The Shimanami Kaido, part of the Nishiseto Expressway, is one of Japan's most famous and visually stunning car and bike routes connecting Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture on Honshu Island with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku Island. The road and multiple bridges crossing the Seto Inland Sea is one of the three main transportation links of the Honshū–Shikoku Bridge Project, constructed between the islands of Honshu and Shikoku. Crossing over nine of the Geiyo Islands, it offers wonderful ocean views. By bike it is approximately 70 km / 44 mi and can be completed in a day while by car it can be completed in about an hour non-stop, but hopefully travelers will stop along the way and view some of the scenic and historic spots on the islands.

The expressway contains 55 bridges, including the Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge, the world's longest series of suspension bridges, and the Tatara Bridge, the world's fourth longest cable-stayed bridge. It was opened on May 1, 1999, with four lanes plus a separated lane for pedestrians and cyclists. Since its opening it has become one of Japan's most popular long-distance cycle routes.

As accessing the Shin-Onomichi bridge involves a steep climb, cyclists are encouraged to use a short ferry between Onomichi and Mukaishima, but all other bridges on the route feature a designated cycle path. Bicycle rental and drop off locations are available along the route.


Courtesy of Wikipedia