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Kurushima Strait Observatory (inside Itoyama Park)
A sweeping panorama where sea and bridge meet, with the pulse of the whirlpools below.
This scenic viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Kurushima Strait, one of Japan’s three major rapid tidal currents, along with the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea and the magnificent Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. Located at the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido, a cycling route known worldwide as a “sacred place for cyclists,” it draws many visitors from overseas.
The whirlpools visible from the observatory are a dynamic seascape unique to the Kurushima Strait, created by fast tidal currents caused by a complex, uneven seabed. Their striking contrast with the calm surrounding waters makes it easy to understand why this area was long feared as a difficult maritime route, and the view is as historically significant as it is spectacular.
Nearby bicycle rental facilities add to the appeal, letting visitors enjoy a relaxing time at their own pace amid a mild climate and an open, refreshing setting.
Highlights
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A scenic viewpoint with panoramic views of the Kurushima Strait, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge.
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Located at the starting point of the world-famous Shimanami Kaido cycling route, visited by many travelers from Japan and abroad.
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The whirlpools seen from the observatory are truly powerful! The dynamic seascape is a major highlight.
Photos
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The magnificent Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is right in front of you!
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The dreamy sunset scenery is sure to move you
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
No.
Q
Are there restrooms?
A
There are two locations.
The observatory is available from 9:00am to 6:00pm; from December to February, from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
The adjacent Itoyama Park restroom is available 24 hours a day.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
Yes.
Q
Are there sightseeing spots nearby?
A
The following sightseeing spots are nearby.
(1) Imabari Itoyama Rental Cycle (SHIMANAMI Monument)
(2) Kurushima Kaikyo SA
(3) Kirosan Observatory Park
(4) Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan
(5) Shimanami Kurushima Kaikyo Sightseeing Boat
(6) Murakami KAIZOKU Museum
(7) Noshima Suigun Restaurant
(8) Noshima Suigun Tidal Current Experience
(9) Noshima Castle Ruins
(10) Hakata S.C. Park Marine Oasis Hakata
(11) Dolphin Farm Shimanami
(12) Hirakiyama Park (famous for cherry blossoms)
(13) Roadside Station Tatara Shimanami Park
(14) Omishima Museum of Art
(15) Oyamazumi Shrine
(16) Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall
(17) Mare Gracia Omishima (seawater hot spring)
(18) Hakata Salt Co., Ltd. Omishima Factory
(19) Tokoro Museum Omishima
(20) Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum, Imabari City
(21) Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, Imabari City
(22) Imabari Castle
(23) Imabari Towel Main Store
(24) Towel Museum
(25) Nibukawa Onsen Area
(26) Nibukawa Gorge (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves)
(27) Hashihama Port Shipyard Area
(28) Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Sites (6 temples)
(29) Imabari Station Rental Cycle Terminal
(30) ASICS Satoyama Stadium
(31) Nihon Shokken KO Palace Factory
(32) Nihon Shokken Schonbrunn Palace Factory
(33) Odagahama Beach
(34) Kamoike Seaside Park
(35) Hoshinoura Seaside Park
(36) Oosumi Seaside Park
(37) Karakohama Beach
(38) Shishimagahara, Tsunashiki Tenmangu Shrine
(39) Yunoura Onsen
(40) Tamagawa Dam
(41) Tamagawa Lakeside Village
(42) Tatsuoka Campground
(43) Shimanami Earth Land
(44) Yoshiumi Rose Park
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 来島海峡展望館（糸山公園内）
- Postal Code
- 799-2111
- Address
- 2-5-2 Koura-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture
- Phone
- 0898-41-5002 (Observatory)
- Closed on
- Observatory: December 29–December 31 (park access available)
- Hours
- Observatory: 9:00am–6:00pm; December–February: 9:00am–5:00pm (park access available)
- Admission
- Free (takeout items such as souvenirs, juice, and ice cream are available for purchase inside the observatory)
- Access
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1) Approx. 8-minute walk from the “Tenbodai Iriguchi” bus stop on the Setouchi Bus Koura Line
2) Approx. 5 minutes by taxi from Hashihama Station on the JR Yosan Line - Parking Capacity
- 90 spaces (60 at the observatory, 30 at Itoyama Park)
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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