Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道) is a route connecting Honshu and Shikoku. It connects Onomichi City (尾道市) in Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県) and Imabari City (今治市) in Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県), and goes through 6 islands in the Seto Inland Sea. It is a popular spot for cycling enthusiasts who enjoy the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea because it can be crossed by bicycle.
The Shimanami Kaido goes through the following 6 islands.
- Mukaishima Island (向島)
- Innoshima Island (因島)
- Ikuchijima Island (生口島)
- Omishima Island (大三島)
- Hakatajima Island (伯方島)
- Oshima Island (大島)
Mukaishima Island
Mukaishima Island is the first island on the Shimanami Kaido, located across the Onomichi Channel, which is about 300 meters wide, from Onomichi city.
Innoshima Island
Innoshima Island is an island belonging to Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and is famous for the castle and museum of the “Innoshima Murakami Kaizoku (因島村上海賊),” pirates who once boasted the largest scale in Japan.
Ikuchishima Island
Ikuchishima Island belongs to Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture and is known as an art spot with an unique exhibition called “The Art Museum of the Whole Island”.
Omishima Island
Omishima Island belongs to Imabari City (今治市), Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県), and there are many attractions on the island such as cafes, museums, food, onsen, and scenic spots overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
Hakatajima Island
Hakatajima Island belongs to Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, and is known as “Salt Island” because of its thriving salt industry. In addition, you can enjoy the beautiful beach and the great views of the many islands overlooking bridges of Shimanami from the observatory on the top of the mountain.
Oshima Island
Oshima Island belongs to Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, and is the last island on the Shimanami Kaido. The view from the observation deck of Mt. Kiro is superb.
