ACTIVITIES Island Activities
Experiencing the Great Shimanami Wilderness
Shimanami Kaido’s “Cycling Road” which spans the Setouchi archipelago is Japan’s first bicycle path to cross multiple straits. As well as cycling, there are other experiences such as marine sports, outdoor activities and craft workshops aplenty to satisfy people from all walks of life. Enjoy the entirety of Shimanami’s magnificent nature and culture via the rewarding “Cycling Road”.
Introducing Our Favourite Courses!
- Shiomachi Brothers
- We are a Brother Unit (not real brothers though!) dedicated to further revitalise the Setoda Shiomachi Shotengai. We started calling Setoda our home in the summer of 2020 and are working day in day out for the opening of a roastery, accommodation facilities, tourist information centre and cafe on the Shiomachi Shotengai. Keep up to date with our progress on Twitter and Instagram!
Shimanami's Great Nature Trail Cycling Course
- Course Duration:
- 4 Hours
- An active course for everyone
- The first thing that comes to mind when hearing Shimanami Kaido is cycling. Moreover, the cycling on offer is accessible to people of all health levels. For those not confident in their cycling skills, rental electric bicycles are also on offer, making it a great day out for the whole family.
- Rent a bicylcle at the Shiomachi Shotengai
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Shimanami Romance
Setouchi Tabitasu Setoda
Shima-Gokoro SETODA
Lemon & Café Shiomachi-Tei
SOIL SETODA
- Cycle along the shoreline
- Look to your right to spot Hyotan Island
- Scenic Spot: Lemon Valley
- Enjoy the view of terraced lemon orchids backed by the majestic Tatara Bridge.
- Scenic Spot: Crossing the Tatara Bridge
- Look out over The Setouchi archipelago en route to Omishima Island at the Hiroshima/Ehime Prefecture border.
- Take a break at Shimanami Coffee
- Soak in the amazing view while enjoying a refreshing beverage at the alfresco café - Shimanami Coffee.
- Lunchtime at the local Roadside Station
- Satisfy your hunger at a local roadside rest area. The locally caught seafood teishoku is highly recommended.
- Wakka Café
- Enjoy dessert and coffee while looking back out to the Seto Inland Sea and Ikuchi Island.
- Heading back
- Take your time and enjoy the ride back to Shiomachi Shotengai.
Stop by Lemon Valley to try your luck at the famous Gacha vending machine for a commemorative souvenir.
For the Love of Setoda's Lemons
- Course Duration:
- Up to you! A flexible course you can work around your stay's schedule.
- Japan's most famous lemons
- Home to Japan's largest lemon producing region, Setoda boasts some of Japan's best lemons. Make the most of everything lemon by exploring the local specialty shops that line the Shiomachi Shotengai.
- Lemon picking
- Try your hand at lemon picking at Soil Setoda.
- Savour and compare various lemonades from local stores along the Shiomachi Shotengai.
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Lemon & Café Shiomachi-Tei
Shimanami Romance
Soil Setoda
- Savour and indulge on Setoda's specialty lemon sweets
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Dolce
Shima-Gokoro SETODA
- All things lemon at lemon specialty stores
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Kameido
Shima-Gokoro SETODA
Fuji Honpo
Shimanami Romance
- Enjoy a famous Setoda lemon nabe hotpot to finish off the day
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Lemon & Café Shiomachi-Tei
Chidori
Island History and Art Hopping Course
- Course Duration:
- 2-3 hours
- Exploring the islands culture and history
- The perfect course for learning about Setoda's culture and history. Choose from either a quick tour of Setoda's three most iconic establishments (2-3 hours); or a more leisurely exploration of the entire island by bicycle.
- Kojoji Temple
- Enjoy the serene view of Kojoji Temple's three storied pagoda, a national treasure of Japan, with a backdrop of Setoda's majestic oceans and mountains from atop the observatory situated in the temple grounds.
- Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art
- An art gallery dedicated to the works of Setoda local and respected representative of modern Japanese-style art, Hirayama Ikuo. Expect to understand and enjoy on a deeper level the soul of Setoda after visiting this dedicated art museum.
- Kosanji Temple
- Point of interest 1: Cou Sei Kaku
Originally built by the founding priest of Kosanji Temple for the living quarters of his mother, this well-preserved original building complex showcases the beauty and innovation brought upon by integrating Japanese and Western cultures and technologies of the time.
Point of Interest 2: The Hill of Hope
A vast and humbling pure white garden of marble on the Kosanji Temple grounds, made from 3,000 tonnes of marble, over a 5,000 square metre area. A truly unique space.
- Cycle the art path
- A great way to explore the multitude of artworks scattered across the island. For those with a leisurely time schedule, rent a bicycle from the Shiomachi Shotengai to spend the day exploring the island's art world.
The Best of Setoda, Lite Course
- Course Duration:
- 2-3 hours
- A crash-course introduction to Setoda
- A great course for those short on time who want to enjoy the Setoda experience. Recommended for one day visitors.
- Rent a bicycle from the Shiomachi Shotengai
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Shimanami Romance
Setouchi Tabitasu Setoda
Shima-Gokoro SETODA
Lemon & Café Shiomachi-Tei
SOIL SETODA
- Kosanji Temple
- Point of interest 1: Cou Sei Kaku
Originally built by the founding priest of Kosanji Temple for the living quarters of his mother, this well-preserved original building complex showcases the beauty and innovation brought upon by integrating Japanese and Western cultures and technologies of the time.
Point of Interest 2: The Hill of Hope
A vast and humbling pure white garden of marble on the Kosanji Temple grounds, made from 3,000 tonnes of marble, over a 5,000 square metre area. A truly unique space.
- Cycling the shoreline to Sunset Beach
- Indulge on the majestic view of the Shimanami while enjoying the cool sea breeze.
- A quick break after returning to the Shiomachi Shotengai
- Quench your thirst with some fresh local lemonade.
- Explore all things lemon
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Kameido
Shima-Gokoro SETODA
Fuji Honpo
Shimanami Romance
