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SHIMANAMI Cycling Trip - The islands of the Seto Inland Sea (Hiroshima & Ehime) (2027)

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ASIJ Exploration Week - February 2027
Culture
Cycling
Food
Unseen Japan

3 days / 2 nights – Feb 1–3 and/or Feb 3–5, 2027

Table of Contents

Concept Recommended Points Program Details Main Activities Schedule FAQ Others

Concept

The Shimanami Kaidō is a roughly 60-kilometer expressway connecting Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, spanning the Seto Inland Sea via nine bridges linking its islands. In addition to being a motorway, each bridge also has lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, making it ideal for cycling and walking. With its stunning island scenery and magnificent bridges, it is one of Japan’s premier cycling routes, popular with visitors from both Japan and abroad.

On this trip, we will visit Ikuchijima and Ōmishima Islands and cycle across them. Students will experience the everyday life of people living along the Seto Inland Sea, stay at a traditional Japanese inn, and visit a citrus farm. Ikuchijima is famous as one of Japan’s leading lemon-producing areas. You can see various lemon-themed monuments around the island, and on Ōmishima, you can visit a well-known shrine.

This three-day program offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the countryside, the sea, daily life, and agriculture of island-nation Japan.

Recommended Points

Ride Across the Tatara Bridge

Cycle across the Tatara Bridge, one of the most famous bridges on the Shimanami Kaido, and enjoy breathtaking views of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

A 2,600-Year-Old Sacred Tree

On Ōmishima, visit Ōyamazumi Shrine, surrounded by nature and home to a sacred camphor tree said to be about 2,600 years old.

Visit a Lemon Farm

Ikuchijima is one of Japan's leading lemon-growing areas. Visit a local citrus farm to learn how lemons are grown on the island.

Ferry ride on the Seto Inland Sea

You’ll board a ferry—commonly used by locals for commuting to work or school—and travel across the Seto Inland Sea from Mihara Port on Japan’s main island (Honshu) to Ikuchijima Island

Island Life

Life on the Island is calm and peaceful, surrounded by nature and the sea.

Students can slow down, enjoy local culture, and feel the island’s unique rhythm.

Traditional Japanese rural area inn

Stay at a traditional Japanese inn and learn about Japanese culture and ancient architecture through the experience.

Program Details (Conditions)

Application Form

Main Activities

Long-Distance Ride over the Bridges

Ferry Boarding

Island Cycling

Lemon Island Strolling

Visiting a Sacred Shrine

Enjoy the Island’s Local Cuisine

Schedule

*Schedule might be changed due to weather and/or organizing process.

Application Form