【45.9 km】Cycle four remote islands on the east side of the Shimanami Kaido
The Yumeshima Kaido Cycling Route
The Yumeshima Kaido is a cycling route in the town of Kamijima, Ehime Prefecture. The 45.9 km route made up of islands stretches out on the east side of the Shimanami Kaido. The three islands of Yugeshima, Sashima, and Ikinajima are linked by bridges, and it’s possible to freely cycle back and forth. The Iwagi Bridge that is scheduled to open in 2022 will connect Ikinajima and Iwagijima islands, so in the future cyclists will undoubtedly pay even more attention to this route.
It’s possible to take the shortest trip of 9 km by crossing the Ikina and Yuge bridges that connect the three islands of Yugeshima, Sashima, and Ikinajima. If you have the time, we recommend taking a leisurely tour around the outer boundaries of the three islands, as well as the neighboring Iwagijima Island.
You can get to the Yumeshima Kaido by high-speed boat or ferry from Imabari Port or Habu Port on Innoshima Island. Though you can start your cycling trip on the Yumeshima Kaido from any of the islands, we recommend starting from Yugeshima Island where you can gather sightseeing information at a Cycle Oasis. Please note that some high-speed boats (Geiyokisen) that depart from Imabari Port don’t allow bicycles on board, depending on the time of day.
Route attraction
Cycle Oasis is a place to rest and interact with local residents and cyclists who come from around the world. One such place designated a Cycle Oasis is Yuge Sea Station Flat on Yugeshima Island. Not only can you collect sightseeing information, but there is also an array of services that cyclists appreciate, including toilets, a laundromat, showers, Wi-Fi, and bicycle pumps. It’s a spot that you’ll want to use as a base for the Yumeshima Kaido cycling route.
This mountain stands 369.8 m high in the middle of Iwagijima Island. There is a well-maintained mountain trail measuring approx. 4 km that runs up to the mountaintop from the gateway to Iwagijima Island, Iwagi Port. We also recommend it for taking a short hike. Mt. Sekizen Observatory at the top of the mountain affords a full, 360-degree panoramic view. The scenery visible from there is magnificent. You can see islands floating below in the Seto Inland Sea, and the Chugoku and Shikoku mountains in the distance. Mt. Sekizen is also famous for being a great place to view cherry blossoms. Every year in early April around 3,000 cherry trees turn the mountain pink, and the mountain is busy with people coming from all over Japan to view the cherry blossoms.
START
SPOT 1
Start your trip from Yuge Sea Station Flat, which is right next to Yugeshima Port. This facility is a registered Cycle Oasis that serves as a place to rest and interact with local residents and cyclists. Here, you can collect sightseeing information as well as utilize the many services that cyclists appreciate, including toilets, a laundromat, showers, Wi-Fi, and bicycle pumps. You’ll want to use this site as a base for the Yumeshima Kaido cycling route.
SPOT 2
This spot serves delicious dishes made from ingredients harvested on the island, and has services cyclists appreciate such as bicycle pumps and drinking water. You’ll definitely want to try the great-tasting dishes of “lemon pork sauté” prepared using pork raised on lemons from the island mixed into their feed, and “tsumina lunch” cooked with fresh herbs that grow wild on the island.
SPOT 3
This direct-to-consumer market is located inside the shopping center, Seaside Mall Yuge and sells island specialties and other products. The array of island products includes fresh fruits and vegetables, and handmade prepared foods. Search for items that can only be experienced here, such as “tsumina cookies,” baked treats incorporating seasonal flowers and leaves, and “carrot cake” made from carrots harvested on the island.
SPOT 4
At this café you can enjoy homemade bread and home-roasted coffee. It’s housed in a renovated storehouse of an old home built over a hundred years ago. Customers are captivated by the simple atmosphere that blends into the Yugeshima Island scenery. The menu has numerous offerings, but we especially recommend cyclists try the baked goods, such as muffins and chocolate brownies that provide plenty of calories. Relax and enjoy them on the sofa inside the café or the veranda in the inner courtyard.
SPOT 5
This artwork appears on a seawall right near Omori Shrine in the Kujiura area on the northern tip of Yugeshima Island. It’s one of the award-winning pieces of art from the “Setouchi Kamijima Art Project 2019 Breakwater Painting Competition” that sought submissions from young artists throughout Japan. The brightly colored piece based on a “rainbow” theme presents a beautiful contrast to the blue sea and is known as a great spot to take a photo.
SPOT 6
This area is dotted with picturesque spots that overlook Hiuchinada Sea, an area of the Seto Inland Sea. Unlike the view on the west side of Yugeshima Island where the islands nestle together on the Seto Inland Sea, in Yuge Otani located on the east side of Yugeshima Island you can enjoy the sight of small islands floating here and there on the vast seascape. We especially recommend early morning when you can view the beautiful rising sun.
SPOT 7
This resort hotel offering oceanfront views is located approximately 5 km from Yuge Otani along Prefectural Road No. 172 in the direction of Matsubara Beach. The hotel is attractive not only for guestrooms with private balconies, but also for open-air baths with a spacious feel facing the Seto Inland Sea. The baths are also open to non-overnight guests, so it’s a spot you’ll want to visit when cycling to soothe your fatigued body.
SPOT 8
The park is near Yuge Bridge, which links Yugeshima and Sashima islands, and is known as a great place to view cherry blossoms in spring. After taking a break in the park, cross the 980 m Yuge Bridge to Sashima Island.
SPOT 9
The blue line appearing on the cycling route is a guideline drawn so that cyclists don’t stray from the route and drivers of cars are careful of bicycles. On the southern tip of Sashima Island there is an unusual blue line indicating a U-turn that has become a bit of a sightseeing spot for cyclists. Beyond this blue line you can reach Nagaiso Beach, known as a hidden beach.
SPOT 10
The construction of this park commemorated the opening of Ikina Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge spanning 515 m that links the islands of Sashima and Ikinajima. It’s an enthralling place that lets you look up from the park to see the bridge. If you cross to Ikinajima Island, in addition to viewing Tateishi Port and breakwater art such as “Everyone’s Whale,” you can see Iwagijima Island from the west side of the island. To cross to Iwagijima Island, you have to go back to Yugeshima Island first and go from there on a high-speed boat. (The Iwagi Bridge connecting Ikinajima and Iwagijima islands is scheduled to open in 2022.)
SPOT 11
You have to return to Yugeshima Island to head to Iwagijima Island. If you take the high-speed boat from Yuge Port, you’ll arrive at Iwagijima Island in about 15 min. The high-speed boat leaves about every one to two hours, so if you have time until departure, we recommend you unwind while looking out on Yuge Bridge and Ikina Bridge from Hidamari Park, which is right near Yuge Port. It’s fully furnished with bicycle stands, so cyclists can also relax with peace of mind.
SPOT 12
The first thing that captures your attention after arriving at Iwagi Port is Mt. Sekizen standing in the middle of Iwagijima Island. A well-maintained mountain trail is also perfect for hiking, and at the top of the mountain is Mt. Sekizen Observatory that offers a full, 360-degree panoramic view. Below, you can see islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea, and the Chugoku and Shikoku mountains in the distance. Cherry trees line the mountain trail, and it’s also a well-known spot for viewing cherry blossoms in spring.
SPOT 13
Farmers that grow lemons on Iwagijima Island opened this restaurant, which is well-known for cuisine made with lemons. You can fully enjoy dishes prepared with fresh ingredients harvested from the Seto Inland Sea and mountains that showcase lemons grown on Iwagijima Island. The reservation-only restaurant requires reservations for four or more, so be sure to call in advance. Incidentally, the restaurant name “Debeso” in the local dialect means “busybody.” Enjoy the welcoming hospitality of the three “busybody” staff.
GOAL
The end of the cycling trip takes you from Iwagi Port by high-speed boat to Imabari Port. You’ll arrive in approximately 1 hour. The high-speed boat leaves eight times a day, but may not allow bicycles to be taken on board, depending on the boat and load. Be sure to check the Geiyokisen website in advance before boarding.
Start Point
By high-speed boat
Approx. one hour from Imabari Port to Yuge Port; close to Yuge Port by bicycle
End Point
By high-speed boat
Approx. one hour from Imabari Port
Plenty of information to help with cycling in Ehime!
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