Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Seafaring Heritage
Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan, a vibrant roadside station nestled at the southern tip of Oshima Island, stands proudly at the base of the world’s third-largest triple-span suspension bridge, the Ikuchi Strait Bridge. This scenic gateway to the Shimanami Kaido offers travelers an immersive experience where the rugged beauty of the Seto Inland Sea meets rich local culture. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by panoramic views of the churning Ikuchi Strait, a natural wonder known as one of Japan’s three great tidal currents.
The station is a hub of activity, featuring fresh seafood markets where you can buy fish caught right from the strait and enjoy them immediately on-site with a traditional charcoal barbecue. Explore the nearby Rose Garden, home to 400 varieties of blooms across 2.8 hectares, or visit the Village Pirate Museum to uncover the thrilling history of the legendary Seto Inland Sea pirates. With a range of dining options, cycling rentals, and scenic lookout points designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan offers a truly unforgettable journey through nature, history, and local flavor.
Why Visit
At Yoshiumi Ikiikikan, experience the only seaside BBQ site in Japan where you can grill fresh fish and shellfish caught daily from the Seto Inland Sea, right by the base of the world’s first three-span suspension bridge, the Ikitsuki Strait Bridge. The real highlight is the exclusive sea urchin and sea bream tempura served at the on-site restaurant—ingredients sourced only from local waters and prepared in traditional style. For an unmatched view, visit the underground-designed Kamezaka Mountain Observatory, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, offering panoramic vistas of the bridge, the rushing Ikitsuki Strait, and the iconic Ishizuchi Mountain on clear days.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local flavors at Yoshiumi Ikiikikan roadside station, where meals are served with views of the stunning Seto Inland Sea.
Seafood Restaurant
いきいき館のレストラン
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine featuring fresh seafood from Seto Inland Sea
A Japanese-style restaurant located within the roadside station, offering a variety of dishes made with freshly caught seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for enjoying local flavors while overlooking the sea.
Seafood BBQ Experience
海鮮七輪バーベキュー
Specialty
Outdoor grilling experience with fresh seafood and meat
An interactive outdoor BBQ experience where guests can grill their own fresh seafood and meat on a traditional hibachi grill. Enjoy the scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea while cooking and dining.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local treasures and seasonal specialties at the roadside station’s welcoming shop, perfect for unique souvenirs.
Local Specialty Market
いきいき館の売店
A retail shop offering a wide range of local products, including citrus-based jams, dressings, sweets, and fresh seafood and agricultural products from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Citrus jam made from local mandarins and ponkans
Rose Shop & Restaurant
よしうみローズ館
A shop and restaurant adjacent to the Yoshiumi Rose Garden, selling rose-themed merchandise, local specialties, handmade wreaths, and souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Rose-themed merchandise
Featured Products
Experience signature items like sea-fresh seafood cans and handmade citrus treats, crafted from the region’s finest ingredients.
Seafood Can BBQ
海鮮カンカン焼
A ready-to-cook seafood product in a can that can be grilled directly over fire. Includes all necessary tools for easy preparation at home.
Citrus Jam
柑橘ジャム
A sweet jam made from local citrus fruits such as Wenzhou mikan and ponkan, capturing the unique flavor of Ehime Prefecture.
Citrus Dressing
ドレッシング
A tangy dressing made from locally grown citrus fruits, perfect for salads and seafood dishes.
Local Sweets
スイーツ
Traditional sweets made with local ingredients, reflecting the natural abundance of Ehime Prefecture.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and relaxing spaces for travelers of all ages.
Parking Lot
Standard cars: 106 spots; Large vehicles: 4 spots; Disabled parking: 2 spots (24-hour access available). Large vehicle parking is available by reservation for roadside station visitors, though availability cannot be guaranteed.
Near the roadside station entrance
Toilets
Men's toilets: 9 units; Women's toilets: 11 units; Accessible toilets: 2 units
Throughout the roadside station premises
Information Corner
Provides road information and local tourism information. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Inside the roadside station building
Park
A public park located at the roadside station, offering recreational space for visitors.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Hot Spring
A hot spring facility available for visitors to enjoy.
On-site at the roadside station
Shower
Public showers available for visitors.
On-site at the roadside station
Bicycle Rental Terminal
Bike rental and drop-off service available at the Yoshiumi Ikiikikan Terminal. Bicycles can be rented and returned here.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Nursing Room
A dedicated room for nursing mothers with facilities for breastfeeding and baby care.
Inside the roadside station building
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging equipment available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
An automated teller machine available on-site for cash withdrawals.
Near the roadside station entrance
Pet Area
A designated area for pets, allowing visitors to bring their animals to the roadside station.
Outside the main building
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences like sea kayaking, viewing the famous bridge, and exploring historic pirate heritage.
Seafood Yakiniku BBQ Experience
海鮮七輪バーベキュー
Choose your favorite seafood and meat from a variety of fresh ingredients and grill them on a traditional hibachi. Enjoy the delicious meal while overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and the Ikuchi Strait Bridge.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor activity; may be canceled or postponed in heavy rain or strong winds.
Ikuchi Strait Cruise Tour
しまなみ来島海峡遊覧船
Experience the powerful currents of one of Japan's three major tidal streams aboard a sightseeing boat. Enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea's island scenery, pass under the Ikuchi Strait Bridge, and view the shipyards of Imabari, known as Japan's largest shipbuilding city.
Duration
60 min
Cruise may be canceled in rough seas or high winds.
Village Pirate Museum Experience
村上海賊ミュージアム
Explore the history of the legendary Seto Inland Sea pirates from the Nanbokucho to Sengoku periods. Try on traditional armor and clothing in the experience room and learn about the pirates' culture through interactive exhibits.
Duration
45 min
Rose Garden Guided Tour
よしうみバラ公園
Walk through the largest rose garden in Shikoku, featuring about 400 varieties and 3,500 rose plants from around the world. Enjoy the blooms during the two peak seasons: mid-May to early June and mid-October to early November.
Duration
60 min
Best viewed on clear days; may be affected by rain or strong wind.
Kamezao Mountain Panoramic Viewpoint Visit
亀老山展望公園
Visit the underground-designed panoramic bridge at Kamezao Mountain, offering 360-degree views of the Ikuchi Strait Bridge, the Seto Inland Sea, and Mount Ishizuchi, Japan's highest peak in western Japan.
Duration
30 min
Best viewed on clear days; visibility may be limited during fog or rain.
Bicycle Rental Service
吉海レンタサイクルターミナル
Rent bicycles at the terminal located at Yoshiumi Ikikikan roadside station. Bikes can be picked up and dropped off at the same location, making it convenient for exploring the surrounding area.
Duration
120 min
Rental service may be limited during heavy rain or typhoon warnings.
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around seasonal events and check for temporary closures—especially during winter and holidays.
- Best Arrival Time for Fresh Seafood: Visit the seafood market between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the day’s first catch, as fresh fish and shellfish are delivered early and often sell out by midday.
- Hidden Gems at the Food Counter: At the food counter, look for the "海鮮カンカン焼" (Seafood Canned Grill) set—these pre-packed cans of fresh fish and shellfish are available only during peak season and are ideal for taking home to grill at your campsite or rental accommodation.
- Weekend Special for Bikers: Rent a bicycle from the "吉海レンタサイクルターミナル" (Yoshiumi Rent Bicycle Terminal) before 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a free helmet and map, as these are distributed only during the first hour of operation.
- Optimal Time for the Touring Boat: Book and board the "Shimanami Kairiku Tour Boat" at 11:00 AM on weekdays to experience the bridge passage beneath the "Ryōtōkōkō Bridge" (Lai-tō Kōkō Bridge) without crowds and with the best light for photos.
- Best Time to View the Bridge at Night: Head to the "Kamezao Mountain Observation Park" at 6:30 PM on clear days to catch the nightly "Ryōtōkōkō Bridge" light-up event, which begins at 6:30 PM and lasts until 9:00 PM.
- Actionable Tip for Kids’ Engagement: Visit the "Murasaki Sea Pirate Museum" between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on weekends to participate in the free costume experience, where children can try on armor and traditional clothing and receive a stamped souvenir booklet.
- Insider Tip for Local Produce: Purchase the "Wakamatsu Mikan Jam" and "Ponkan Pickle" at the shop counter between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to get the freshest batch, as these items are restocked daily at that time and often sell out by noon.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for the Yoshiumi Ikiiki-kan's rose garden, with blooms from mid-May to early June and the annual rose festival.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for sea breeze views and visiting the island’s scenic attractions, including the harbor and the sea currents.
Autumn (September–November): Best time for the second rose bloom, with the rose garden in full display from mid-October to early November.
Winter (December–February): Closed on New Year’s Day and operates with limited hours; visit for the scenic views and quiet atmosphere.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station offers a playground, nursing rooms, changing tables, and family-oriented activities like the rose garden and pirate museum. Children can enjoy interactive exhibits, cycling, and boat tours, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
The station features a variety of restaurants, fresh seafood, local produce, and unique offerings like sea urchin BBQ and sea food canned grilling. The emphasis on regional seafood and seasonal specialties enhances the food experience.
Car Camping Review
The station provides ample parking, clean restrooms, and vending machines. While not a dedicated campsite, it allows overnight stays with basic facilities. However, no explicit overnight parking policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
The roadside station offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, the three-span suspension bridge, and surrounding islands. The nearby panoramic observation deck and seasonal rose garden add to the scenic appeal and photo opportunities.