Imabari Trip Overview
Imabari City is a port town located in the northern part of Ehime Prefecture, in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea. In the Middle Ages, the city was ruled by a group of pirates with excellent navigation skills, which allowed Imabari to develop industries related to the sea such as shipbuilding and sea shipping. Imabari is also the starting point of the Shikoku side of the Shimanami Kaido, which has become famous as a cycling route in recent years. On this tour, you will be able to enjoy cycling and sightseeing around the city in a single day, with electric bicycles, making it a perfect tour for people of all skill levels.
At the Mt. Kirou Observatory, you can enjoy a spectacular 360° panoramic view from the top of the mountain. At Imabari Castle, one of the three largest “castles on the sea” in Japan, you will be able to trace the history of the city. There are also many other places to visit such as high-quality Imabari towel stores and the world-famous shipyard port.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starts: Imabari, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Imabari Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Imabari, Ehime, Japan
Imabari City is a port town located in the northern part of Ehime Prefecture, in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea. In the Middle Ages, the city was ruled by a group of pirates with excellent navigation skills, which allowed Imabari to develop industries related to the sea such as shipbuilding and sea shipping. Imabari is also the starting point of the Shikoku side of the Shimanami Kaido, which has become famous as a cycling route in recent years. On this tour, you will be able to enjoy cycling and sightseeing around the city in a single day, with electric bicycles, making it a perfect tour for people of all skill levels.
At the Mt. Kirou Observatory, you can enjoy a spectacular 360° panoramic view from the top of the mountain. At Imabari Castle, one of the three largest “castles on the sea” in Japan, you will be able to trace the history of the city. There are also many other places to visit such as high-quality Imabari towel stores and the world-famous shipyard port.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Sunrise Itoyama, 2-chōme-8-1 Sunabachō, Imabari, Ehime 794-0001, Japan
Sunrise Itoyama: You will rent an electric bicycle for the tour, which will ease the burden of climbing hills. There is also a spot with a panoramic view of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, so be sure to take a commemorative photo.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Shimanami Expressway, Shimanami Expy, 2-chōme-8 Sunabachō, Imabari, Ehime, Japan
It is time to ride on the Shimanami Kaido! You will be able to enjoy cycling and stop by the attractions we recommend.
Stop At: Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, Oshima-Shikoku, Imabari Ehime Prefecture
Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge: The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the largest on the Shimanami Kaido, has a length of over 4,000 meters. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea while cycling. The beautiful design of the bridge, harmonising with the surrounding landscape, is also noteworthy.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Michi-no-Eki Yoshiumi Ikiikikan, 4520-2 Yoshiumichomyo, Imabari 794-2114 Ehime Prefecture
Michi-no-Eki Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan: This is a rest facility with restaurants and souvenir stores. Take in the view of the harbour and the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge while savouring local seafood and other local delicacies.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Mt. Kiro Observatory Park, Yoshiumichomyo, Imabari 794-2115 Ehime Prefecture
Mt. Kirou Observatory Park: This observatory, where you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, is located at the top of Mt. Kirou. The majestic scenery of countless islands is often referred to as the “Aegean Sea of the East”. This is a popular spot that receives a yearly feature on travel websites.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: 波止浜港, 4 Chome-1 Hashihama, Imabari, Ehime 799-2112, Japan
Hashihama Port: Another face of Imabari can be seen in this port. Imabari is world-famous for its shipping and shipbuilding industries, and is said to be the largest maritime city in Japan. You will be overwhelmed by the scale of the ships that line the harbour.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Imabari Towel head office, 5-chōme-14-3 Higashimonchō, Imabari, Ehime 794-0033, Japan
Imabari Towel Main Store/LAB: This is a facility that houses one of Japan’s largest stores of the high-quality towel brand, Imabari Towel. Towels are a central part of the local industry in Imabari, and the city boasts the largest production volume in Japan. The secret of its popularity is in its superior water absorbency and texture, qualities not found in conventional towels. You can also visit a facility where you can experience the quality standards.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Imabari Castle, 3-1 Toricho, Imabari 794-0036 Ehime Prefecture
Imabari Castle: This castle is one of the three largest “castles on the sea” in Japan. It features a unique structure, with a moat connected to the sea, allowing ships to enter and exit. Inside the castle tower, there are valuable samurai-era period pieces on display, and you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The tower’s turrets also feature an art space where works of art are displayed.
Duration: 30 minutes
