Ehime Island Tours | Incredible Destinations for Day Trips & Getaways

Ehime Prefecture is home to a wide range of historical landmarks, museums, shopping arcades, and other fun sightseeing spots. But to truly experience the best that the region has to offer, visitors should plan to dedicate at least one day to exciting Ehime island tours. These hidden gems are fun for first-time and returning visitors to explore and are great for travelers of all ages.

Ehime Island Tours | Aoshima (Cat Island)

Cat lovers won’t want to pass up an opportunity to visit Aoshima, a small fishing village that’s home to more cats than people. Aoshima, or Cat Island, as it’s known to locals and tourists, has a population of more than 100 cats that freely roam around and are taken care of by the few permanent residents. While the felines are used to being around people and are typically friendly, guests should be gentle and cautious while touring their home. Attempting to feed the animals may lead to crowding and fights amongst the cats, so it’s best to provide only small amounts of cat food and to only feed the felines in small groups. Aoshima is not an official tourist destination, so when visiting, it’s important to be respectful of the residents living their quiet island lives. There are no typical tourist facilities, like restaurants, so visitors should pack a lunch and enough water to stay hydrated. Guests also should be considerate and take their garbage back with them to Ehime.

How to get to Aoshima Island: Take the train to Iyo-Nagahama Station in Ozu and walk about 10 minutes to Nagahama Port. Ferries to Aoshima Island are available twice a day (morning and afternoon), and the journey takes 30-35 minutes each way. Since there are no accommodations on the island, plan to return to the port early to catch the last ferry back.

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Ehime Island Tours | Kashima Island

Spend the day adventuring outdoors at Kashima Island, a lovely island with a lush forest and plenty of trails to explore. The island is home to many wild native deer that can usually be seen while on a nature walk. While they are quite timid, the animals can often be coaxed with deer food (which is available to purchase along the trails). Visitors may also spot haiku poems written on stones and wooden signs here and there. Be sure to climb to the observation platform lookout (about a 20-minute climb) to take in the gorgeous island view from above.

With its lovely white sand beaches and convenient guest facilities, Kashima Island also is a popular spot for swimming and camping. The island offers small shops for snacks and souvenirs and a restaurant called Otaya. While visiting the island, try taimeshi, a popular local rice dish with fresh sea bream.

How to get to Kashima Island: Take the train to Iyo-Hojo Station north of Matsuyama, and walk about 10 minutes to Hojo Port. Ferries to Kashima Island are available frequently and take only about three minutes each way.

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Ehime Island Tours | Kutsuna Islands

The Kutsuna Islands are a chain of islands located on the northwest coast of Ehime. While the island chain is collectively called Kutsuna Islands, each island retains its individuality through a unique name, one-of-a-kind tourist attractions and a distinct atmosphere. Nine of the islands are inhabited, and the Kutsuna Islands as a whole are famous for their citrus production, and sampling citrus-flavored treats is a highlight of touring the islands. Plus, many contain lovely beaches, quiet hiking trails and unbeatable scenic views. Ferry rides to various Kutsuna Islands destinations are available every day of the week. Depending on the final destination, the ride may take one to three hours.

• Consider making a stop at Nakajima Island, a lovely island that’s popular with swimmers and sunbathers whenever the weather is nice. In late August, the island hosts a triathlon on Himegahama Beach, which can be fun to watch. Nakajima Island also is a top producer of citrus fruits, so it’s a great place to enjoy fresh iyokan and mikan, as well as citrus-flavored treats. Iyokan and mikan confectionaries make incredible souvenirs from a trip to Ehime.

• Nogutsunajima Island is another must-visit island in the Seto Inland Sea. Enjoy a relaxing walk down Nukaba Beach, a clean and quiet beach on the island. Since it’s not a tourist hotspot, this beach feels like a private paradise most of the time. Travelers should also climb to Sarayama Observation Platform to view the entire island and take in the sea views from above. Nogutsunajima Island has limited amenities, but guests will find a bathroom near the beach and a small store. Visitors who plan to spend a whole day on the island should consider packing a lunch and some snacks to bring along in case the store is closed.

How to get to Kutsuna Islands

• Kashima Island & Aijima Island: take the ferry at Hojo Port, about a 10-minute walk from Iyo-Hojo Station.
• Muzuki Island, Nogutsuna Island & Nakajima Island: take a ferry from Takahama Port, just a short walk from Takahama Station, or from Mitsuhamako Port, a 15-minute walk from Mitsu Station.
• Gogo Island: Take a ferry from Takahama Port.
• Tsuru Island, Nakajima Island, Futagami Island, Tsuwaji Island & Nuwa Island: take the ferry from Takahama Port or Mitsuhamako Port, a 15-minute walk from Mitsu Station.

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Ehime Island Tours | Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route

See some of Japan’s islands in a unique way by riding the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route, a bicycle bridge over the Seto Inland Sea. The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route connects the island of Honshu with Shikoku and passes by six small islands — Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima. Intermediate and advanced cyclists can typically complete the whole 70-kilometer circuit in four to six hours, while beginners may take 10 hours or more, depending on the number of stops made. There are more than 100 rest areas along the way offering water, bathrooms, and the chance for weary travelers to turn back. There also are typically tolls along the way, but this practice is currently suspended until March 2022.

Make the most of a day spent cycling by wearing appropriate clothing and carrying a small backpack with water, a towel, and sunscreen. Practice proper bike etiquette by keeping to the left of the track. Visitors should also remember that using devices, like cell phones, or holding umbrellas while biking is prohibited. Since the route is quite long, be sure to stop often to rest, take pictures, and just enjoy the incredible views and fresh sea air.

Adults can rent a basic city bicycle for 1,100 yen, plus a deposit of the same amount. The rental fee for children 12 and younger is 300 yen per day, with a deposit of 500 yen. Deposits are refunded when bikes are returned to the same terminal or any terminal on the same island. Islands with two terminals are Ikuchijima, Omishima Island and Oshima Island. The rental fee includes a bike lock and helmet, and electric assist and tandem (two-seated) bicycles are available for additional charges. Rental reservations are not mandatory, but bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most terminals are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How to get to Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route: Take the train to Imabari Station or Hashihama Station in Imabari City. The starting point, known as Imabari Central Cycling Terminal, of Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route is about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) from Imabari Station and about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from Hashihama Station. Cyclists can rent a bike at Imabari Central Cycling Terminal, also known as Sunrise Itoyama.

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Ehime Island Tours | Yumeshima Kaido Cycling Route

For travelers looking for a more leisurely cycling route, the 45.9-kilometer Yumeshima Kaido Cycling Route is a great option. The route is accessible by bus or ferry and consists of two bridges, which connect the islands of Ikinajima, Sashima, Yugejima, and Iwagijima. While there are a few rather steep uphill sections, beginners should have no problem completing a tour of at least two of the four islands in one day. Since this route is not as well-known to tourists as Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route, it will typically be a much quieter ride while still offering the same incredible views of Seto Island Sea. Ambitious cyclists may also choose to tackle both cycling routes in one day.

Ikinajima Island and Sashima Island are both mostly-rural islands filled with natural beauty. Cycle the path to see sights like natural rock formations, lush pine forests and stunning citrus orchards. In Yugejima Island, be sure to stop by one of the cafes to enjoy lunch and dessert made with locally grown ingredients. This island also is known for producing nori (seaweed), so many nori products are available as souvenirs. Lemons are the featured citrus fruit of Iwagijima Island, so much so that the island is sometimes called “Green Lemon Island.” Guests who arrive between October and April will get to sample green lemons while in season, but no matter the time of year, tourists always have access to yellow lemons, lemon cakes and lemony treats to take home as souvenirs from Iwagijima Island.

How to get to Yumeshima Kaido Cycling Route: Take the train to Imabari Station in Imabari City, and walk about 20 minutes to board a ferry from Imabari Port to Yuge Port. Bicycles can be rented near Yuge Port.

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Ehime Island Tours | Hakata Island

While cycling the Shimanami Kaido, consider making a stop at Hakatajima Island for an incredible sightseeing experience. As it is well known for its shipbuilding industry, tourists can expect to see a wide selection of naval transportation while exploring the docks. The island also is home to the popular Hakata Beach, a clean and spacious beach with stunning water views and shaded areas for relaxing.

Children and adults are sure to enjoy a trip to Dolphin Farm Shimanami, a dolphin park located just off the beach. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, only closing in cases of harsh weather. Visitors will have the chance to feed, swim, and play with dolphins while learning about these beautiful sea creatures. Wetsuits are provided as part of the experience fee (4,500 to 9,000 yen, depending on the season), and changing and shower facilities are available. For those who want to see the dolphins at night, there is a Hakatajima Island campsite where visitors can rent a furnished trailer for an evening.

How to get to Hakatajima Island: Take the train to Imabari Station in Imabari City, and then use Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route to reach the island. Travelers who do not wish to cycle also can get there by bus or car (about a 30-minute drive).

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Photo credit: IG@aizoon

Ehime Island Tours | Toyoshima Island

The tiny island of Toyoshima may contain no permanent residents, but it does contain a permanent art exhibit, The Toyoshima House. This 14-paned glass exhibit was designed by German contemporary and visual artist Gerhard Richter. The art piece is Richter’s last and largest glass creation, and the three-dimensional masterpiece is a project sponsored by Setouchi Art Platform, a non-profit organization that aims to showcase the region’s natural beauty through art. Toyoshima Island floats between Yugejima Island and Uoshima Island and is part of Kamijima town. Besides The Toyoshima House, visitors can witness pristine nature and quiet surroundings on Toyoshima Island, which has a perimeter of only about 4 kilometers! The Toyoshima House is open from 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in September and October. Viewing is free. During off-season, the iconic work of art can be viewed from the outside during a stop on Toyoshima Island.

How to get to Toyoshima Island: take a boat from Yuge Port on Yugejima Island. Boats travel twice a day to Toyoshima Island, and the trip takes about 20 minutes.

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