Japan’s Natural Wonder: The Seto Inland Sea, a Bicycle Ride, and a Long Bridge
-
Bicycle Ride along Shimanami Kaido
-
Innoshima Bridge in Hiroshima Prefecture
-
View from Mt. Senkoji over Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
-
Innoshima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture
-
Seto Inland Sea Boat Tour, Okayama Prefecture
-
Rock in the Seto Inland Sea, Okayama Prefecture
This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.
Trip Intro
This little adventure started with a 1.5-hour flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Hiroshima Airport, followed by a 50-minute airport shuttle bus ride to Onomichi. I came here to explore part of the famous Shimanami Kaido by bicycle and to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea while discovering the charming city of Onomichi. These three days went by so quickly and exceeded all my expectations. After spending my first night in Onomichi, I jumped on my bike and began my journey by crossing the Innoshima Bridge. I headed straight to Innoshima Island to explore the area. If you are a food lover like me, you have to try in-oko, a local version of okonomiyaki, the famous Japanese savoury pancake. The food is absolutely oishii! Later that afternoon, I took a ferry back and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. After spending one more night in Onomichi, I returned to Tokyo.
Get Your Pass Now and Save!
1Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture
Onomichi, located in Hiroshima Prefecture, is a great starting point for exploring the Seto Inland Sea. Once an important port town, it became prosperous, and wealthy merchants invested their fortunes in building beautiful temples during the Edo period (1603 - 1868). Its hilly setting offers amazing views of the surrounding islands and the sea. I highly recommend the famous Temple Walk, which takes you past 25 of the town's most popular temples. Be prepared for steep slopes, and make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes because you will need strong legs. Onomichi is also the starting point of the famous Shimanami Kaido, a cycling route that connects Japan's main island of Honshu with Shikoku via a series of spectacular bridges and islands. Officially established as a city in 1898, Onomichi has long inspired artists and writers. Renowned authors such as Takahashi Gen'ichirō, Hayashi Fumiko, and Shiga Naoya called Onomichi their home. Find out more >
My tips for local activities
How about exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the fascinating city Onomichi with a local guide. Check out this page > for more details.
Don’t miss these Hiroshima Prefecture highlights:
2Innoshima Bridge in Hiroshima Prefecture
Crossing the Innoshima Bridge by bicycle was an absolute highlight. The bridge marks the beginning of the Shimanami Kaido, a 60-kilometer-long toll road that connects Honshu, Japan’s largest island, and Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands. It starts in Onomichi City (Hiroshima Prefecture) and ends in Imabari City (Ehime Prefecture). The suspension bridge has a length of 1270 meters, connecting Mukaishima and Innoshima in the Seto Inland Sea. It features a two-level structure, where cars travel on the upper deck and cyclists and pedestrians use the deck below. The steel framework is an impressive sight. The whole structure was opened to the public in 1983, after a construction phase of six years. It was the first suspension bridge of the Honshu-Shikoku Bridges. The cycling road has a total length of 70 kilometres and offers spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea. You will cross during the ride six islands with the name Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima.
Travelers who viewed Innoshima Bridge viewed also:
3Innoshima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture
I explored Innoshima Island by bicycle after crossing the Innoshima Bridge. The island was once home to the Murakami pirate clans, who ruled the Seto Inland Sea between the 14th and 16th centuries. It is also the birthplace of the famous Go master Honinbo Shusaku (1829 - 1862). Innoshima has many attractions, including the Innoshima Flower Center with more than 300 botanical species, Mount Shirataki, which rises 227 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea, Shimanami Beach, one of the island's best swimming spots, Suigun Castle, a pirate-themed castle built in 1983, Ohamasaki Park, and much more. Find out more >
4Seto Inland Sea
The Seto Inland Sea is separating three of the four main Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The length of this international waterway is 450km and it contains the staggering number of nearly 3000 islands. It is for locals and tourists alike one of the most beautiful areas in the country. I have come here many times and enjoyed this natural wonder. My tip: Jump on board a ferry and do some island hopping. For this trip, after finishing my bicycle tour, I went back by boat from Innoshima Island to Onomichi. Find out more >
Highlights along the Seto Inland Sea:
Location
Onomichi city, the starting point of this trip, is located within the Hiroshima Prefecture on the Seto Inland Sea.
How to get to Onomichi?
- 1,5hrs from Tokyo Haneda to Hiroshima Airport by ANA and JAL and
- 50min from Hiroshima Airport to Onomichi by Airport Shuttle bus or
- 4-5hrs from Tokyo to Shin-Onomichi Station by JR Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen and
- A transfer at Okayama Station to a Nozomi or Hikari train is required or
- 11hrs from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Onomichi by Etoile Seto overnight bus
