10th Day (Sunday—13 April 2025) Shimanami Kaido Crossing the Inland Sea

We left Kyoto by bullet train to begin the Shimanami Kaido. We began by riding from our Kyoto guesthouse to the rail station in a light rain, purchaing breakfast items at the train station. The bullet train to Fukuyama, then transferred to a local train to Onamichi, more snacks, then on to the Shimanami Kaido. 

Shimanami Kaido, also known as the Nishiseto Expressway or Seto Inland Sea Shimanami Kaido, is a scenic expressway and cycling route in Japan that connects Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, covering approximately 70 km, via a series of islands and bridges. The route is famous for its beautiful scenery, especially the iconic Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges.The Shimanami Kaido is a popular cycling route, with dedicated paths for cyclists and pedestrians. 

Gradually the overcast turned to sunshine with gusty winds on flat roads except for short climbs to the suspension bridges linking the islands. An organized recreational cycling ride was in progress, with 2000 riders mostly going in the opposite direction.

Our Bullet Train Arrives

Dog of the Day

Breakfast. Filled with bits of cheese, seaweed, bacon.

Bike Ferry to access the Shimanami Kaido Route. About a 5-10 minute crossing from Onomichi because the initial bridge is not open to cyclists.

On the Ferry

Nina and Scott on the first Climb to the Bridge

First Bridge Crossing

Heavily Pruned Fruit Trees

Bridge Entry Separating Pedestrians and Cyclists

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Scott with co-workers from the same company, part of the organized ride

Today's ride was about 26 miles. We rode right-to-left, staying at a hotel just above the route. 

3rd and last bridge.

Duane Makes a New Friend. Duane is our Brompton fan and expert. When this rider stopped with his Brompton and saw 8 more Bromptons, he wanted a group photo.

As the oldest rider, mine is the upper right.

Clearly Female

Not so clearly Male. Female in Thirties Dress?

A Shot in the Face

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Lemon Valley. Lemon groves surround the trail, so I was asked to join this photo due to the color of my jacket.

I liked the crash graphic.

Monica Preparing for Church?

Our Hotel. Alex booked us into a traditional Japanese hotel. Shoes off upon entry. Japanese-style public bath. Futons for beds. Traditional multi-course dinner featuring local fish and shellfish. One size slipper for all. Nearly fell up the stairs to our 3rd floor room until Alex advised me to just walk in my socks. Good for shuffling forward but not for climbing stairs.

Nicola, Eliete, Monica. Modeling the mandatory robes.

More food photos.

The shrimp was alive.