Yumeshima Kaido
The Yumeshima Kaido is a group of 4 islands just off the Shimanami Kaido which offer wonderful cycling as an extra diversion from the main route The 4 islands are connected to each other via bridge but they are not connected to the Shimanami Kaido by bridge, they are only accessible by ferry.
As the Yumeshima Kaido does not have a land connection Shimanami Kaido, traffic on the roads is virtually non-existent.
If you have done the Shimanami Kaido a few times and looking for some new places to explore that are easy to get to, the Yumeshima Kaido offers a good option!
Route
The Basic direct route is about 13.5km, but extra distance can be added by going around some of the islands, in particular Iwagi and Ikuna
Getting there and away
The only to get to the islands is via ferry. There are several ferries all with good service.
The recommendation of the author is to take the ferry to Yugejima Island via the Karouto Ferry on the Shimanami Kaido and return via Iwagi Island to the Suenoe Port again on the Shimanami Kaido main route. This route allows the rider to cross all 4 islands and the 3 bridges that connect them. However there are also some ferries from Habu to Ikurnajima every twenty minutes or so (schedule, Japanese only)
The ferries are all quite inexpensive, just a few hundred yen.
Additionally, there are ferries all the way from Imabari (schedule, Japanese only) four or five times a day to all of the Yumeshima islands and a final stop at Habu Port.
The Islands
The Yumeshima Kiado crosses the 4 islands.
Yugeshima Island
This is the largest island of the group and has a few ferry connections. The road down the West side of the island is a lovely flat ride with nice sea views.
The East side of the island is quite hilly but an adventuous cyclist who wants to get even farther off the beaten track may find it enjoyable!
On the east side of the island, there is a camp site and even a hotel that offers day bay visitors.
Sajima Island
The Yumeshima Kaido route just crosses the northern end of Sajima.
While not a lot to do on the island, if you are keen on doing island exploring, it’s worth a quick visit and doing a loop
Ikuna Island
Ikuna Island also has good ferry service and was the Western end of the Yumeshima Kaido until the final bridge connecting Iwagi island was completed in 2022.
Iwagi Island
This is the last island connected to the Yumeshima Kaido with the large Iwaki O-hashi bridge finally getting completed in 2022.
The island is most famous for the Mt. Sekizen peak in the center of the island and vertical climb of 350m to the top is a lovely hidden road throught he forest with sakura groves along the way (see above). The mountain is well known for it’s cherry blossoms, so much so that during the peak season, the road pictured above is one-way climbing and a different road is used for descending. As there are only a few spaces for cars at the top, staff, keep cars waiting for spaces to open up lower down but cyclists can go through at any time!
The view from the peak is one of our favourite views from all over Japan. At the peak there is a 3-story lookout that peers above the trees to give a 360 view of the Shimanami Kaido and Yumeshima Kaido. A view like this makes the whole climb worthwhile!
Things to do
Fespa
Yuge Island has one of the few public bath facilties on the Shimanami Kaido area. Day spa is 630 yen and there is a restaurant as well with reasonable prices. Fespa Website (Japanese Only). Fespa also has hotel rooms available. (note that while Fespa has nice baths, it is not a natural hot spring)
Yuge Shrine
One of the stops we always like to make is at the Yuge Shrine (弓削神社). Right next to the water with the Torii Gate approaching the water to the East. It can also be a wonderful place to see the sun rise if you are staying nearby either at Fespa or the campsite.
Art
In 2022, various bicyle are installations were set up through the Yumeshima kaido each with a beautiful view of some of the bridges. If you’re planning to explore the islands and take some detours, making your way to each of them can be a fun excursion!
