Things to Do

Nothing puts you into a dreamy, festive mood like an island cruise. Hop on a catamaran built by our expert marine craftsman Sam, a New Zealand transplant, and explore the islands. Float, drift, play... the sea is yours to discover!

Travel over the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and to the Ohshima Kirosan Observatory Park on an e-bike! E-bikes make it easy to travel up inclines that would be difficult on a regular bicycle, making this route accessible to people of all abilities. Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, or “the crown bridge,” is the biggest attraction along the Shimanami Kaido. This four-kilometer suspension bridge hangs 65 meters over the ocean, creating a dramatic effect that combines the majesty of nature with a massive manmade structure. Next, you’ll head to the observation park on the top of Mt. Kiro, located at the southern tip of Ohshima and ranked No. 2 in the 2017 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for Japan observatories. The view of the Kurushima Straits seen from the top is also listed among Best 88 Sights in Shikoku. The view from the observation park is said to be the best on the Shimanami Kaido, and on a clear day you can see Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in Western Japan. The beauty of blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea stretching out into the distance, dotted with charming islands, is a must-see.

This tour kicks off at the Imabari Station Cycling Terminal and covers about 15 kilometers, making it perfect for beginning and intermediate cyclers. Take your time wandering around central Imabari, which was once the town at the foot of Imabari Castle, and then head towards Shimanami for Hashihama. Hashihama is one of Japan’s top shipbuilding towns, and it’s amazing to see the huge ships greet you from the port. From the shipbuilding town, you’ll hop on a ferry with your bicycle and head to “horse island,” Umashima. Umashima is located about halfway along the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. It’s a tiny island with a population of just over ten people and closed to vehicle traffic except for the local residents--being able to experience it is a rare opportunity. After cruising around the island looking up at the top of the massive bridge, it’s time for the main event: the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge itself. As you cycle over the four kilometers of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, you’ll see the islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea below. The massive scale of nature combined with the massive bridge leaves an impact that you’ve got to experience to believe. The tour ends with lunch at a scenic restaurant overlooking the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge.

The gods are said to dwell in Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in Western Japan. An underground spring known as Uchinuki flows from Mt. Ishizuchi and bubbles up in the city of Saijo at the base of the mountain. The spring is counted among the hundred best water sources in Japan. It’s an area that has been blessed with natural beauty since ancient times, both protected and sustained by the mountains. This tour around Saijo gives you the best of the sea, the rivers, and the mountains. You’ll encounter the Uchinuki spring, which bubbles up at some 3,000 locations throughout the city, as well as clear rivers, expansive rural vistas, and more. Your bicycle-savvy local guide will show you the best places to go by bicycle. You’ll visit temples and shrines rich with culture and history, plus a popular café that serves sweets made using water from the Uchinuki spring. We’ve also got e-bikes available for those who want to tackle even steep climbs with ease, so you can participate in the tour stress-free!

Pick one of the four islands along the Yumeshima Kaido (Iwagijima, Ikina, Sajima, or Yugeshima) for a yoga experience. There are great spots to practice yoga throughout the islands of the Yumeshima Kaido, which is accessible by ferry from of Ikuchijima and Innoshima on the Shimanami Kaido. The Yumeshima Kaido is shorter and with fewer inclines than the Shimanami Kaido, making it an easier route that even beginners can enjoy. The four islands of the Yumeshima Kaido, surrounded by the tranquil waters of Setouchi, feature a variety of sights and sounds that change with the weather and the time of day. You’ll get to practice yoga at one of the great spots recommended by an island expert, surrounded by the sound of the waves and the sound of birds on gentle ocean breezes. Experience the deep relaxation that comes from natural breathing techniques and movements suited to any level of fitness, allowing you to leave all your cares behind. This package is great for everyone--from small children to adults, making it a great option for friends and families traveling together. Give yourself the gift of gentle, healing physical movement. After the experience, you’ll be served lemonade from Iwagijima--“island of the green lemons”--where lemon and citrus fruits are cultivated. You’re sure to end up refreshed inside and out! The group will meet at a location on the island selected for yoga practice. The tour takes about 60 minutes and includes yoga mat rental as well as lemonade refreshments afterwards. Please wear clothes that are easy to move in. We’ll ask you about your preferred site when you make your reservation, and a representative from WAKKA will call you later to confirm. So, we recommend making your reservations early! (Reservations must be made at least two days in advance.) Get ¥1,000 off a rental bicycle from WAKKA when you package it with your tour.

Let your intuition and your body be your guide as you explore the many great yoga spots on Hakatajima and move when you feel the inspiration! Funaoriseto is a narrow strait between Hakatajima and Ushima islands. The name means “broken ship,” a testament to the fierce currents that flow through it like a river. Hakatajima is covered with great yoga spots, where you can watch the beaches around the red lighthouse transform with the dramatic tides, look out at the ships coming and going from the beach, sit on a covered deck... the options are endless. Even better, you’ll have a smiling yoga teacher at your side to chat with as you enjoy the island scenes. The yoga experience itself will be more than just movement. The teacher will include a pleasant demonstration of soft kirtan chanting that will allow you to surrender completely to the slow movement of time. As you look out at the tranquil flow of nature, you’ll feel your soul relax from within. Experiencing yoga amidst the many changing faces of Shimanami might mean being bathed in the sea breezes, feeling the sand in your bare feet, or even watching the sun set over your practice on a clear day. You can also choose to move between the different yoga sites by car or by bicycle. This is a two-hour package that must be reserved at least two days in advance. A yoga mat and yoga towel are included. Just come in comfortable clothes you can move around in and bring your own water. The group will meet at the Marine Oasis Hakata parking lot, which is located at 1668-1 Kanoura, Hakatacho. We’ll give you more information when you make your reservation. Get ¥1,000 off a rental bicycle from WAKKA when you package it with your tour.

This combination package includes a rental bicycle and cruise, so you can enjoy land and sea right in the heart of the Shimanami Kaido! The round-trip tour departs from WAKKA on Omishima and takes you to Ikuchijima for cycling and a cruise. You’ll be on the tour for three hours, during which you’ll cruise between Setoda Port and WAKKA one way, and cycle the other way. Choose from either a clockwise route with about 22 km of cycling distance or a counterclockwise route with about 10 km of cycling. During the cruise, you’ll glide through the tranquil waters of Setouchi and catch a rare glimpse of the Tatara Bridge from directly below. E-bikes (sports bikes with electric pedal assist) are available for the cycling portion, so you’ll have no trouble with the incline across the bridge. This tour is full of incredible sights that are perfect for cycling, including the Tatara Bridge that marks the border between Hiroshima and Ehime prefectures and the lemon groves of Ikuchijima--which boasts the highest lemon production in Japan. The tour will include a short break, with time to grab lunch and walk around in the Shiomachi shopping district in Setoda. This package is designed for those who are at least 149 cm tall. Please contact us if you do not meet the minimum height requirement. Package includes rental bicycle, helmet, key, cruise, life jacket, and insurance. Same-day reservations accepted. Please wear clothes and shoes that are easy to move around in and bring your ID. We have several add-ons available, including drinks (with snacks), extended bicycle rental, accompanying guide, and more. Ask about your options when you make your reservation!

Rent the latest e-bike from SPECIALIZED, one of the world’s top sports bike manufacturers, for an island cycling tour. Guests will get the latest SPECIALIZED Turbo Vado SL. Sports bikes with electric pedal assist are expertly engineered to make inclines and long distances a breeze--even if you’re traveling over bridges or through mountainous terrain. Get all the thrill of cycling Shimanami without the strenuous work! Several route options are available, including a route along the north end of Omishima where you can enjoy a leisurely ride along the coast (about two hours/17 km) and a full loop around Omishima ending with a spectacular sunset (about 3–4 hours/41 km), an easy route with a full loop around the coast of Ikuchijima (about 3–4 hours/40 km) and more. You can travel the Tobishima Kaido (about 40 km) by cycling from Omishima (the hub of the Geiyo Islands), taking a ferry to Okamura Island and riding through Kure in western Hiroshima, or you can ride along the Yumeshima Kaido through Iwagijima, Ikina, Sajima, and Yugeshima islands. The possibilities are endless--you’re not limited to the Shimanami! If you’re looking for a way to take in everything on the Shimanami Kaido from beginning to end--and everything in between--this is the package for you! Additional package options include saddlebags, extra battery, cycling guide, shower, refreshment pack, taxi arrangements, and more. Reservations accepted same-day or up to six months in advance. Riders must bring an ID and proper footwear. There are no age restrictions, but riders must be at least 149 cm tall. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Get ¥1,000 off your bicycle rental price when you package it with select activities.

Experience a fun Setouchi adventure that starts and ends at WAKKA. This short trip lasts two hours and travels just 1.4 kilometers, so it’s a great option for people who might otherwise be concerned about their fitness level. English-speaking guides are available and insurance is included. Mt. Anjin is one of the three sacred mountains of Oyamazumi Shrine. Unique scenes of verdant trees and craggy rocks make this hike a delight from beginning to end, even up steep inclines. You’ll be greeted by a tiny shrine at the summit. Spectacular views from the top are coupled with refreshing breezes from the base of the mountain. Enjoy 360º views of classic Setouchi beauty, complete with its numerous islands. For a moment, the stunning panorama will make you completely forget the work it took to get there. The trail includes some slippery areas, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear and comfortable clothes. Please bring your own water. You can reserve your spot up to an hour in advance on the day of the hike, but earlier reservations are recommended to ensure you get a spot (same-day reservations do not include insurance). Additional options include a route that takes you to the Mt. Washigatozan observatory (featuring amazing views of the second of the three sacred mountains), the beautiful Geiyo Islands, and Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge far in the distance. You can even opt to have your adventure filmed by a drone action camera! Get ¥1,000 off a rental bicycle from WAKKA when you package it with your tour.

This casual short cruise from WAKKA is an easy way to enjoy views of the Tatara Bridge and the islands of Setouchi. Nothing but a cruise can give you that exhilarating feeling of slicing through the fresh ocean breezes while taking in endless views of the beautiful Setouchi islands great and small--not to mention the unforgettable impact of looking up at the massive Tatara Bridge from below. It’s an experience like no other, and one you certainly don’t want to miss. The cruise is a private charter, and can be rented out any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. as long as it’s before sunset. The cruise takes about 20 minutes, and comes with an English-speaking guide and insurance. Same-day reservations are accepted up to one hour prior to departure, but earlier reservations are recommended to ensure you get a spot. (Same-day reservations do not come with insurance.) Note that advance reservations are required, and must be made at least an hour before departure time. You also have the option of adding an action-packed video and stills of your trip filmed by a drone action camera (comes with basic editing), creating a special memory of your trip to Shimanami! (Advance reservations required.)