Imabari / EhimeCharming, Scenic Islands with Easy-going Vibes: Oshima and Omishima in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture

WAKKA bills itself as a “comprehensive cycling facility in Omishima,” but besides bicycle rentals, they offer plenty of services to cyclists and regular visitors alike. Having just opened in March, 2020, their bright, modern facility includes cozy bungalows with seafront views, and a stylish on-site café with terraced seating that is open to the public even past business hours.

Whether staying here overnight or just stopping by, WAKKA is a great place to relax and appreciate the laid-back atmosphere of the Seto Inland Sea, surrounded by neighboring islands. The staff also provide cycling support, rent out SUP boards and kayaks, and can arrange tours to experience marine sports, trekking, and agricultural activities.

Founded in 1968, SAORI is a type of weaving that encourages self-expression. Free of restrictions on colors, weaves, and materials or rules such as uniformity and patterning, you get to choose the materials you want and incorporate them liberally into the loom. The objective of the experience is more akin to creating art than producing something practical.

As one of their many activities, WAKKA offers the chance to experience SAORI at the home of a teacher in Omishima. Surrounded by homespun decorations and other crafts, you’ll not only see a very different side of Japan, but also gain a unique perspective on local island life. Best of all, there is no need to fret about making mistakes, for imperfections are what add character to the weave!

How often does one get to stay overnight in a school? Probably not very often, which is what makes Ikoi-no-Ie an unusual and unforgettable place to stay on Omishima. This elementary school closed down decades ago, but under the supervision of famous Japanese architect Toyo Ito, it was renovated in 2018 as an inn offering both Western-style bedrooms and traditional rooms with tatami mats.

The inn sits directly adjacent to a secret, sandy beach on the Inland Sea. Seeing as how school buildings generally do not have baths, a special facility was constructed with large baths that offers fine views of the gentle waters, while showers outside also make it easy to clean off after a swim in the sea during warmer months. Meanwhile, the inn’s dining hall also features fresh, delicious seafood caught from those very waters.

After enjoying views of the Inland Sea from the islands, get a change of perspective and experience the beauty of the archipelago from the water. Kayak and SUP board rentals are certainly fun, but the most exciting option is with the Kurushima-Kaikyo Rapids and Tide Observation Boat, which departs from near the Michi-no-Eki Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan roadside station on the island of Oshima.

The boat first heads out into the rapids of the Kurushima-Kaikyo, considered one of Japan's three major rapid currents. If the timing is right, you’ll spot the telltale whitewater of multiple eddies churning when the tide flows in or out of the Inland Sea, and these straights are one of only two places in Japan to see this incredible phenomenon occur.

Afterwards, the boat passes under Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, the world's first triple suspension bridge, and circles around the Imabari shipyards. Within this small bay, Japanese companies construct enormous ships that will someday ply the world’s oceans, including tankers, container ships, and cruise liners. It’s only when the tour boat draws up alongside that you realize how massive these vessels and their powerful propellers are!

Noka Ristorante Ve.G.I is a cozy Italian restaurant that just opened on Omishima Island in the fall of 2020. After refining his culinary skills at an Italian restaurant on the mainland, owner and chef Shohei Morioka returned to his island hometown to practice organic farming, focusing on vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, potatoes and a variety of leafy greens.

However, the lack of pesticides means that organic produce sometimes does not meet the visual standards of vegetable buyers, even if the produce is perfectly fine otherwise. Morioka found a way to salvage such produce by opening his own Italian restaurant and incorporating the fresh, healthy ingredients into the menu.

Due to farming operations, the restaurant is open only on weekends for lunch and dinner. Nevertheless, Morioka’s menu features a wide variety of tasty, classic dishes, including handmade pizza and pastas with carbonara, meat sauce and pepperoncino, served with a small fresh vegetable smoothie. Espresso as well as fresh citrus juices made with locally-grown varieties are also available.

Located at the southern tip of Oshima, Kirosan Observatory Park features a unique observatory designed by Kengo Kuma. Kuma is currently one of Japan’s leading architects, and even designed Japan’s new national stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In true Kuma fashion, his take on an observatory is anything but ordinary – steps, slopes and intricate, winding pathways lead you to different levels and perspectives on the structure.

The decks have been constructed high enough to be unobstructed by the flora below, affording unusual 360-degree views over the Seto Inland Sea. Even on hazy days you’ll observe nearby islands and their connecting bridges for the Shimanami Kaido, while on clear days you may even spot Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan.