Picture yourself with the ocean wind tousling your locks, the fragrance of lemons mingled with salty sea air invigorating your senses. The soft hum of spinning bike wheels resonates underfoot as sunlight filters through the branches overhead. To your left, within a lush lemon orchard specked with golden fruits, you catch sight of the radiant azure waters of the Seto Inland Sea shimmering brightly. As you descend towards Ikuchijima—also known as Lemon Island—you notice an adorable café offering regional delicacies such as homemade lemon sorbet or lemon cakes. After securing your ride, you indulge in a mouthwatering lemon pork dumpling while savoring the breathtaking scenery around you.
There are several
stunning routes for cyclists to explore globally
, Japan’s Shimanami Kaido stands out as an undiscovered treasure. This stunning bicycle path spans roughly 70 kilometers, linking major islands Honshu and Shikoku across six smaller ones such as Ikuchijima in Hiroshima Prefecture. Known colloquially as “Lemon Island,” Ikuchijima – referred to as Ikuchijima in Japanese – along with Takaneshima Island contributes significantly to Hiroshima’s lemon production; together they produce nearly half of the prefecture’s total output. Given that Hiroshima Prefecture yields 60 percent of all Japan’s lemons, this makes these two islands particularly important.
While lemons generally evoke images of places like Italy and Spain, or perhaps stateside locations such as California, Ikuchijima boasts ideal conditions for cultivating citrus due to its temperate maritime climate. Approximately 95 square miles large, most of the island has adapted itself both to farming lemons and enjoying the biking experience provided by the scenic route.
Experienced cyclists might opt to tackle the entire Shimanami Kaido trail, which takes roughly four hours without stopping, with a rest halt at Lemon Island. Alternatively, one could start cycling from Onomichi, continue all the way to Ikuchijima, and then return via ferry back to Onomichi, cutting down the distance by approximately 35 kilometers. In either case, spending a day exploring Lemon Island on a rented bicycle offers an excellent opportunity to discover another facet of Japan. This activity is suitable for riders of various skill levels, thanks largely to the availability of electric bikes for rental.
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Cycling Is A Great Way To See Ikuchijima
Riding a bicycle around Ikuchijima is an excellent experience.
explore beautiful areas of Japan beyond Tokyo
, it serves as an excellent starting point after visiting Hiroshima. From Tokyo, you can reach Hiroshima via a four-hour ride on the bullet train for less than $250. Depart from Hiroshima towards Mihara and board a 40-minute ferry either to Port Setoda on Ikuchijima or to Omishima Island. On these islands, bicycle rentals are available, allowing you to traverse the impressive Tatara Ohashi Bridge, which was formerly the longest bridge of its type.
Whether you decide to cycle through the entire 70-kilometer circuit encompassing Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima before concluding your journey in Imabari, or simply spend a relaxing day exploring the well-paved cycling route around Lemon Island, each option promises an unforgettable experience. Ikuchijima remains relatively level throughout most parts but features slight elevation increases of approximately one kilometer at gradients reaching up to three percent in certain sections.
Several locations allow bike rentals on and around Ikuchijima. Shimanami Japan operates numerous rental spots along the trail, enabling you to pick up and drop off your bike at different points without additional fees. The cost starts at approximately 2,000 yen or $14 daily for a regular bicycle. Bike rentals are also available near Sedota Port.
After mounting your bicycle, stick to the blue line which divides car traffic from cycle paths. You’ll find Sunset Beach ideal for beginning your cycling journey; it will come into view shortly after crossing the Tatara Ohashi Bridge. This beach boasts pristine sand and tranquil waters where you might opt instead for swimming or renting kayaks should you prefer a less strenuous activity. Throughout your trail, over ten modern artworks created by regional artists have been placed at various points within the Island Art Museum grounds. Additionally, expect frequent sightings of lemon groves along this scenic route.
Explore Ikuchijima By Cycle And Extend Your Stay
There’s ample activity available on Ikuchijima, making cycling through the area quite enjoyable. Along your route, you’ll find numerous cafés, eateries, and picturesque spots for photos, plus a traditional shopping district called “shotengai.” This transforms Lemon Island into a charming destination worth visiting, whether or not you decide to cycle. Additionally, Lemon Valley itself serves as a major attraction. The Hirayama Museum offers another opportunity to explore regional artwork. As you travel, be sure to visit the artistically intriguing Kosanji Temple, known as a “Buddhist theme park.” It was created by a businessman honoring his mother using Italian-imported marble.
As the appeal of cycling continues to rise, Ikuchijima is enhancing its facilities to cater not only to locals but also to visitors who come specifically to bike. Should you wish to extend your stay on the island, think about lodging at Azumi Setoda, an elegant traditional Japanese inn previously belonging to a clan known for their involvement in salt transport during the 1800s. Additionally, SOIL Setoda operates as another ryokan offering classes where guests can learn about local lemon farming practices. For those seeking communal experiences, Yubune provides accommodation along with shared baths equipped with pools and sauna areas. Alternatively, Suminoe Ryokan offers sea-view accommodations starting from ¥12,000 per individual, approximately $85 nightly based on current rates.
The ideal season for traveling to Japan varies based on your preferences and what you wish to encounter during your trip.
, and when it comes to Lemon Island, the ideal period to visit from December through April is perfect for seeing—and smelling—the vibrant yellow lemons. During this season, the lemons will be ripe, while the cooler temperatures of the winter months might offer more pleasant conditions for cycling activities.
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