【 Shimanami Sea Route 】 17 sightseeing spots! the recommended model cource.

What is Shimanami Kaido?

The Shimanami Kaido is a well-known cycling road.

The Shimanami Kaido is a 60-km-long automobile-only road connecting Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.

Six islands in the Seto Inland Sea (Mukojima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima) are connected by bridges with unique characteristics that take into account the natural conditions and navigational requirements of each island.

Some people may ask, "If it's an automobile-only road, where should cyclists and walkers cross?"

Except for the Shin-Onomichi Ohashi Bridge, each of the bridges on the Shimanami Kaido is equipped with a road for bicycles and pedestrians only.

The bridges are not only used as pedestrian and automobile roads connecting Honshu and Shikoku for commuting to work and school, but are also popular as cycling paths that allow cyclists to ride along the beautiful Seto Inland Sea below.

We start with Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture!

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (1) "Senkoji Temple

Senkoji is known for a power sport of love and matchmaking.

Senkoji Temple is located in Senkoji Park in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The temple is also famous as one of the most popular power spots for love and matchmaking.

(The precincts of the temple overlooking the city of Onomichi to Mukojima)

One of the highlights of Senkoji Temple is the panoramic view of Onomichi Port from the precincts of the temple, which are 140 meters above sea level.

The view from the temple grounds, 140 meters above sea level, overlooks Onomichi harbor.

Basic Information

Address: 19-1 Nishidodo-cho, Onomichi-city, Hiroshima, Japan

Hours: 9:00~17:00

Access:

(1) Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Shin-Onomichi Station

(2) 5 min. walk from Senkoji Ropeway "Summit Station".

Official website: Senkoji Temple official website

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (2) "Onomichi WHARF

「Onomichi WHARF」Oysters Picture provided by：Instagram(andr____op)

Onomichi WHARF offers fresh raw oysters from Japan and abroad throughout the year. If you think of Hiroshima, oysters are a must-try! If you think of Hiroshima as oysters, this is a must-see restaurant.

The Setonaikai, The sea in front of the restaurant. Picture provided by：Instagram(andr____op)

Basic Information

Address: Onomichi Waterfront Building 1F, 9-1 Higashi Gosho-machi, Onomichi,

Hiroshima 722-0036

Business hours: Lunch 11:30~15:00 (LO 14:30)

Evening 17:30~22:00 (LO21:00)

11:30~22:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (LO 21:00)

Closed: Unscheduled (please check the official website for details)

Access:

(1) Approx. 1 minute walk from Onomichi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line

(2) Approximately 21 minutes from Onomichi IC on Sanyo Expressway

Official website: Onomichi WHARF official website

Just a short ferry ride from Onomichi! Next stop: Mukojima Island.

Shimanami Kaido Tourist Spots (3) "WILLOWS NURSERY

Resort cafe in Mukojima. Picture provided by：Instagram(mii.14__)

WILLOWS NURSERY is located on Mukojima, the first island you reach after leaving Onomichi. This café offers Hawaiian pancakes and soft-serve ice cream while overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.

The store's resort-like atmosphere under a large tree is also attractive.

Basic Information

Address: 250-4 Tachibana, Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Business hours: 11:00~17:00 (LO 16:00)

Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday

Access:

(1) 20 minutes by car from Onomichi Bridge

(2) Shimanami Kaido: 10 minutes by car from Mukaishima IC

Official website: WILLOWS NURSERY official website

Visit Innoshima, the center of the Seto Inland Sea!

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (4) "Shimanami Beach

Shimanami Beach spreads at the foot of the Innoshima Ohash

Shimanami Beach spreads at the foot of the Innoshima Ohash Bridge connecting Mukaishima and Innoshima.

The 600-meter-long white sand beach, clear blue sea, and the sunset over the Seto Inland Sea are spectacular.

It is recommended going swimming or relaxing after a long day of travel.

Basic Information

Address: 57, Ohamacho, Innoshima, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Access:

(1) Shimanami Kaido "Innoshima North IC" 8 min.

(2) Shimanami Kaido "Innoshima Minami IC" about 16 min.

Shimanami Kaido Tourist Attractions (5) "Daisen Shrine (Bicycle Shrine)

The Daisen Shrine is famous for enshrining the god of bicycles.

Oyama Shrine, the oldest shrine on Innoshima Island, is located in Dojo Town, Innoshima, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is also known for Mimigo-jinja, a shrine enshrining the nationally renowned god of the ear, from the god of architecture, business prosperity, and protection from bad luck.

The most popular attraction at Daisen Shrine, located on the Shimanami Sea Route, is the "Bicycle Shrine," which is the only shrine that enshrines the god of bicycles in Japan. The temple is dedicated to Watashi Ojin, the god of traffic protection and bridge building, and is visited by many cyclists and tourists to pray for traffic safety.

Basic Information

Address: 1424-2, Dojo-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Access:

(1) Shimanami Kaido "Innoshima North IC" 10 min. by car
(2) 10 minutes drive from "Innoshima Minami IC" on Shimanami Kaido
(3) 5 minutes walk from "Uwabu" bus stop

Official site: Daisenjinja Shrine official site

Lemons and art at Ikuchijima tourist spots!

Shimanami Kaido Tourist Spots (6) Kosanji Temple Museum

Kosanji Temple Museum situated in the middle of the Shimanami Sea Route Picture provided by：Instagram(yoshiocycle)

The Kosanji Temple Museum is a tourist attraction located on Ikuchijima Island in the middle of the Shimanami Sea Route.

Kozoji, a former businessman from Osaka, spent his life building this temple of the Honganji sect of the Jodo Shinshu sect, also known as "Mother's Temple," as a token of his gratitude to his mother.

The temple is also characterized by the fact that the entire temple grounds are open to the public as a museum facility, with more than 15 nationally registered tangible cultural properties and the impressive Koyomon Gate, a replica of the Yomeimon Gate of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, among other attractions.

The Miraishin no oka with its pure white marble landscape Picture provided by：Instagram(kazuki_camera_)

The "Miraishin-no-oka" is a 5,000-square-meter white marble world where visitors can experience the rich individuality of the artworks. Should we go to exprience the fusion of nature and art at Miraishin-no-oka, shall we?

Basic Information

Address: 553-2 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Business hours: 9:00~17:00

*Please check the official website as hours of operation may differ within the

facility.

Closed: Open all year round

Access:

(1) Shimanami Kaido: 13 minutes by car from Ikuchijima Kita IC
(2) Shimanami Kaido: 13 minutes by car from Ikuchijima Minami IC
(3) 40 minutes by car from Onomichi Station
(4) 32 minutes by car from Shin-Onomichi Station

Official site: Kosanji Museum official site

Shimanami Kaido Tourist Attractions (7) Lemon Valley

Lemon Vally is the No.1 lemon-producing island in Japan

Lemon Valley is located at the foot of the Tatara Bridge that spans Ikuchishima

and Omishima. Lemon Valley is a must-see sightseeing spot. It is the largest lemon-producing island in Japan,a Japan-famous production of approximately 900 tons.

From mid-May, the area is filled with the fragrance of lemon blossoms, followed

by bright green berries from October to December, and gradually yellow berries

from late December to spring. Why not stop by Lemon Valley to enjoy the

different sceneries and fragrances of the different seasons?

Basic Information

Address: Tarumi, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Hours of operation: Open 24 hours a day

Closed: Open all year round

Access:

(1) Shimanami Kaido "Ikuchishima Kita IC", 20 min. by car

(2) 10 minutes by car from "Ikuchishima Minami IC" on Shimanami Kaido

All the classic sightseeing spots! Ehime's largest island, Omishima

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (8) Roadside Station: Tatara

Road Station: Tatara where you can taste local food.

Michi no Eki: Tarara Shimanami Koen" is a perfect view spot from which you can overlook the world-class cable-stayed bridge "Tarara Ohashi" and the Seto Inland Sea. The Seto Inland Sea is the sea separating Honshu from Shikoku and Kyusyu. It is famous for its seafood and scenery. There are a variety of facilities to fully enjoy the Seto Inland Sea, including a direct sales shop selling locally grown vegetables and lemons, and a restaurant where you can taste local specialties.

Basic Information

Address: 9180-2 Iguchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime

Business hours: Weekdays 10:00~17:00 Weekends and holidays 9:00~17:00

*Please check the official website as hours of operation may differ within the facility.

Closed: Open all year round

Access:

(1) Shimanami Kaido: 1 minute drive from Omishima IC

(2) Take the bus and get off at Omishima BS. 1 min. walk.

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (9) "Oyamazumi Shrine

<img src="https://s3-ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/thegate/2022/10/07/13/54/18/Oyamazumi shrine (1).jpg" alt="Oyamazumi Shrine is located on Omishima Island, known as the "Island of National Treasures."" />

Oyamazumi Shrine is located on Omishima Island, known as the "Island of National Treasures."

Oyamazumi Shrine is located in the northernmost part of Ehime Prefecture, at the center of the Shimanami Sea Route.

About 80% of the armaments designated as national important cultural properties or national treasures are preserved and exhibited in the Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure House, and Omishima is called the "Island of National Treasures. The sacred 2,600-year-old camphor tree in front of the main shrine is a must-see at Oyamazumi Shrine.

It is said that "if you stand under camphor tree, you will feel the power of the tree" and "if you circle around the camphor tree three times, your wish will come true.

Basic Information

Address: 3327 Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture

Opening hours: around sunrise to 17:00
*Please check the official website for detailed hours of operation in the facility.

Access: 12 minutes from Omishima IC on Shimanami Kaido

Official website: Oyamazumi Shrine official website

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (10) "Shimanami Coffee

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Shimanami Coffee" is a very popular Instagram spot. Picture provided by：Instagram([dantodna])(https://www.instagram.com/p/CEyuktnAm2I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link))

Shimanami Coffee is an outdoor café where you can enjoy drinks, homemade sweets and other snacks. Recommended for those who want to take a break with a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea by their side.

The cute atmosphere is very popular as an Instagram-worthy spot along the Shimanami-Kaido! Why not visit to relax after a tiring trip?

Basic Information

Address: 7594-1 Iguchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime

Business hours: 10:00~17:00

Closed: Weekdays

Access: 10 min. walk from "Roadside Station: Tatara Shimanami Park".

Official Instagram: Shimanami Coffee

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (11) Kalimaya

Kouranya, a lemon cordial specialty store opened in 2021. Picture provided by：Instagram(karikarikaririnnko様)

Karinya, a lemon cordial specialty store, opened in March 2021. Cordial" is made by soaking Setouchi lemons, herbs, and fruit in fresh syrup, then mixing it with carbonated water and other drinks to create a lemonade.

Unlike conventional lemonade, Kourinya's lemonade made from cordial is exceptional, and the word-of-mouth and social networking sites are buzzing about it. Cyclists, of course, are encouraged to stop by when visiting Omishima between sightseeing along the Shimanami Kaido!

Basic Information

Address: 2633-14 Seto, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime

Business hours: 10:00~17:00

Closed: Weekdays

Access: 7 minutes by car from Omishima IC on Shimanami Kaido

Enjoy the spectacular scenery unique to the Seto Inland Sea at Hakata Island!

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (12) "Dolphin Farm Shimanami

Dolphin Farm Shimanami, where you can have fun with dolphins

Dolphin Farm Shimanami is located in Imabari City and Hakata Town. It is one of the largest dolphin petting facilities in Japan, where you can spend a pleasant time with dolphins along the beautiful waters of the Shimanami Sea Route.

There are three courses to choose from: a course which you can see the dolphins up close without reservations, a petting course which you can shake hands and kiss them, and a swim course which you can swim with the dolphins in the water.

There are also a variety of other auto-camping facilities where you can enjoy glamping and cottages. After being healed by dolphins, you can enjoy camping overnight and have the best memories of your life!

Basic Information

Address: 1673 Kanoura, Hakata-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime

Business hours: 9:00~17:00

*Please check the official website as hours of operation may differ within the facility.

Closed: Inclement weather

Access: 3 minutes by car from Hakatajima IC, Shimanami Kaido

Official website: Dolphin Farm Shimanami official website

Shimanami Kaido Tourist Spots (13) "Pâtisserie T's cafe Tamaya

Expansive ocean view from「Pâtisserie T's cafe Tamaya」Picture proided by：Instagram(tabinchu_you)

Pâtisserie T's cafe Tamaya is located in a perfect location by the sea. It is a favorite of many people, including locals, cyclists and tourists visiting the Shimanami Kaido. If the weather permits, we recommend sitting on the terrace and enjoying the ocean view that spreads out before your eyes.

Basic Information

Address: 2328 Aritu, Hakata-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime

Business hours: 10:00~18:00 (LO 17:30)

Closed: Sunday

Access: 7 minutes by car from Hakatajima IC, Shimanami Kaido

Official Instagram:Pâtisserie T's cafe Tamaya

Finally arrived at Oshima, the last island on the Shimanami Kaido!

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (14) "Kamerozan Observation Park

「Kurushima Kaikyo Straits as seen from Kamereoyama Observation Park

Kamerozan Observation Park is located at the southern tip of Oshima. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, on a clear day, and the Kurushima Straits seen from the top of Mt. The best view on the Shimanami Sea Route can be seen from the top of Mt.

Kengo Kuma designed the Kameroyama Observation Park.

The Kamereoyama Observation Park offers more than just a spectacular view. The observatory, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, is set underground and hidden from the outside to protect the natural landscape. The view from the observatory, combined with the design of the building, has made it a popular tourist attraction.

Basic Information

Address: 487-4 Minamiura, Yoshimi Town, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture

Opening hours: 24 hours free admission

Closed: Open all year round

Access:

(1) Shimanami Kaido: 15 minutes by car from Oshima Kita IC

(2) Shimanami Kaido: 10 minutes by car from Oshima Minami IC

Shimanami Kaido Tourist Attractions (15) Yunoya MITSUBACHI

Yunoya MITSUBACHI" also offers a perfect location. Picture provided by：Instagram(yuinoya_mitsubachi様)

Yunoya MITSUBACHI is a seaside guest house and cafe located on Oshima Island in Imabari City. Lunch using seafood from Oshima and seasonal sweets are available in a perfect location just a 10-second walk from the sea.

Recommended for those who want to spend extraordinary island time in a peaceful and relaxing environment.

Basic Information

Address: 825 Minamiura, Yoshimi Town, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture

Business hours: 11:00~15:00

Closed: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

Access:

(1) 5 minutes drive from Shimanami Kaido "Oshima Minami IC

(2) 15 minutes drive from Shimanami Kaido "Oshima Kita IC

Official website: Yunoya MITSUBACHI official website

Goal in Imabari, the gateway to the Ehime Prefecture side!

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (16) "Itoyama Park

The Kurushima Kaikyo Observation Hall offers a view of the powerful Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge.

Itoyama Park" in Itoyama, Imabari City, is also the starting point of the Imabari side of the Shimanami Kaido. It offers a panoramic view of the Kurushima Straits, one of the largest tidal currents in Japan, and the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge.

There are two spots with spectacular views in Itoyama Park: the Kurushima Kaikyo Observation Hall and the Itoyama Park Observation Deck. The Kurushima Kaikyo Observatory has the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge right in front of it, and the Itoyama Park Observatory, about 100 meters up from there, offers a view of the Kurushima Kaikyo and the bridge below.

This is definitely a place not to be missed, either at the beginning or at the end of your trip.

Basic Information

Address: 2-5-2 Koura-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime

Business hours: 9:00~18:00

Closed: December 29-31

Fee: Free of charge

Access:

(1) Approximately 20 minutes by bus from Imabari Station

(2) 5 minutes drive from "Imabarikita IC" of Shimanami Kaido

Shimanami Kaido Sightseeing Spots (17) "Imabari Castle

Imabari Castle, one of the most famous sea castles in Japan

Imabari Castle" was built around 1608 by Takatora Todo on the coast facing the Seto Inland Sea. It is known as one of the most famous sea castles in Japan, with a moat drained by seawater and one of the largest ship entrances in Japan as a harbor within the site.

After the Meiji Restoration, most of the buildings were demolished. However, in 1953, it was designated as a prefectural historic site, and since 1980, the castle tower and gate have been rebuilt, and today it presents a magnificent appearance.

Basic Information

Address: 3-1-3 Dori-machi, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture

Business hours: 9:00~17:00

Closed: December 29-31 only

Admission:
Seniors 65 and over ¥420 (individuals)
Adults ¥520 (individuals)
Students ¥260 (individuals)
High school students and younger or under 18 free of charge

Access:

(1) 15 min. by car from Shimanami Kaido "Imabarikita IC
(2) Approximately 20 minutes by car from the Imabari-Yunoura IC on the Imabari-Komatsu Expressway
(3) Get off at "Imabari-jo-mae" bus stop by Setouchi Bus.
(4) Approx. 10 min. walk from Imabari Port

Official site:Imabari Castle official site

A wonderful trip in the beautiful Seto Inland Sea

In this issue, we have introduced the standard sightseeing spots along the Shimanami Kaido, which connects Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, to Imabari, Ehime Prefecture. It is possible to tour from Onomichi to Imabari in a day by car, ferry, or bus, and we also recommend that you spend a night at an inn to relax before heading to the end of the route.

Why not experience the extraordinary island space on the Shimanami Kaido and be thoroughly healed by the nature of the Seto Inland Sea?