We’re biking across the Shimanami Kaidō over 2 nights and 3 days — which hotels are best to stay at-mid route?

Question

My friends and I (a group of four) are planning a cycling trip along the Shimanami Kaido. We’re giving ourselves three days and two nights so we can take it slow and enjoy sightseeing along the route. We'd love some recommendations on where to stay overnight. Are there any hotels you’d recommend for cyclists? We haven’t decided whether to start from Imabari or Onomichi yet — we’re thinking of choosing based on which accommodations are available. If you’ve done this route before, we’d really appreciate your tips!

Poporo · Accepted Answer

Imabari Urban Hotel is located just in front of Imabari Station, making it a great base for biking the Shimanami Kaidō. They have a main building and a newer annex. The annex has twin rooms where you’re allowed to bring your bike into the room, plus there's a cycle stand at the front desk — very cyclist‑friendly. The main building offers free breakfast but no twin rooms; the annex has twin rooms but breakfast is not free. For cost performance, the annex twin room represents good value, so I’d recommend staying in the annex.

OnsenDaisuki · Answer

Conveniently located just a two-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station, this hotel is a great base for sightseeing in Onomichi or cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. They offer a summer-only plan that includes two meals at the beer hall, as well as plans that allow you to stay until 1pm, making it the perfect place to stay after cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. They also have rooms that can accommodate up to four people, so they're great for group trips or trips with friends.

seven · Answer

This ryokan is in the center of Setoda in Hiroshima Prefecture. (I stayed there on a bike trip, though I was on a motorcycle, not bicycle.) It is somewhat pricey, but has a warm, friendly atmosphere. The staff will guide you, and they let you store your bike under the eaves. There is a large public bath, which is perfect for soothing muscles after riding. On weekdays, they offer simple no‑meals plans at more affordable rates.

Apollo · Answer

If you're going to travel Shimanami anyway, why not try a Japanese sento experience? yubune is a hotel on Ikuchi Island, with a bathhouse that locals also visit. There’s a jacuzzi‑style bath, a sauna, and a cold plunge so you can thoroughly relax after a ride. The rooms are twin usage, with tatami mats and futons, and you can bring your bicycle directly into the room. While its address is Onomichi, being on an island gives it a nature‑surrounded, vacation‑like feel. Also, from Ōmishima you can return by sea taxi with your bike — about 15 minutes. If you divide the cost among your group, it’s around ¥3,000‑4,000 per person. It’s quite a fun experience.

user · Answer

Imabari Kokusai Hotel is conveniently located near the Shimanami Kaido and is a great base for exploring the Setouchi area. Imabari is famous for shipbuilding, brand-name towels, and the Murakami Suigun, a famous naval clan. You can take a leisurely stroll to watch the sunset over the Setouchi Sea and visit Imabari Castle, as everything is within walking distance. It's also easy to get to Matsuyama from here, which is just an hour away by car or train. In Matsuyama, you can visit Dogo Onsen, Okudogo (especially beautiful in autumn), the famous Matsuyama Castle, the Shiki-do (house of the poet Shiki Masaoka), and even ride the Botchan Train. Enjoy everything Imabari has to offer!

AKIO · Answer

I used to travel to the Shimanami area for work, and I've stayed at various inns, but Sawaki Ryokan, located right next to Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island, was one of the best. It's a very humble, down-to-earth inn. I remember the seafood dinner being delicious. They also have a private bath, which was very relaxing.

We’re biking across the Shimanami Kaidō over 2 nights and 3 days — which hotels are best to stay at-mid route?

Imabari Urban Hotel

A hotel right by Imabari Station where you can bring bikes into the room

Green Hill Hotel Onomichi

Two minutes on foot from Onomichi Station — great for both Shimanami cycling and exploring Onomichi

Suminoe Ryokan

Homey inn with a large communal bath

4. yubune

Hotel on Ikuchi Island with a public bath (“sento”) right onsite!

5. Imabari Kokusai Hotel

An Imabari hotel close to the Shimanami Kaidō

6. Sawaki

Sawaki Ryokan: A Relaxing Inn in Imabari

7. Tsutsui

Tsutsui: A Ryokan with a Bath Full of Lemons

8. Kyukamura Setouchi-Toyo

A "Resort Village" with an Amazing Sashimi Buffet