Journey through Shimanami Kaido③Omishima Island・Hakatajima Island・Oshima Island

Hello there,
To pick up where we left off the last time, we will introduce you to the three islands on the Ehime prefecture side, including the largest island among Shimananami Kaido: "Omishima" !

・ Omishima
Omishima, which belongs to Imabari City, is awaiting you after passing through the long Tadara Bridge.

The "Island of God". This surname comes from the Oyamazumi Shrine, one of the most important shrines in Japan, which has more than 10,000 branches throughout the country, is located in the foot of the 437m high peak of Mt.Washigato. The revered camphor trees are in the center of the broad precinct, one said to be older than 2600 and the other 3000 years old.
And in fact, this shrine was relevant to samurai commanders who pay the visit to pray for victory in battle, by making offering of their weapons and armour to the god of battle. Now thanks to it, Oyamazumi Shrine hosts the nations's most prominent collection of samurai armour and weaponary on display. Though the name of items are written in roman script, the detailed explanations are only in Japanese. Even if it requires good enough knowledges about Japanese medieval wartime history, it's worth 1000yen entrance fee. 

As personal suggestions, 
・"Imabari City Tatara Shimanami Park"
This spot offers you perfect views of the Tatara Bridge on the green lawns or at the glass-covered restaurant where you can try local cuisines. 


・"Ken Iwata Mother and child museum"
 At the west end of the island, works featuring Ken Iwata's "Mother and Child" as the main subjects are exhibited. Right by the musum, there is "Hurusato Ikoi no ie" using the disused elementary school, if you want to feel nostalgia, it may be a nice place to visit.


・ Hakatajima
Approaching from the direction of Onomichi, the route takes you over a hill, shipyard, and Hakata Beach. You can grab something to eat in the local restraunt (I recommend the one at the west point.). Although most visitors onto Oshima, taking some rest to enjoy a 20km loop around Hakata island is very worthful. This island had been flourishing with salt production since ancient times: you can see the remains of before the abolition of salt fields by the national policy in 1971. At the east point of the island, the tiny Okaku-mamejima and Hakata islands become continuous and you can walk to the island during low tides.

・ Oshima
Oshima, this island could be the first or final island depending on which way you'll take.
This island was the headquarter of Nojima Murakami naval forces. Their museum "Murakami Suigun maritime clan museum" overlooks the remains of Noshima island fortress and you can gaze at the whole island from the observatory. Replica boats are displayed outside and exhibits inside explain the history of the clan. An English subtitled version of the DVD playing on the ground floor plays upstairs, it's better to start from there.
From the observation deck of the “Kirousan Observatory Park” at the southern end, you can see the tides of the world's first three-suspension bridge “Kurushima Kaikyou Ohashi” and the three major Japanese tides “Kurushima kaikyou”. It will be a highlight for any traveler.

Shimoda port at the foot of the Kurushima Kaikyou Bridge is lined with fresh local seafood and you can try seafood BBQ there.


What do you think? The islands on Ehime Prefecture side are no less attractive than the three islands on the Hiroshima Prefecture.
So, next blog will be an introduction of the Shikoku side of Shimanami Kaido, Imabari City and Matsuyama City.


Click here to know the detail of our fleets ( Japan Yacht Experience )

Click here to see our tour : Naoshima Yacht Cruising ＆ Shimanami Kaido Cycling 8 days ( standard tour with Peak Experience Japan )