2026 Imabari Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

If you want to see Japan from a different perspective, try taking in the views from famous observation decks, skyscrapers, or mountain peaks. You'll be treated to spectacular sights of cityscapes, Mount Fuji, the ocean, and breathtaking night views. ✨ Highlights You Can't Miss 🗼 Tokyo Skytree – The tallest tower in Japan 🌇 Shibuya Sky – Tokyo's most popular spot for sunsets 🏙️ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – A free observation deck in the heart of Shinjuku 🌉 Umeda Sky Building – A 360° panoramic view of Osaka 🌃 Mount Hakodate – A world-class night view 🚠 Mount Moiwa – Sapporo's most romantic viewpoint 🌌 Mount Inasa – The stunning night view of Nagasaki Bay 🌉 Kirosan Observatory – The best spot to view the Shimanami Kaido bridge 🗻 Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway – Stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko 🌊 Amanohashidate View Land – One of Japan's three most scenic views 📸 Best Times to Visit 🌅 Sunset : Shibuya Sky, Umeda Sky Building, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway 🌃 Night Views : Tokyo Skytree, Mount Hakodate, Mount Moiwa, Mount Inasa 🌿 Nature Views : Kirosan Observatory, Amanohashidate View Land, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Imabari Castle is a premier tourist attraction in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Built in 1604 by the renowned master castle architect Todo Takatora, it is celebrated as one of Japan's three great water castles. Its most defining feature is the seawater drawn into its moat. This rare castle allows you to watch ocean fish like sea bream and mullet swimming as the water level rises and falls with the tide. Although the current castle keep was rebuilt in 1980, the top floor offers panoramic views of Imabari City, the Seto Inland Sea, and on a clear day, the Shimanami Kaido. The interior of the castle serves as a museum, featuring extensive exhibits of armor, swords, and artifacts related to Todo Takatora. It was an engaging experience not just for history buffs, but even for those who aren't familiar with Japanese castles. The white keep is stunning when viewed across the moat, making it perfect for photography. Beyond its daytime beauty, the castle is illuminated at night, offering a magical atmosphere completely different from the day. It is a highly recommended spot for sightseeing in Imabari, where you can soak in both history and beautiful scenery at the same time. Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) Admission: Adults 520 yen, High school students 260 yen, Elementary and junior high school students free Access: About a 25-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride from JR Imabari Station

If you're taking a scenic drive along the Shimanami Kaido, Kirosan Observatory Park is a must-visit destination. Located on Oshima Island at an elevation of about 300 meters, this spectacular viewpoint overlooks the iconic Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. I timed my visit perfectly for sunset, and the stunning scenery was truly unforgettable. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the Seto Inland Sea was bathed in brilliant orange hues, casting the islands—both large and small—into striking silhouettes. Against this backdrop, the graceful curves of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge created a view so perfect it looked just like a painting. For centuries, this area has thrived as a vital hub for maritime traffic in the Seto Inland Sea, and the Kurushima Strait is actually known for having one of Japan's three most rapid tidal currents. Reflecting on its rich history—where countless ships have crossed these waters, connecting people and cultures—made the view feel even more profound and special. The observation deck itself was designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Its aesthetic seamlessly blends in with the surrounding natural environment, which is part of its charm. Designed to be unobtrusive to the landscape, every angle of this space offers a picture-perfect moment. While the Shimanami Kaido boasts countless beautiful spots, this is the ultimate place to catch a sunset. If you have the time, I highly recommend planning your visit for dusk. Watching the Seto Inland Sea turn golden will undoubtedly become an unforgettable memory. 📍 487-4 Minamiura, Yoshiumicho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture ⏰ Open 24 hours 💰 Free 🅿️ Available (Free)

Looking down from about 300 meters above sea level, you can take in the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge and the beautiful archipelago of the Seto Inland Sea. The sky's changing gradient at dusk—fading from a vibrant orange into magic hour—is absolutely breathtaking 🌅 I completely lost track of time and just couldn't stop snapping photos 📸 Fun fact: This observation deck was designed by the world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. It's built right into the ground so as not to ruin the natural landscape of the mountain peak 🌿 The structure itself is incredibly stylish, making every single angle picture-perfect. It’s the ultimate destination for a scenic drive, so if you're planning a road trip along the Shimanami Kaido, make sure to "save" this post and stop by 📝✨ 📍 Kirosan Observatory Park 487-4 Minamiura, Yoshiumi-cho, Imabari, Ehime 🚗 Parking available (free) Which do you prefer—stunning ocean views or majestic mountain scenery? ⛰️🌊💬

📝 Impressions Bottom line: this wasn't just **"a place to look at towels"—it felt more like a theme park where adults can have a blast too**. At first, I was like, 👉 "A towel museum? Honestly, how good could it be...?" But I was totally surprised when I got there. Inside, you'll find: 👉 Giant, colorful towel art 👉 The towel manufacturing process 👉 Stylish gift shops 👉 A European-style garden It has it all, and it's way more fun than I imagined. The huge towel art exhibits are especially impressive. I kept catching myself saying, 👉 "Wait, this is ALL made of towels!?" 🌴 Recommended Spots ・Towel Museum ・Giant towel art exhibits ・European-style garden ・Towel factory tour ・Exclusive Imabari towel shop The museum is divided into a gallery area, a shopping area, and a garden area, so there’s a ton to see. 🗺️ Pro Tips for Your Visit ・Hit the 4th and 5th-floor galleries first. ・Next, check out the towel manufacturing process. ・Finally, take your time strolling through the shop and garden. 👉 If you save the souvenir shop for last, you're definitely going to want to buy a lot more! 📷 Best Photo Ops ・Giant towel art ・European-style garden ・Colorful towel displays ・The building's exterior 👉 The garden is especially gorgeous in the spring and fall. 🛍️ Shopping Highlights ・An awesome selection of Imabari towel souvenirs ・Custom name embroidery service available ・Plenty of exclusive towel designs On the 3rd floor, you can even get your name embroidered on the towels you buy. 🎫 Admission ・Adults: 1,000 yen ・Junior High / High School Students: 800 yen ・Elementary Students: 600 yen ・Free entry if you're just visiting the shops or restaurants You only have to pay for the gallery exhibits; checking out the shops or cafes is totally free. 🚗 Getting There ・About a 25-minute drive from JR Imabari Station ・About a 15-minute drive from Imabari IC ・About a 10-minute drive from Toyo-Tanbara IC ・Free parking available 🕝 Hours of Operation ・9:30 AM – 6:00 PM ・Gallery admissions end at 5:30 PM Open year-round from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. 🏷️ Other Good-to-Knows ・A great spot even on a rainy day ・Recommended stay time: 1 to 2 hours ・Super popular with families, too 👉 Honestly, rather than just "a place to look at towels," 👉 It was "the most hype tourist spot in Imabari." 🌟 The Verdict 👉 "This is 'the most surprisingly awesome spot in Imabari.'" Whether you're cruising the Shimanami Kaido or just sightseeing around Imabari, I highly recommend checking it out!

📝﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏ Spot Details 📍 Nomauma Highland 📌 8 Noma-ko, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 🕛 Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed: Mondays (or the following day if a public holiday falls on a Monday) 💰 Admission Fee Adults (High school students and older): ¥300 Elementary and junior high school students: ¥200 Preschoolers: Free *Horseback riding and other experience programs are subject to additional fees 🚗 Parking available (free, capacity approximately 150 cars) ✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏ Tips 🐴 A tourist ranch dedicated to preserving and interacting with the Nomauma, a native Japanese horse breed. The park offers a casual encounter with the small, docile Noma horses. 🌳 The park also features a spacious pasture, observation deck, and playground, making it popular with families and children. 🐎 Enjoy a variety of activities, including horseback riding, feeding, and carriage rides. 🍦 The shop also sells snacks and soft serve ice cream. Relax in nature. 🚉 Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Iyo-Sakurai Station. Conveniently located approximately 20 minutes by car from Imabari Interchange. #EhimeTourism #Imabari #NomaumaHighland #FamilyTrip #InteractionExperience #OutingSpot #SummerThemePark

When talking about traveling in Japan, we often think of Tokyo or Osaka first. Little is known about Ehime, the tranquility of Ehime amid the hustle and bustle of Tokyo While others are wandering around popular places🚶we have walked through the streets and seaside of Ehime, leisurely savoring its unique Japanese style~ · 📍Destination: Ehime, Shikoku, Japan ✈️Transportation: Airplane (transfer to Songshan Airport) · [Guide to check-in at tourist spots] ❶Xiatan Station Spirited Away Holy Land Seaside Station🚉 Tourists come here admiringly The stop signs and station seats are the points where the film is released. Opposite is the blue sea, just take a photo and it becomes the wallpaper ❷The same maritime railway track from "Spirited Away" 10 minutes walk from Xiatan Station Walk down the path🛤️ You can see the romantic maritime railway track Feel like you are in an animation and feel the unique atmosphere ❸Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Cycling resort Shimanami Kaido in Setouchi 🚴 The scenery of the cross-island bridge is quite spectacular, with a panoramic view of the sea🌊 You can rent bicycles at SHIMANAMI It takes about 5 minutes to ride to the bridge, which is very convenient🌉 ❹Guilaoshan Outlook Park The best time to go is in the evening on a sunny day Drive/cycle to the parking lot and then walk to the top You can see the beautiful sunset over the Seto Inland Sea🌅 ❺Orange juice comes out of the tap Songshan has a particularly interesting experience Orange juice comes directly from the tap here! Different faucets correspond to different flavors🍊 There are more than ten flavors 👅 fresh and delicious ❻Dogo Hot Spring There is a long history here. You can enjoy the hot springs and relax. The surrounding buildings are antique🍃There are general shops and exclusive private rooms upstairs (extra charge required) Tips: There are still private rooms reserved for the royal family for visiting (the walls are covered with gold foil) ❼Towel Museum The towels inside range from traditional to creative designs, which is dizzying. The production process is also shown, and the Moomin towel exhibition is great for making movies. ❽Starbucks Dogo Onsen Station Store The architectural style of this house is very distinctive Taking the photo from a distance, it feels like a movie location There is a commercial street next to it, so you can go shopping~ ❾Wolong Villa There is also a quiet place called "Wolong Villa" in Ehime, Japan. Stepping into the Japanese-style garden, the wind blows through the green bamboos. Sitting on the ground under the pavilion, sipping fragrant tea, looking up, the beautiful scenery in the courtyard is picturesque, and time seems to have stopped, with only the fragrance of tea and tranquility remaining.

This spectacular view is from Kirosan Observation Park, a short distance from Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture! In fact, this is one of the 88 scenic views of Shikoku! It was designed by Kengo Kuma 🥹 The spectacular view of the Shimanami Strait spreads out before your eyes! The regular illumination of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and the beautiful night view of Imabari city are also must-sees ☝🏽 The access is by car as it is on a steep mountain! 📍Location: Kirosan Observation Park 487-4 Minamiura, Yoshiumi-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 🕰️Opening hours: 24 hours free entry and exit #Ehime #Domestic travel #0 yen travel autumn #Spectacular views #Shikoku travel #100 travel styles

Imabari Castle, located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, is also known as Fukiage Castle and is a symbol of Imabari. It was built by Todo Takatora, who was known as a master castle builder, and its triple moat draws in seawater and makes good use of nature, making it one of Japan's three great water castles. 🏯 In addition, drawing seawater into the moat allows ships to enter the castle directly from the sea, making it easy to transport cargo. 🚣 Although cargo is no longer transported by boat, you can see black porgy and sharks swimming in the moat🐟 Of course, the castle is cool, but it's also fun to look into the moat and look for fish in the sea🏯 📍#Imabari Castle 📍Address: 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 794-0036 📍🕰️Business hours: 9:00-17:00 📍From Imabari Station on the Yosan Line, take the Setouchi Bus "To Imabari Office" for about 9 minutes and get off at "Imabari Castle Mae" #DomesticTrip #Imabari #CastleTour #CastleTour #Castle #ShikokuTrip #Shikoku #TodoTakatora #Mizuki #Mizuki

📍Kirosan Observation Park, Ehime A spectacular observation deck where you can see the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, which connects Oshima on the Shimanami Kaido to Shikoku💫 This park is located on Mount Kiro, which is 307.8m above sea level, and is a futuristic observation deck with a 360-degree view designed by architect Kengo Kuma* When I went there in the evening, it was just the right time for a beautiful magic hour🌅 Everyone was so engrossed in the sunset that the observation deck on the other side looked like it would be deserted in an instant, so I hurried over to take the first photo📷 (fifth photo from the back) Isn't the view on this side also amazing? 🤍 (It's a popular spot, so I didn't think I'd be able to take such a private shot🥺✨Happy) A spectacular observation deck with a 360-degree view where you can enjoy different views♡I recommend it🫶 I was unsure of how many stairs to include, so I took two patterns. lol Add excitement to your everyday life:🌙 📮487-4 Minamiura, Yoshiumi-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime Prefecture🕙24-hour free entry, open all year round👛Free🅿️Available (18 regular cars, 6 large cars)・Free🚗Approximately 10 minutes by car from Oshima Minami IC on the Shimanami KaidoApproximately 20 minutes by car from Oshima Kita IC #Sakura2024 #Ehime #EhimeTrip #EhimeTourism #BeautifulSights

Omishima, located on the Shimanami Kaido, is an island of art! I went to the Imabari Toyo Ito Architecture Museum, one of the art museums scattered around the island. This is an art museum that exhibits the architectural works of famous architect Toyo Ito. All of the original and unique architectural works were worth seeing! Access: 2418 Urado, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #Ehime #Omishima #Shimanami Kaido #Remote Island Tourism

Omishima, located on the Shimanami Kaido, is an island of art. There are art museums scattered around the island where you can enjoy art works. About 30 pieces are on display, including works by famous international artists such as Giacomo Manzu and other domestic artists. At the back of the museum, there is a terrace with a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea✨ Access: 2362-3 Urado, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #Ehime #Omishima #Shimanami Kaido #Remote Island Tourism

Oyamazumi Shrine in Omishima, Ehime Prefecture ⛩ This is a spot you can't miss if you go to Omishima! Inside the shrine grounds, there is a magnificent sacred tree that is over 2600 years old 🌲 It is a power spot. Oyamazumi Shrine is located near the center of Omishima, so it is easy to access. I visited the shrine early in the morning while taking a morning walk ♪ Access: 3327 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime Prefecture #Remote Island Tourism #Shimanami Kaido #Omishima #Ehime

When I went to Omishima on the Shimanami Kaido and was wondering where to have dinner, I came across "Kitsune no Botan" which was highly recommended by the hotel staff and the shopkeepers in town❣️ I really wanted to go, so I went there😋 This izakaya has a very interesting menu of creative dishes, and the food is delicious! ! ✨ The restaurant is run by a married couple, and their conversation was wonderful, and you could tell how close they are. Access: 5512 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari-shi, Ehime #RemoteIslandTourism #ShimanamiKaido #Omishima #Ehime

Omishima Brewery is a bar located on Omishima Island on the Shimanami Kaido. Enjoy Omishima craft beer here! 🍺 Inside the bar, there's a space where you can enjoy a light snack and a beer, and you can enjoy delicious, freshly poured beer. ☻ Takeout is also available. ◎ Access: 5589 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #RemoteIslandTourism #Ehime #Omishima #ShimanamiKaido

Co-living & Cafe SANDO. We stayed here on Omishima Island in Ehime Prefecture during our trip along the Shimanami Kaido! It's located near Omishima's popular spot, Oyamazumi Shrine, and is conveniently located near the downtown area on the approach to the shrine. 🙆‍♀️ The first floor is a cafe space with a warm wooden atmosphere. We stayed in a double room! It's a simple space with just a bed, and the toilet and shower are shared. It was very clean and comfortable. ✨ Access: 5495-1 Miyanoura, Omishima-cho, Ehime Prefecture #EhimeHotel #ShimanamiKaido #Omishima #RemoteIslandTrip #AccommodationReport

I was finally able to visit the Imabari Towel Museum, which I had seen in a guidebook and was curious about. ✨ Imabari City is where the highest quality towels in Japan are manufactured. I can understand if it's a towel museum, but an art museum? At first I couldn't imagine it, but after coming here I was convinced! It is truly an art museum. First, there is an introduction to the Imabari towel manufacturing process, then there are paintings of popular characters such as Moomin made from towels, Hawaiian quilts, and art made entirely from towels. There are many cute exhibits, so I think it's a spot that girls will love❣️ After the tour, there is a souvenir corner with a wide variety of Imabari towels. If you come to Imabari, please stop by☺️ 📍2930 Asakura Kamiko, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #EhimeTourism #GirlsTrip #trip2022

I went to Imabari on a business trip! I wanted to do some sightseeing in the city! I finished my business early, so I went to Imabari Castle, the symbol of Imabari 🏯 Imabari Castle is easily accessible from the major hotels in the city! I managed to get there just 30 minutes before closing time and ran up about 140 steps lol (unfortunately there is no elevator) The inside of the castle tower is a museum, and many items of historical value are on display. I finished the main tour safely within the time limit, and when I looked at the moat, I saw that it was not a carp but a sea bream swimming there 👀 It is unique to Imabari Castle, which is connected to the sea. I was given some bread crusts by a local auntie, and it was my first experience feeding sea bream. Thank you to the auntie for this opportunity ❣️ 📍 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #breathtakingview #castle #ehimetourism #trip2022

Oyamazumi Shrine stands tall on Omishima Island in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. I discovered it on a detour while cycling along the Shimanami Kaido. I visited just as the emperor was changing, and a religious ceremony was being held there, creating a very solemn atmosphere. By the way, it is located in the middle of the Shimanami Kaido, so you can access it by car or bicycle. There are quite a few ups and downs, but if you're in good shape, it's best to go by bicycle!! #Shrine #Breathtaking views

Kirosan Observation Park is located on Oshima Island, which is connected to Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture by the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. The spectacular view from this observation deck is said to be the best on the Shimanami Kaido, and you're sure to be impressed not only during the day, but also at sunset and at night. A 360-degree panorama opens up, overlooking the Kurushima Strait, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Imabari City, and even the Ishizuchi mountain range if the weather is good. Kirosan Observation Deck, a spectacular spot, was designed by Kengo Kuma, and is worth seeing as an architectural work, attracting many tourists. Please come and visit! ! #Spectacular views #Couple trip #Summer trip #Ehime #Trip to enjoy spring #Free spot #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Amazing nature #Summer trip #Spectacular views #Trip to enjoy spring

The Seto Inland Sea and the Shimanami Kaido spread out right before your eyes. Indulge in a luxurious getaway with ocean views from both your room and the hot springs. An experience unique to an island accessible only by boat, this is truly an extraordinary retreat. 📍GLAMPROOK Shimanami 1006 Umashima, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture Save this post for your next travel inspiration!

3-Night, 4-Day Trip to Shikoku & Awaji Island Day 1 13. 10 Depart Haneda Airport JAL Flight 481 to Takamatsu 14. 25 Arrive Takamatsu Airport Meet up with friends and family 18:30 Kaisen Umaimonya Hamakaido Enjoy fresh seafood dishes 🍣 Day 2 7:30 Depart Takamatsu 9:30 Sanuki Mendokoro Yamaoka Have your noodles served with the Yamaoka Screw 12. 00 Kirosan Observation Park See the spectacular view of the Shimanami Kaido 13. 00 Hakata Beach Shopping & rest 19:30 Ikkaku Ota Branch Enjoy bone-in chicken 🍻 Day 3 10:00 Depart Takamatsu 12. 25 Kaisendon Kaiboshu Enjoy the recommended seafood bowl 13. 40 Shiawase no Pancake Main Store Enjoy coffee while looking at the sea & take photos at the photo spot 16:20 Awaji Confectionery Shop Purchased souvenirs 18:40 Tsuda no Matsubara Beach Enjoyed playing in the sea 20:15 Bone-in Chicken and Binchotan Yakitori Omimi Omimi Terai-cho Main Store Last Supper: A Big Mug of Beer Festival 🍻 Day 4 11:30 Ikkaku Ota Store Had one last bone-in chicken 17. 15 Departed Takamatsu JAL Flight 484 to Haneda 18. 40 Arrived at Haneda This plan included departures and arrivals at Haneda Airport. This time, I used JAL and the round trip cost 25,500 yen. I stayed at a friend's house for 3 nights. Using Takamatsu as a base, I was taken to the Shimanami Kaido and Awaji Island. Everywhere I looked, there were breathtaking views, making for wonderful travel memories. And the food was truly delicious. Seafood, meat, udon, everything was delicious, and I couldn't help but drink more than I intended. I hope this will be helpful for your travel planning. #DomesticTravel #ShikokuTravel #AwajiIsland #Gourmet

Hirakiyama Park is located near the summit of Mount Hiraki on Hakatajima and is a renowned cherry blossom viewing destination. Every spring, the entire mountain is blanketed in blooming cherry blossoms, featuring around 1,000 trees, including the Yoshino cherry variety. There are several flat parking lots available, along with public restrooms, making it highly convenient for visitors. During peak cherry blossom season, traffic control measures are implemented (vehicles head up from point A and head down from point B). Clear signage guides you at both the entrance and exit, and traffic controllers are stationed along the way, so you don't have to worry about taking a wrong turn. There is a small oden stall at the summit that smells incredibly tempting! However, I had just finished lunch before visiting, so I didn't get to try any. Sitting under the cherry blossom trees, feeling the gentle breeze while admiring the blooms and gazing at the distant Seto Inland Sea, is an incredibly relaxing and carefree experience. The summit also features a wooden observation deck. From here, you can take in panoramic views of the islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea, the three magnificent bridges connecting them, and the distant Shikoku and Chugoku mountain ranges. On the day of my visit, the clear blue sky, fluffy white clouds, and light blue waters created a truly stunning scene. I've heard that the lantern illuminations for night cherry blossom viewing here are also spectacular. Typically, early to mid-April is the prime time to view the Yoshino cherry blossoms. 📍Address: Ikata, Hakata-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 🕰️Opening Hours: 24 hours 💰Average Cost: Free 🆓 💞Why I Recommend It: Plentiful parking 🅿️, and the cherry blossoms bloom incredibly dense and lush. 🗓️Itinerary Idea: Hirakiyama Park 》Rest Area for BBQ and Ice Cream 🍦

Sunset is a must-see during travel; the emotion conveyed by the sunlight is indescribable! Kirosan Observatory Park, located in Imabari City, Japan, is easily accessible by car and has received extremely high ratings on various travel review platforms. Many tourists consider it "the most spectacular view on the Shimanami Kaido." Kirosan Observatory Park boasts a 360-degree panoramic view. From its observation deck, you can overlook the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and numerous islands in the Seto Inland Sea. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, in the distance. The endless islands evoke a sense of boundless vitality and charm! Designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma, Kameyama Observatory Park employs the concept of "invisible architecture," embedding the observation deck into the mountainside, perfectly blending it with the natural environment—truly unique! Additionally, you can find "seaweed salt ice cream" at the summit, a treat only available at Kameyama Observatory Park. Its sweet and salty flavor is reminiscent of first love—the perfect way to cool down after your climb! Parking is free! If you visit during cherry blossom season, you can see the cherry blossoms there too 🌸 #ImabariCity #Japan #MustVisitSpotsInJapan #KamerouzanObservatoryPark #SetoInlandSea #SeaSaltIceCream #CherryBlossoms

In conjunction with the biennial cycling event "Cycling Shimanami 2026," we are thrilled to offer a 5-day, 4-night Setouchi island-hopping cycling tour. In addition to participating in the Cycling Shimanami 2026 event on October 25, you'll ride across unique islands in the Seto Inland Sea, such as Osakikamijima and the Yumeshima Kaido. Experience breathtaking island scenery and a cycling adventure completely different from typical sightseeing routes. Beyond challenging the world-renowned Cycling Shimanami 2026, you'll explore multiple distinctive islands in the Setouchi region on a 5-day immersive journey, far off the beaten tourist path! 📅 Departure Dates | October 23–27, 2026 📍 Hiroshima・Onomichi・Imabari・Setouchi Islands 🚴 Participate in Cycling Shimanami 2026 📝 Registration closes on June 30, 2026

It's not overly crowded with tourists here, but island-hopping offers plenty of incredible art galleries, museums, and architecture to explore. For instance, the Murakami KAIZOKU Museum is a must-visit. Moreover, the Kurushima Kaikyo Observation Hall features exhibits explaining the construction of this massive bridge made of three suspension bridges—an absolutely stunning feat of engineering. The views from the Kirosan Observatory are spectacular, and the observation deck itself is a unique architectural masterpiece, making it highly recommended.

At the Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area, you can enjoy local Ehime cuisine while taking in breathtaking views! I was disappointed that I couldn't eat the roast pork and egg rice bowl and the shirasu (whitebait) rice bowl, but when I stopped at the Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area, they had everything, including sea bream rice! They even had sea bream broth ramen. You can also buy souvenirs. The food court is a little small, but if you sit at the counter seats by the window, you can enjoy a meal while taking in the spectacular view of the sea and the bridge. Even if you can't get a window seat, you can still enjoy a wonderful view from the second floor! #KurushimaKaikyoSA #EhimeGourmet #EhimeScenery

This was my first time staying in a Japanese style ryokan. Whilst it was quite simple, for the price it was worth it. There’s a nice view of the nearby port and the famous Imabari castle is a 15 minute walk away from the ryokan. Facilities are decent. Noise cancellation of the rooms leaves a bit to be desired especially when there’s rude Europeans waking up at 6am and singing and blasting pop music.