Surrounded by water and a paucity of mountains, you wouldn’t necessarily pick Hiroshima for a world-class cycling destination. However, bicycle enthusiasts worldwide come to the area to enjoy the many fantastic cycling routes. Yes, you may not be hitting the climbs of the Alps, they may not have the twists and turns of the Pyrenees, and there may not be the bone-shuddering cobbles of Flanders, but what these routes do have is a spectacular beauty, amazing seafood, and for the most part the safety afforded by designated bicycle lanes.

Whether you like pottering about on your mamachari, want to challenge yourself to get well into double figures, or are an experienced Gran Fondo rider, there is something for everyone in the rides around Hiroshima. So what are you waiting for? Pop on some comfortable clothes/cycling shorts/skinsuit and get on your bike!

Shimanami Kaido

The Shimanami Kaido trail is the best known of Hiroshima’s cycling routes, with good reason. It consists of the world’s second-longest chain of suspension bridges spanning the Seto Inland Sea, connecting six islands between Imabari in Shikoku and Onomichi in Hiroshima prefecture.

The islands along the 70 km trail are beautiful, and intermediate cyclists can cover the route in one day. If you want to take in the sights, it’s a good idea to give yourself a couple of days. There are plenty of hotels and ryokans, with all budgets catered for – from minshiku to top class accommodation in spa hotels.

For dramatic views of the islands’ lush green beauty, viewpoints can be found at Hirakiyama on Hakatajima, Shiratakisan on Innoshima, and the Kurushima Kaiko observation deck, as well as scenery and beaches aplenty. There are also many temples and shrines to explore en route.

Onomichi is perhaps the easiest place to begin as it avoids the challenge of getting to Imabari from Hiroshima, and most of the islands have ferry ports from where you can make your way back to Onomichi should your legs tire.

Where: 1-1 Higashigoshocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima (map)

Bicycle rental: There are numerous bike rental shops that serve the Shimanami Kaido route, including places close to Onomichi station. Expect to pay from around 2,000 yen for a standard bike to 8,000 yen for an electric bike. Some of the rental companies have drop-off stations along the route, but make sure you check this before booking.

Etajima Island

Also called Noma-Jima, Etajima Island is flanked by oyster rafts, crystal clear water, and beaches where a beachcomber may find all kinds of debris. With mikan (tangerine) and olive groves punctuating the route, and beautiful views afforded from all areas of the island, it makes for a beautiful day of casual cycling. If you’re worried about getting lost, follow the (intermittent) blue cycle paths or pick up a cycling map from Ujina Ferry Port.

If you wish to see a bit of history, the island was once home to the former Imperial Japanese Naval Academy (circa 1988). In fact, evidence of the island’s historical use is dotted all around, and Hodaiyama – the site of an old gun battery – is particularly breathtaking around sunset if you can stay around that long.

Where: 1 Chome 1-19 Etajimacho Kirikushi, Etajima, Hiroshima (map)

Bicycle rental: A variety of bikes are available for rent at Etajima’s ports, with costs ranging from 1,000 yen for a pedal bike to 3,000 yen for an electrically assisted vehicle.

Tobishima Kaido

If you want to enjoy the island-hopping experience but want to stay away from the crowds, then the Tobishima Kaido – also known as ‘the other kaido’ – is the place for you. Like the Shimanami Kaido, it’s a 70 km route that crosses the sea by way of seven islands. The majority of the route (46 km) traverses the Aki Nada Islands. While these are not as dramatic as along the Shimanami Kaido, there is still some absolutely stunning coastal scenery and seascapes along the way.

There are many beautiful stops as you pass through the islands, including the parks, beaches, and tourist sites of Shimokamagari, where feudal lords would often stay on their way to Edo. Other notable spots include the golden beaches of Kenmin no Hama on Kamikamagari Island, considered to be the best in the Hiroshima prefecture, and the old port town of Mitarai in the southeast corner of Toyoshima Island.

Where: 1 Takaramachi, Kure, Hiroshima (map)

Bicycle rental: Camp & Cottage Kajigahama provides bike rental services for this route. You can reserve bikes and drop off at various locations. Expect to pay between 1,500 yen – 3,000 yen for a three-hour rental, depending on the type of bike you choose.

Hiroshima Prefectural Central Forest Park

This simple route is less than 5 km and can be enjoyed by families looking for a pleasant leisurely ride. There is a “picnic plaza” area for those wanting to stop off, and also a more challenging offshoot route that consists of just over 12 km of ups and downs for those looking for something a bit more physically exerting.

Where: 1315 Hongocho Kamikitagata, Mihara, Hiroshima 729-0415

Bicycle rental: You can rent a mountain bike or a racing bike from around 500 yen for two hours from the park onsite facilities.

Image: Hiroaki Kaneko / CC BY-SA