For many cyclists, Shimanami Kaido is the reason to visit Japan—but it’s only the beginning. Set in Ehime, this iconic island-hopping route opens the door to one of the most diverse cycling regions anywhere: coastal roads tracing the Seto Inland Sea, high-altitude climbs like the legendary UFO Line, rugged peninsulas, and quiet backroads linking historic towns and traditional villages. In this PEZ feature, we go beyond the postcard route to explore why Ehime delivers a complete cycling experience—one that rewards riders willing to go further.
Text: Mayumi Kamura
Photos: Eigo Shimojo
For many cyclists around the world, one name defines Ehime, Japan.
The Shimanami Kaido.
This roughly 70km island-hopping route across the Seto Inland Sea is one of the most famous cycling roads on the planet. But riders who actually make the trip quickly discover something:
The Shimanami Kaido is only the beginning.
Ehime isn’t a destination you tick off after riding a single iconic route. Coastal roads, mountain climbs, rugged peninsulas and historic towns are all linked within remarkably short distances. It’s a region that feels purpose-built for multi-day cycling travel.
For anyone planning a one-week riding trip in Japan, Ehime stands out as one of the country’s most compelling cycling destinations.
Island Hopping: The Legendary Shimanami Kaido
Every journey starts here.
Connecting Honshu and Shikoku, the Shimanami Kaido spans around 70km, linking six islands via dramatic suspension bridges. Each bridge is accessed by dedicated cycling paths, making the route comfortable for a wide range of riders.
Total elevation gain comes in at roughly 800–1000 meters, depending on your line.
But the real highlight isn’t just the engineering—it’s the scenery.
The Seto Inland Sea is calm and scattered with countless islands. With every bridge crossing, the view shifts: fishing boats drifting below, terraced citrus groves, quiet port towns and endless blue water stretching to the horizon.
This isn’t just a ride between two points—it feels like cycling across the sea itself.
Go Further: Beyond the Main Route
If you’ve got the time, don’t stop at the end of the Shimanami Kaido.
Take a detour and explore the islands. Life slows down here. Narrow backroads, small fishing villages, centuries-old shrines and gentle rolling terrain define the riding experience.
Nearby, the Yumeshima Kaido offers another layer of exploration. Its 25km network of bridges and coastal roads links lesser-known islands that remain largely untouched by international tourism.
This is cycling that feels like true discovery.
Japan’s Top-Level Climbing
Head inland and Ehime reveals its second face.
The UFO Line, running along the ridgeline of the Ishizuchi Mountains, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Japan.
From deep valleys, the climb rises to nearly 1700 meters, stretching approximately 25km with gradients averaging 6–8%. Above the tree line, the road traces the spine of the Shikoku Mountains, opening up massive, uninterrupted views.
For climbers, this is top-tier Japanese riding.
Nearby, the Shikoku Karst offers something completely different. At 1400–1500 meters elevation, this limestone plateau features surreal landscapes dotted with white rock formations—one of the most unique riding environments in the country.
Wild Coastlines
Push further south and the terrain changes again.
The Uwa Sea coastline is a complex ria landscape of deep inlets, peninsulas and headlands. One of the most demanding rides follows the Sadamisaki Peninsula, the westernmost tip of Shikoku.
Typical routes here range 80–120km, with 1500–2000 meters of climbing as the road repeatedly crosses coastal ridges.
Fishing harbors, terraced citrus orchards, quiet villages and wide-open ocean views define the ride.
Venture slightly inland and you’ll find traditional rice terraces, where agricultural life still follows the natural contours of the land. What makes cycling in Ehime special is how seamlessly these cultural elements blend into the ride itself.
Castle towns, roadside shrines and historic settlements appear naturally along the route.
It’s a landscape that feels distinctly—and authentically—Japanese.
Why Ehime Works for Cycling Travel
Few places combine this level of variety within such a compact area.
In a single week, you can experience:
• Island-hopping across the Seto Inland Sea
• Serious climbs above 1500 meters
• Long coastal peninsula riding
• Historic towns and Japanese culture
Access is straightforward. Matsuyama Airport is about 1–2 hours by air from Tokyo or Osaka. Another popular option is to take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, then ride from Onomichi across the Shimanami Kaido into Ehime.
Along the Shimanami Kaido, rental bikes, guided tours and cycling infrastructure are well developed for international riders.
For many, the Shimanami Kaido is their reason to come to Ehime.
But once you arrive, you quickly realize:
The real adventure begins beyond it.
Download the detailed guide introducing Ehime’s best cycling routes, scenery and practical travel tips using this link -> https://globalride.jp/ehimefamtour2025/book/en/
Cycling Shimanami 2026
In October 2026, Ehime will host one of Japan’s largest cycling events:
Cycling Shimanami.
Held once every four years, the event attracts around 7,000 riders from across the globe. Participants ride across the Shimanami Kaido’s bridges and sections of expressway, choosing from courses ranging 30km to 140km.
It’s the perfect event to combine with a longer cycling trip in Ehime.
JOIN the Trip -> Registration period:
April 13 – May 18, 2026
Official YouTube – Cycling Shimanami 2022
The post Cycling in Ehime, Japan: Beyond the Shimanami Kaido Adventure appeared first on PezCycling News.
