Cycling Shimanami

Cycling Shimanami is a non-competitive ride held once every two years, when up to 7,000 cyclists ride the Nishiseto Expressway's main carriageway, which is closed to bikes on every other day. The 2026 edition runs on Sunday 25 October, with check-in the day before at Onomichi, Imabari and Matsuyama. Eight courses run from about 30 to 140 km. They start at Imabari IC, Kurushima Kaikyo SA or Mukaishima IC and finish at Hirokoji by Imabari port, Mukaishima Sports Park or Yuge port.

Entry goes through JTB Sports Station, which has an English member registration, and riders from abroad enter through the same system as everyone else. The organisers publish no separate quota or lottery for overseas entrants. For 2026, premium entry sold first come first served from 13 April to 18 May. General entry was a lottery that closed on 18 May, with results emailed on 8 June, and a second first-come round ran from 22 June to 13 July for the courses with places left.

Fees for 2026 run from ¥8,000 for the 30 km Oshima course to ¥28,000 for the 140 km round trip, plus a handling fee. Courses A to G take sports bikes only, for riders of 15 and over who have already finished an event of the same distance. Course H also takes city bikes with gears and tandems, from age nine. Every bike needs a front light, a rear light or reflector, a bell and a helmet, and disc wheels are banned because of the crosswinds.

E-bikes may ride, and the organisers do not charge batteries on the day, so bring a spare. Riders must carry a passport, or a My Number card if they live in Japan. Stopping on the expressway for photos is forbidden.