A Short Ferry Journey from Sunami Port to Ikuchijima island

From Sunami Port - easily accessible from Hiroshima City and Kure - you can board a car ferry bound for Ikuchijima (Sawa Port).
Before you drive straight onto the ferry, however, there is a spot nearby that you shouldn’t miss.

Just next to Sunami Port is Setouchi Jozojo Winery, a producer of award-winning wines. With its stylish shop and restaurant, the winery is known not only for its flavors but also for its refined bottle and space design, making your visit a memorable part of the journey.

Enjoying a glass while gazing out at the Seto Inland Sea is truly exceptional. If you’ve come all the way to Sunami Port, skipping this place would be a missed opportunity.

Location Name

Sunami Port

Address

1-2 Sunami-Nishi Mihara-city, Hiroshima pref.

Sea Route

Ferry 'Sunami(Mihara-city) - Mukouda(Sagi island) - Sawa(Ikuchijima island)'

①　To/From Onomichi

※For ideas on how to enjoy Ikuchijima, please see the “Mihara - Setoda” model course.

After arriving at Ikuchijima (Sawa Port) by ferry, you’ll find yourself just steps away from Shiomachi Shopping Street and Kosanji Temple, just like at Setoda Port. From the moment you arrive, you can start experiencing the island’s unique charm.

If you’re heading north on the Shimanami Kaido back toward Honshu, we recommend first crossing Ikuchijima and then exiting the expressway on Innoshima.

[Highlights of Innoshima]

The classic drive here is the Suigun Skyline, a thrilling road with sweeping views of the sea and islands. At the end of the route, you’ll find the breathtaking Shirataki-yama Observatory and Suigun Castle, tied to the history of the Murakami Suigun naval clan.
Strolling through Habu Shopping Street to enjoy local okonomiyaki, or taking a side trip along the Yumeshima Kaido for an island-hopping drive, are also rewarding options. (For details, see the “Mihara ? Habu” model course.)

[Lunch & Scenic Views on Mukaishima]

On the next island, Mukaishima, the southern Tachibana area is highly recommended. Stylish seaside restaurants line the coast, offering a relaxed lunch with stunning ocean views.

[Exploring Onomichi]

Once you reach Onomichi, park your car near the arcade shopping street and take the ropeway up to Senkoji Park. The PEAK observatory, a highlight of contemporary architecture, offers panoramic views of the Onomichi Channel and surrounding islands.
On the way down, walk along the city’s narrow, winding slopes, enjoying local cafes and scenery before returning to the shopping street to browse its unique shops.

A short drive west will take you to Onomichi U2, a stylishly renovated warehouse that has become one of the city’s most popular spots. Here, you can enjoy dining and shopping by the waterfront in a refined atmosphere.

②　To/From Imabari

After arriving at Ikuchijima (Sawa Port), drive toward Imabari, following the gentle coastline to the Ikuchijima South IC. Crossing the Tatara Bridge, Japan’s longest cable-stayed bridge spanning the prefectural border, brings you to Omishima. We recommend exiting at the first interchange.

[ Must-See Spots on Omishima ]

The first stop should be Oyamazumi Shrine, one of Japan’s most revered spiritual sites. Its grounds, home to 2,000?3,000-year-old camphor trees, embody the title “Guardian Shrine of Japan.” Steeped in history as Iyo’s Ichinomiya and the setting of the Tsuruhime legend, it draws worshippers from across the country.

The adjacent Treasure Hall houses 70% of all samurai armor and weapons designated as national treasures in Japan, including blades linked to Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Yoritomo, and the warrior monk Benkei?making it a must for history enthusiasts.

Behind the shrine, the sacred Mt. Anjin connects to Mt. Washigato, where a hidden summit observatory rewards visitors with a 360° view of the Seto Inland Sea.

[ Island Cafes & Local Experiences ]

Omishima also offers stylish cafes and shops. At WAKKA’s flagship location, enjoy ocean-view coffee, unique island experiences, and outdoor activities.
Omishima serves as a travel hub, with connections to the Tobishima Kaido, enabling further island-hopping adventures to Osakikamijima and Kure.

[ Oshima: Scenic Views & Pirate Culture ]

From Omishima, continue on to Oshima. The Kirosan Observatory, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, offers one of Japan’s most breathtaking panoramic views.
Dive into maritime history at the Murakami Kaizoku (Pirate) Museum, or feel the thrill of swift currents on a boat ride that recreates the seafaring spirit of the Murakami pirates.

[ Imabari & Matsuyama ]

Crossing Oshima brings you to Shikoku’s main island and the city of Imabari, renowned for its towels?perfect souvenirs from your trip.
From there, it’s just a 90-minute drive to Matsuyama, where you can relax at the historic Dogo Onsen, the perfect finale to your Setouchi journey.

Related brochure

Shimanami SPOT!