![[Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture] A great touring spot to visit by motorcycle: The Nishiseto Expressway, which is about 60km l](https://motopeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/4380-1760974549052.jpg)
The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge can be seen from Kirosan Observation Park, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea.
The Setouchi Shimanami Kaido (West Seto Expressway) is one of the Honshu-Shikoku Bridges, connecting Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, approximately 60 km away. The coordinates and address listed here are for the parking lot of the famous Kiroyama Observatory, a viewpoint perfect for enjoying the spectacular Seto Inland Sea, day or night. The Seto Inland Sea is known for its relatively warm climate, making it a great spot for enjoying the views throughout the year.
To get to Kiroyama Observatory, exit the Oshima Minami Interchange on the Nishiseto Expressway near Imabari. Turn right at the T-junction where National Route 317 meets, then drive about 1 km and turn right along the Yoshiumi-cho line toward Koryuji Temple. The road gradually gains altitude, winding its way up the mountain road, and you’ll arrive in about 10 minutes (approximately 5 km) from the interchange.
Alternatively, turn left at the T-junction after exiting the interchange and drive less than 2 km (or two minutes) to easily visit the Yoshiumi Ikiikikan Roadside Station. Both routes offer stunning views of the beautiful Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and the Seto Inland Sea. They also feature seafood barbecue restaurants and food courts where you can savor fresh seafood. You can also take the 45-minute Kurushima Kaikyo Rapids Sightseeing Boat. To enjoy the
Setouchi Shimanami Kaido, it’s best to stop at each island, stop by its many tourist spots, and never rush ahead. Enjoy mountain stream walking tours or enjoy a leisurely stroll on a bicycle or electric bike. On Hakata Island, you can even tour the Hakata Salt factory. There are plenty of sights and attractions to discover, so it’s recommended to do your research beforehand.
The Setouchi Shimanami Kaido also has side roads that can be used by pedestrians, bicycles, and mopeds, so taking advantage of these can be a great way to travel on a budget. Incidentally, it’s also known as a world-famous cycling route and a cyclist’s paradise. If you travel by motorcycle on the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido (West Seto Expressway), a motorway only, from Onomichi to Imabari, it costs 2,450 yen on weekdays and 1,880 yen on weekends and holidays. Because there is a toll, we gave it a three-star rating for accessibility, but it will also be very satisfying as a touring spot where you can enjoy spectacular views.
Rather than passing through all at once, it is recommended to make a stopover at the islands.
Leaving the Shimanami Highway, the road to Kirosan Observatory, the highest point on Oshima at approximately 308m above sea level, is also surrounded by a pleasant landscape.
Minamiura, Yoshiumi-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture (approximately 20 minutes by car/14km from Hashihama Station on the JR Yosan Line)
Tatara Bridge as seen from Ikuchijima, also known as the island of lemons and mandarins.
From the Tatara Observatory, you can see the Tatara Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge that connects Omishima and Ikuchijima.
The scenery and people are enveloped in a peaceful atmosphere.
The last bridge across to the Shikoku side is the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge (pictured is the First Bridge). It is also famous as the world’s first triple suspension bridge. The photo was taken from the Yoshiumi Ikiikikan (roadside station). There is also a departure point for the Shimanami Kurushima Kaikyo sightseeing boat.
Shimanami Kaido (JB Honshu-Shikoku Expressway website)
URL: https://www.jb-honshu.co.jp/shimanami/abpit/
The serene scenery of the Seto Inland Sea looks like a sea of clouds in the sky.
Night view of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. The illuminated bridge is also beautiful.
