Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan

Cross the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge to the Oshima side and Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan is right there. With a direct-sales shop, restaurant, BBQ area and cruise pier in one place, it is one of the most complete stops on Oshima.

It is close to the underside of the bridge, so the view looking up at it is impressive. Stopping here right after crossing lets you see the whole bridge from a different angle. Many cyclists use it as a place to park, rest, refuel and eat.

One of the biggest draws is fresh local seafood.

The Kurushima Strait area is known for firm sea bream and octopus raised in fast currents. At the direct-sales corner you can buy fresh seafood and processed products, and the restaurant serves sea bream rice, sashimi, octopus dishes and other local seafood.

Sea bream rice (tai-meshi) is a standard dish in this area. Styles vary by region: some cook the fish with the rice, while the Uwajima style serves sea bream sashimi over rice with egg and broth. Whether as fuel for riding or as a taste of local food culture, a meal here can be a highlight of the trip.

The complex has BBQ facilities where you can grill mainly local seafood. Having a BBQ in the sea breeze while looking at the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge is a special time on a Shimanami trip.

Ingredients, charcoal and equipment are provided, so you can come empty-handed (advance booking required). It suits groups and families. If you build it into a cycling day, leave plenty of time in your schedule.

The tidal current cruise from Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan takes you through the rapids of the Kurushima Strait on a small boat. The strait is one of Japan's three great tidal races, with currents reaching more than 20 km/h (about 10 knots).

The cruise passes under the bridges and through swirling water. After seeing the sea from the bridge on your bike, you experience it from a boat, which gives you a better sense of how the islands and sea fit together.

The cruise takes about 30 minutes. It may be canceled depending on weather and currents, so ask in advance or check the information on the day.

The complex is clearly designed with cyclists in mind, with bike stands and plenty of parking space. If you are coming from Imabari, it is the first major rest stop after the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, good for drinks, food and a stretch.

For cyclists riding from Onomichi to Imabari, it is the last major rest stop before Imabari. Many riders finish their trip with a meal here before crossing the bridge into Imabari.

From Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan you can add Mt. Kiro Observatory Park (about 20–30 minutes by car or bike) and the Murakami Kaizoku Museum (toward Miyakubo, about 15 minutes by car) to see Oshima's main sights together.

Oshima is a separate island from Imabari. It is linked by bridge but still has a quiet island feel. A loop of the island starting and ending at Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan is a good way to explore Oshima. See the Shimanami Kaido cycling guide for the full route.