Shimanami Kaido is 70km long bike trail from Onomichi to Imabari in Ehime prefecture. Most people just take its main route from Onomichi or Imabari, then take ferry to go back to the place where they start riding. This time, I rather wanted to stay long and go to many places and routes as much as I can. On day one, I am going to Yumeshima Kaido, another bike trail which goes across four islands and connecting to Shimanami Kaido. 

I left Onomich by taking a ferry to Mukaishima Island. There was a surprisingly lengthy line of people who were waiting for the ferry to Onomichi. I was told that there was a concert by a famous musician in Onomichi. I could see more than hundreds of people waiting, which could make this island almost empty. 

Before going to Yumeshima Island, Shimanami Kaido took me to Innoshima Bridge, a 1.3km long bridge and used to be the longest in Japan (today #8). Then headed to Oyama Shrine, or in other words, Bicycle Shrine. The Oyama Shrine has become well known to bike riders. Benches, Ema and everything in the shrine is themed by bicycle. 

Yumeshima Kaido starts from Yuge Island. I took another ferry to Yuge Island from a very small port Karoto. Any ferry routes in Shimanami Kaido are bike friendly. I do not need to pack and unpack, I can just take my bike. 

Yumeshima Kaido is 63km long, connecting four islands. The last piece to complete the trail was just recently built in 2022. The Iwaki Bridge which connects Ikina Island and Iwaki Island is 1km long, beautiful bridge. It has a visually impactful slope (it is not hard to climb, just visually appealing), and its height from the sea level could scare you. 
While it was sunny day in May, I could not see many bike riders and there was barely car traffic. This is probably because it has recently completed the whole route and requires a bit of travel. In my experience, it is worth coming and riding. 

After the ride along Yumeshima Kaido, I took one more ferry (third one in a day!) to go back to Shimanami Kaido. For three nights from today, I am going to stay in Setoda which is a small town located in Ikuchishima Island. It was a bit late when I arrived so that most shops at the main shopping street were closed. There seems to be a pop-up shop by a famous fashion brand, and there are people walking around. Look forward to walking tomorrow after the ride.