setoda port to catch the ferry (45 minutes) back to Onomichi. This tour is the perfect mix of adventure, culture, nature, art and relaxation. Ideal for riders of all levels, and a truly special and unique way to absorb a quieter side of Japan that you will simply remember forever.

What's not included

Lunch, other snacks and drinks are not included. You will have free time to choose your own lunch

Transportation to/from Onomichi

Entrance fees for optional sites (e.g. Kosanji Temple – visit is not part of the tour)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

At the gate of Onomichi station, you will find your guide with the sign.

About Onomichi

Onomichi is a charming coastal city in Hiroshima Prefecture known for its historic temples, scenic views, and quaint streets. It's a perfect blend of traditional Japan and modern comforts, with a unique charm that attracts visitors looking for a more relaxed and authentic experience.

Top Attractions

Shin-Onomichi Temple Walk

A scenic pilgrimage route connecting 25 temples with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and Mount Shiraishi.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome at temples)

Onomichi China Town

A small but vibrant Chinatown with a mix of Chinese and Japanese cuisine, shops, and cultural exhibits.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, cost varies for food and shopping

Onomichi Literary Museum

A museum dedicated to the city's literary heritage, featuring exhibits on famous authors and their works.

Museum 1 hour ¥500

Onomichi City Museum of Art

A contemporary art museum showcasing works by local and international artists, with a focus on modern and traditional Japanese art.

Museum 1-2 hours ¥800

Onomichi Port

A historic port area with a rich maritime history, featuring museums, shops, and restaurants.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, cost varies for attractions

Must-Try Local Dishes

Onomichi Soba

Buckwheat noodles served with a variety of toppings, including tempura, seafood, and vegetables.

Noodles Vegetarian options available

Onomichi Sushi

Fresh sushi made with local seafood, including tuna, mackerel, and octopus.

Sushi Contains fish and seafood

Onomichi Ramen

Noodle soup with a rich, savory broth, often topped with seafood and vegetables.

Ramen Vegetarian options available

Onomichi Tai Meshi

A dish made with red snapper, a local specialty, often grilled or simmered in a savory sauce.

Seafood Contains fish

Popular Activities

Hiking the Shin-Onomichi Temple Walk Exploring Miyajima Island Visiting Shikoku Pilgrimage temples Enjoying a cup of coffee at a local cafe Strolling through Ritsurin Garden Relaxing at a traditional onsen (hot spring) Visiting historic temples and shrines Exploring local museums and art galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to May, October to November

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Onomichi is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is uncommon. However, travelers should still take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable taxis and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Hiroshima Airport • 50 km

By train

Onomichi Station

By bus

Onomichi Bus Center

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is the primary form of public transport in Onomichi, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shin-Onomichi Central Onomichi Port Area

Day trips

Miyajima Island

30 km • Half day to full day

A scenic island known for its historic temples, floating torii gate, and friendly deer. It offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions.

Hiroshima

80 km • Full day

A historic city known for its tragic past and rich cultural heritage. It offers a mix of historical sites, museums, and modern attractions.

Takamatsu

60 km • Full day

A coastal city known for its beautiful gardens, historic sites, and fresh seafood. It offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions.

Festivals

Onomichi Fireworks Festival • August (specific dates vary) Onomichi Temple Walk Festival • Autumn (specific dates vary) Onomichi Literary Festival • Spring (specific dates vary)

Pro tips

Explore the Shin-Onomichi Temple Walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
Try Onomichi soba noodles at a local restaurant or street food stall for an authentic and delicious experience
Visit the Onomichi Port and Maritime Museum to learn about the city's rich maritime heritage and history
Take a day trip to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Explore the city's literary heritage at the Onomichi Literary Museum and other cultural attractions