Itoyama Observatory: A Hidden Gem Viewpoint on the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route

Itoyama Observatory in Imabari is one of the Shimanami Kaido’s hidden gems — easy to access from the cycling route, yet offering breathtaking views over the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge and the surrounding strait. Here’s what you can expect and how to get there.

Best Viewpoint on the Shimanami Kaido

A viewpoint overlooking the Kurushima Kaikyo Strait

“The whirlpools of Kurushima Strait — roaring, thundering, rising — when I hear them, a warrior spirit stirs within me.”

Yoshii Isamu (1886–1960) was a renowned Japanese poet active from the Taisho to Showa periods. In 1936–37, he traveled across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea — including Oshima and Hakatajima — composing poems inspired by the landscapes he encountered. These waters were once dominated by the Murakami Kaizoku (Murakami Pirates), a powerful maritime clan that controlled key sea routes from around the 13th to 16th centuries. Even small islands like Kurishima are believed to have hosted their strongholds.

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Itoyama Observatory

My top recommendation for a viewpoint

If you’re looking for a scenic viewpoint along the Shimanami Kaido, this is my top recommendation — especially if you’re new to sport cycling or trying cycle touring for the first time. Itoyama Observatory offers an impressive view without the demanding climb required at more famous spots like Kirosan Observatory on Oshima. It’s much easier to reach, yet the scenery is just as rewarding.

Watch the view on video (YouTube)

This observatory sits very close to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, allowing you to look down on it from above — a perspective that feels surprisingly rare. It’s also known as a filming location for the popular NHK program Bura Tamori, which featured the history of the Murakami Pirates, often called the “lords of the Seto Inland Sea.”

Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge viewpoint	Itoyama Observatory
Address	2-5-2 Koura-cho, Imabari City
Phone number	0898-41-5002 (Kurushima Kaikyo Observation Hall)
Features	A viewpoint overlooking the bridge piers of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
Difficulty	Very easy to access, even for beginners

Getting to the observatory

Itoyama Observatory is accessible not only by bicycle, but also by car or motorcycle, with parking available on-site. Because a larger facility — the Kurushima Kaikyo Observation Hall — is located nearby, this observatory often goes unnoticed, which is exactly what makes it feel like a hidden gem.

You can also reach the area by bus from JR Imabari Station. Take a Setouchi Bus bound for Koura (via Imabari Kenbyoin / Prefectural Hospital) and get off at “Tenbodai Iriguchi.” From there, it’s about an 800-meter walk to the observatory.

The observatory is located on Itoyama Hill, on the Imabari side of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, right where the cycling and pedestrian route begins. The area also includes Sunrise Itoyama, a major rental cycle terminal, making it a familiar stop for many cyclists.

As you can see from above, Itoyama rises sharply from the coastline — which is exactly why the view here feels so expansive. In the past, this strategic location was home to Itoyama Castle, a water-based fortress that worked together with Kurishima Castle to monitor traffic through the strait.

Cycling access from the Imabari side

If you’re coming from Imabari Station, follow the Blue Line — the painted guide that marks the official cycling route — toward the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge.

At the junction near the bridge, do not enter the cycling and pedestrian path. That route leads directly onto the bridge toward Onomichi. Instead, continue straight along the road — you can visit the observatory first and then return to this point afterward.

Continue along the road for a short distance — about 150 meters — and you’ll reach Itoyama Tunnel.

Right after exiting the tunnel, you’ll find a parking area on the left side with space for about 40 cars, along with public restrooms. This is where you can leave your bike before heading up to the observatory. There’s also a larger parking area on the right side if needed.

Cycling access from the Onomichi side

If you’re coming from the Onomichi side, descend the spiral ramp from the bridge and head to the junction. Turn right — even though the signs point left toward Imabari — and pass through Itoyama Tunnel to reach the parking area.

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Kurushima Kaikyo Observation Hall

Kurushima Kaikyo Observation Hall vs. Itoyama Observatory

Near the tunnel exit, you’ll also find the Kurushima Kaikyo Observation Hall. It’s easier to access and has facilities such as a small shop and exhibition space, so it tends to attract more visitors.

While the view there is beautiful, Itoyama Observatory sits higher up, offering a wider and more immersive panorama. It’s also much quieter, making it easier to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Detailed directions to the observation deck

The trail from the parking area

From the parking area, a short walking trail leads up to the observatory. After locking your bike, follow the path into the hillside.

Look for the sign reading “Itoyama Nature Trail” at the edge of the parking area. This path also passes the site of Itoyama Castle, though little remains today.

The trail begins flat before gradually turning into a gentle staircase through the forest. It’s shaded and quiet, with no views along the way — but that makes the final reveal feel even more rewarding.

The distance is only about 120 meters, and the climb is easier than it looks. You’ll likely reach the top sooner than expected.

At the end of the trail stands a unique concrete structure — the observatory itself.

Even from the lower level, you can already see the bridge stretching across the strait.

A spiral staircase leads to the upper platform. The facility is clean, well-maintained, and comfortable to explore.

The best maps of the Shimanami Kaido

Maps you should get in advance

“CycloTourisme Shimanami,” which has been active in cycle tourism and regional promotion for nearly 20 years along the Shimanami Kaido, publishes guidebooks and maps. The map is also available in English and is extremely popular because it is the most detailed cycling-specific map in this region.

This product comes with a set of seven maps, each with a fairly detailed map for each island. I believe that getting your hands on this map will change your experience here. It can be purchased on Amazon.co.jp, and you can also buy it locally at Guesthouse CYCLONOIE in front of Imabari Station.

The views from the observatory

What can you see from Itoyama Observatory?

Although the hill behind the observatory limits a full 360-degree view, the main panorama is more than enough — capturing the bridge, islands, ships, and the city of Imabari all at once.

The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge stretches across the scene in three connected spans, totaling about 4 kilometers. Midway along, you’ll spot Umashima Island, where the bridge touches down.

This strait is one of the busiest shipping routes in the Seto Inland Sea, so there’s always traffic — from small boats to large cargo ships. Watching them pass beneath the bridge adds a sense of scale that’s hard to capture in photos.

To the left, you’ll see Kurishima Island — a small but historically important island that gave the strait its name.

Looking back toward Imabari, you’ll notice the sweeping highway curves and the spiral ramp used by cyclists. Beyond that lies the city, shipyards, and surrounding mountains.

From this height, you can clearly see cars, cyclists, and even pedestrians crossing the bridge — almost like watching a detailed miniature model come to life.

This observatory is also one of the official sketch locations for “Shimanami Kaido 53 Stages,” a famous series by Japanese artist Ikuo Hirayama. Standing here, it’s easy to see why — the view is truly one of the finest along the entire route. If you’re cycling the Shimanami Kaido, I highly recommend stopping here.

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On this page, I introduced Itoyama Observatory — one of the most scenic viewpoints near Imabari. There are many more incredible spots and cycling routes along the Shimanami Kaido, so if you’re planning your trip, be sure to explore further using the guide below.