Shimanami Kaido
- Oshima and Hakata Island Loop -
【27.2km】Streak through Oshima Island and Hakata Island in the Seto Inland Sea
Shimanami Kaido
- Oshima and Hakata Island Loop -
【27.2km】Streak through Oshima Island and Hakata Island in the Seto Inland Sea
The second island you reach when traveling north on the Shimanami Kaido from Imabari is Hakata Island, historically known for salt production and as a center for maritime trade, while today it is known for the shipbuilding industry. You can take in the dynamic view of huge ships being assembled at the shipyards from the higher ground on the island.
The course around the island is just under 20 kilometers. There are fewer uphill and downhill sections on this route compared to other islands, and it is possible to reach the end in about an hour. On the way you can enjoy beautiful beaches and ample dining options such as Shio-ramen and Shio ice cream (salt flavored ramen and ice cream respectively). Next, you can cross over to Oshima next door where you will find a plethora of sights to see, including the original home base of the Murakami Pirates, the greatest group of pirates in Japanese history. We recommend this route for first time cyclists.
The distance from Imabari to Hakata Island along the Shimanami Kaido is roughly 20 kilometers. You can enjoy the sights of the Seto Inland Sea along the route by bicycle or car, and you can even access the island from Imabari Port. So why not enjoy a cycling trip complete with beautiful views, great dining, and beaches.
- distance27.2km
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level
#Intermediate
Spots
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start
Roadside Station Hakata S.C. Park Marine Oasis Hakata
As its name suggests, Marine Oasis Hakata is a veritable oasis for cyclists. Here one can find facilities such as tennis courts, a park, a beach, and showers, as well as a variety of local cuisine.Hakata Island is known for its quality salt production, and the salt ice cream made here is a must-try local specialty.
Address：1668-1 Kanoura, Hakata-cho, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
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6.6km
Murakami Suigun(Navy) Museum
Several hundred years ago the Murakami Suigun pirates ruled the more than 1,000 islands of Setouchi. Though many of the mysteries about these pirates are still unsolved, at this museum one can see a wide variety of documents and excavated goods linked the story of the Murakami Suigun. If you are deeply interested in Japanese history, this surely is a place you will want to visit.
Address：1285 Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
6.8km
Miyakubo Seto Currents
The great beauty of the Seto Inland Sea stands in contract to the powerful currents caused by the changing tides. On this cruise tour, guests can get a close look at the rushing currents around the former stronghold of the Murakami Suigun pirates, Noshima Castle. Experience the dynamic power of nature that once struck fear in the hearts of this band of pirates, the masters of the Setouchi islands.
Address：1293-2 Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
6.8km
Noshima Suigun's Seafood Barbecue
When it comes to food, Setouchi is nearly synonymous with seafood. At Noshima-Suigun, guests can grill their own seafood caught right here in the Seto Inland Sea on a charcoal grill. Choose from a range of fresh catches such as octopus, squid, turban shell, and a unique mussel-like shellfish called Seto-shell which can only be found here.
Address：1293-2 Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
10.8km
Hakata Oshima Bridge
At 840 meters, the massive bridge that connects Hakata Island and Oshima is unusual in that it consists of a girder bridge and a suspension bridge which are linked together. The views of the blue ocean and Setouchi's many islands seen while cycling across this bridge are breathtaking. While crossing the bridge, one can make a stop on Michika Island, a beautiful uninhabitated island not accessable by car.
Address：Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
14.9km
Patisserie T's café Tamaya
The views from Patisserie T's café, located on the coastline of the Seto Inland Sea, are simply spectacular. Clear blue ocean stretches for as far as the eye can see. The sweets served here made with great attention to quality, and are the ultimate Setouchi indulgence. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at this warm and welcoming cafe.
Address：2328 Arouzuko, Hakata-cho, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
15.8km
Imai-ryu Kachan-tei
Ōmishima yakisoba omlet, and Imabari grilled pork and egg bowl -- these are some of the most popular cheap-eats in Setouchi. Tired cyclists flock to Imai-ryu Kachan-tei for a lineup of local classic dishes that are sure to peak make anyone's mouth water. There is a shopping center located adjascent to the restaurant for those who need to pick up some necessities.
Address：71 Arouzuko, Hakata-cho, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
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17.3km
SALTHOUSE
This renovated guesthouse was once a dentist's office built in the early 1900s. At Salthouse, guests can enjoy a retro lifestyle and an escape from daily life. Located 30 minutes away is the Okiura Beach known for its famous scenic views of the sunrise over the Seto Inland Sea.
Address：1293-3 Kinoura, Hakata-cho, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
17.6km
Hakata Shio Ramen Sanwa
Hakata Shio Ramen Sanwa is a restaurant with locations on Hakata Island and in Hashihama-cho, Imabari-shi. "Salt from the ocean is one of the most precious gifts to humanity," says the owner. Using salt from Hakata, this restaurant serves ramen made with 17 ingredients. The octopus and shellfish bowls are also excellent options.
Address：1650-1 Kinoura, Hakata-cho, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
22km
Akakichi
This Michelin star sushi restaurant serves fish caught with the unusual methods of the famed fishermen of Imabari. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this restaurant serves the freshest of all seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. Their rice-filled dashimaki egg omlet is an excellent closing dish.
Address：1203-8 Kitaura Ko, Hakata-cho, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture View in Google Maps
View Official Website -
Goal
Roadside Station Hakata S.C. Park Marine Oasis Hakata
After eating sushi at Akakichi, one might drive the loop around the Hakatajima Kanjosen (Ehime Prefecture Highway 50), or head back once more to Marion Oasis Hakata. If you are heading back to Imabari, you may want to make a stop here before getting on the bus. This is a great place to take a break and enjoy the last of your time on Hakata Island.
Access
start
Roadside Station Hakata S.C. Park Marine Oasis Hakata
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- By car
<From Shikoku direction>
Approximately 30 minutes ride from Imabari City
<From Honshu (Main Island of Japan) direction>
Approximately 50 minutes ride from Fukuyama, 40 minutes from Onomichi, 1 minute from Hakata-jima IC of Shimanami-Kaido - By bus
Approximately 3 minutes walk from Hakata Bus stop
- By car
Goal
Roadside Station Hakata S.C. Park Marine Oasis Hakata
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