Reviews,Local Food,Transportation,and Map Information of Shimanami Kaido,Onomichi,Imabari

1.Basic Information

The “Setouchi Shimanami Kaido” is a roughly 60km long highway exclusive for automobiles, which connects Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture. This road connects the islands floating on the beautiful Seto Inland Sea with seven bridges. Each bridge has a path dedicated for bicycles and pedestrians, allowing you to enjoy the scenery of the sea and the islands while moving.

Onomichi City

Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture is the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido on the mainland side, known for its beautiful scenery and atmospheric townscape. This town is famous for its slopes and temples, particularly the “Senkoujikouen”, a popular tourist spot. You can access the park by a 365-meter-long ropeway and enjoy the panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and the town of Onomichi from there.

Mukaishima

This is the first island connected by a bridge from Onomichi City, where you can enjoy an atmosphere full of travel sentiment. From Takamisan in the national park, you can overlook the Seto Inland Sea, and there are many movie locations.

Innoshima

This island was the base of the famous local pirates, the Murakami Navy. From Shiratakiyama, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.

Ikuchijima

It is a citrus production area, especially known for its lemons. Outdoor sculptures are scattered around the island, and there are Setoda Sunset Beach, famous for its beautiful sunset views, and Shiomachi Shopping Street, where you can enjoy local gourmet food.

Oomishima

Called the “Island of Gods” because of the existence of historic shrines. Inside the shrine, there is a divine tree that is about 2,600 years old, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Hakatajima

Known as the “Island of Salt” because salt manufacturing is prosperous. In spring, about a thousand Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom in profusion, and you can overlook the stunning view of the Seto Inland Sea islands interwoven with cherry blossoms.

Ooshima

One of the bases of the Murakami Navy, the island has the Murakami Pirate Museum. The recommended cruising program allows you to experience the tidal currents.

Imabari City

Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture is the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido on the Shikoku side. It is known nationwide as a production area of towels, and there is a “Towel Art Museum” where art and towels are fused. The historical Imabari Castle offers a unique view of seawater being drawn into the moat.

2.Reviews

There is a beautiful cycling road that spans 70km from Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari in Shikoku. You can rent a bicycle and enjoy a partial journey according to your stamina. Although I only traveled part of the way this time, next time I would like to take a two-day overnight trip to tour each island slowly.

In Onomichi City, there are many facilities renovated from old buildings and fashionable shops, which are perfect for taking breaks while exploring. You can also enjoy local souvenirs and gourmet food. The famous Onomichi Ramen was particularly delicious.

I was able to experience the power of the whirlpools up close by boat. It seems that whirlpools are formed due to the tides in this region’s narrow straits. I was able to fully enjoy the cruise over an extended time of about 45 minutes.

3.Local Food

In Onomichi City, you can enjoy not only the famous “Onomichi Ramen” but also “Onomichi-yaki” which became popular on TV dramas, and local fish dishes using fresh fish from the Seto Inland Sea. Onomichi City, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery, culture, and delicious meals, is a town worth visiting.

Introduction to Western Japan’s  Ramen: Part 1

In Western Japan, there are several nationally famous types of ramen. Among them, Onomichi Ramen from Hiroshima Prefecture and Wakayama Ramen from Wakayama Prefecture are particularly well-known. Recently, Toyama Black Ramen, characterized by its black soup, has also gained popularity. Each of these ramen types has its unique flavor, symbolizing the diversity of Japanese ramen culture.

www.japan-trip.fun

Introduction to Wheat-Based Dishes

In Japan, after World War II, menus using wheat flour spread during a time of food scarcity when rice was hard to come by. Particularly, Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki are well-known globally as local Japanese food.

www.japan-trip.fun

Introduction to Donburi Dishes with Seafood

Donburi, a dish of ingredients served over a large bowl of white rice, comes in styles such as seafood donburi where fresh seafood is served over sushi rice, or styles where grilled or simmered seafood is seasoned and served over white rice.

www.japan-trip.fun

4.Transportation Information

When traveling the “Setouchi Shimanami Kaido”, we recommend using Onomichi Station, which is easily accessible on the Hiroshima Prefecture side, as your base. From Onomichi Station, you can use rental bicycles, ferries, and buses. For those who find cycling physically demanding, there are also express buses that run directly from Fukuyama Station, where the Shinkansen stops, to Imabari Station. You can enjoy the view even from the bus window.
Express bus timetable:http://www.setouchibus.co.jp/highway/fukuyama.html

5.Map Information

Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture are located in the Seto Inland Sea and form the start and end points of the “Shimanami Kaido”. These towns have flourished as logistics centers through sea transport since ancient times. Onomichi City, which was spared from the war fire, has numerous temples scattered around, attracting attention as a tourist destination. On the other hand, Imabari City is a city that has developed around the port, with Japan’s leading shipbuilding manufacturer located there, and is known for its shipbuilding industry.
m-shimanami”