The Setouchi Shimanami Kaido is one of the most scenic roads in the world. Recommended spots and gourmet food for touring the islands.

The Shimanami Kaido connects Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. A bridge and road stretching for about 60km connects six islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea. The spectacular route overlooking the emerald blue sea and beautiful islands is known as a world-famous cycling course, and its appeal is that it can be enjoyed by car, motorcycle, or on foot. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the spectacular spots you can't miss when visiting the Shimanami Kaido, as well as local gourmet food made with specialty citrus fruits!

table of contents

>Connecting unique islands! What is the Shimanami Kaido?
> If you're touring the Shimanami Kaido, don't miss these must-see spots on each island!
>Is there a dish you can only get here? Exquisite gourmet food packed with local charm
> ONOMICHI U2 : Where the port city and design meet
＞Access

Shimanami Kaido is a road that starts from Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, connecting the islands of Mukouaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima in the Seto Inland Sea with bridges. There are three islands on the Hiroshima side: Mukaishima, Innoshima, and Ikuchijima. Mukaishima has a quaint landscape that has been used as a filming location for movies. Innoshima is a place associated with the former Murakami Navy. And Ikuchijima is famous for its citrus fruits, including lemons.

The Shimanami Kaido, which consists of seven bridges, is mostly a road for automobiles, but the bridge sections have paths for motorbikes, bicycles and pedestrians. The contrast between the blue sea and the lush green islands is captivating to visitors.

The islands connected by the Shimanami Kaido are dotted with sightseeing spots unique to each region. Here we introduce five noteworthy spots on the three islands on the Hiroshima side!

Founded in 1930 , this soft drink manufacturer has more than 90 years of history. In the shop, which has a retro Showa-era atmosphere, you can enjoy drinks such as cider, ramune, and ginger ale. It is a famous spot visited by many tourists, including cyclists touring the Shimanami Kaido.

Address: 755-2 Mukaishimacho, Onomichi City, 722-0073

Phone number: 0848-44-1768

Parking: Available ( 1 space)

Within the grounds of Oyama Shrine in Innoshima, there is a very unusual shrine known as the Bicycle Shrine. As its name suggests, this is a cyclist-first shrine, with visitors allowed into the worship hall on their bicycles and even the fortune slips and amulets are all bicycle-themed. The shrine's blessings of road safety, theft prevention, and good relationships that connect people together are sure to make your travels even more fulfilling.

In addition to the Bicycle Shrine, Oyama Shrine also has a shrine called Mimigo Shrine, which enshrines the god of ears. This is a unique shrine that is not often seen across the country, so if you're interested, be sure to visit it too!

Address: 1424-2 , Habucho, Innoshima, Onomichi City, 722-2323

Telephone: 0845-23-6000

Parking: Available ( 6 spaces)

Shiratakisan, located in the northern part of Innoshima, was once a training ground for ascetic monks, and the Murakami Navy, which existed during the Warring States period, built a Kannon hall on the mountain as a lookout. On the path leading from the mountain gate ( Niomon ) to the summit, there are a group of about 700 stone Buddha statues of various sizes, known as the 500 Arhats, lined up in a narrow space.

As you climb to the summit, under the watchful eye of Jizo, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular 360- degree view of the Seto Inland Sea. Behind the Kannon Hall is a power spot called "Koishi-iwa," which is said to grant love if you touch it, so if you're looking for a good match, why not try climbing the mountain to an altitude of about 226 meters?

Address: Shigeicho Innoshima, Onomichi City, 722-2102

Phone number: 0845-26-6212 (Onomichi City Innoshima General Branch Office, Shimaokoshi Division)

Parking: Yes (about 20 spaces)

Kosanji Temple was built by local businessman Kosanji Kozo to express his gratitude to his mother. The colorful buildings, which incorporate architectural styles from temples and shrines such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Tochigi) and Byodoin Temple's Phoenix Hall (Kyoto), are overwhelming to behold. Next to the main hall is Senbutsu-do Jigokukyo, a cave where you can experience the world of hell, which is also a spot not to be missed.

The temple grounds also contain a marble sculpture garden called Miraishin no Oka, which was created by Hiroshima-born sculptor Kuiya Itto. The hill, lined with various monuments made of white marble, is popular as a photogenic spot, with views of the island below.

Address: 553-2 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, 722-2411

Telephone: 0845-27-0800

Parking: Yes (about 80 spaces)

Yubune is a public bathhouse located in Shiomachi Shopping Arcade, just a short walk from Setoda Port on Ikuchijima Island. It is also popular with domestic and international guests alike, with mosaic art depicting the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea painted on the bathroom walls. Another unique feature is that they have rooms where cyclists can bring their bikes. There is no restaurant on-site, so guests are encouraged to dine at nearby eateries, which is a great way to interact with local residents.

Address: 269 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, 722-2411

Phone number: 0845-23-7917

Parking: None (There is a free municipal parking lot nearby, and guests can use the private parking lot)

The islands that you can visit on the Shimanami Kaido have some gourmet foods that you can't find anywhere else. The following three local foods are especially recommended.

In Onomichi, the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido, there is a facility called " ONOMICHI U2 ," which is a renovated shipping warehouse. With the theme of "a small town within a town," the warehouse houses a hotel, restaurant, bar, cafe, bakery, lifestyle shop, and professional bicycle shop, and many tourists spend their photogenic time there.

One of the most unusual hotels is called " HOTEL CYCLE ." It is gaining popularity because it offers a unique accommodation experience, where you can check in with your bicycle and even bring it to your room.

Address: 5-11 Nishigoshocho, Onomichi City, 722-0037

Telephone: 0848-21-0550

Parking: Available (affiliated parking lot adjacent)

The following are ways to access the three islands on the Hiroshima side from JR Onomichi Station, the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido.

Bicycle Mukoshima: Approximately 5 minutes by ferry from Onomichi Port Innoshima: Approximately 30 minutes from Mukoshima across the Innoshima Bridge, or approximately 20 minutes by ferry from Onomichi Port Ikuchijima: Approximately 40 minutes from Innoshima across the Ikuchi Bridge, or approximately 40 minutes by ferry from Onomichi Port

By car Mukojima: Approximately 15 minutes via the Onomichi Bridge or the Shin-Onomichi Bridge Innoshima: Approximately 15 minutes from Mukojima across the Innoshima Bridge Ikuchijima: Approximately 20 minutes from Innoshima via the Ikuchi Bridge

The Shimanami Kaido offers beautiful scenery and there are many attractive islands to visit. If you want to spend some relaxing time feeling the sea breeze, this is the place to visit.