A big spring event held at Mt. Sekizen on Iwagi Island, known as 'Three Thousand Cherry Trees'. The superb view of the entire mountain dyed pink is a must-see, and from the summit observatory, you can overlook the 360-degree beauty of many islands. During the period, night illumination is also carried out, allowing visitors to enjoy fantastic night cherry blossoms. On the day of the main event, traffic regulations and shuttle buses will operate, so please check the official website before visiting.

Enjoy the collaboration of vividly colored architectural complex, also called 'Nikkō of the West', and beautiful cherry blossoms blooming in the temple grounds. During the spring cherry blossom festival, special events such as pressed flower bookmark making workshops, 'Hanamatsuri (Amacha hospitality)' celebrating the birth of Buddha, and guided tours of the temple grounds by expert guides are plentiful. A stroll combined with the Marble Garden 'Hill of Hope' is recommended.

Hirakiyama Park on Hakata Island is a very popular cherry blossom viewing spot where approximately 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom across the summit area at an altitude of 149m. From the observatory, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of bridges on Shimanami Kaido, such as Tatara Bridge and Omishima Bridge, and beautiful islands like a miniature garden. During the cherry blossom season, local residents also decorate with lanterns and hold night cherry blossom illumination.

This is Japan's largest cycling event, with thousands of cyclists from all over the country gathering on the Shimanami Kaido in spring. At aid stations (rest areas), local proud citrus fruits and island sweets are served, and participants race through the beautiful archipelago of Setouchi while receiving warm cheers from islanders along the roadside.

Senkoji Park, a scenic spot representing Onomichi, the gateway to Shimanami Kaido. Approximately 1,500 Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees bloom, and it has been selected as one of the 'Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots'. During the period, night cherry blossom illumination by paper lanterns is held, allowing visitors to enjoy a fantastic landscape along with the night view of Onomichi Channel.

This is a special spring exhibition held on Ikuchijima, the hometown of Ikuo Hirayama, a master of Japanese painting (Ikuo Hirayama Museum of Art). Gallery talks and Japanese painting workshops are also held, allowing visitors to fully enjoy 'Spring of Art' in the mild climate of the Setouchi region, rather than the traditional 'Autumn of Art'.

This is a cozy spring festival held at "Omishima Wisteria Park" in Miyaura, Omishima-cho, where you can enjoy beautiful wisteria tunnels. Various bazaars, art exhibitions, and stage performances (10:00-15:00) are held, packed with the charms of Omishima. The event will proceed in light rain, but may be shortened in case of heavy rain.

A long-standing local spring event held at Kitaura Hachiman Shrine on Hakatajima. Theatrical performances with 200 years of history are dedicated, and stalls line the shrine grounds, creating a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere. It's a cozy and warm festival that attracts people from both inside and outside the island.

This is a splendid festival held at Oshima's "Yoshiumi Rose Park," heralding the arrival of early summer to the island. Rare species transplanted from one of France's premier rose gardens, along with 3,500 bushes of 400 varieties of roses from around the world, will be in full bloom. On the day of the event, popular rose sapling sales, a flea market by island residents, and stage events will be held, allowing visitors to spend an elegant day enveloped in sweet fragrance. Inquiries: Imabari City Yoshiumi Branch Resident Services Division 0897-84-2111

Unlike a marathon where you compete for time, this is a 'Maranic' (Marathon + Picnic) event where you run while enjoying the scenery in a picnic mood. As you tour the beautiful coastlines and scenic bridges of Ikuchijima, Innoshima, and Mukaishima, you can feel the unique warmth of the islands through the warm support of locals and well-stocked aid stations (water and food).

This is a solemn 'Kinen-sai' (Prayer for Good Harvest Festival) held at Oyamazumi Shrine, renowned as 'Japan's General Guardian Shrine,' to pray for a rich harvest and peace for the year. Held in the sacred atmosphere of the shrine during the season of vibrant green from spring to early summer, this Shinto ritual allows one to deeply experience Japan's beautiful traditions.

This is the most important festival held once a year at Oyamazumi Shrine (Oyamazumi Jinja) on Omishima, famous as the 'Grand Guardian of Japan'. Held around April 22nd of the lunar calendar, it attracts many worshippers from all over the country. Countless stalls line the approximately 1km path from the shrine's approach to the port, and the lively scene known as 'Mishima no Ooichi' (Mishima Grand Market) is breathtaking.

This is the spring leisure activity on Mukaishima! Due to clam resource protection, it has sometimes been suspended in recent years, but in revival years, families can enjoy the scent of the tide and muddy play to their heart's content. Please contact the Mukaishima Town Fishery Cooperative for specific dates before visiting.

This is a Shinto ritual held around May 5th of the lunar calendar to pray for a bountiful harvest. Following traditional rice planting by young women in white attire, the festival's main highlight, 'Hitori-Zumo' (one-person sumo), is dedicated. It is a nationally rare and humorous Shinto ritual where a sumo wrestler engages in a three-round match with an 'invisible rice spirit (god)', and it is registered as a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

This is a huge, exciting summer festival held on Innoshima's beautiful 'Shimanami Beach'. It features a thrilling wakeboard competition, artist live performances on the beach, over 20 delicious food stalls, and much more. At night, beautiful fireworks launched over the sea vividly color the start of summer. Experience the best beach party, bustling with families and young people.

This is a big summer event held off Habu Port on Innoshima, beloved by islanders. Over approximately 30 minutes, about 3,000 fireworks (including starmines and shakudama) are launched into the night sky one after another. Since they are launched from the sea, beautiful lights reflect on the water's surface, and you can experience the 'loud, rumbling sound of fireworks' unique to the mountainous terrain.

This is a summer festival held at Omishima's roadside station 'Tatara Shimanami Park'. During the day, it bustles with popular events for children like 'fish grabbing', stage performances, and various bazaars. The biggest highlight is the night fireworks display (approx. 2,300-2,900 fireworks)! The sight of giant fireworks launched directly behind the illuminated 'Tatara Bridge' is a supremely photogenic spectacle that can only be seen on the Shimanami Kaido.

This is a summer festival and fireworks display held in Miyakubo Town, Oshima, known as the home base of the Murakami Suigun (pirates). Launched from a special venue in front of the 'Murakami Suigun Museum', the fireworks rising against the backdrop of the sea associated with the Suigun and its strong currents are incredibly powerful. You can enjoy the dance of lights in the summer night sky and on the sea surface while feeling the romance of history.

This is a summer tradition held at Yuge Port on Yugeshima (Kamijima Town), the center of the 'Yumeshima Kaido'. Delicious local gourmet stalls line the port square, and islanders unite in excitement during stage events. At the climax of the festival, fireworks are launched over the sea, making it an exciting event that packs all the delights of a summer night festival.

This is a warm, islander-made summer festival held during the Obon period, with Oshima's 'Yoshiumi Rose Park' as the main venue. Local Bon Odori dances, song shows, and food stalls can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing people returning to their hometowns to create memories. The festival's finale features about 200 heartwarming fireworks, though smaller in scale, gently coloring Oshima's night sky.

This is the first part of Innoshima's largest festival, the 'Suigun Festival', which conveys the heroic spirit of the 'Murakami Pirates' who once ruled the Seto Inland Sea. A thrilling race is held where participants board wooden boats called 'Kobaya' and race across the sea to the beat of drums. The sight of islanders, companies, and even teams from outside the prefecture fiercely racing on the sea with pride ignites the hearts of spectators.

The grand event that marks the climax of the Innoshima Suigun Festival. Warriors clad in armor gather on the night beach, and the mysterious and valiant sight of giant torch flames burning is like a time slip to the Sengoku period. After the 'Chorakumai' performance, the finale features large-caliber fireworks synchronized with songs by the super popular artist 'Porno Graffitti', who hails from Innoshima, bringing the venue's excitement to its peak.

This is a fireworks display held at Ikuchijima's beautiful Sunset Beach at the end of summer (early September). In addition to approximately 3,000 fireworks, the spectacular 'Niagara Fireworks', spanning 300m, scattering sparks across the sea, is a must-see. A supreme relaxing experience awaits, watching the fireworks while lying on the sand with the cool autumn night breeze.

This is a super chill-out event where outdoor screens (such as beaches and temple grounds) are set up in various locations on islands like Ikuchijima, Innoshima, and Omishima, allowing you to watch movies with the sound of waves and under the starry sky. In the unique relaxed atmosphere of the island, stylish food and drink markets and acoustic live performances are also held simultaneously, allowing you to fully enjoy an autumn of 'art, food, and film'.

Cycling Shimanami, the largest international cycling event on the Shimanami Kaido, held once every two years (even years). Its biggest feature is the special experience of completely closing off the 'main lane of the expressway (Nishiseto Expressway)', which is normally only for cars, and cycling exhilaratingly on bicycles alone! 7,000 cyclists from around the world gather, and exquisite local gourmet food is served at aid stations on the islands.

This festival commemorates the soul of Tsuruhime, known as the 'Joan of Arc of Setouchi', a mysterious princess of Oyamazumi Shrine who led a naval force in battle during the Sengoku period and died at the age of 18. Held on Omishima (around Miyaura Port), the stage of her beautiful yet tragic legend, a brave historical parade in armor and a delicious 'Tsuruhime Marche' are held, and in the evening, moving fireworks are launched with prayers for repose.

This is an extremely local and deep thanksgiving festival, commemorating Asami Kichijuro, a great person who spread the cultivation of sweet potatoes (kansho) during a great famine in the Edo period, saving many Omishima islanders from starvation, and giving thanks for the autumn harvest. It is a warm and meaningful festival where you can experience the island's important history and culture.

This is a challenging and beautiful triathlon competition, using the beautiful beach of Hakatajima's 'Hakata S・C Park (Marine Oasis Hakata)' as the swim venue, and running through the Shimanami Kaido cycling road and the island's undulating courses. Beyond the enthusiasm of the participating athletes, it's a big autumn event where the island unites through sports.

On the Shimanami Kaido in autumn (all islands including Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, Oshima, etc.), local 'Autumn Festivals' are held every weekend in October on some island or in some village. The sight of brave portable shrines parading with shouts of 'Chosasha!', and traditional lion dances and taikodai (danjiri) clashing fiercely, is spectacular. It's the hottest season of the year, where the passion and pride of the islanders collide.

At Oshima's 'Yoshiumi Rose Park', fragrant autumn roses are in full bloom from mid-October to early November. (Park open until 11/30) Furthermore, on Saturdays and Sundays during this period, approximately 20 food trucks gather, and fun stage events such as the Shimanami product exhibition, street performances, and hula dancing are held, making it perfect for an autumn picnic.

This is a Shinto ritual to harvest the first rice ears planted during the early summer "Otaue-sai" (Rice Planting Festival), offer them to the deities of Oyamazumi Shrine, and express gratitude for the abundant autumn harvest. After the solemn rice harvesting by white-clad Saotome (rice-planting maidens), "Hitori-zumō" (one-man sumo) is dedicated, where a sumo wrestler engages in a serious match with an invisible rice spirit (deity). It's a fun yet sacred moment where the comical movements draw laughter and applause from the audience.

This is a health walking event held in Innoshima every early December, involving island residents and tourists. Starting and finishing at Innoshima Amenity Park, you can enjoy walking at your own pace while admiring the clear winter air, the calm Seto Inland Sea, and Innoshima's beautiful natural scenery.

This is a lively local market event held on the "24th of every month" at Habu Shopping Street in Innoshima. On the 24th only, each store offers special deals, and the hall of "Okakae Jizo-san," said to grant wishes, is opened. It's a warm event where you can interact with local people.

The "Shin-Onomichi Bridge," connecting Honshu・Onomichi and Mukaishima, is beautifully illuminated from sunset, mainly on weekends. The silhouette of the twin bridges, including the parallel "Onomichi Bridge," casts a beautiful band of light on the sea surface, making the night view of the Onomichi Channel even more romantic.

The massive triple suspension bridge "Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge," a highlight of the Shimanami Kaido, is illuminated after sunset on specified dates. The sight of the giant bridge towers and cables floating on the sea is breathtakingly beautiful. "Kirosan Observatory Park" on Oshima side and "Itoyama Park" on Shikoku side are very popular as the best viewing and photography spots.

Ikuchijima (Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art), the hometown of Japanese painting master Ikuo Hirayama, offers a wonderful world of Japanese painting to immerse yourself in year-round. Even during the off-season for cycling and tourism in November-December, special exhibitions with different themes are held annually, allowing visitors to spend luxurious time quietly appreciating art in the warm museum.

This is an important Shinto ritual held on New Year's Eve, December 31st, at Oyamazumi Shrine (Oyamazumi Jinja), located on Omishima Island along the Shimanami Kaido. Following the 'Oharae-shiki' (Grand Purification Ritual) to cleanse sins and impurities committed throughout the year, the 'Joya-sai' (New Year's Eve Festival) is solemnly performed to offer deep gratitude for the passing year, preparing one's heart to welcome the new year peacefully.

New Year's first shrine visits and traditional Shinto rituals are held at shrines and temples on all islands of the Shimanami Kaido. Many locals and returning visitors flock to the guardian deities of each island, including Oyamazumi Shrine (Oyamazumi Jinja) on Omishima, famous as the "Chief Guardian of Japan," allowing for a quiet and dignified start to the new year.

An exciting ekiden race will be held on "Yumeshima Kaido (Kamijima Town)" in the Seto Inland Sea, blowing away the mid-winter cold. Runners from both within and outside the prefecture, from islander teams to serious athlete teams, will pass the sash along a course featuring the beautiful coastlines and bridges of Yugejima and Ikina Island. The warm cheers from the islanders along the route are also one of its charms.

Among the Shimanami Kaido that spans Ehime and Hiroshima Prefectures, the exquisite gourmet foods of "Innoshima," which belongs to Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, will gather at "Hiroshima Brand Shop TAU" in Ginza, Tokyo. This is a delightful event for the Tokyo metropolitan area, where specialty products such as hassaku jelly, citrus fruits, and seafood, which usually can only be bought on the island, will be sold for a limited time.

This is a very popular marathon event among runners nationwide, set on "Ikuchijima (Setoda-cho)," which boasts the largest production of domestic lemons in Japan. With Sunset Beach as the main venue, runners can enjoy a refreshing run along the flat seaside course while feeling the pleasant sea breeze. Don't miss the lemon participation prizes and local gourmet hospitality.

From late March to early April, all islands along the Shimanami Kaido enter their high season as cherry blossoms (Somei Yoshino, etc.) bloom simultaneously. Whether you visit Mukaishima/Takami-yama, Innoshima Park, Ikuchijima/Setoda, around Omishima/Oyamazumi Shrine, Hakatajima/Kazan Park, or Oshima/Kiro-san, you can enjoy the spectacular collaboration of the blue sea and pink cherry blossoms.