Drivers AtlasThe world's best roads

Japan, Seto Inland Sea

Shimanami Kaido

Island hopping on great white suspension bridges across the Inland Sea.

Length

60 km

In miles

37.3 mi

Driving time

1 hr 30 min

Atlas rating

8.7 / 10

Driving quality8.0
Scenery9.4

The run

Onomichi to Imabari, following the Nishiseto Expressway. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.

Season

Open year round in normal conditions, with the usual care after rain or frost.

Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk

Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Every road in the library carries a driving and scenery score set by the same method. How we score roads.

Last reviewed 7 May 2026