Recommended Routes & Itineraries
For a different kind of Shimanami trip, consider this short excursion that utilizes a local ferry route that takes you across the Kurushima Straits. Stop off at tiny islands that were once strongholds of the Murakami Kaizoku, who that controlled these waters during Japan’s warring states period, and the home of strategic defences during the early years 20th century.
Small passenger boats that call at three islands leave from Hashihama Port about eight times a day, between approximately 7 am and 5 pm. If you load your bike on the boat and keep your eye on the time, it’s possible to explore the islands between ferry departures and bike back to Imabari over the Kurushima Straits Bridge.
There isn’t a huge amount to see on the islands, but exploring them is a fun and provides a unique view of life in Shimanami. You can enjoy great views of the over 4km-long Kurushima Straits Bridge during the short ferry rides, and, if the timing is right, see some of the busy channel’s famously ever-changing currents. Finally, experience a unique way of transporting your bicycle up to the Kurushima Straits Bridge, almost 80m above sea level.
Kurushima Straits Island-Hopping Adventure
i.i.Imabari! Imabari Station Cycle Terminal
Pick up your bicycle at the Imabari Station Terminal. Here you can also double-check the island-hopping ferry schedule.
There are no shops, cafes, or restaurants on the islands, so it is recommended that you pick up some food and drinks for your trip before you depart.
Approx. 6km
Hashihama Port
Hashihama Port is just a short 6 km ride from Imabari Station, but we recommend allowing ample time, as it is tucked away down a narrow side street and is as small as the vessels in the surrounding shipyards are huge.
Small passenger boats leave from here for three tiny islands in the middle of the Kurushima Straits. If you load your bike on the boat and keep a careful eye on the time, it’s possible to explore the islands between ferry departures and bike back to Imabari over the huge Kurushima Straits Bridge.
At time of writing, recommended departure times are:
08:00, 10:10, 11:10, 12:45, 14:00, 15:40Timetable and fare information (in Japanese) https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/access/kurushima.pdf
5 minutes by ferry (160 yen + 90 yen for a bicycle)
Kurushima Island
Kurushima’s size – a mere 850m in circumference – belies its historical significance. It was once the site of a Murakami Kaizoku “pirate” fort.
An information board shows how Kurushima was very much an island fortress, and a map indicates where remains of this era can still be seen. A short hike to the top of the hill offers a great view of the Kurushima Straits and bridge.
5 minutes by ferry (160 yen + 90 yen for a bicycle)
Oshima Island
Oshima Island, not to be confused with Oshima Island on the Shinanami Kaido, which is pronounced with a long “O” sound (meaning “large”), as opposed to this island, which is made up of the characters “small and island,” is approximately 4km in circumference and has also served a military purpose in the past.
Remains of fortifications built during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) to prepare for attacks by the Russian fleet that never materialized. Gun emplacements, an observation tower, and red brick underground barracks are scattered throughout the island, connected by a promenade lined with camellia trees. The north coast of the island has a gorgeous white sand beach.
10 minutes by ferry (200 yen + 90 yen for a bicycle)
Umashima Island
The final port of call on our island-hopping adventure is Umashima Island. Exploring the beaches and coves here is fun, and the views are incredible, but without a doubt, the main attraction here is riding the elevator with your bike up to the Kurushima Straits Bridge, which uses the island as one of its supports.
※ Visitors to Umashima are asked to respect the privacy of islanders and to stick to the beach area, near the port, and to refrain from entering residential zones.
1 minute by elevator
Kurushima Bridge
An engineering marvel, the 4km-long Kurushima Straits Bridge is one of the Shimanami kaido’s most iconic sights.
Survey the straits below and trace the boat journey you made across the islands.
Approx 2.5km
Shimanami Crown Bridge Monument
Call in at Sunrise Itoyama and get a souvenir photo at the Shimanami Crown Bridge Monument with the iconic Kursuhima Straits bridge, before returning to Imabari.
Approx. 6km
i.i.Imabari! Imabari Station Cycle Terminal
Return your bicycles and feel free to use the changing rooms and shower facilities to freshen up before enjoying the rest of your time in Imabari or heading to your next destination.
