Greater Shimanami Ehime

What is Greater Shimanami Ehime (GSE)?

Greater Shimanami Ehime is a large cycling tourism area that includes the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s first triple-suspension bridge; the Shimanami Kaido, a popular destination for cyclists around the world; the remote and tranquil Kamijima Islands; Mt. Ishizuchi, one of Japan’s sacred peaks and the highest mountain in Western Japan; Dogo Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Japan; and several castles, including Matsuyama Castle. Cycle across the Shimanami Kaido to Ehime and you’ll find an endless expanse of rustic nature and peaceful townscapes surrounded by the sea and mountains.

It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy delicious food made with natural ingredients from the sea and mountains, thrilling activities, and picture-perfect views. An exciting cycling adventure of hidden gems awaits!

Join the stamp rally! SHIMAHIME RIDE

The new Shimahime Ride route lets you enjoy a two-day, one-night cycling journey. On the first day, you can start in Onomichi City in Hiroshima and make your way around the islands of the Seto Inland Sea to Imabari City in Ehime. On the second day, you can choose to go to either the Matsuyama-Dogo area with Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring, or the Saijo-Ishizuchi area with Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in Western Japan. Visit whichever sightseeing spots you want in the area for delicious food, fun activities and more.

There is also an original stamp rally for cyclists who take on the Shimahime Ride! You can collect stamps at various sightseeing spots on the route and in the area. If you collect five or more stamps by scanning the QR code at each location and spending a total of 3,000 yen or more, you can enter for a chance to win an exciting gift unique to Ehime.

*Download the SpotTour app on your smartphone to join.
*The deadline to enter the drawing is March 10, 2025. Winners will be notified when the gift is shipped.

More information

About the Areas

Kamijima Area
Kamijima Town is made up of 25 remote islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Cycle across one of three bridges on the Yumeshima Kaido or cross the sea by boat to enjoy various water sports and experience harvesting and cooking with local products such as lemons. Unwind your mind and body with the slow pace and warm hospitality of the islands.

Imabari Area
Imabari City is home to the Shimanami Kaido, a popular cycling route across the Seto Inland Sea for cyclists all over the world. It also serves as the start and finish on the Ehime side for the international cycling event Cycling Shimanami. With plenty of places to rent a bike and sights to see, this is a must-go for all cyclists.

Matsuyama-Dogo Area
Matsuyama City is a castle town surrounding Matsuyama Castle. It’s the capital of Ehime and largest city in terms of size and population in Shikoku. Many tourists from across Japan come visit to see its attractions, such as Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring. There are many things to eat and do in the area, including trying delicious food, art and leisure activities.

Saijo-Ishizuchi Area
Saijo City is located near Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in Western Japan. The area is rich in natural resources, such as spring water from the surrounding mountains. Enjoy fresh produce from the mountains and the sea, and experience the lush nature through a variety of activities that make the most of this wonderful setting.

Participating Locations

Register to join the list

Cycling Tips

愛媛サイクリングに役立つ記事

Just For Fun
Useful Information for Cycling Useful Information for Cycling

This is a collection of information about the cycling environment and helpful services available for beginner cyclists who aim to complete the course while having fun.

2023/10/13
Just For Fun
Cycling During COVID-19: Five elements of riding etiquette Cycling During COVID-19: Five elements of riding etiquette

COVID-19 inevitably changed the way we cycle. What exactly do we need to do to enjoy cycling, which keeps us fit and relaxed, while still prioritizing safety?

2020/09/18
Fun & Fitness
Cycling the Shimanami Kaido: Tips from a cyclist with a decade of local guiding experience Cycling the Shimanami Kaido: Tips from a cyclist with a decade of local guiding experience

We asked Kazunari Utsunomiya, who has worked as a Shimanami Kaido guide for over 10 years and is involved in developing the cycling trip itineraries, for tips on completing the Seto Inland Sea crossing and where we should stop off on the way.

2020/10/20
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Get started - Routes & Destinations

愛媛のサイクリングルートを探そう

Just For Fun
Imabari-Saijo Hot Springs Cycling Route Imabari-Saijo Hot Springs Cycling Route

(60.7 km) Tour the hot spring area located between Imabari and Saijo Cities

Just For Fun
Imabari-Dogo Hamakaze Sea Route Imabari-Dogo Hamakaze Sea Route

(66.8 km) See Ehime’s best sights in one beautiful ride

Fun & Fitness
Uchiko-Nakaiyo Rural Cycling Route Uchiko-Nakaiyo Rural Cycling Route

(82.6 km) Explore Japan’s beautiful countryside, starting and finishing in Tobe Town

Challenging
Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route

(87.7 km) Cycle from Imabari City, Ehime to Onomichi City, Hiroshima

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