Recommended Routes & Itineraries
Omishima Island is the largest and most rural of the Shimanami islands, and you always feel close to nature here. As well as offering excellent, virtually traffic-free cycling, this approximately 32-km loop takes in an ancient shrine a collection of samurai swords and armor that has to be seen to be believed, art unique art galleries in stunning locations, and one of the Shimanami Kaido’s most iconic locations.
Omishima Art and Culture Loop (32 km)
Tatara Shimanami Park
We start at Tatara Shimanami Park, the largest of the Shimanami Kaido’s rest stops. Here, you can pick up rental bikes, stock up on snacks, and have access to clean restrooms.
Don’t forget to take a souvenir photo in front of the “Cyclists’ Sanctuary” monument with the Tatara Bridge as a striking backdrop.
You can ride this loop course clockwise or anti-clockwise, but we will go clockwise to be closest to the sea views and see iconic Yahoo! Hill at its best.
Let’s go!
Approx 3.5 km
Main Route - Island Explorer Turn Off
Head south along the main Shimanami “Blue Line” route towards Imabari. After approximately 3.5 km turn right onto Route 51.
Route 51 takes you high above the coast, offering great views over verdant green citrus orchards and out to the sea. There is one gorgeous stretch of flat seaside ride which takes you through the 814-m long Nonoe Tunnel, but this section is a real rollercoaster.
On warm days, carrying plenty of fluids is high recommended!
Approx 11 km
Yahoo Hill
Yahoo Hill is one of the Shimanami Kaido’s most spectacular spots. It’s pretty in either direction, but the decent that snakes down to the sea is so fun it makes you scream, Yahoo!
Approx 1 km
Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum and Ikoi no Ie
Follow the road along the coast and you will soon find a lovely grassy spot where an unusual sculpture museum and a Ikoi no Ie, a hotel housed in a former school house made of wood.
Cyclists are welcome to shelter and use the bathrooms at Ikoi no Ie
Approx 3 km
Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture & Tokoro Museum
After passing through the tiny harbor town of Munakata, it is time to pay back the fun you had coming down Yahoo Hill. The road steady climbs once again up the Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture & Tokoro Museum where your art is accompanied by fantastic views out over the sea and surrounding islands.
Approx 7.5 km
Oyamazumi Shrine
The rollercoaster continues depositing you in the town that has grown up around Oyamazumi Shrine.
If the weather is fine, consider a quick detour to view the white sand flats of Utena Beach. Here you can also tour a salt factory and enjoy a hot spring bath at Mare Gracia.
Oyamazumi Shrine with it’s ancient camphor trees, some of which are over 2000 years old. Don’t miss the impressive collection of samurai swords and armor in the shrine’s treasure hall.
There are several places to eat in the area around the shrine, and, if you end your ride here, you can enjoy craft beer, locally-made wine, or a cocktail at a seaside jazz bar.
Approx 6 km
Tatara Shimanami Park
The last stretch back to Tatara Shimanami Park involves a final climb. The descent brings you to the other west coast, where you take a right. Passing the cafe at WAKKA enjoy the views of the Tatara Bridge across the water as you return to the starting point.
◆ Notice
✔︎ Cycling for the day: 32 km
✔︎ Intermediate course with some long climbs
✔︎ Recommended Bike: Cross Bike, E-bike
Tatara Shimanami Park can be reached by bus from Fukuyama and Imabari.
