The Munakata Harbor is located on the southwest end of Omi Island. Ferries that connect Omi Island with Imabari, Osaki-Kamishima and Okamura Island come and go by this harbor.

Along a gentle slope surronded by mandarin orange groves, two strange polygon-shaped buildings appear. The Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture is Japan's first museum of modern architecture. This museum is filled with exhibitions including some that seek to explore the mind of Toyo Ito. With a view of the ocean as its backdrop, this museum offers plenty of inspiration to its visitors.

Tokoro Museum, located on the slope of a mountain, is a sculpture museum which brings guests closer to the ocean as they move through the collection of 30 sculptures. Enjoying art and beautiful scenery together is one thing all museums in Setouchi have in common, but this one is exceptionally enchanting.

Hakata Salt is one of the most beloved kinds of salt in all of Japan, and this is precisely where that salt comes from. At this factory, the process of how salt is made can be seen from start to finish. There are salt making workshops for kids as well as delicious salt icecream. Enjoy learning about salt, something many of us often take for granted.

This relaxation facility provides guest with access to thalassotherapy, a treatment which involves bathing in seawater. After enjoy the bath with its view of the Seto Inland Sea, guests are treated to local cuisine featuring fresh seafood and vegetables.

Loved by both locals and travelers, Yoshikawa is a restaurant nearing its 40th anniversary. Here guests are treated to classic Japanese dishes such as deep fried shrimps and hamburger steak, as well as local delicacies like seafood tempura and sashimi bowls.

Said to have been first constructed approximately 2,600 years ago, the Oyamazumi Shrine is the head shrine of a network of over 10,000 shrine branches throughout Japan. Here the god of “mountains, seas, and combat” is enshrined. Since its completion countless warriors came here to pray for success in battle over the years. Of all the armor that survives in Japan which has been designated as important cultural treasures, 80% of it is included in this shrine’s collection. The massive camphor tree that has accompanied the shrine on its journey through history is 2,600 years old.

Tairyo is a restaurant that has become quite popular for its excellent cost performance. Their signature seafood bowl is topped with salmon, tuna, hamachi (yellowtail), sea bream, salmon roe and seasonal shellfish, all for the incredible price of 780 yen. The menu is full of classic Japanese dishes such as tempura and steamed seafood and vegetables all reasonably priced.

The owner of Omi Island Minna No Ie set out to create a place where people would drop by every day. The building used to be a legal affairs office, and was renovated by local citizens and the Ito Construction School, over which the architect Toyoo Ito presides. This community space provides a playful atmosphere where locals and travellers can find common ground. There is also a gallery where people can take an item and leave an item -- the idea being that locals and travellers can swap various items with sentimental value.

Marumado Bakery is owned by a couple who moved to Omi Island to enjoy its abundant natural beauty. The many varieties of bread are made using local ingredients of Omi Island. Even the bread is made with the yeast of locally grown mandarin oranges. Their consistent use of local ingredients has garnered the love of many Omi Island residents.

Tatara-Shimanami Road Station is located right by one of Shimanami Kaido's biggest highlights, Tatara-Ohashi. The spectacular view of this bridge is not to be missed. The food here is also very much worth checking out. The restaurant here serves Mahata, a rare species fish, prepared as nigiri sushi, sashimi bowl, or kabutoni-style (broiled fish head). The foodcourt has octopus tempura and fried fish cakes -- two local delicacies of Setouchi.

One spot you must see when cycling around Omi Island is the Cyclist Sanctuary. Built to commemorate the first Cycling Shimanami international cycling race held here in 2014, this stone monument symbolizes a bridge leading the Islands of Setouchi to the future.

The Tatara-Ohashi Observatory provides a great viewing point for Tatara-Ohashi, Japan's longest cable-stayed bridge. Beyond the bridge you can also see some of the surrounding islands. This observatory is also known for its cherry blossoms, and the contrast of pink, green and blue create a picturesque scene when the flowers are in bloom.

Omishima Coffee Roaster is run by a couple who came to Omishima, fascinated by the ocean view and the warm climate. This coffee roaster, which is a 70 year old house that was renovated by the owners, is located along the seashore, providing a pleasant view for customers. The freshly roasted coffee has a rich scent and flavor like no other. Their original coffee blend and homemade sweets that uses lemons of Omishima help make this an excellent spot for a break.

Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum is a semi-outdoor museum designed by Ehime architect Toyoo Ito. There is a total of 44 mother and child themed sculptures made by Ken Iwata on the museum's spacious lawn. Enjoy the beautiful light and breeze of Setouchi at this wonderful museum filled with the loving spirit of children.