Sightseeing Routes
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Route3
(The Shimanami Sea Route)
Enjoy
the gentle sea-breeze while traversing the islands of the Shimanami seacoast
(The Shimanami Sea Route)
Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Terminal ~
Oyamazumi Shrine ~ Tatara Shimanami Park
~ Murakami Suigun Museum ~ Kirosan Observatory
(Please note that specific closure dates for the New Years period are not included on this page.)
<Features of this route>
Dozens of beautiful islands dot the seascape of the Seto Inland Sea, hence the title, "the Mediterranean of Japan." These islands are linked by the 10 bridges of the Shimanami Sea Route along which lies a top-rate cycling trail. Let the gentle sea-breezes caress you while peddling amidst breathtaking scenery and exploring a region that has played a key part in Japan's maritime history dating back to the middle ages.
From Matsuyama:
Access : Train: Take the JR Yosan-Line Limited Express from
JR Matsuyama Station
to JR Imabari Station.(37 minutes; fare: 1,430yen)
Bus: From JR Imabari Station, take the Setouchi Bus bound for Ohama (via
Koura) and
get off at the Tenbo-dai Iriguchi Stop (22 minutes; fare: 330yen).
Then walk to the cycling terminal (2 minutes)
Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Terminal
The Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Terminal is situated at the entrance of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges, the world's first triple-linked suspension bridge. The terminal has accommodation facilities, a bicycle rental service, tourist information, a kiosk and a restaurant. Sunrise Itoyama is the Ehime-side starting point for the popular 80 km bicycle ride from Imabari (Ehime) to Onomichi (Hiroshima). The sensation of a gentle sea-breeze while riding this impressive coastline is something not to be missed. Rental cycles from Sunrise Itoyama may also be dropped off at designated points along the route. (Electric power-assisted bikes are also available for rental, however, they must be returned to the terminal)
Location: 2-8-1 Sunaba-cho, Imabari-city
Open: April-September: 8:00 am-8:00 pm; October-March: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
(The terminal is open daily year round; however, some closures are possible due to conditions etc.)
Bicycle rental: 500yen. Electric power-assisted bicycle: 800yen
Deposit: 1,000yen for all rental bikes.
(There is no deposit refund for bicycles not returned to the terminal)
Bridge tolls: A toll fee must be paid at the toll gates when crossing the bridges:
Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges 200yen; Tatara Bridge 100yen; All other bridges 50yen
Access: For cyclists who, after crossing the
Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges,
have returned their bicycles at the Yoshiumi Rent-a-Cycle Terminal
Bus: from the Shitadami Port Stop take the Setonaikai Kotsu Bus to Omishima.
(40 minutes, 600yen). Get off at the Oyamazumi Jinja-mae Stop.
Oyamazumi Shrine
Over the centuries it has been believed that the deity of the Oyamazumi Shrine has been a protector of the mountains and the sea. The Shrine grounds feature a large stand of camphor trees said to be more than 2,600 years old, which are designated as Natural Treasures. An atmosphere of solemnity abounds in this quiet haven. The shrine museum's collection of artifacts account for 80% of all the body armor and armory designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties.
Location: Miyaura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-city
Open: Shrine grounds and Museum collection: 8:30 am-5:00 pm (admission until 4:30 pm); Open daily all year round
Admission: 1,000yen for entry to both the Shrine Museum and Maritime Museum
Access: Bus: from the Oyamazumi Jinja-mae Bus
Stop, take either the Setouchi Bus
or Iyotetsu Bus bound for Matsuyama (Approximately 10 minutes; fare: 260yen).
Get off at the Omishima Bus Stop. Alternatively, take the Setonaikai Kotsu
Bus bound for Dehashiri
from the Oyamazumi Jinja-mae Stop, and get off at the Omishima Bus Stop.
(13 minutes; fare: 260yen)
Tatara Shimanami Park
Tatara Bridge is the longest expansion bridge in the world and situated just before the bridge is a tourist center selling a huge variety of local produce and delicacies. The restaurant here specializes in highly recommended hirame (flatfish) dishes. Another feature of this park is the ÔBell of Happiness' brought to the park all the way from France. Why not give it a ring for luck?
Location: 9180-2 Inokuchi, Kamiura-cho, Imabari-city
Open daily all year round 9:00 am~5:00 pm. Note: restaurant is closed Wednesdays (subject to change)
Time required: Approximately 1 hour
Access: Bus: from the Omishima Bus Stop, take
either the Setouchi Bus or Iyotetsu Bus bound for
Matsuyama (16 minutes; fare: 310yen) or take the Setonaikai Kotsu Bus bound
for Imabari Sanbashi
(19 minutes; fare: 310yen).Get off at the Ishibunka-koen Stop. From the
Ishibunka-koen Stop either take
the Setonaikai Kotsu Bus bound for the Oshima Eigyosho (4 minutes; fare:
110yen)
or walk to the museum (Approximately 15 minutes).
Murakami Suigun Museum
The museum features displays about the historical figure Murakami Suigun, who lived here about 500 years ago. There are fascinating model displays and illustrations portraying Setonaikai life in those times, as well as battles fought by the Maritime Warriors of Murakami and the colorful maritime history of the area. Highlights include the opportunity to try on traditional Japanese kimonos and armor, a popular attraction for museum visitors, while the scenic view from the 3rd-floor observation room is truly spectacular.
Location: Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari-city
Open: 9:00 am~5:00 pm. Closed: Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission: 200yen. Time required: 40-60 minutes
Access: Walk: Approximately 15 minutes from
the Oshima Eigyosho Stop to Kirosan Observatory
Bus: From the Oshima Eigyosho take the Setonaikai Kotsu Bus bound for Shitadami
Port & Mukuna
(Approximately 10 minutes; fare: 220yen). Get off at the Yoshiumi Shisho
Stop.
Taxi: From Oshima Eigyosho costs approximately 1,600yen and takes 10 minutes.
Kirosan Observatory
The park boasts sensational views of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridges standing among hundreds of islands beautifully scattered over the Seto Inland Sea. The modern observation deck is cleverly designed and built halfway into the ground of the hillside so as not to spoil the natural surroundings.
Location: Kirosan, Yoshiumi-cho, Imabari-city
Entry is free
Time required: Approximately 30 minutes
Tide
ride (Experience the currents of the Seto Inland Sea)
Experience firsthand a boat-ride on fast 9-knot currents and view swirling whirlpools from close-range. Take this rare opportunity to feel first hand the incredible force and dynamism of nature, from the safety of a boat of course!
Location: 1293-2 Miyakubo,Miyakubo-cho, Imabari-city (In front of Murakami Suigun Museum)
Open: 9:00am~4:00pm
Boats: are available for departure anytime on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays. Bookings are required on weekdays (2 or more people only, 3 days in advance).
Closed: Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday), year-end and new-year holidays.
Fare: 1,000yen
Time required: Approximately 30 minutes
Access: From JR Imabari Station take the Setouchi Bus bound for Omishima(32 minutes, 620yen)or take a Setonaikai Kotsu Bus(25 minutes, 620yen). Then, change buses at the Yoshiumi Shisho Mae Stop to a Setonaikai Kotsu Bus bound for Tomoura(18 minutes, 260yen) and get off at the Todaiguchi Stop(You can change buses for Tomoura at Oshima Eigyosho Stop if the bus is bound for Oshima Eigyosho or Hayakawa). And walk 2 minutes.
Towel
Museum ICHIHIRO
Visit
this unique museum, (perhaps there is nothing quite like it worldwide!)
devoted to the fascinating world of towels. From displays featuring the
basics of towel production to the classiest of finished products, a spell-binding
and informative visit is ensured. Visitors can purchase and print their
own original towel designs.The museum also has a restaurant, cafe« and
souvenir shop.
Location: Ko 2930, Asakura-kami, Imabari-city
Open: 9:30 am-6:00 pm (closes at 5:30 pm from November to March)
Restaurant: (Lunch) 11:00 am-3:30 pm; (Dinner) 5:00 pm-9:30 pm
Closed: second Tuesday of the month during January to March
Admission is free, however, entry to the 4th and 5th floor galleries is 800yen
Time required: Approximately 1 hour
Access: take a taxi from JR Nyugawa (Approximately 20 minutes; fare: 2,500yen)
Cherry-blossom
viewing (Noshima, Hirakiyama, Mt. Sekizen)
The
Shimanami Sea Route is also famous for its breath-taking cherry blossom
views.Visit all the islands of Shimanami and enjoy various views of beautiful
cherry blossoms, seen throughout different parts of each island. In this
area, cherry blossoms usually come into full bloom from the end of March
to the beginning of April.
Noshima
Island
The
cherry blossoms of Noshima, former home of Murakami Suigun, are particularly
beautiful when viewed from the vantage point of the Mt. Karei lookout.
During the annual cherry blossom festival, visitors are able to cross
over to Noshima Island itself.
Location: Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari-city
Admission to Mt. Karei Park and lookout is free
Time required: Approximately 1 hour
Access: Tourist boats depart Miyakubo Port for Noshima Island on Saturdays and Sundays at the beginning of April only (cherry blossom season)
Bus: take a Setonaikai Kotsu Bus bound for Omishima (Approximately 25 minutes; fare: 620yen). Change at the Yoshiumi Shisho Stop, and from here take a bus to the Oshima Eigyosho (11 minutes; fare: 220yen). From here it's a 5-minute walk.
Alternatively, take a taxi to Mt. Karei from the Oshima Eigyosho (7 minutes; fare: Approximately 1,400yen)
Hirakiyama
Park (on Hakata Island)
The
view from this point takes in not only the spectacle of 1,000 cherry
blossom trees in full bloom, but is also an excellent vantage point where
three of the bridges can be viewed together.
Location: Ikata, Hakata-cho, Imabari-city
Admission is free
Time required: Approximately 1 hour
Access:
Bus: from JR Imabari Station take the Setonaikai Kotsu Bus bound for Omishima (Approximately 40 minutes, 840yen). Get off at the Hakata Interchange Stop. Then take a taxi (Approximately 10 minutes; fare: Approximately 2,000yen)
Mt.Sekizen
(Iwagi Island)
A
pleasant 4-km stroll up the walking track from the port takes you to
the Mt. Sekizen Observation tower. From here, take in a panoramic view
of the surrounding islands, and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the 3,000
cherry blossom trees in full bloom on hundreds of islands in the Seto
Inland Sea.
Location: Iwagi, Kamishima, Ochi-gun
Entry to the park is free
Time required: Approximately 1 hour
Bus: from JR Imabari Station take a Setouchi Bus bound for Imabari Eigyosho (fare: 130yen).
Get off at the Imabari Sanbashi (pier) Stop.
Ferry: Take a high speed ferry (Geiyo Tourist Ferry) bound for Innoshima (47 minutes; fare: 1,050yen). Get off at Iwagi Port.
(Ferries are also available from Miyakubo and Hakata ports)
