Setouchi Shimanami Kaido

Mukojima is connected to Onomichi by the Shin-Onomichi Bridge, Onomichi Ohashi Bridge, and three ferries. The ferry that goes to and from Onomichi Suido is nostalgic and full of travel atmosphere. The view from the summit of “National Park Takamiyama” on the south side of the island opens in all directions, and it is a superb spot where you can see the beauty of the archipelago floating in the Seto Inland Sea. Also, the island is dotted with filming locations for movies set in Onomichi.

It is one of the leading citrus producers in the whole country. In particular, lemons have been cultivated since the Meiji period, and in recent years, “eco-lemons” that can be eaten up to the skin have been produced by reducing the amount of pesticides used. Based on the idea of “turning the whole island into a museum,” many outdoor sculptures are scattered throughout the island. You can see a wonderful sunset view from Setoda Sunset Beach. You can also enjoy local gourmet foods such as roast chicken and croquettes at the Shiomachi shopping street.

Hakatajima is famous as a “salt island” because the salt industry has flourished since ancient times. It is the birthplace of “Hakata no Shio,” which is also known nationwide. Hakata Furusato Historical Park exhibits industrial and cultural materials on Hakatajima, including salt pans and maritime shipping. The roadside station “Hakata S.C Park” at the foot of Hakata Oshima Bridge is full of facilities such as parks, gymnasiums, and tennis courts. It is used as a base for sightseeing, such as enjoying sports and buying souvenirs. At Kaisan Park in spring, about 1,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full bloom, and you can see the superb view of Setouchi islands and cherry blossoms.

Kamijima Town is located a little east of the Shimanami Kaido and consists of 25 islands, including six inhabited islands. On Iwakijima, the local gourmet “lemon pork bowl,” which uses “lemon pork” raised on the island, has a reputation for being delicious. On Yugeshima, pay attention to the “Inland Sea Resort Fespa” where you can fully enjoy Setouchi resorts and the seawater bathing facility “Shioyu”. On Ikina Island, there is a heated swimming pool, a gymnasium, a baseball field, and “Ikina Sporek Park” with accommodation facilities, and you can enjoy the abundant nature of Uoshima, including fishing, plant exploration, and bird watching.

Imabari, the starting point of the Shikoku side, is famous nationwide as a towel production area. Towel Art Museum, which has a towel theme, spreads the world of towels and art. “Imabari Castle” is a famous castle built by Mr. Takatora Todo, who was said to be a master of building castles in the Edo period, and is said to have become an example of a Japanese castle after that. Seawater is drawn into the vast moat, and you can see a rare sight of sea fish circulating around the moat. Please enjoy popular local gourmet dishes such as “Imabari yaki pork egg rice,” “Imabari yakitori,” and “Imabari ramen.”

We will also let you know how to access each spot.
＜Onomichi＞ “Senkojiyama Ropeway” A ropeway that connects the downtown area to the tourist spot “Senkoji Park” representing Onomichi in 3 minutes.
【Access】About 15 minutes on foot from “JR Onomichi Station”. About 5 minutes by bus, get off at “Nagaeguchi Bus Stop”.
＜Mukaijima＞ “National Park Takamiyama” The name comes from the fact that there used to be a lookout for the Murakami Suigun, which ruled this area in the past.
【Access】15 minutes by car from “Mukaishima IC”. Take the bus “Setoda Line” from JR Onomichi Station and get off at “Takamiyama Trailhead” stop. Walk 3.2 km, about 40 minutes.
＜Innoshima Island＞ “Innoshima Park” This is a park located in the south of Innoshima, spreading over the entire area of Mt. Tengu (207m).
【Access】From the Honshu area, it is about 15 minutes by car from “Innoshima Kita IC”. From the Shikoku area, it is about 15 minutes by car from “Innoshima Minami IC”.
＜Ikuchijima＞ Setoda Sunset Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches among the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, with its 800-meter-long white sand beach and clear blue sea.
【Access】From Honshu, about 15 minutes by car from “Ikuchijima Kita IC”. From the Shikoku area, it is about 10 minutes by car from “Ikuchi Shimaminami IC”.
＜Hakatajima＞ “Kaisan Park” is a great spot to photograph the scenery of cherry blossoms and Shimanami.
【Access】About 10 minutes by car from “Hakatajima IC” from Honshu and Shikoku directions.
＜Oshima＞ “Mt. Kiro Observation Deck” The world’s first triple suspension bridge “Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge” and the “Kurushima Strait” tide, and on a clear day, you can see Mt. Ishizuchi in the Shikoku Mountains.
【Access】From the Honshu area, it is about 15 minutes by car from “Oshima Kita IC”. From the Shikoku area, it is about 10 minutes by car from “Oshima Minami IC”.

“Pirates” have been active in the Seto Inland Sea, which has been an important traffic route since ancient times. When you hear the word “pirate”, you may have the image of a bad guy who loots, etc., but Murakami pirates have various activities such as collecting tolls, piloting water, and guarding. In addition to protecting the safety of the sea, they governed this area. There are many historical sites related to Murakami pirates that remain along the Shimanami Kaido, and in April 2016, “Home of “Japan’s Greatest Pirate: Geiyo Islands – Memory of Murakami KAIZOKU” that revives Murakami KAIZOKU It was certified as a Japan Heritage Site. You can enjoy a trip that touches history and culture while visiting places related to Murakami pirates.