Renting a Bicycle in Imabari for the Shimanami Kaido (2026): Sunrise Itoyama Is Closed, but Rentals Continue

For travelers planning to cycle the Shimanami Kaido from the Imabari side — here is the situation as of July 2026.

Sunrise Itoyama, long known as Imabari’s cycling terminal, closed its hotel, restaurant and other facilities on March 31, 2026, as its public management contract ended (discussions about redevelopment are underway).

If you found old travel guides and are now wondering “so I can’t rent a bicycle in Imabari anymore?” — good news: bicycle rentals are still available.

Where to Rent a Bicycle in Imabari (2 Locations)

The rental business is run by Shimanami Japan, the organization operating the official public rental bicycles of the Shimanami Kaido. On the Imabari side there are two rental terminals:

1. Imabari Itoyama Rental Cycle
Right next to the Sunrise Itoyama building, at the foot of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. This is the classic starting point — you can get on the Shimanami Kaido immediately.

2. Imabari Station-front Rental Cycle
In front of JR Imabari Station. Convenient if you arrive by train.

Getting there from JR Imabari Station

Station-front terminal: right in front of JR Imabari Station — no transport needed.

Itoyama terminal (Imabari Itoyama Rental Cycle): about 6 km from the station, at the foot of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. A taxi takes about 15 minutes; the Setouchi Bus (Koura line) takes about 22 minutes to the “Tenbodai-iriguchi” stop, about a minute’s walk from the terminal. Buses are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance. Open in Google Maps (Imabari Itoyama Rental Cycle)

Hours and Bicycle Types

Open 8:00–19:00 (December–February: 8:00–18:00). Several types are available, including cross bikes, city bikes, e-bikes and bikes with child seats.

One-Way Rental: the Big Advantage

You can return your bicycle at any of the 10 terminals between Imabari and Onomichi — no need to ride back. The full route from Imabari to Onomichi is about 70 km, so a popular plan is to ride one way and return by bus or ferry.

One safety note: the Onomichi Bridge at the far end is narrow and considered dangerous for bicycles — taking the short ferry across is the recommended way.

Prices and Reservations

For current prices and bookings, use the official Shimanami rental reservation site:

▼ Official reservation site (English available)
https://www.shimanami-bike-rental.com/booking

▼ Shimanami Japan official site
https://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/

Which terminal should you choose?

If you arrive by train, the simplest plan is to pick up your bike at the station-front terminal, warm up with the roughly 6 km ride through town, and join the route at the bridge. If you would rather start at the bridge itself, head straight to the Itoyama terminal by taxi or bus and begin with the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge crossing right away.

Make a day of it

Before setting off from the Itoyama side, the free observation decks at Itoyama Park, just above the terminal, give you a sweeping preview of the bridges you are about to cross. And when you roll back into Imabari, a soak at Kisuke no Yu, the natural hot spring right by the station, is the classic way to finish a riding day.

Quick FAQ

Do I need a reservation? Bookings are handled through the official reservation site above — reserving ahead keeps your plans simple, and the site is available in English.

Can children come along? Bikes with child seats are among the types available.

What about winter? Rentals run year-round; hours are slightly shorter from December to February (8:00–18:00).

The Sunrise Itoyama building may be closed, but Imabari’s gateway to the Shimanami Kaido is very much open. The 70 km ride across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea is worth every pedal stroke.

Information as of July 2026. Please check the official sites for the latest updates.

 - English