genki Introduction | One of the Most Walkable Islands Along the Shimanami Kaido
Ikuchijima is one of the best-known islands along the Shimanami Kaido.
Centered around the town of Setoda, the island offers a compact mix of culture, food, and sightseeing. Simply walking around the town gives visitors a strong sense of what makes the island special, which is why it attracts travelers from across Japan and abroad.
At the same time, once you move away from the main tourist areas, the island reveals a quieter side. Small villages, citrus farms, and peaceful rural landscapes still shape everyday life here.
This balance between tourism and local life is one of the defining characteristics of Ikuchijima.
Basic Information About Ikuchijima
Location: Setoda Town, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Area: Approximately 31.2 km²
Population: Around 8,000–9,000 residents
Access:
Ikuchi Bridge (toward Innoshima)
Tatara Bridge (toward Omishima)
Both bridges are part of the Shimanami Kaido route connecting Honshu and Shikoku.
Thanks to its convenient access to Onomichi and neighboring islands, Ikuchijima receives many visitors and serves as an important stop along the Shimanami Kaido cycling route.
The Atmosphere of Ikuchijima | One of the Most Visited Islands on the Shimanami Kaido
Ikuchijima is one of the most popular islands along the Shimanami Kaido.
Blessed with a mild Seto Inland Sea climate and beautiful coastal scenery, the island attracts many visitors who come for cycling, sightseeing, and relaxing seaside travel.
Around Setoda Town, the island’s main hub, you will find tourist facilities, cafes, and accommodations that make the area a lively base for travelers exploring the Shimanami Kaido.
However, once you move further into the island, the atmosphere changes. Citrus orchards spread across the hillsides, and small, quiet villages are scattered throughout the countryside, offering a glimpse into the peaceful island lifestyle of the Seto Inland Sea.
Ikuchijima is also known as one of Japan’s leading lemon-producing regions, and citrus fields can be seen throughout the island.
The warm climate and the surrounding sea have supported both agriculture and tourism for generations.
The coexistence of vibrant tourism and tranquil island scenery is what gives Ikuchijima its unique character.
Things to See in Ikuchijima | Scenery and Culture of the Seto Inland Sea
Ikuchijima offers a variety of attractions where visitors can experience both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Seto Inland Sea.
One of the island’s most famous landmarks is Kosanji Temple, located in Setoda.
Built in the early Showa period by businessman Kosanji Kozo, the temple complex features elaborate buildings inspired by historic architecture from across Japan, creating a striking and unique atmosphere.
At the back of the temple grounds lies Hill of Hope (Miraishin no Oka), a white marble garden that has become one of the island’s most iconic sights.
The bright white sculptures set against the blue sky and sea of the Seto Inland Sea create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Japan.
To the north of the island stands the Tatara Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges along the Shimanami Kaido. From the surrounding area, visitors can enjoy expansive views of the islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea.
The bridge is also a popular stop for cyclists traveling the Shimanami Kaido.
In addition to these cultural landmarks, Ikuchijima is known for its lemon production. Citrus orchards cover much of the island, creating a peaceful agricultural landscape that reflects the island’s long relationship with farming.
Exploring the island by bicycle or car while enjoying the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea is one of the greatest pleasures of visiting Ikuchijima.
The harmony between cultural landmarks and natural beauty is what makes tourism on the island so distinctive.
Living on Ikuchijima | An Island Where Tourism and Daily Life Coexist
Although Ikuchijima is known as a tourist destination, it is also an island with a well-established living environment.
Around Setoda Town, residents can find most of the facilities needed for daily life while still enjoying a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea.
Why Ikuchijima Is Comfortable to Live On
Supermarkets and restaurants are available on the island
Public facilities such as schools and medical services are accessible
The Shimanami Kaido connects the island to both Honshu and Shikoku
Getting around the island by car is relatively easy
Ikuchijima is also known for citrus farming, especially lemons, which remain an important industry supporting the local community.
The coexistence of tourism and agriculture is a key feature of the island’s economy and lifestyle.
Here, the liveliness brought by visitors blends naturally with the quiet rhythm of everyday island life.
The southern side of Ikuchijima is particularly known for its scenic views.
The Scenic Potential of the Southern Coast
Along this coastline, the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea stretch out toward distant islands, creating wide, open landscapes that capture the beauty of the region.
Compared with the more tourist-oriented Setoda area, the southern part of the island tends to be quieter and more residential.
For this reason, it offers a different appeal — a place where people can enjoy the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea while living in a peaceful environment away from the busiest tourist areas.
In recent years, interest in this area has been gradually growing, especially among people considering relocation or developing small accommodations that take advantage of the ocean views.
Because of its scenery and relatively quiet atmosphere, the southern coast is often seen as an area with significant future potential.
Real Estate and Vacant House Trends
On Ikuchijima, the following types of properties are commonly found:
Residential areas around the Setoda district
Detached houses built during the Showa era
Vacant homes in hillside villages with ocean views
Properties that include farmland
In some areas, plots of land are relatively spacious, making them suitable for renovation projects, small guesthouses, or homes combined with shops or studios.
Since Ikuchijima attracts a steady flow of visitors along the Shimanami Kaido, the island can also be an appealing location for people considering hospitality businesses such as cafes or small accommodations.
Recently, those who prioritize convenience and proximity to tourist areas tend to focus on properties around Setoda.
Meanwhile, people looking for quieter surroundings and ocean views often show interest in the southern parts of the island.
Who Ikuchijima Is Ideal For
People who want a balance between tourism and everyday life
Those interested in food culture and art
People looking to start a small business on an island
Those who enjoy living in places with a steady flow of visitors
Conclusion | Ikuchijima — An Island Where Tourism and Daily Life Meet
Ikuchijima is one of the most visited islands along the Shimanami Kaido.
However, beyond its role as a tourist destination, the island still maintains a strong local lifestyle rooted in agriculture, especially citrus farming.
Surrounded by the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Ikuchijima offers a rare balance between vibrant tourism and the quiet rhythm of everyday life.
For those seeking both beautiful island scenery and a relaxed lifestyle, Ikuchijima represents a compelling place to consider.