Shimanami Kaido Scooter Rental: Best Start & Drop-off Locations (Complete Guide)
- shimariderst
- 12h
- 12 min read
Hi! We’re the staff at Shima Rider rental scooter 😊
For travelers thinking,
“I want to ride the Shimanami Kaido by scooter, but where should I start, and where should I drop off the scooter to make my trip smooth and easy?”—this guide is for you!
Here, we clearly compare all Shima Rider rental scooter locations(Mukaishima / Imabari / Shin-Onomichi / Ikuchijima (Setoda) / Innoshima)based on different travel styles.
Even if it’s your first time riding a scooter in Japan—or it’s been a while—we made this guide easy and friendly to read.
We also explain how to get to each shop, which locations work best for one-way drop-off, and simple model routes for your Shimanami Kaido scooter trip.
First, the Short Answer (Our Quick Recommendation!)
Coming from Honshu (Hiroshima or Okayama) by JR train or Shinkansen?
👉 Mukaishima or Shin-Onomichi = the shortest and smoothest access
Using Shikoku & Matsuyama Airport as your base?
👉 Imabari is by far the most convenient
Want to quickly visit the most famous photo spots on the Imabari side?
👉 Ikuchijima (Setoda) is a great place to start
Love Innoshima and coming by direct bus from Fukuyama?
👉 Innoshima is perfect (also great as a drop-off location)
Our Priority for All Locations: Easy Access
The one thing we care about most at Shima Rider rental scooter is easy access to each shop.
Our wish is for you to enjoy your Shimanami Kaido scooter trip freely, easily, and with a big smile—in a way that fits your travel plan and schedule.
If you read this guide, you should be able to choose the best start point and one-way drop-off point without getting lost or stressed.We’d be so happy if you read to the end and use this guide to plan your island adventure!
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: The Best Location for You
Start & One-way Drop-off Comparison
Location Guide (Mukaishima / Imabari / Shin-Onomichi / Ikuchijima–Setoda / Innoshima)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Final Summary
Quick Answer: The Best Start Point for You!
Starting from JR Onomichi Station + First Time on a Scooter + Many Vehicle Options
Shima Rider rental scooter – Mukaishima
Day 1: Explore OnomichiDay 2: Ride the Shimanami Kaido→ Mukaishima is the shortest and easiest choice.
You can cross by ferry in just a few minutes with your scooter. Super smooth!
⚠️ Important:
JR Onomichi Station and the Shinkansen Shin-Onomichi Station are NOT directly connected by train. Please be careful not to mix them up.
Even if it’s your first time riding a scooter, don’t worry! Our staff will explain how to ride and safety tips face-to-face before you start.
We also offer two-seater small scooter (up to 125cc) like PCX, NMAX, and Super Cub, so you can enjoy riding together on the Shimanami Kaido.
Staying in Shikoku / Using Matsuyama Airport
👉 Shima Rider rental scooter – Imabari
Imabari is the best choice. It’s only about 5 minutes by scooter to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge scooter entrance.
You can also enjoy Dogo Onsen together with your Shimanami Kaido scooter trip—great combo! For your return trip, Matsuyama Airport is very easy to use, and Imabari works perfectly with one-way drop-off.
This is also great for a full Shimanami Kaido scooter trip from Onomichi to Imabari.
Coming by Shinkansen Only & Want to Explore Onomichi by Scooter
👉 Shima Rider rental scooter – Shin-Onomichi
This is the only shop located next to a Shinkansen station—just a 5-minute walk from Shin-Onomichi Station.
If you have big luggage, you can use the coin lockers at the station, then start your Shimanami Kaido scooter trip light and easy.
Love Scenic Views & Photo Spots on the Imabari Side
👉 Shima Rider rental scooter – Ikuchijima (Setoda)
Starting from Ikuchijima (Setoda) is perfect if you want to quickly visit famous, beautiful spots like Kosanji Temple and Hill of Hope (Miraishin no Oka).
Don’t forget to take a photo at the wall art at Shima Rider rental scooter – Ikuchijima (Setoda) before you start your ride! It’s a great memory for your Shimanami Kaido scooter trip 📸
Want to Focus on Innoshima / Coming Directly from Fukuyama
👉 Shima Rider rental scooter – Innoshima
Innoshima is a great base if you want to really enjoy the island. You can get there easily by the Citrus Liner bus from Fukuyama, with fewer transfers.
Local food and historical spots are close together,so it’s easy to explore Innoshima by scooter at a relaxed pace.
Start & One-way Drop-off Comparison (Simple Table)
Location | Strengths | Access | Parking | For Beginners | Best For |
Mukaishima | Main base / All vehicle types / Face-to-face lesson / Practice OK / Guesthouse nearby | JR Onomichi Station → Ferry 5 min + Walk 3 min / By car: 5 min via Onomichi Bridge (free) | Free (reservation needed) | Yes (in person) | JR travelers / First-time scooter riders / Start from Onomichi sightseeing / Easy access to Hiroshima |
Imabari | 5 min to Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge / Main gateway on Shikoku side | 5 min walk from JR Hashihama Station (Imabari → 5 min / Matsuyama → about 1 hr) | 1 space only (reservation needed) | No staff on site | Staying in Shikoku / Using Matsuyama Airport / Dogo Onsen combo |
Shin-Onomichi | Only shop next to Shinkansen / Gas station next door | 5 min walk from Shin-Onomichi Station | － | No staff on site | Coming by Kodama / Hikari / Want to tour Onomichi by scooter |
Ikuchijima | In Shiomachi shopping street / Near famous photo spots | By car: 10 min from Ikuchijima Kita IC / 10 min walk from Setoda Port (ferry available) | Free public parking | No staff on site | Focus on Imabari side / Switch from car to scooter |
Innoshima | Famous for local culture & food / Murakami Pirates histo | Fukuyama Station → Citrus Liner ~1 hr / Get off at Habu Port → Walk 5 min | － | No staff on site | Explore Innoshima deeply |
Location Guide
① Shima Rider rental scooter – Mukaishima
Rent a scooter and stay overnight in Onomichi & Mukaishima
What is this place like?
This is the main base of Shima Rider rental scooter.
We offer a wide range of scooters from 50cc to 125cc,so you can choose from all vehicle types depending on your travel style.
If it’s your first time riding a scooter or you haven’t ridden for a long time,our staff will give you a face-to-face lesson with riding tips and safety points. You can also practice in a wide, open space before you go, so you can start your Shimanami Kaido scooter trip with confidence 😊
We also have an attached guesthouse called “Onomichi Stay MINAMOTO”.
With the stay + scooter rental set, you can enjoy Onomichi sightseeing and even start riding the Shimanami Kaido early in the morning. It’s a great way to enjoy both the town and the islands at a relaxed pace.
👉 Please check here for special Shima Rider rental scooter guesthouse benefits!
Access
By public transport
JR Onomichi Station → Ferry about 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes from the Mukaishima ferry port
⚠️ If you use the Shinkansen:
Please go to Fukuyama Station by Shinkansen, then transfer to the local train from Fukuyama Station → JR Onomichi Station (this is the fastest way).
⚠️ Important:
Shin-Onomichi Station (Shinkansen) and JR Onomichi Station are different stationsand they are not connected by train. Please don’t mix them up!
By car
About 5 minutes via Onomichi Bridge(The Onomichi Bridge is free to cross to Mukaishima)
Free parking available (reservation required)
Recommended for
Travelers using JR and local trains
Beginners or riders who haven’t used a scooter for a long time and feel a little nervous
People who want to choose from many scooter models
Travelers who want to enjoy the Shimanami Kaido scooter trip + Onomichi sightseeing
Those who also plan to visit Hiroshima City or Miyajima together with their island trip
If you ask us,“Which location is the best among the five?”our honest answer is…
👉 Shima Rider rental scooter – Mukaishima is our No.1 recommendation!
② Shima Rider rental scooter – Imabari
The best scenic start point on the Imabari side
What is this place like?
If you want to enjoy the most scenic approach from the Imabari side, this is the place to start.
From this shop, it’s only about 5 minutes by scooter to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge scooter entrance.
You can reach the “Wow, this is the Shimanami Kaido!” view almost right away 🌉✨
This is an unmanned shop (no staff on site during the day).There is free parking for only one car, available on a first-come basis with reservation, so please book early if you plan to come by car.
Access
By public transport
5-minute walk from JR Hashihama Station
From JR Imabari Station: about 5 minutes by train
From JR Matsuyama Station: about 1 hour by train
Recommended for
Travelers staying in Shikoku
Travelers using Matsuyama Airport
It’s easy to reach with simple transfers, so many guests from the Tokyo (Haneda) area choose this route
Travelers who want to enjoy the Shimanami Kaido scooter trip together with Dogo Onsen in Ehime
This location is perfect if you want to start your Shimanami Kaido scooter ride with amazing views right away and enjoy a smooth one-way drop-off plan 🚀
③ Shima Rider rental scooter – Shin-Onomichi
The only scooter rental shop next to a Shinkansen station
What is this place like?
This is the only Shima Rider rental scooter location right next to a Shinkansen station.
It is very convenient for travelers using the Shinkansen Kodama or Hikari.
You can get off the train and start your Shimanami Kaido scooter trip almost right away.
This is an unmanned shop (no staff on site during the day).
Pick-up and return are done at the parking area next to the gas station.
If you have big luggage, please use the coin lockers at Shin-Onomichi Station. Travel light and enjoy riding around Onomichi and the islands by scooter 😊
Access
By public transport
5-minute walk from Shin-Onomichi Station
Recommended for
Travelers coming by Shinkansen (Kodama / Hikari)
Travelers who want to explore Onomichi by scooter, including Senkoji Temple and some of Onomichi’s more local, hidden spots
This location is great if you want a smooth Shinkansen-to-scooter start for your Shimanami Kaido scooter rental adventure 🚄🛵
⚠️ Important:
JR Onomichi Station and the Shinkansen Shin-Onomichi Station are NOT directly connected by train. Please be careful not to mix them up.
This is an unmanned shop (no staff on site during the day).
Pick-up and return are done at the parking area next to the gas station.
⚠️ Same-day reservations are not available at this location.Advance reservation only, so please book your Shimanami Kaido scooter rental in advance.
④ Shima Rider rental scooter – Ikuchijima (Setoda)
Not only bicycle rental—enjoy the Shimanami Kaido by scooter here
What is this place like?
This location is in Shiromachi Shopping Street, the main tourist area on Ikuchijima, the third island from the Onomichi side.
Famous spots like Kosanji Temple and Hill of Hope (Miraishin no Oka) are all very close, so from the moment you get on your scooter, you can really feel the Shimanami Kaido island vibes 🌿🌊
This is an unmanned shop (no staff on site during the day).
Before you start, don’t forget to take a photo with the wall art at Shima Rider rental scooter – Ikuchijima (Setoda). It’s a fun way to mark the start of your scooter adventure 📸
Access
By public transport
Ferry: Setoda Port → Walk about 10 minutes to Shiomachi Shopping Street
From JR Mihara Station to Setoda Port: Please check details here
From JR Onomichi Station to Setoda Port: Please check details here
By car
About 10 minutes from Ikuchijima Kita IC
We do not have a private parking lot at this location,but there are many free public parking spaces nearby.
We will send you the exact parking information by email the day before your reservation, so please check your inbox before you come 🚗
Recommended for
Travelers coming from Honshu / Onomichi side who want to focus on sightseeing on the Imabari side of the Shimanami Kaido by scooter
Travelers who want to drive to Ikuchijima by car, then switch to a scooter and enjoy slow island time
This location is perfect if you want to jump straight into the best sights and enjoy a relaxed Shimanami Kaido scooter rental experience right away 🛵✨
⑤ Shima Rider rental scooter – Innoshima
A perfect base to visit Shiratakiyama Observatory and explore Innoshima by scooter
What is this place like?
Innoshima is one of the best islands to enjoy nature, history, and amazing views on the Shimanami Kaido.
One of the top highlights here is Shiratakiyama Observatory (Shiratakiyama Mountain). From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, with many small islands floating on the blue water.On a clear day, the view is breathtaking and very peaceful. It’s a popular spot for overseas travelers who love beautiful viewpoints, nature, and photography.
Innoshima is also a great place to learn about the Murakami Pirates, a famous sea clan that once protected and controlled this area. And of course, don’t miss local island sweets like Hassaku Daifuku—a fresh and unique citrus dessert you can only enjoy here 🍊
Access
By public transport
Highway bus: From JR Fukuyama Station to Habu Port by Citrus Liner (about 1 hour)
Walk about 5 minutes from Habu Port to the shop
Recommended for
Travelers who want to visit and hike Shiratakiyama Observatory and enjoy one of the best views on the Shimanami Kaido by scooter
Travelers who want to explore Innoshima deeply at a relaxed island pace
Travelers who want direct access from Fukuyama without many transfers
This is a great base if you want to enjoy nature, history, and scenic viewpoints with your Shimanami Kaido scooter rental 🛵🌄
FAQ
Q. Are Shin-Onomichi Station and JR Onomichi Station the same?
A. No, they are different stations. These two stations are not connected by train.Please use Shin-Onomichi Station for the Shinkansen, and JR Onomichi Station for local trains.
If you want to go to the main sightseeing areas of Onomichi, it is much easier to go to Fukuyama Station by Shinkansen,then transfer to the local train and go to JR Onomichi Station. This is the smoothest and most convenient route for travelers.
Q. I’m worried because it’s my first time riding a scooter. Where is the safest place to rent?
A. We recommend Shima Rider rental scooter – Mukaishima.
You will get a face-to-face lesson and can practice in a wide open space before you start.
We explain the basics clearly, such as:
how to use the throttle
how to brake
how to turn left and right
how to keep your balance
This helps you start your Shimanami Kaido scooter trip with much more confidence.
Q. Can I come by car and then switch to a scooter?
A. Yes, you can!
Mukaishima has free parking (reservation required).
Around Ikuchijima (Setoda), there are many free public parking spaces nearby.
Also, the Onomichi Bridge is free to cross by car,so driving to Mukaishima is easy and stress-free.
Q. I’m staying in Shikoku and want to see amazing views as fast as possible.
A. Imabari is the best choice. It’s only about 5 minutes by scooter to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge scooter entrance,so you can enjoy the best Shimanami Kaido views almost right away.
It also works perfectly with a visit to Dogo Onsen.
Q. Which locations are best for one-way drop-off?
A. Here is a simple guide for easy one-way drop-off plans:
Want to cross the Shimanami Kaido quickly?→ Mukaishima or Imabari
Going to Hiroshima City or Miyajima after your ride?→ Mukaishima
Going to Dogo Onsen or Matsuyama Airport after your ride?→ Imabari
Staying on Ikuchijima and renting a bicycle the next day?→ Ikuchijima (Setoda)
Want to go directly to JR Fukuyama Station without passing Onomichi?→ Innoshima
Want to take the Shinkansen back home after your ride?→ Shin-Onomichi
You can choose the best start and drop-off combination based on your travel schedule.Please feel free to add the one-way drop-off option when you make your reservation!
Q. Do I need a special license to ride a scooter in Japan?
A. Yes. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. To rent and ride a scooter in Japan, overseas travelers must have:
a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, and
your original driver’s license from your home country.
Please make sure to prepare your IDP before coming to Japan,as you cannot get it after you arrive.
This will help you enjoy your Shimanami Kaido scooter rental safely and legally 😊
Final Summary
Once you decide “Where should I start?” and “Where should I finish?” your Shimanami Kaido scooter trip suddenly becomes real and exciting, right?
With Shima Rider rental scooter, you can choose locations with easy access and use the one-way drop-off option, so you can go straight to the views you want to see. This means you can enjoy a flexible Shimanami Kaido scooter route that matches your travel style.
If you’re not sure where to start, just follow these 3 simple steps:
1️⃣ Choose your starting point(Honshu side / Shikoku side / airport base / Shinkansen station)
2️⃣ Decide how you will go back(Shinkansen / airport / your next travel destination)
3️⃣ Think about what you want to enjoy most(photos, hot springs, local food, nature, island views)
This makes it easy to pick the best start point and one-way drop-off location for your Shimanami Kaido scooter rental plan.
👉 Please also check our recommended model routes and our staff’s favorite Shimanami Kaido spots for more travel ideas!
Choose your starting location, and come enjoy the Shimanami Kaido by scooter with us.
We’re waiting for you with a big smile at Shima Rider rental scooter 🛵✨
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