Setoda Sunset Beach

Setoda Sunset Beach (nickname: Shimanami Lemon Beach) is Ikuchijima's only beach and serves three roles: swimming, watching the sunset and a cycling base. The sand stretches about 451 m. It has parking for 100 cars (up to 300 in summer), and the shop and bike rental are open all year.

We visited at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026, under clear skies. Before the swimming season, there were only a few people on the beach. The parking lot was about 40% full, and the restaurant, shop and bike rental were open.

Its official nickname is "Shimanami Lemon Beach." It is widely known under two names in Japanese, "Sunset Beach Setoda" and "Setoda Sunset Beach." It is run by TM Sangyo Co., Ltd. (founded 1988) at 1506-15 Setoda-cho Tarumi, Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is open 9:00–17:00 (longer during swimming season) and closed only over the New Year (December 29 to January 3).

A short walk from the parking lot brings you to the beach entrance. The management building is straight ahead, with signs for the restaurant and the bike rental terminal. The layout is easy to follow even on your first visit.

Through the arch, the beach and the Seto Inland Sea open up in front of you. On the right side inside the arch are the bike rental station and shop, where you can arrange a bike or buy souvenirs. On the left is the restaurant, so you can eat before heading to the beach. Just past the arch on the left is the BBQ area, where in summer you see groups combining swimming and a BBQ.

The sand stretches about 451 m. The Seto Inland Sea here is calm, and in the shallows the water is clear enough to see the bottom. Even on our April visit (when the water was too cold for swimming), the clarity of the shallows was obvious. Visibility drops in deeper water, but in the shallow areas used for snorkeling you can see to the bottom.

Along the beach there are shaded rest areas and a walkway, so you can walk the length of the beach without stepping onto the sand.

Along the walkway you will see cycling signs pointing toward the Shimanami Kaido. Setoda Sunset Beach is also a cycling base, and a steady stream of cyclists set off from here toward Imabari.

The bike rental station inside the arch rents various bikes, including e-bikes, so you can rent one and head straight out onto the Shimanami Kaido. Around 11:00 on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (sunny), we watched cyclists setting off one after another from the beach exit.

If you stop by on a bike, you can use the bike parking inside the beach area. On the Ikuchijima section of the Shimanami Kaido, it fits easily into a route after visiting Kosanji Temple and the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art. See the Ikuchijima cycling guide for the island route.

Which facilities are open depends on the season:

Items sold at the shop (tax included)

Lemon marmalade and hassaku marmalade (620 yen each), lemon cookies (480 yen) and other lemon-themed sweets, plus original Setoda Sunset Beach goods such as sports towels (2,200 yen), muffler towels (1,650 yen), hand towels (770 yen), T-shirts (2,950 yen) and stickers (270 yen each). In summer, swimwear, sunscreen and other beach items are also sold.

The sunset that gives the beach its name starts to change 30–60 minutes before the sun goes down. The western sky turns orange and red, and the color reflects on the calm surface of the Seto Inland Sea.

Sunset time varies a lot by season. As a rough guide, it is around 18:30 in April, around 19:15 in summer (July) and around 17:10 in winter (December). If you are coming for the sunset, arrive an hour before so you have time to find a spot.

By car

• From the Honshu side: about 15 minutes by car from Ikuchijima-kita IC on the Shimanami Kaido
• From the Shikoku side: about 10 minutes by car from Ikuchijima-minami IC on the Shimanami Kaido

Parking

• Normal season: 100 cars (free)
• Temporary parking added during swimming season, up to 300 cars
• Large buses: 2
• Motorcycles: 12

At 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in sunny weather, the lot was about 40% full. On summer weekends in swimming season (especially the August holidays), it can fill up early. During swimming season, arriving before 9:00 is safest.

By bike and other means

• About 10–15 minutes by rental bike from Setoda Port
• Buses are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance
• Inquiries: 0845-27-1100 (TM Sangyo Co., Ltd.)

Setoda Sunset Beach is 10–15 minutes by bike from Kosanji Temple and the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art. Visiting the cultural sites in the morning and spending midday to afternoon at the beach is a standard day in Setoda.

Q. When is the swimming season? A. Early July to late August. Outside this period, the showers, changing rooms and BBQ area are not available. The restaurant, shop and bike rental are open all year (except New Year).

Q. Is parking paid? A. In the normal season, parking for 100 cars is free. During swimming season, temporary parking is added, up to 300 cars.

Q. Can I stop by on a cycling trip? A. Yes. There is bike parking and a bike rental station open all year. It is along the Shimanami Kaido route, so it is very convenient to stop by bike.

Q. Is it worth visiting in April, before the swimming season? A. You cannot swim, but you can walk on the beach, eat at the restaurant and rent a bike. Even on a sunny Sunday in April, the parking lot was only about 40% full, nothing like the summer crowds.