Why Starting the Shimanami Kaido from Imabari is the Best Choice for Scooter Travelers
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
When people think about the Shimanami Kaido, many imagine starting from Onomichi.
However, for travelers using a scooter or small motorcycle, starting from Imabari can actually be the easier, more scenic, and more efficient option.
Especially if you want to:
Enjoy the best views quickly
Travel comfortably in one day
Ride with a passenger
Combine your trip with flights, trains, or one-way travel
Imabari is one of the best starting points for exploring the Shimanami Kaido.
Reach the Most Scenic Spots Almost Immediately
One of the biggest advantages of starting from Imabari is how quickly you can access the iconic scenery of the Shimanami Kaido.
Within a relatively short ride, you can already experience places such as:
Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
Kirosan Observatory Park on Oshima Island
SHIMANAMI Monument photo spots
Compared to starting from central Onomichi, you spend less time riding through city areas and more time enjoying the islands, bridges, and ocean views.
For many travelers, this makes the experience feel more immersive right from the beginning.
A Unique Experience Only Possible by Scooter
Scooters and small motorcycles under 125cc can use the dedicated routes designed for cyclists and small vehicles along the Shimanami Kaido.
This means you can enjoy:
Scenic bridge access routes
Ocean views while riding
Easy stops at local islands and viewpoints
One especially unique spot is Mashima Island, located within the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge area.
Mashima can only be accessed by:
Bicycle
Walking
Scooter or small motorcycle
You even take an elevator together with your scooter to reach the island — an experience many travelers never expect.
This is something you simply cannot experience by car.
New Updates at Our Imabari Location
Our Imabari scooter rental location has recently been expanded, making it even easier and more flexible for travelers.
■ Parking Space Expanded
We now have 2 parking spaces available.
This is especially convenient for travelers arriving by car with luggage or family members before starting their ride.
■ 125cc Scooters Now Available in Imabari
Previously, our 125cc scooters were only available at Mukaishima.
Now, travelers can also rent them directly from Imabari.
This allows:
Two-person riding
More comfortable long-distance travel
Faster and smoother sightseeing compared to 50cc scooters
For couples and friends traveling together, this makes the trip much more enjoyable and flexible.
■ Super Cub 110cc Also Available
We have also started operating Honda Super Cub 110cc models.
These are popular because they are:
Stable and beginner-friendly
Easy to handle
Comfortable for sightseeing rides
They are a great option for travelers who want something relaxed and easy to ride.
Of course, we also continue to offer our popular 50cc “Vino” scooters, which can be ridden with a regular driver’s license and a Geneva Convention IDP with Category B.
The Vino is a compact single-rider scooter that is easy to handle and perfect for exploring the islands at a relaxed pace.Its small size makes it especially convenient for scenic stops, narrow island roads, and casual sightseeing along the Shimanami Kaido.
You can choose between 50cc, 110cc, and 125cc scooters depending on your travel style and preferred riding experience.
Easy Access from Train, Car, and Airport
Another major advantage of Imabari is accessibility.
Our location is:
About a 5-minute walk from JR Hashihama Station
Accessible without train transfers
Convenient from Matsuyama and Imabari city areas
Travelers arriving via Matsuyama Airport often choose this route:
Arrive at Matsuyama Airport
Travel to Imabari
Ride the Shimanami Kaido by scooter
Finish in Onomichi
Continue to Hiroshima, Osaka, or other areas by Shinkansen
This creates a very smooth and flexible Japan travel route.
Recommended Routes from Imabari
今治スタートの場合、時間に応じて無理のないルートが組めます。
Half-Day Route (Around 6 Hours)
For shorter trips, riding to Omishima Island and returning is a great option.
You can enjoy:
Major bridges
Scenic coastal roads
Relaxed sightseeing without rushing
Full-Day Route (8–9 Hours)
For a full-day experience, many travelers ride as far as Ikuchijima Island before turning back.
This gives you enough time to:
Enjoy the islands
Stop at viewpoints and cafés
Take photos and relax along the way
One-Way Scooter Trips are Also Popular
Many travelers also choose one-way scooter trips.
For example:
Start in Imabari
Ride across the islands
Return the scooter in Onomichi
After arriving in Onomichi, you can:
Explore the town at night
Continue to Hiroshima or Kansai by train
Enjoy a broader Japan travel itinerary
This style of travel is becoming increasingly popular among international visitors.
Imabari vs Onomichi — Which Should You Choose?
最後に、尾道スタートとの違いも簡単に整理します。
Both starting points are great, but they fit different travel styles.
Imabari is Best If You:
Want quick access to the best scenery
Prefer efficient sightseeing
Have limited time
Want to ride two-up on a 125cc scooter
Plan to continue traveling through Japan afterward
Onomichi is Best If You:
Want to explore Onomichi town first
Prefer a slower north-to-south journey
Want a more traditional starting point
Final Thoughts
For scooter travelers, starting from Imabari offers:
Faster access to scenic highlights
Flexible one-way travel options
Easy transportation connections
Comfortable sightseeing with 125cc scooters
It’s one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to experience the Shimanami Kaido.
Book Your Scooter
At our Imabari location, we offer:
50cc scooters
110cc Super Cub
125cc scooters for two-person riding
One-way return options
Easy access from train stations and parking areas
The Shimanami Kaido is not only about reaching the destination — the ride itself becomes part of the journey.
Feel free to plan your route and enjoy the islands at your own pace.
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