JR West, in collaboration with the Shimanami Mirai Kyoso Council, which consists of passenger ship operators and municipalities in Onomichi and Imabari, will conduct a demonstration project aimed at establishing a passenger ship route between Onomichi and Imabari.
Although the route was discontinued in 1999, following the opening of the Shimanami Kaido, it has gained recognition as a cyclist’s haven, drawing an increased number of tourists and calls for enhanced routes, prompting the trial operation. Setouchi Cruising on the Onomichi side and Shimanami on the Imabari side will operate cycle ships capable of carrying bicycles. By transferring at Ikuchi-jima’s Setoda Port or Omishima’s Iguchi Port, the route connects Onomichi and Imabari. The operating schedule sets sail from Onomichi Ekimae Pier at 10:00 AM and 1:15 PM, and from Imabari Port at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM, with the fastest journey taking approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Boarding generally requires purchasing the “Shimanami Cruising Pass,” which allows unlimited rides for two consecutive days over weekends and holidays, online by the day before. The fare for Onomichi Ekimae Pier to Imabari Port is 5,000 yen per person, including the bicycle loading fee.
The trial operation will take place over nine days during weekends and holidays in October. During this period, the “Setouchi Burari Stamp Rally” will be held via the “WESTER App” around Setoda Port on Ikuchi-jima and Iguchi Port on Omishima, issuing coupons for use at participating stores.
