I had been waiting for visiting Shinamani Kaido for years - Shimanami Kaido is well known for bike riders not only in Japan but also around the world. I had a chance to go but it was cancelled due to the typhoon in previous summer vacation time. This time during Japan's golden week holiday season, I was finally able to visit. 

From Tokyo to Shimanami Kaido, I took Shinkansen bullet train to Fukuyama, then rode a bike to Onomichi, the entrance of Shimanami Kaido. Originally, I had planned to ride along the coastline facing Setonaikai, but the weather news said that there would be rain from early afternoon. I decided to shortcut for the ride today to arrive early in Onomichi. 

I was able to arrive in Onomichi before noon. In the afternoon, there was rain, but I walked around the town. First went to the shopping street where many tourists were standing, then climbed up the hill through a narrow corridor. 

I have known Onomichi since I was in high school. There are movies taken in Onomichi, and I remember the town is uniquely shaped with steep hills facing Setonaikai right away. 

In the main shopping street, there are shops still preserving the flavor of Showa era. A building used to be a public bath (Sento) turns to be a Japanese Izakaya, there is a monochrome TV showing a video which repeatedly showing old days of Onomichi shopping street. And a fish shop named after its female owner (sounds funny :-). 

In Onomichi, I stayed at the Hotel Cycle in Onomichi U2. The hotel is designed for bike tourists where I was able to bring my bike and keep it safely. The building of Onomichi U2 used to be a warehouse and was fully renovated. Besides the hotel, there is a flagship Giant bike shop, pop-up stores selling bike wear and gears, cafe, and restaurant. Cannot wait to experience Shimanami Kaido!