Islands Guide
The Islands of the Shimanami Kaido
Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima and Oshima: each of the six islands that make up the Shimanami Kaido has a completely different character. Here is what each island is like, its highlights, local food and how long to spend there.
Mukaishima
向島HiroshimaThe first island, with simple island life
The first island on the Shimanami Kaido, linked to Onomichi by ferry. There are no big tourist sights, but shipyards, flower growing and fishing villages keep the everyday feel of a Seto Inland Sea island. Many travelers pass through it as the first island of their ride.
Highlights
- ▸Riding the ferry
- ▸Mukaishima cycling road
- ▸Tachibana Beach
Food
Enjoy Onomichi food at the start of the route before crossing
Time to spend
Pass through to 2 hours
(varies with your stops)
Innoshima
因島HiroshimaIsland of the Murakami navy and hassaku citrus
Home base of the Murakami navy (the Innoshima Murakami), which controlled the medieval Seto Inland Sea. Its history still lives on in the island’s sights. It is also the birthplace of the unusual hassaku daifuku sweet, and citrus growing thrives here.
Highlights
- ▸Innoshima Suigun Castle
- ▸Stone Buddhas of Mt. Shirataki
- ▸Hassaku daifuku
Food
Hassaku daifuku (Hassakuya) and citrus juice
Time to spend
2–4 hours (depending on stops)
(varies with your stops)
Ikuchijima
生口島HiroshimaIsland of art and citrus, with the best photo spots
With Kosanji’s Hill of Hope (a marble garden), the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art and Setoda Sunset Beach, this is the Shimanami Kaido’s leading island for culture and sightseeing. It is also known as the lemon island, and Setoda is an area you can explore slowly on foot.
Highlights
- ▸Kosanji and the Hill of Hope
- ▸Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art
- ▸Setoda Sunset Beach
Food
Setoda lemon sweets, seafood and lemonade
Time to spend
Half a day to a full day
(varies with your stops)
Omishima
大三島EhimeIsland of the gods, the largest Shimanami island
The largest of the Shimanami islands and the “island of the gods,” home to Oyamazumi Shrine, which enshrines the god of mountains and sea. It has Tatara Shimanami Park, a sanctuary for cyclists, and citrus groves and quiet coastline cover the island.
Highlights
- ▸Oyamazumi Shrine
- ▸Michi-no-Eki Tatara Shimanami Park
- ▸Cycling around the island
Food
Sea bream rice and citrus such as mandarins and iyokan
Time to spend
Half a day to a full day
(varies with your stops)
Hakatajima
伯方島EhimeIsland of Hakata salt and cherry blossoms
An island known across Japan for Hakata salt. Hirakiyama Park in the middle of the island is a cherry blossom spot where about 3,000 trees bloom in spring, with views over the Kurushima Strait. Many people pass straight through, but it is well worth a stop.
Highlights
- ▸Hirakiyama Park (cherry blossoms and views)
- ▸Hakata salt soft-serve
- ▸Marine Oasis Hakata
Food
Salt soft-serve and foods made with salt
Time to spend
1–3 hours
(varies with your stops)
Oshima
大島EhimeGuardian of the Kurushima Strait, an island of views and history
Lying just off Imabari, Oshima is the last Shimanami island, linked by the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge. With the view from Mt. Kiro, the Murakami Kaizoku Museum and Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan, it has plenty to see. Miyakubo is also closely linked with the Murakami pirates.
Highlights
- ▸Mt. Kiro Observatory Park
- ▸Murakami Kaizoku Museum
- ▸Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan
Food
Sea bream rice, octopus dishes and BBQ with a tidal current cruise
Time to spend
Half a day to a full day
(varies with your stops)
Which Shimanami island should you stay on?
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