Ikuchijima Island is home to the pretty port town of Setoda, a popular place for cyclists to break their journey and as a day trip destination, and some of Japan’s best lemons.

Ikuchijima (生口島)

Setoda

As well as a good range of accommodation options, cafes, restaurants and its retro Shiomachi high street, Setoda has several attractions that are worth visiting. Kosanji Temple and the glistening marble Hill of Hope above it are the most popular attractions here, with the Hill of Hope a particular favorite with the Instagram crowd. The town is locally known as the birthplace of Japanese artist Ikuo Hirayama and has a large museum dedicated to his work. Overlooking the port is Kojoji Temple with its Three-Storied Pagoda which was a favorite spot of the artist.
Everything is within 1km of the port, making Setoda an appealing destination for cyclists and non-cyclists alike.

A dedicated cycle land runs south along much of the pretty coastline from Setoda Port, past Setoda Sunset Beach, to “Lemon Valley” (where many of the island’s famous lemons are grow) through which you climb to reach the Tatara Bridge that crosses to Omishima Island.

Zen meditation and sutra copying experiences at Kojoji Temple and tours to an organic lemon orchard in Lemon Valley can be arranged in advance through SOIL Setoda.

There is a convenient ferry service between Onomichi and Setoda which makes the journey in 40 minutes. Bikes can be loaded onto the ferry or you can rent them at several places in Setoda itself.

Ikuchijima Along the Blue Line

After crossing the Ikuchi Bridge from Innoshima Island the Blue Line takes you along the northern coast of Ikuchijima Island. Look out for the now somewhat worn public art exhibits that make up the Island-Wide Art Museum along the way and, if you have a sweet tooth, schedule a stop at Setoda Dolche for some delicious gelato while taking in the sea view, on your way to the area around Setoda, described above.

If you are sightseeing in Setoda, it can take a while to get around Kosanji Temple and the Hill of Hope, so keep an eye on the time if you are planning to continue along the Shimanami Kaido on the same day. Or, consider an overnight stop here to enjoy it to the full.

The ride south along the palm tree-lined coast to Setoda Sunset BeachLemon Valley and the Tatara Bridge is one of the most pleasant stretches of the Shimanami Kaido, and the dedicated cycle lane along most of the way makes it particularly family friendly.

Ikuchijima Beyond the Blue Line

A bright orange bridge connects Setoda to the little island of Koneshima, a major citrus producing area that is about 10 km around and has one of “Japan’s top 50 lighthouses” on its northern tip.

Iwagi Island (part of the Yumeshima Kaido cycle route which links some of the islands of Kamijima) can be reached from Nagae Port in the southeast of Ikuchijima Island.

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