The largest of the islands along the Shimanami Kaido, Omishima has a distinctly rural feel. It is home to the ancient Oyamazumi Shrine, some interesting art museums, and thanks to a growing number of hotels, Airbnbs and cafes, it is becoming a popular place to stay overnight.

Omishima (大三島)

Omishima Along the Blue Line

Despite its size, the Omishima section of the main Blue Line between Tatara Shimanami Park and Omishima Bridge is only about 5-km long.

Tatara Shimanami Park, which has great views of the Tatara Bridge and seaside terrace seating, is the largest rest area along the route. Here, as well as restrooms and a rental cycle terminal, you will find a restaurant, snack food stalls, a farmer’s market, a souvenir shop, and the “Cyclist Sanctuary” monument which has become a favorite photo spot.

Also worthy of a mention is Shimanami Coffee which overlooks Tatara Shimanami Park, and WAKKA, a nearby seaside hotel/hostel/glamping facility which has a cafe and offers shower and laundry facilities to all. WAKKA also offers a good range of local tours and cultural experiences that are worth checking out.

Closer to the Blue Line is Ohmishima Limone, a little shop that sells homemade limoncello and other lemon-flavored treats.

Omishima Beyond the Blue Line

The 45 km loop of the entire island is a cyclist’s dream. The roads are good, traffic is light, and the views are spectacular. The road along the east and north coasts of the island is generally flat. The southern part of the island, however, is like a rollercoaster. The undulating road takes you past the Tokoro Museum Omishima, Toyo Ito Museumu of Architecture and Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum, and up or down one of the Shimanami Kaido’s most iconic spots,Yahoo Hill.

If a full loop is beyond you, Oyamazumi Shrine in the center of the island is only about 6 km from Tatara Shimanami Park. It is one of Japan’s most important shrines, and has a museum which houses the nation’s most outstanding collection of samurai armor and weaponry, as well as some impressive camphor trees within its grounds that are around 3,000 years old. With eateries, a craft brewery and local winery shop nearby, it’s a great place to stop for a few hours, or even overnight.

A short distance from Oyamazumi Shrine is Utena Beach, overlooked by the Mare Gracia Omishima public onsen facility and a Hakata Salt factory and museum. Utena Beach also has a campsite.

Animal lovers and families may be interested to know that Okunoshima, more commonly known as Rabbit Island is only 15 minutes by ferry from Omishima’s Sakari Port.

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