Sunrise Itoyama Closure (2026): Latest Status, Impact, and What Remains Open

In September 2025, it was announced that both the accommodation and restaurant at Sunrise Itoyama — a key hub for Shimanami Kaido cyclists in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture — would cease operations by the end of March 2026. As of April 2026, I visited the site and confirmed that the main building of Sunrise Itoyama has been fully closed.

Sunrise Itoyama Closes Its Doors

Sunrise Itoyama opened in 1999, the same year the Shimanami Kaido route was completed, as the official Imabari Cycling Terminal. It has long served as the primary base facility on the Ehime Prefecture (Imabari) side of the Shimanami Kaido for cyclists and visitors. In addition to its role as a rental cycle terminal, it offered rest areas, accommodation, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop — all under one roof.

Accommodation and Restaurant Operations End

The official Sunrise Itoyama website announced that the accommodation service would close on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Separately, the on-site dining area “Kaze no Restaurant” (Wind Restaurant) announced via its social media that it would also cease operations by the end of March 2026. There had been various rumors circulating — a temporary closure, a renovation, or a permanent shutdown — but this announcement confirmed the latter.

Accommodation was one of the core functions of Sunrise Itoyama. True to its concept of providing cyclists — particularly young people — with a safe, comfortable, and affordable place to stay, the rates were kept reasonably low. With 19 rooms and a capacity of 95 guests, the facility offered views of the Kurushima Kaikyo Strait right from the rooms. Despite being located away from the city center, it was a popular choice among cyclists passing through.

Kaze no Restaurant, the in-house restaurant and café, also overlooked the stunning scenery of the Kurushima Kaikyo Strait. It served dishes made with local ingredients while guests enjoyed the view, making it a popular spot even among local residents who would bring visitors from out of town. Since dining options in the surrounding area are limited, it was also heavily used by overnight guests.

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Why Sunrise Itoyama Is Closing

End of the Designated Management Contract

Sunrise Itoyama’s accommodation was well-regarded among Shimanami Kaido cyclists, and Kaze no Restaurant was a regular haunt for locals — so news of their closure came as quite a surprise. The facility always seemed busy, so financial difficulties were unlikely to be the cause.

Sunrise Itoyama is a public facility owned by the City of Imabari, operated under Japan’s designated management system — a framework in which local governments entrust the management of public facilities to private organizations or foundations under a fixed-term contract. The facility had long been managed by the Imabari Labor Welfare Foundation, an incorporated foundation established in 1976 and 90% funded by the City of Imabari as of 2024. Although it bore the name of a labor welfare body, it effectively functioned as a dedicated manager for Sunrise Itoyama, making it quasi-public in nature.

As stated on the official Sunrise Itoyama website, the closure of the accommodation and restaurant is due to the expiration of the designated management contract with the Imabari Labor Welfare Foundation at the end of March 2026. The restaurant, Kaze no Restaurant, was operated by the bus company Setouchi Shimanami Leading, and its closure appears to follow on from the end of the accommodation service.

Privatization and Redevelopment Plans

The Sunrise Itoyama website lists the “Imabari City Cycle City Promotion Division” as the contact for inquiries regarding the closure. I initially had no information on what would happen to the site going forward, but someone kindly informed me via social media that the City’s Cycle City Promotion Division had been sharing details about redevelopment plans.

According to the Imabari City Cycle City Promotion Division, the city is looking to revitalize the land — which includes the Sunrise Itoyama site — not through public funding, but through private investment. The phrase used by the city is “attracting high-value-added accommodation facilities.” Given the stunning views and its position as the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, it’s easy to see why this area could hold real potential for development.

The Sunrise Itoyama main building had also started to show its age, and the shift toward privatization feels like a natural step given the growing number of visitors to the Shimanami Kaido. While there is a sense of nostalgia seeing such a long-standing cyclist hub close its doors, I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for this location.

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.

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Rental Cycles Expected to Continue

As of now, I have not found any announcement indicating that the rental cycle terminal at Sunrise Itoyama will also be closing. The only confirmed closures relate to the accommodation and dining services in the main building. It’s also worth noting that since 2022, the rental cycle operations on the Ehime (Imabari) side of the Shimanami Kaido have been managed not by the Imabari Labor Welfare Foundation, but by a separate organization — Shimanami Japan.

Shimanami Japan is a DMO (Destination Management Organization) — a regional tourism organization established by Imabari, Onomichi, and Kamijima Town. Since 2022, it has managed all public rental cycle terminals across the route. Since 2022, it has taken over the unified management of all public rental cycle terminals on both the Ehime and Hiroshima sides of the Shimanami Kaido. In other words, the rental cycle operations at Sunrise Itoyama had already been separated from the Imabari Labor Welfare Foundation — essentially moving toward a more privately managed model.

I’ve put together the latest information on Shimanami Kaido rental cycles on the page below, for anyone planning a cycling trip. I’ll also update this page if there are any further developments regarding the rental cycle terminal at Sunrise Itoyama.

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[Update] On-Site Check in April 2026

Sunrise Itoyama Main Building Fully Closed

As previously announced on the official website and in news reports, Sunrise Itoyama’s accommodation and Kaze no Restaurant both ended operations on Saturday, March 21, 2026. I visited the site on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 to see the situation for myself after the closure.

Since only the accommodation and dining services were announced as closing, I wasn’t sure from the news reports whether the lobby, restrooms, meeting rooms, and other shared spaces in the main building would remain open to visitors. When I arrived on site, a handwritten sign reading “Closed” was posted on the main entrance, and the front door was locked.

It turned out to be a complete closure of the entire main building — not just the accommodation and restaurant. The lobby, which had offered stunning views of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, is now inaccessible, which is a real shame. The main building restrooms, which many cyclists used, are no longer available either. However, there are also public toilets at the rental cycle building nearby, so this shouldn’t cause any real inconvenience for cyclists.

The vending machines have been removed, and there’s no sign of activity inside the building. There’s no indication yet that demolition work is underway — it may be that the city is waiting for decisions on the new accommodation plans before deciding whether to renovate or demolish the building.

Free Parking Lot Remains Available

Sunrise Itoyama has always been a convenient free parking lot for cyclists who transport their bikes by car. I’m happy to report that the parking area continues to be available at no charge. There are no chains or barriers blocking the entrance, and vehicles can come and go freely.

If demolition of the main building does get underway, the parking spaces directly in front of it may be temporarily affected. However, there are second and third parking lots on the grounds, and the parking area right next to the rental cycle building is fully usable as normal. The free parking lot at the Kurushima Kaikyo Observatory (来島海峡展望館) nearby is also an option.

Rental Cycles Still Operating

As expected, the Imabari Itoyama Rental Cycle Terminal, operated by Shimanami Japan, is continuing to operate exactly as before. Nothing has changed here, so you can use it with confidence.

SHIMANAMI Letter Monument Still Standing

The popular “SHIMANAMI” letter monument on the Sunrise Itoyama grounds has not been removed and remains exactly where it has always been, so you can still take photos there as usual. Following the news of the closure, there were concerned voices on social media wondering whether the monument would be taken down — so this is a relief! If you’re visiting and want a photo at this iconic spot, you won’t be disappointed.

Where to Buy Moped Toll Tickets Now

While cyclists and pedestrians can currently cross the Shimanami Kaido toll-free (as part of an ongoing free passage campaign), mopeds (under 125cc) are charged a toll of approximately 50–200 yen per bridge. To avoid the hassle of carrying exact change, prepaid moped toll ticket booklets are sold at various locations along the route — and Sunrise Itoyama was one of those sales points.

Purchasing moped toll tickets at Sunrise Itoyama had become a standard routine for riders starting their journey on the Shimanami Kaido, but this is no longer possible following the closure. Instead, tickets can now be purchased at the Kurushima Kaikyo Observatory Hall or at the first-floor office of the Minato Koryu Center “Harbory”. Toll tickets are also available at each of the expressway toll booths along the route.

The Kurushima Kaikyo Observatory is located very close to Sunrise Itoyama, so stopping there to pick up your tickets before setting off is a convenient option.

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[Update] Redevelopment of Sunrise Itoyama

On April 20, 2026, some very welcome news came from Imabari City. After its closure, the future of Sunrise Itoyama had been closely watched for quite some time. It has now been officially announced that Imabari City and a private business group have signed a basic agreement for the “Sunrise Itoyama and Surrounding Municipal Land Utilization Promotion Project.”

With Sunrise Itoyama set to be revitalized under private management, this is likely exciting news for travelers and cyclists planning to visit the Shimanami Kaido. I’d like to walk you through the details.

Background of the redevelopment and project overview

Sunrise Itoyama opened in 1999 alongside the completion of the Shimanami Kaido, and for 27 years it has been a familiar and welcoming place for cyclists and travelers. However, as maintenance costs continued to rise, there was a growing need to further enhance the facility’s functions and incorporate private-sector expertise.

Imabari City has also faced the challenge of how to convert the steadily increasing number of visitors to the Shimanami area into greater local spending and overnight stays. In response, the “Sunrise Itoyama and Surrounding Municipal Land Utilization Promotion Project” was launched as a redevelopment initiative that brings in private-sector ideas and investment.

Following a public proposal process, the selected top proposal came from a group led by Yonden Business Co., Ltd. In addition to Yonden Business, the group includes Atelier Tekuto Co., Ltd., which is responsible for the design, and Taniguchi Co., Ltd., a local construction company headquartered in Imabari.

The project’s design is led by architect Yasuhiro Yamashita of Atelier Tekuto, who is known for launching the high-value accommodation brand “Denpaku” on Amami Oshima and promoting community development that makes use of local resources. His work has received the top award at the Japan Tourism Awards and has also been selected for the Michelin Guide hotel listings. Having an architect with this kind of experience involved in designing the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido feels very reassuring.

Two facilities with distinct concepts

One of the key features of this project is its phased development plan, which includes both the renovation of the existing Sunrise Itoyama and the construction of a new facility on the seaside municipal land.

Facility 1: Renovated Sunrise Itoyama (scheduled to open around winter 2027)

The current building will be fully renovated and transformed into a 23-room accommodation facility. Each guest room will be equipped with a shower, and the property will also include a large public bath, a restaurant, and a shop. With a prime location overlooking the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge right in front, the facility aims to become a gathering place for cyclists and travelers who enjoy active journeys. The expected room rate is approximately 30,000 to 50,000 yen per night.

Facility 2: New seaside villa-style accommodation (scheduled to open around winter 2028)

On the seaside site, a new villa-style accommodation will be built. This facility will consist of 20 single-story guest rooms and will include a restaurant, sauna, and swimming pool. Designed as a high-end property, it aims to offer a more relaxed and immersive stay, allowing guests to experience the scenery of the Kurushima Strait and the Shimanami Kaido up close. The expected room rate is approximately 70,000 to 150,000 yen per night.

Both facilities are planned to incorporate locally sourced materials unique to Imabari, such as Kikuma roof tiles and Oshima stone. It has also been announced that Chef Tomohiko Murakami, originally from Hakatajima Island in Imabari and owner of the Osaka-based restaurant “Shimanami French Murakami,” will supervise the restaurant. From an architectural and culinary perspective, the project promises to showcase the distinctive character of the Imabari and Shimanami region.

Facility overview and opening schedule

Here is a summary of the announced facility details and development schedule.

	Facility 1: Renovated building	Facility 2: New building
Number of rooms	23 rooms	20 rooms
Facilities	Public bath, restaurant, shop	Restaurant, sauna, pool
Estimated room rate	Approx. 30,000–50,000 yen	Approx. 70,000–150,000 yen
Construction start	Around October 2026 (planned)	Around April 2027 (planned)
Opening	Around winter 2027 (planned)	Around winter 2028 (planned)

*Room rates are based on current announcements and may vary depending on the season and accommodation plan.

Renovation of the existing facility is expected to begin around October 2026, with the possibility of the renovated building opening as early as within the 2027 fiscal year. This will be followed by the construction of the new facility starting around April 2027, with an opening planned for around winter 2028. It will take a little more time before both facilities are fully completed, but it will be exciting to see this project gradually take shape step by step.

Rental bicycle services will continue

For many cyclists, one of the biggest concerns is what will happen to the rental bicycle services.

According to the announcement, the Imabari Itoyama Rental Bicycle Terminal, located next to Sunrise Itoyama, will continue to be operated by Shimanami Japan. This means that the rental bike services at Itoyama—long known as a starting point for cycling the Shimanami Kaido—will remain available as before.

As more details become available ahead of the opening, I’ll continue to share updates on this page. I hope you’ll look forward to the opening of this new gateway to the Shimanami Kaido.

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This page has covered the closure of Sunrise Itoyama, the long-standing hub facility for Shimanami Kaido cyclists on the Imabari side of Ehime Prefecture. One of the greatest things about the Shimanami Kaido is that even beginners can enjoy a safe and comfortable cycling experience. For more detailed information on planning your Shimanami Kaido cycling trip, please take a look at the page below.