What to Do Along the Shimanami Kaido

Cycling

Cycling is definitely the number one thing to do on the Shimanami Kaido. The road has a dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians, so it’s become a popular weekend destination for Japanese bike enthusiasts.. The great thing about cycling the Shimanami Kaido is that you don’t need to bring a bike; everything you need can be rented along the way. For as little as 1,000 yen a day, you can rent a basic bike and hit the road. You can also go a little more upscale and rent a bike from the Giant rental locations in Imabari or Onomichi. The benefit of using the Giant store is that you can reserve a bike in advance and get a much nicer bike, but you will pay a good bit more than if you use the standard Shimanami Kaido rental bikes.

Seto Inland Sea Shimanami Kaido

Hiroshima Prefecture Onomichi City - Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture

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Yoshiumi Rose Park

One of the biggest attractions is the Yoshiumi Rose Park on Oshima Island, where more than 400 types of roses bloom from May until November. There are around 3,500 bushes filled with roses during the peak season, so to say that it’s overwhelming would be an understatement.

Yoshiumi Rose Park

Along with the many roses, there’s another way to enjoy the park’s biggest attraction rose ice cream. Japan has a reputation for its unique ice cream flavors at major attractions and this rose garden is no exception. It’s only 250 yen to try, so what’s to lose?

Yoshiumi Rose Park

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Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Yoshiumichoufukuda 1292

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Setoda “Sunset” Beach

On Ikuchi Island, the white sands of Setoda “Sunset” Beach stretch for 800 meters. As the name implies, it’s an excellent spot for watching the sun set over the mountains of Omishima Island. The beach has plenty of facilities available to rent. You can even grab a cold shower if you’re feeling a little less than fresh from your cycling activities. If you like, you can also rent a tent and grill to have a barbecue on the beach with your friends. In fact, you can rent just about anything to make your stay at Setoda memorable.

Setoda Sunset Beach

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Hiroshima Pref. Onomichishi Setodachoutarumi

0845271100

9:00-17:00[Restaurant]9:00-1…

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Okunoshima

Okunoshima often pops up on the Internet as a strange, must-see destination. Just a little north of Omishima Island, its claim to fame is hundreds of wild rabbits that roam the tiny island. The rabbits are used to the many human visitors, but that doesn’t mean they’re exactly tame either, so watch your fingers if you feed them. You can reach Okunashima from Omishima Island if you go to Tadanoumi Port and take a short ferry for 620 yen.

Okunoshima

Hiroshima Takehara

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Kirosantenbo Park

For a cheap detour, head to Oshima Island’s Kirosantenbo Park for one of the best views of the Shimanami Kaido. This park is technically an observatory on top of a 300-meter tall mountain, so you may have to work a little harder for this view if you’re on a bicycle. Even so, the park features interesting architecture, great food, and even better views.

Kirosan Observation Park

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Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Yoshiumichouminamiura 487-4

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