When traversing one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world, Shimanami Kaido, the Sunrise Itoyama will be an important landmark that marks the beginning of the route for those starting out from Shikoku, and a finish line for those who came from Hiroshima. In addition to bicycle rentals and public showers, the adjoined lodge provides a view of Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge from every one of its rooms.

The Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge is the longest on the Shimanami Kaido, boasting a length of 4 kilometers connecting Imabari to Oshima. The first triple suspension bridge in the world, it took over nine years to build. The soaring feeling as you ride across the length of the bridge while taking in the view of the many beautiful islands of Setouchi is indescribeable.

If you want to get a real sense of the grand scale of Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, the best viewpoint is just below the bridge on Umashima, an island accessible by an elevator located halfway accross the bridge. It is possible to board the elevator with a bicycle. Here natural wonders such as whirpools can be seen, as well as caves that only appear when the tide goes out.

This road station is located at the point where the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge reaches Oshima. If you stop here you must try the seafood barbecue, which customers can grill themselves. Yellowtail, horned turban, sea bream, cod, octopus, eel, abalone, and many more of the sea's blessings to humankind can be enjoyed here. Another important feature is the ferry tour that takes you up close to the whirpools of Kurushima-Kaikyo.

Kirosan Observatory is one of the best scenic spots in Setouchi. The view of the sky, the sea, and the moutains all together is so beautiful it looks like a painting. The natural beauty is then provided contrast with man-made features like the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, ships sailing by, and the city of Imabari which can be seen in the distance. Depending on the season, time of day, and the weather, the view from this point will always provide a new surprise.

Out of over 400 rose species that color the Yoshiumi Rose Garden, one rose in particular was a gift from France in commemoration of the opening of Shimanami Kaido. The adoining restaurant serves local delicacies such as "Sea Bream Cutlet", as well as dishes that use various herbs, plus herb teas and rose flavour ice creams for a luxurious experience.

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.

In contrast to the Kirosan Observatory, where the islands of the Seto Inland Sea are seen from a distance, the Karei-zan Observatory, located on the north-east end of Oshima, provides a much closer view of the islands and their green mountains. If you happen to get hungry while sightseeing, the curry with octopus at Tomi Chaya cafe is an excellent choice, though it is limited to 25 customers per day.

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.

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.

This campsite, located at the foot of Tatara-Ohashi, offers several camping style options including seaside camping, RV camping, and cottages. Kitchens and hot spring baths are also available, making this a comfotable and cosy place to camp. Be sure to check out Tatara-Ohashi when it is all lit up at night.

This Japanese calligraphy museum represents mainly Mishima Murakami, an artist from Omishima, and houses over 4,000 of his and other artists' artworks. Not only his calligraphy work, but also the tools and the studio that he actually used are also on display, giving visitors the opportunity to discover the background behind the artist's work. There is also an observatory passage which opens up to a view of Tatara Ohashi and the Seto Inland Sea.

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

Founded in 1986, the Omishima Museum displays work created by active contemporary Japanese artists. Special exhibitions are held four to five times a year on average, featuring mainly artists born after 1940. The walls of the museum are covered with washi (Japanese paper), adding a unique touch to the overall atmosphere.

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.

Hiroshima perfecture accounts for the highest production of lemons in Japan. Ikuchi Island in particular is number one for the production of lemons in Hiroshima. The color of the lemon fields changes from one season to the next; in May the lemon trees flower, from October to December the young fragrante green lemons appear, and from December until spring the vivid yellow lemons become mature.

No where else in Setouchi offers white sandy shores and a sunset view as beautiful as here. Spend a lazy afternoon on sea kayaks or stand-up paddle boards (SUP), or a play with your kids on the water playground in the shallow water. Camp sites are located near by as well, making this an excellent place to stay for over days.

This speciality shop serving roast chicken is found on a corner of the Shiomachi Shopping Street. The secret to their signature taste, which can only be found here, is in the special soy sauce, a recipe passed down through generations. Cyclists often stop here to enjoy the juicy and flavorful chicken of Tamaki-Shoten.

Okatetsu-Shoten was originally a butcher, though most people now come here for their beef croquettes. These delicious snacks have been featured more than 70 times on Japanese television. The richly seasoned potato blended with sweet ground beef never fail to delight all those who try them. The cosy, local atmosphere of this shop only adds to the enjoyment.

While it is now called a museum, Kosanji is a well-established temple. Built by entrepreneur Kozo Kosanji as a symbol of gratitude to his mother, this temple features Buddhist art, modern art, and collections from the Kosanji family. There is also a garden of marble work called the Colle Della Speranza. With 5,000 square meters of space to explore, this marble garden is a must-see spot.

This museum contains historical documents realting to the Murakami Suigun pirates, the greatest band of pirates in Japanese history. The structure immitaites the form of Japanese castles. Even its location -- the top of a hill -- is representative of Japanese castle design. Old documents, armor, weapons, and makimono (scrolls) from the past give visitors a profound glimpse into the past. The views from here of the Seto Inland Sea are also fantastic.

This scenic viewpoint is the most important on Innoshima. 700 stone buddhas of different postures and expressions called Gohyaku-rakan form a line from the gate of the temple all the way to the top. This striking scene, with buddha statues merging with natural beauty in this way can only be found here in Setouchi.