Day cruise to Setoda

Want to enjoy the Shimanami Kaido, but don’t have time to tackle the whole route? Let the ferry from Onomichi whisk you to and from Setoda direct to some of the region’s highlights.

Setoda‘s location, about half way along the Shimanami Kaido, combined with its numerous attractions and pretty scenery, make it a popular place for people to break their journey along the route, but it’s also an excellent day-trip destination in its own right, whether you are a cyclist or not.

The most relaxing way to get to the heart of Shimanami

Ferries make the 40-minute journey between Onomichi and Setoda 7 times a day. Cruising through the Inland Sea is the most relaxing way to get to the heart of Shimanami. And, on a clear day, the views are gorgeous.

You are most likely to take the cute, yellow “Citrus” to make the trip, but pride of fleet is Cycleship Lazuli. At weekends, the Lazuli makes several return journeys a day and is equipped with special bicycle berths for cyclists and free WiFi so you can upload or livestream the beautiful journey.

On arrival in Setoda, you can rent bicycles (including electric bikes) and pick up information at the Setoda Tourist Information Center, which is a 10-minute walk along the town’s oldy-worldy shotengai shopping street. On the way, while waiting for the shops and cafes to open, take a detour up to the Kojoji Temple’s pagoda. This was a favorite spot of Setoda’s most famous son, painter Ikuo Hirayama. The views from up here provided Hirayama great inspiration and you can see why. Look for the gourd-shaped island of Hyotan-jima out in the bay.

Setoda’s most popular visitor attraction is undoubtedly Kosanji Temple. This monument to an Osaka industrialist’s love for his mother has to be seen to be believed.

The opulence continues above the temple complex at the Hill of Hope, a gleaming white structure made from Carrera marble shipped all the way from Italy.

Those who wish to see more of the aforementioned artist should also check out the well laid out Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art nearby.

Shimanami Kaido Biking Experience

The stretch of the Shimanami Kaido along the coast between Setoda and the impressive 1.5km long Tatara Bridge is one of the prettiest along the 70km bike route.

Mostly along a dedicated bike path, part of which takes you under palm trees, past Sunset Beach, it is also one of the easiest sections of the Shimanami Kaido to ride and perfect for families.

Taking the winding bike path up and over the Tatara Bridge to Tatara Shimanami Park gives you a good taste of what the Shimanami Kaido has to offer and is sure to have you thinking about a return visit to do the entire route.

It’s an 8.5km ride, one-way, between Setoda Port and Tatara Shimanami Park (3.5km between Setoda Port and Sunset Beach), so make sure you have time to return your bike by 5pm when the Setoda Port Tourist Information Center closes.

Sunset Beach is, of course, famous for its beautiful sunsets, but, as the final ferry for Onomichi leaves just before 6pm, for most of the year, you’ll need to consider staying overnight to enjoy one. But, would that be so bad?