We’d like to introduce you to a recommended itinerary that lets you fully enjoy Ikuchijima and the surrounding islands.
- Discover the top spots you shouldn’t miss while on Ikuchijima.
- Explore a recommended tour course to the “Yumeshima Kaido,” where you can enjoy both cycling and a scenic ferry ride.
This itinerary is perfect for solo travelers, groups of friends, or family trips!
Day 1: Exploring Ikuchijima
How to Access Ikuchijima
Access by Bicycle
From Onomichi or Imabari
It takes about 4 hours from Onomichi or Imabari.
This is the estimated time of a beginner running slowly.
Access by Car
Go across Shimanami Kaido,
and get off at Ikuchi Island North IC if you come from Onomichi,
or get off at Ikuchi Island South IC if you come from Imabari.
You can park at the Setoda Tourist Information Center.
Access by Ferry boat
Onomichi Ferry Port Terminal → Setoda Port
Timetable ENGLISH( https://s-cruise.jp/english/ )
Mihara Ferry Port Terminal → Setoda Port
Timetable JAPANESE( https://www.city.mihara.hiroshima.jp/soshiki/30/116401.html )
Start your adventure by enjoying the local specialties for lunch!
Lunch: Restaurant Chidori
For those looking for a local specialties, I recommend the popular Chidori restaurant in Setoda.
My recommendation is the “Octopus Tempura Rice Bowl with Egg”. The crispy tempura batter combined with the tender octopus and the creamy egg creates a delightful sensation in your mouth!
As it’s a popular spot, it’s a good idea to make a reservation.
After satisfying your hunger, let’s explore Setoda next!
Sightseeing Spot 1: Kōsan-ji Temple
Kōsan-ji Temple is a must-visit spot when exploring Ikuchi Island.
The entire temple serves as a museum, exhibiting a wide range of cultural assets such as registered tangible cultural properties of Japan, including buildings, tea utensils, Buddhist statues, and various artworks.
The entrance gate is quite imposing, and upon entering, you’ll be captivated by the enchanting atmosphere that awaits inside.
There’s also the “Senbutsu-dō Jigoku-kyō” (Hell Valley), which is said to resemble a hellish world. Walking through the tunnel leading to it might give you a taste of the underworld’s ambiance!
Sightseeing Spot 2: Miraishin no Oka (The Hill of Hope)
To reach Miraishin no Oka (The Hill of Hope), follow the path behind Kōsan-ji Temple’s main hall.
Ahead, you’ll find yourself in a world of pure white, all made of marble.
The various monuments and squares that tower on the hill were created with harmony with the surrounding scenery, weather, and light in mind.
The “Tower of Light” in the center represents the light (hope) emitted by the “Nitten” of the Twelve Heavenly Generals.
It’s a highly recommended spot for taking photos!
Sightseeing Spot 3: Shimanami Dolce
Let’s take a break at “Shimanami Dolce,” the gelato shop in front of Kosanji Temple in Setoda.
The gelato here offers the deliciousness of fresh fruits as they are, making every flavor superb!
My recommendation is the combination of “Setoda Lemon” and “Hakata Salt”!
“Setoda Lemon” uses plenty of lemons from Setoda, giving it a perfect acidity. “Hakata Salt” may sound salty, but it actually enhances the sweetness. It’s absolutely delicious!
| Hours | 10am〜5pm |
| Close | Open year-round |
| Phone | 0845-26-4036 |
| WEB | https://www.setoda-dolce.com/index.html |
| Parking | ー |
| Address | 546 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima |
Sightseeing Spot 4: Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is about a 5-minute drive or a 15-20 minute bike ride from the area around Kosanji Temple.
After a day of sightseeing, head to Sunset Beach for a relaxing time.
Our NEST staff often visit the beach at sunset and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
The sound of the waves and the sea breeze will soothe your soul.
Two Recommended Dinner Spots
Japanese Restaurant Keima
You can enjoy sashimi and sushi made with fresh fish caught in Ikuchi Island at Keima.
They also offer carefully cooked octopus and conger eel rice dishes.
How about pairing these delicious fish dishes with local sake?
| Hours | 11am〜 2pm (L.O. 1:30pm) 5pm〜 9pm (L.O. 8:30pm) |
| Close | Thursday |
| Phone | 0845-27-1989 |
| Capacity | Counter table seats 11 (a private room up to 12 people) |
| WEBサイト | N/A |
| Parking | 2 |
| Takeout | N/A |
| Adreess | 251 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima |
Japanese Cuisine Shokusai Kooge
“Shokusai Kooge” offers authentic Japanese cuisine with no fixed menu, instead offering a choice of three courses:
- “Hana” (Flower) – ¥5,000 (¥5,500)
- “Tsuki” (Moon) – ¥7,000 (¥7,700)
- “Yuki” (Snow) – ¥10,000 (¥11,000)
Dishes feature locally sourced fish and vegetables, highlighting the seasonal ingredients of the island.
Located near Setoda Sunset Beach, it offers a picturesque view of the Seto Inland Sea, making it a recommended spot to enjoy delicious food with a variety of sake to complement your meal.
Reservations are recommended!
| Hours | 5:30pm〜 (L.O. 9pm) |
| Close | Wednesday |
| Phone | 0845-27-3060 |
| Capacity | 32seats (private room3) |
| WEB | https://kooge-setoda.com/ |
| Parking | 10 |
| Takeout | N/A |
| Address | 1732-1 Tarumi, Setoda-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima |
Day 2: Let’s Go Cycling to the Yumeshima Kaido!
Let’s enjoy cycling on the second day!
From Ikuchi Island, you can easily access Iwagijima(Iwagi Island), where you can enjoy both cycling and a ferry ride.
Here’s a cycling course on Iwagijima along the Yumeshima Kaido.
Let’s rent a bicycle at the tourist information center.
You can rent one for the day, with prices starting from 2000 yen for adults and 500 yen for elementary school students and younger.
Also, at NEST, we have electric bicycles available for rent.
Please feel free to inquire about availability!
Let’s head to the ferry terminal “Sunoe Port” for our cycling adventure!
It’s about a 30-minute ride from the tourist information center to Sunoe Port.
The ferry ride from Sunoe Port to Koogi Port takes about 5 minutes.
You can enjoy the sea breeze, which feels refreshing!
For more information about the Shimanami Kaido, you can check out KAMIJIMA TRIP website.
Iwaki Island has a 12km loop that’s great for cycling beginners, with wide roads and minimal traffic.
The gentle breeze and calm sea, along with low breakwaters, allow for a scenic and liberating cycling experience along the Seto Inland Sea.
When it comes to Iwaki Island’s specialties, you can’t miss out on the “Lemon Pork Bowl.” The Lemon Pork is tender and juicy, with just the right amount of fat and sweetness.
Lunch: Izakaya Yoshimasa
Yoshimasa is a highly recommended lunch spot.
They offer dishes made with locally sourced fresh fish, island pork, chicken, organic vegetables, and the special local green lemon.
You can enjoy a variety of dishes including the famous Lemon Pork Bowl, Lemon Pork Dumplings, and fresh sashimi.
| Hours | 11am〜2pm(L.O. 1:30pm） 5pm〜10pm（L.O. 9pm） |
| Close | Monday |
| Phone | 0897-75-2267 |
| WEB | https://www.yoshimasa.jp/ |
| Adress | 1540 Iwagi, Kamishima-cho, Ochi-gun, Ehime |
Here is our recommended tourist spots in Iwagi Island!
Sightseeing Spot 1: Sekizenzan
Sekizenzan, located in the center of Iwagi Island, is also known as “Iwagi Fuji.”
At the summit, there is an observatory with a panoramic view where you can see 360 degrees around you. The view of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea is spectacular.
In spring, about 3,000 cherry trees bloom, creating a beautiful cherry blossom landscape.
The road to the mountaintop is all uphill, so it can be challenging, but if you have the stamina, it’s definitely worth a try!
Sightseeing Spot 2: Mitoko Lighthouse
Mitoko Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the eastern coast of Iwagi Island.
Built in 1899, it stands at a height of 17 meters and offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
The lighthouse has guided ships for over a century and is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
Sightseeing Spot 3: The Iwagi Tourist Center
The Iwagi Tourist Center is a facility that provides information and resources for visitors to Iwaki Island.
Located right next to Iwagi Port, the Iwagi Island Tourist Center offers a variety of unique souvenirs.
You can find marmalade and sweets made from Iwagi Island lemons, freshly harvested citrus fruits, and of course, Iwagi Island’s famous lemon pork!
| Hours | 8am〜5:30pm |
| Close | New Year’s holidays Autumn Festival (2nd Sunday of October) |
| Phone | 0897-75-3277 |
| Web | https://www.kamijima.info/sightseeing/iwagi-kanko-center/ |
| Parking | Yes |
| Address | 1427-2 Iwagi, Kamishima-cho, Ochi-gun, Ehime |
The last ferry runs until 8pm.
When you arrive at Sunoe Port(Ikuchijima), return your rental bike.
Day 3: To experience island time.
On your last day, take a leisurely walk around Setoda to relax.
Walking along the seaside and visiting the Kojoji Temple must be a peaceful start to the day.
The hill behind the National Treasure Triple Pagoda at Kojoji Temple offers a stunning view of the Seto Inland Sea and Ikuchi Island.
It’s truly a magnificent spot!
The clear morning air and the sparkling sea reflecting the morning sun are always soothing to the soul.
The Ikuo Hirayama Museum is dedicated to the work of the renowned Japanese painter Ikuo Hirayama.The museum’s collection includes not only Hirayama’s famous works depicting the Silk Road but also paintings and illustrated diaries from his childhood.
The museum is surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden, providing a tranquil setting for leisurely viewing of the paintings.
HYAKKOYA sells original lemonade that maximizes the use of Setoda lemons, using a cold-press method that squeezes the lemons, including the peel, to extract all the flavors.
The balance of bitterness and acidity from the peel creates a delightful drink.
They also offer voluminous sandwiches, including a thick and fluffy Japanese omelet sandwich and a juicy, soft-boiled egg menchi-katsu sandwich.
Both sandwiches are delicious and pair perfectly with the lemonade.
| Hours | 11am〜4pm |
| Phone | 0845-25-6555 |
| WEB | https://hyakkoya.com/ |
| Takeout | Yes |
| Address | 530-3 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima |
How about taking a walk through the Shiomachi Shopping Street and trying some local specialties?
You can find lemons, oranges, lemon cakes, and more from Setoda.
I recommend trying the “Sour Lemon Cake” from BAIGETUDO. There are many different types of lemon cakes in Setoda, but this tart lemon cake is the best for experiencing the true flavor of lemons!
It’s fun to compare it with other lemon cakes!
How was the introduction to “How to Enjoy Ikuchijima for 3 Days”?
Ikuchijima offers unique foods and experiences that you can only encounter on this island.
I’m glad to hear that you found the travel plan helpful!
Whether you’re just starting to plan your trip or have already finalized your itinerary, I hope it serves as a useful reference for you.