Yuyake Koyake Line

Relish a relaxed ride along the calm Seto Inland Sea

The “Yuyake Koyake Line,” which runs along a beautiful coastline, is the nickname given to the section of National Route 378 that connects Futami Town in Iyo City and Nagahama Town in Ozu City. The horizon is blocked by hardly any islands, allowing for a gorgeous sunset over the sea. This spectacle has been chosen as part of Japan’s 100 best sunsets.

With a view of the calm Seto Inland Sea, you can enjoy a relaxed ride to downtown Yawatahama City on this mostly flat and straight road while soaking up the sound of the nearby waves and sea breeze. On your way, you’ll find Shimonada Station. Known as the closest station to the sea in Japan, it is famous as a photo spot and chosen as a location for all kinds of films and TV dramas.

Numerous buildings of historical significance that give a sense of Iyo’s history and culture

The town of Nagahama in Ozu City and the Honai area in Yawatahama City are rich in history and culture. Nagahama, a port town that flourished from the Edo period to the early Showa era, is home to all kinds of historic buildings and old townscapes. The area also features the Nagahama Bridge, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. You will also find the Tomiya Kinbei Residence, where Ryoma Sakamoto is said to have spent his last night in Shikoku after leaving the Tosa domain.

The Honai area of Yawatahama City, meanwhile, thrived with various modern industries during the Meiji era. There are many buildings that reflect its glory years still standing today. This part of the route alone offers enough to explore and enjoy for an entire day.

Enjoy Yawatahama City’s local specialty champon and the mysterious Gulliver Tunnel

Yawatahama City is rich in marine and mountainous natural resources and enjoys a thriving agricultural industry thanks to its hilly areas. Ferries operate from Yawatahama Port to Kyushu, so you could always plan a trip to Kyushu from here.

Yawatahama City has all kinds of restaurants specializing in champon, the region’s local specialty. You can enjoy tasting all the different variations from the well-established restaurants to the new, unique ones too.

Aside from champon, the Otoge Zuido Tunnel, which was an important transportation route connecting Yawatahama City and Ikata Town, is also famous as a mysterious and fascinating spot where a tunnel exists within another tunnel.

Overcome the intense up and down roads unique to a peninsula

The roads have been relatively flat up to this point. Here on, however, the route becomes an intermediate/advanced-level course because of the road’s steep inclines and declines unique to peninsula roads. Just like Yawatahama Port, ferries to Kyushu also run from Misaki Port. As there are not many points to stop off and recharge along the way, we recommend grabbing some food and drink if you come across a service station or a convenience store.

Cape Sada, at the westernmost tip of Shikoku, is also known as the “Wind Cape.” There are wind turbines located here as the wind is relatively strong. Some turbines are installed close to the road, so you can gaze up at them in all their glory.

National Route 197, which runs through the central part of the peninsula, is called the “Melody Line.” It is known for being a route where drivers can enjoy the melodies created by the vibrations of the car while driving over this uniquely designed road. Even cyclists can stop to enjoy the music made by the passing cars.

Now 13 km to go until the westernmost tip of Shikoku!

This trip, which began in Iyo City, started with enjoying the gentle coast of Iyonada while connecting with the history and culture of the region. While the sights of the beautiful coastal scenery provide a feeling of tranquility, the road gradually becomes steeper and more challenging. That being said, the stunning view from Shimonada Station, delicious champon in Yawatahama, and the many other great sightseeing spots will give you an energy boost before eventually arriving at Misaki Port. There is about 13 km left to go until the finishing point of Cape Sada Lighthouse.

The breathtaking scenery from the westernmost tip of Shikoku awaits you at the end! (*The photo is of the Cape Sada Lighthouse parking lot.)