Setoda Sunset Beach

In short

Setoda Sunset Beach is a seaside park on the western side of Ikuchijima Island, one of the islands along the Shimanami Kaido, and is also affectionately known as "Shimanami Lemon Beach." A stretch of white sand approximately 800 meters long extends along the coast, and in 2001 it was selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of "Japan's 88 Best Bathing Beaches."

• ​Sunsets Sinking into the Sea​​: From the west-facing sandy beach, you can watch the sun sink into the Seto Inland Sea
• ​Seaside Art​​: Outdoor artworks from the "Island-wide Art Museum," which treats the entire island of Setoda as an art museum, are placed on the beach
• ​Playing in the Sea and Relaxing on the Beach​​: In addition to swimming in summer, you can experience sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and there are camping and barbecue areas, showers, changing rooms, a restaurant, and a shop

History and Highlights

​Setoda Sunset Beach​ is a seaside park located on the western side of Ikuchijima Island, one of the islands along the Shimanami Kaido. It is also affectionately known as "Shimanami Lemon Beach." A stretch of white sand approximately 800 meters long extends along the coast, offering views of the calm Seto Inland Sea and the islands dotted across the water.

In 2001, it was selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of "Japan's 88 Best Bathing Beaches." In addition to its good water quality, it is also appreciated for its well-equipped facilities, such as campgrounds, and its role as a local sports hub. As the name suggests, it is famous for the beautiful sunsets over the sea, and the beach is also dotted with outdoor artworks from the "Island-wide Art Museum" initiative, which treats the entire island of Setoda as an art museum.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Sunsets Sinking into the Sea​​: From the west-facing sandy beach, you can watch the sun sink into the Seto Inland Sea. The gradual change of colors in the sky and sea at dusk is a sight unique to this beach.
• ​Seaside Art​​: The "Island-wide Art Museum" is a project where artists themselves selected the locations to place outdoor works across Ikuchijima Island and Konejima Island. Enjoy viewing these artworks set against the backdrop of the sea as you stroll along the beach.
• ​Playing in the Sea and Relaxing on the Beach​​: In addition to swimming in summer, you can experience sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). With camping and barbecue areas, showers, changing rooms, a restaurant, and a shop, you can comfortably spend an entire day relaxing here.

Tips for Visitors

By car, it takes about 15 minutes from the Shimanami Kaido's Ikuchijima-kita Interchange and about 10 minutes from the Ikuchijima-minami Interchange. Rental bicycles are also available at the beach, making it a popular stop for cyclists along the Shimanami Kaido. If you want to watch the sunset, arriving a little before sunset will allow you to relax and watch the changing colors of the sky. In the same town of Setoda, there are also Kosanji Temple and the Hill of Hope (Miraishin-no-Oka), which can be visited together to enjoy a full day on the island.