Seasons Guide

When to Visit the Shimanami Kaido

You can visit the Shimanami Kaido all year, but the scenery, weather and crowds change a lot with the seasons. Check what each season is like before you plan your trip.

In short: the best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November)

These two seasons have the best balance of temperature, views and crowds.Spring cherry blossoms and clear autumn air bring out the best in the Shimanami scenery. Summer is great for the sea and sunsets, but you must prepare for the heat. Winter is a quiet off-season.

Spring

Late March to May

The very best season

★★★★★

Highlights

◎Cherry blossoms (late March to early April): best at Senkoji Park, Hirakiyama Park and more
◎Fresh green (April–May): the islands’ green against the blue Inland Sea
◎Mild temperatures (15–22°C), ideal for cycling
◎Island scenery with rapeseed and citrus blossoms

Watch out for

▲Golden Week (April 29 to May 5) is crowded and rental bikes are hard to get
▲Main sights are crowded on cherry blossom weekends
▲Book accommodation early

Summer

June to August

Best for the sea, but prepare for heat

★★★★★

Highlights

◎The best season for the Inland Sea and its beaches
◎Swimming at Setoda Sunset Beach
◎Sunsets with bridges in silhouette
◎Deep green islands in sharp contrast to the blue sea

Watch out for

▲Daytime temperatures top 30°C and heatstroke risk is high when cycling
▲Always start early (6:00–9:00) and avoid riding at midday
▲Drink plenty (there are no supply points on the bridges)
▲Beach huts and tourist facilities get crowded

Recommended this season:Setoda Sunset Beach →Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan →

Autumn

October to November

As good as spring

★★★★★

Highlights

◎Clear air and the best views of the year
◎Settled temperatures (18–25°C), the best for cycling
◎Autumn leaves (from mid-November): Mt. Senkoji and temple grounds
◎Citrus harvest: mandarins, iyokan and more
◎Fewer visitors than spring, for a quiet island trip

Watch out for

▲Sunset comes early in November (around 17:00); leave slack in your plans
▲The Senkoji area is crowded in autumn leaf season
▲Mornings and evenings get cold, so bring warm layers

Winter

December to early March

Clear air and a quiet off-season

★★★★★

Highlights

◎On clear days you can see farther than at any other time of year
◎Few visitors, so you can enjoy the sights at leisure
◎Accommodation and rental bikes are easy to book
◎Winter dusk with bridges and sea in silhouette

Watch out for

▲Low temperatures (5–12°C) and cold wind on the bridges
▲Warm gear is essential (windbreaker, gloves, ear warmers)
▲Roads are slippery and dangerous for bikes on rainy or frosty days
▲Some sights and restaurants may close for winter

Month-by-month chart

Month	Cycling	Sightseeing	Notes
Jan	△	○	Clear air, cold
Feb	△	○	The coldest month
Mar	◎	◎	Cherry blossoms open (late March)
Apr	◎	◎	Blossoms, fresh green, Golden Week crowds
May	◎	◎	Fresh green, quieter after Golden Week
Jun	○	○	Rainy season, lots of rain
Jul	△	○	Hot, swimming OK
Aug	△	○	Very hot, ride early morning only
Sep	○	○	Lingering heat, watch for typhoons
Oct	◎	◎	Most recommended
Nov	◎	◎	Autumn leaves, early sunset
Dec	△	○	Cold, few visitors