What is the best time of year to ride the Shimanami Kaido?

Without doubt, the best seasons to cycle the Shimanami Kaido are spring and autumn, but this wonderful island-hopping bike route across the Seto Inland Sea can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Autumn

Autumn is considered peak cycling season on the Shimanami Kaido and, although typhoons can pass through the region until late October, you have the best chance of blue skies at this time of year. It’s also the season for shrine festivals and the autumn leaves at Kosanji Temple in Setoda and on the slopes of Mt. Washigatozan above Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima are very pretty.

Be aware that daytime temperatures often remain high through September. Visitors from overseas should be aware that there are several public holidays during autumn around which it is advisable to make bicycle rental and accommodation reservations well in advance.

Spring

Spring is the next most popular season with many people visiting during the school holidays from end of mid March until early April, which coincide with cherry blossom season. The weather can be quite changeable during spring and it can remain quite chilly (especially in the evening) until late April. The weather quickly starts to warm up in the month of May which starts with the Golden Week holiday when booking bicycle rentals and accommodation in advance is highly recommended. In the latter half of the month, the air is filled with the scent of citrus blossoms.

Japan’s 5th season

The annual rainy season is generally said to last from the beginning of June to the middle of July. However, in recent years the rain has been sporadic and if you are traveling during this time of year, keep your eye on the forecast and you may find the occasional bright spell.

Summer

There’s no way around it, summer is very hot and humid in the Shimanami region. Cycling is possible (many people visit to cycle during the summer holidays, particularly during the Obon holiday in the middle of August), but it is advisable to set conservative distance goals, start as early in the day as you can and avoid cycling in the middle of the day if possible. If you are planning to visit in summer, how about making time in your schedule to make refreshing stops at the many swimming beaches along the Shimanami Kaido?

Winter

While Shimnami is known for its relatively mild climate, winter is still chilly on the islands. However, it is very rare for temperatures to get down to anywhere near 0º Celcius, and we do enjoy some quite mild patches of weather at this time of year. The wind tends to be stronger during the winter and, although the direction does shift day to day, it is generally said starting from Imabari will give you the best chance of having the wind at your back at this time of year. If the cold does get to you, consider stopping off at one of the hot springs on Omishima or the retro-cool public bathhouse Yunbune in Setoda to warm up or grab one of the many hot citrus drinks available along the route at this time of year.