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 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.