In Imabari, the first Shimanami Kaido decision is not how far to ride but where to collect the bicycle. Travellers arriving by train find i.i.imabari! Cycle Station directly opposite JR Imabari; those who want to begin by the sea can use the Central Itoyama terminal, closer to the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge but outside the city centre. Both belong to a rental network that supports stage-by-stage riding and, for some bicycle types, returns at another terminal.
The full route to Onomichi is about 70 kilometres, linking six main islands by bridges and coastal roads. An experienced cyclist may complete it in a long day; for a beginner, stops, climbs, heat or wind can make that schedule too ambitious. Rather than treating the full crossing as compulsory, plan a section to one island and return or continue by public transport, after checking which bicycles can be returned elsewhere and what services run on your date.
Renting by the station makes it easier to arrive early, manage luggage and catch a train afterwards, while Itoyama puts riders near the first bridge and shortens the urban approach. The Imabari terminals publish seasonal hours, opening at 8:00 am and closing between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm depending on the month. Prices, bicycle types and return conditions vary. Reserve when possible, ask about frame size and electric assistance, and confirm the final return time.
Weather is part of the itinerary too: exposed bridges and island roads call for water, sun protection and time to stop. The operator warns that beginners may need ten hours or more for the full route. An overnight stop makes the crossing more relaxed, while visitors with one day can choose a realistic section. Compare the two terminal profiles below against your train connection, fitness and preferred distance.
Profiles of the recommended places: i.i.imabari! Cycle Station ・ Imabari Itoyama Rental Cycle
For a rail-based trip and a flexible stage, the station-side rental is most convenient; Itoyama suits riders who want to start near the bridge. In either case, confirm the hours, bicycle and return rules.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
i.i.imabari! Cycle Station
2-chome Ko 773-8 Kitahoraicho, Imabari, Ehime 794-0028, Japan
Across from JR Imabari Station, i.i.imabari! Cycle Station helps visitors make an important choice before setting off: begin the ride in town or first head towards the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge. It is part of the rental network coordinated by Shimanami Japan and serves as an urban cycling terminal, ma
Bicycle rentals beside JR Imabari Station, a convenient starting point for the Shimanami Kaido.
Imabari Itoyama Rental Cycle
2-8-1 Sunabacho, Imabari, Ehime 794-0001, Japan
At Sunabacho, beside the approach to the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, the Itoyama terminal puts cyclists close to the scenery they came to see: the strait, its currents and the route’s first major bridge. It is a different location from JR Imabari Station. Renting here shortens the initial ride through
A rental terminal near the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, suited to starting the route from Imabari’s coastal edge.
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of i.i.imabari! Cycle Station ↗
Primary source
Shimanami Japan · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of i.i.imabari! Cycle Station ↗
Primary source
Shimanami Japan · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of i.i.imabari! Cycle Station ↗
Primary source
Imabari City · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Imabari Itoyama Rental Cycle ↗
Primary source
Shimanami Japan · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Imabari Itoyama Rental Cycle ↗
Primary source
Shimanami Japan · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Imabari Itoyama Rental Cycle ↗
Primary source
Imabari City · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Shimanami Japan · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Shimanami Japan · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Shimanami Japan · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Ministry of the Environment / Japan National Tourism Organization · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Google rating and review count cross-check for the exact station ↗
Secondary source
Google Maps and Mindtrip · Accessed October 12, 2026
Google Maps search showed 4.0/5; Mindtrip displayed 158 reviews and a differing 3.9 rating for the same address; review count source is third party.
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Google review summary for Sunrise Itoyama complex listing ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog · Accessed October 12, 2026
Google 4.2/5 and 1,381 reviews shown for the exact 2-8-1 Sunabacho complex on 2026-10-12; listing covers the overall complex.