Akinada Tobishima Kaido

In short

The Akinada Tobishima Kaido is a route that connects the islands floating southeast of Kure City with bridges. It was named after the idea of the islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea resembling stepping stones crossing a garden. From the Akinada Bridge (opened in 2000), which connects Honshu with Shimokamagarijima Island, to Okamurajima Island in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, seven bridges link the islands.

• ​Sannose, once a sea checkpoint​​: The Sannose area of Shimokamagarijima Island was one of two sea checkpoints in the Seto Inland Sea along with Tomonoura, and it flourished as a port of call for the Joseon missions to Japan and for daimyo traveling for alternate-year residence
• ​Mitarai, a port town for awaiting tides and favorable winds​​: The Mitarai area of Osakishimojima Island flourished as a fine natural harbor during the Edo period, and its townscape is designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
• ​Island-hopping across the bridges​​: Only the Akinada Bridge requires a toll; all other bridges are free. The shortest course from the Honshu-side starting point to Okamurajima Island is about 30 kilometers, maintained as a cycling road

History and Highlights

The ​Akinada Tobishima Kaido​ is a route that connects islands floating southeast of Kure City with bridges. It was named after the idea of the islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea resembling stepping stones (tobiishi) crossing a garden. Beginning at the Akinada Bridge, which connects the main island of Honshu with Shimokamagarijima Island, seven bridges link the islands passing through Kamikamagarijima Island, Toyoshima Island, and Osakishimojima Island, extending all the way to Okamurajima Island in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.

Hiroshima Prefecture has been carrying out the construction of the "Akinada Islands Connecting Bridges" project to connect Kawajiri-cho in Kure City with the islands of the Akinada Sea across eight bridges. Seven of the eight bridges are already in use. The entrance, Akinada Bridge, is a 1,175-meter-long suspension bridge that opened on January 18, 2000. On November 18, 2008, Toyoshima Bridge opened, connecting Toyoshima Island and Osakishimojima Island to the mainland by land.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Sannose, Once a Sea Checkpoint​​: Located in the eastern part of Shimokamagarijima Island, the Sannose area was one of two sea checkpoints in the Seto Inland Sea along with Tomonoura, and it housed a honjin (official inn) where feudal lords (daimyo) and court nobles stayed. It flourished as a port of call for the Joseon missions to Japan (Chosen Tsushinshi) and daimyo traveling for alternate-year residence (sankin-kotai), and sites such as the Sannose Go-Honjin Arts and Cultural Center and Shotoen Garden remain today.
• ​Mitarai, a Port Town for Awaiting Tides and Favorable Winds​​: The Mitarai area of Osakishimojima Island flourished as a fine natural harbor during the Edo period, and its bustling activity continued into the Showa period. The townscape, designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, is introduced in detail in the spot entry for the Mitarai Traditional Buildings Preservation District.
• ​Delights of Each Island​​: At "Kenmin no Hama" on Kamikamagarijima Island, visitors can enjoy swimming and sea kayaking, as well as experience making moshio (seaweed salt) using ancient earthenware. Toyoshima Island is known as a fishing town, retaining the scenery of maze-like narrow alleys. From the "Nagatani Observatory" at the southern tip of Okamurajima Island in Ehime Prefecture, you can look out over the islands of the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido, including Omishima Island and Oshima Island.

Tips for Exploring

While a toll is required for the Akinada Bridge connecting Honshu to Shimokamagarijima Island, all other bridges are free of charge, making driving an ideal way to tour the islands. Cycling is also a popular way to enjoy the route. The shortest course from the mainland starting point of the Akinada Bridge to Okamurajima Island is about 30 kilometers, maintained as a cycling road. It has a reputation for being easy to ride even for beginners due to few ups and downs, light traffic, and few traffic lights. Mitarai on Osakishimojima Island is approximately 18 kilometers east in a straight line from the Akinada Bridge.