Kurushima Strait Boat Tour & Shimanami Kaido Cycling Tour

See one of Japan's three great tidal currents—the Kurushima Strait rapids—by boat. Cycle over the world's largest suspension bridge—the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge—on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Enjoy a seafood BBQ or dress like a Japanese pirate.

The Shimanami Kaido cycling route spans some 70 kilometers over multiple islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea connecting Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures.

The first section of this route connects Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, and the Oshima Island via the world's longest suspension bridge—Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge—which consists of sections.

This tour is particularly suited to travelers with limited time who wish to experience the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea without cycling the entire 70-kilometer route.

On this tour, you will board a sightseeing boat and sail to spot located just under the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge for an up-close view of one of Japan's three great tidal currents—the Kurushima Strait rapids. The speed and direction of the rapids change throughout the day, however, generally speaking, you can enjoy the rapids throughout the year.

Sailing aboard a sightseeing boat, you will be able to get very close to see the rapids. Moreover, the boat will also provide impressive views of the Imabari Shipyard, Japan's largest industrial shipbuilding site.

After visiting the rapids, you will return to shore to rent a bicycle and cycle several kilometers on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route to Oshima Island. On Oshima Island, you will enjoy a delicious seafood BBQ and dress up like a Japanese pirate.

Sample Itinerary (approx- 3h30min)

• Pick-up at Imabari Station East Exit by a chartered taxi
• Go to Oshima Island Michi no Eki Yoshiumi Ikiikikan and rent a bicycle
  (If you bring your bike, you can ride on the boat with your bike.)
• Sail aboard a sightseeing boat; see the Kurushima Strait rapids up close
• Disembark at Umashima Island, a Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge pillar base
  (Take the elevator up the bridge for the cycling tour toward Oshima Island (20–30 minutes))
• Arrive at Oshima Island Michi no Eki Yoshiumi Ikiikikan and enjoy a delicious seafood barbecue as well as a pirate dress-up experience.
• Drop-off at Imabari Station by chartered taxi