Sunrise Itoyama

If you ride the Shimanami Kaido from the Imabari side, Sunrise Itoyama is the real starting point. Near the approach to the Ehime end of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, it is a base built for cyclists, with a bike rental and return desk, a rest area, an observation deck and accommodation.

Itoyama is the name of the hill it stands on, an ideal spot for looking up at the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge. The observation deck gives a close-up view of the Kurushima Strait and the whole bridge, so it is also a good stop before or after riding.

Bike rental is Sunrise Itoyama's main role. You can ride the Shimanami Kaido from Imabari to Onomichi (or the other way) without bringing your own bike, using the rental stations at major ports and terminals on each island.

The key feature of this system is one-way return. For example, you can rent a bike at Sunrise Itoyama in Imabari and return it at a station in Onomichi, so a one-way trip works. The same applies in the other direction (Onomichi to Imabari).

Main types of bikes available at Sunrise Itoyama:

• Crossbikes (the most common; for beginners to intermediate riders)
• Road bikes (for riders who want to go fast)
• E-bikes (for those worried about hills or their fitness)
• Tandem bikes (two riders; check in advance)

In peak periods (spring and autumn holidays, summer vacation), crossbikes and e-bikes can run out early, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.

From Sunrise Itoyama, a dedicated path near the building leads to the bike and pedestrian entrance of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge (Imabari side). There is a bit of a climb up to the bridge, and first-timers often find "the first hill is hard."

The Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge is a chain of three bridges (the First, Second and Third bridges) about 4 km long in total. From the bridge you see the currents of the Kurushima Strait, the outlines of Oshima and Hakatajima, and the mountains of Shikoku in the distance. It is hard to imagine a better start to a Shimanami trip.

Sunrise Itoyama has an observation deck where you can look up at the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge from fairly close. Standing on the deck and taking in the whole bridge you are about to cross is a popular ritual before setting off.

Mt. Kiro Observatory Park looks down on the bridge from above, while the Sunrise Itoyama deck sees it from almost the same height, which makes it easier to feel the bridge's structure and scale.

Sunrise Itoyama has guesthouse-style accommodation. People use it the night before starting a Shimanami ride, or the night after finishing on the Imabari side.

It has facilities for cyclists (bike storage, showers and more) and can store bikes packed in bike bags. It is popular, so book early around long holidays.

From Imabari Station, Sunrise Itoyama is about 15–20 minutes by community bus or taxi. Imabari Castle and the shopping area around Imabari Station are within reach by car or bus, so you can combine your ride with sightseeing in Imabari.

There is also a parking lot for people who drive here to start cycling. For the trip back, plan to either pack your bike and take the train (rinko) or return from Onomichi by another means of transport.

Sunrise Itoyama is not only a starting point but also a place to get your trip in order. You can check your route, your gear and the weather, and ask the staff for advice before you set off.

For many cyclists it is remembered as the place where they took the first step toward riding across the Shimanami Kaido. See the Shimanami Kaido cycling guide to plan your ride.