Enjoy dramatic views of the Kurushima Straits Bridges, swirling currents, and pretty islands by boat.

The Kurushima Strait is one of Shimanami Kaido’s most spectacular sights, and while most visitors view it from the heights of the impressive Kurushima Straits Bridges, which connect Oshima Island with the city of Imabari, the swirling currents and stunning views can also be experienced by boat.
 
45-minute boat cruises depart approximately once an hour from a jetty a short distance from Ikiikikan Michi-no-Eki roadside station. Like other Michi-no-Eki found around Japan, Ikikikan offers travelers a place to rest, dine, and shop for local specialties. It is both a convenient stopover and the embarkation point for the cruise, providing visitors with amenities and insights into local culture before setting sail.
 
The Shimanami Kurushima Straits Pleasure Cruise navigates the Kurushima Strait, a vital waterway celebrated for its rapid tidal currents and whirlpools. The bridge that spans the strait is one of the world's longest suspension bridge structures, and cruise passengers are treated to unparalleled views of this engineering feat, as they observe its intricate design and the dynamic waters below.
 
In addition to experiencing whirlpools and tidal currents that can reach speeds of up to 10 knots (18 km per hour), intimate knowledge of which was the key to the power of the Murakami Suigun maritime clan that controlled these waters during Japan’s medieval warring states period, you can enjoy the panorama of charming, verdant islands, traditional fishing villages, and terraced hillsides, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the area.
 
Visitors with an interest in seafaring will also enjoy viewing Imabari's shipyards.
 
When you return from your cruise, consider enjoying a BBQ feast of fresh, local seafood at Ikiikikan.