9 Must-Visit Spots to Experience the Natural Beauty of Mukaishima Island

Mukaishima is a popular island on the Shimanami Kaido, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Just a five-minute ferry ride away, it's a favorite destination for cyclists. The island's main attractions include its breathtaking coastal views, delicious fruits, and nostalgic atmosphere. Mukaishima has served as a backdrop for numerous films and boasts orchards producing exceptional mandarin oranges and figs. Known as the "Island of Flowers" in the Seto Inland Sea, Mukaishima offers visitors a chance to admire beautiful blooms year-round, thanks to its greenhouses. From unique local sweets to opportunities to interact with friendly locals, Mukaishima is a microcosm of everything Japan has to offer. It's no wonder that so many people dream of visiting this island, where nature, gourmet cuisine, and cycling converge.

1. Mukaishima Orchid Center

Established in 1995, the Mukaishima Orchid Center is a flagship facility in Mukaishima, a region renowned for its floriculture. Nestled at the foot of Takamizawa Mountain in a scenic park, this center is operated by local orchid growers. Orchid cultivation in Mukaishima began around 1965, and today, the area produces approximately 60,000 cut flowers and 110,000 potted plants annually.

The Mukaishima Orchid Center features an exhibition hall that hosts various events and concerts, as well as a training room for lectures and workshops. A spacious lawn, often filled with families on weekends, provides a serene atmosphere. The center also offers a shop selling beautiful orchids cultivated in Mukaishima. Depending on the season, you can find a variety of orchids such as Cymbidium and Oncidium, but the most popular is undoubtedly the Phalaenopsis. Many visitors purchase Phalaenopsis orchids as gifts for special occasions.

2. Man'yō Farm

Known as a seaside fig orchard, Manshio Farm is renowned as one of Japan's largest fig orchards. Spanning a vast 2,000 square meters, the farm cultivates a variety of fruits and vegetables using organic methods, free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Beyond fig picking, Manshio Farm offers a rich array of experiences that have made it a popular destination. Springtime brings a vibrant flower viewing festival, while plum picking and processing workshops provide additional seasonal delights.

Autumn is particularly popular for fig picking, drawing crowds eager to savor the farm's sweet, sun-ripened figs. Visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat options or purchase figs by weight to take home. Grown under the Seto Inland Sea breeze, the figs are renowned for their exceptional flavor.

With a range of local products available for purchase, Manshio Farm is also a great place to find unique souvenirs. The farm hosts a variety of seasonal events, making it an ideal location for families seeking a fun and educational agricultural experience. Come and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

3. Takahashi Mandarin Picking Center

Japan boasts numerous regions renowned for their delicious mandarin oranges, and the Seto Inland Sea stands out as one of the top producers. If you're seeking a truly unforgettable mandarin orange picking experience, look no further than Takahashi Mikankanri Center on Mukaishima Island.

Cultivated with meticulous care, the Wonshu mandarin oranges here are celebrated for their exceptional flavor. The farm offers breathtaking views of Iwakojima Island and the Mukaishima Bridge, creating a picturesque backdrop for your orchard adventure.

Indulge in eat-all-you-can mandarin oranges, these sweet and juicy fruits are simply irresistible. Conveniently located near the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road, you can easily bike over. Open daily from late October to early December, Takahashi Mikankanri Center is the perfect destination for family outings, friend gatherings, or simply a solo escape. Don't forget to take home some fresh mandarin oranges by the pound as the perfect souvenirs.

4. Onomichi City Marine Youth Center

This popular spot is perfect for enjoying a variety of sports, from marine activities to camping. In terms of marine sports, you can experience banana boating and canoeing in the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. While swimming in the ocean is enjoyable, canoeing in the crystal-clear waters is sure to create unforgettable memories. The arena offers a dome-shaped indoor space for volleyball and basketball.

For children, there are roller sliders and a ropeway to keep them entertained. The ship-shaped play equipment is designed to resemble a pirate ship, paying homage to the Murakami Suigun (sea warriors). These play structures are safe for even young children, providing peace of mind for adults. The campsite, located near the ocean, is perfect for fishing and barbecues. After a day of physical activity, you can relax at the campsite. If you're planning a summer outing, the Onomichi City Marine Youth Center offers tarp rentals, making it easy to visit with nothing but yourself.

5. Mount Takamiyama

Mount Takamiyama, located at an altitude of 283m, is a viewpoint where you can see the magnificent scenery of Mukojima even more beautifully. You can see Iwakojima, Onomichi Bridge, and even distant islands. From the observation deck on the west side, you can see the Innoshima Bridge reflected in the blue sea. It is possible to drive directly to the top of the mountain, so it is also recommended for seniors. It is said that there used to be a lookout tower of the Murakami Navy here, and considering the great view, it is easy to understand why it was here.

Due to its scenic beauty, it has been designated a national park. The 360-degree unobstructed view of the Seto Inland Sea is best seen at sunset. There are benches at the observation deck, and couples can be seen visiting at sunset. There is also a guide map to show you what islands you can see from the observation deck. You can often see people taking commemorative photos of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea here.

6. Mukaishima Kanekichi District

Taking a 5-minute ferry ride from Onomichi, you will arrive at the Mukajima Kenjiki district. This is a place where you can still feel the atmosphere of Showa-era Japan. The Mukajima Kenjiki district, also known as a movie location, has a waiting room for ships called "Sugar Shack" near the port. Nearby, you will find a bus stop that was used as a movie set.

This bus stop is said to be a must-see for movie fans and is like a movie holy place. In addition to the Manshu Bosatsu-do, which houses a large statue of Manshu Bosatsu, you will find a retro-style bakery. If you keep walking, you will find a facility where Western prisoners of war were held during the war.

If you walk further, you will find a ramune flag and Goto Kosenjo. Please try the rare ramune. In the Mukajima Kenjiki district, you will feel as if you have time-traveled back to the Showa era.

7. Cycling around Mukojima

Shimanami Kaido is a dream destination for cyclists with well-maintained cycling roads. Among them, Mukaishima is a place that many people want to visit at least once. You can reach Mukaishima by ferry across the Onomichi Strait. Although it is only a 5-minute ferry ride, many people also cross with their bicycles. Once you arrive at Mukaishima, you can feel a retro atmosphere from around the port. In Mukaishima, there are landscapes that have been lost in modern Japan, such as movie sets, various shops, and temples.

If you stop by a shop in Mukaishima, you can enjoy interacting with the local people. Since there are quite a few people who visit by bicycle, the locals will probably welcome you. The highlight of cycling in Mukaishima is being able to slowly look at these landscapes while cycling. Many people say that it is easy to ride a bicycle because there are few cars and pedestrians. You can feel healed both mentally and physically as you ride while feeling the rich natural scenery of Mukaishima.

8. Goto Beverage Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

A must-visit for any traveler to Mukaishima is Goto Beverage Manufacturing Co., Ltd. The retro exterior and signage are sure to pique your curiosity. At first glance, it might seem more like a vintage storage facility than a shop, but don't be fooled! This unassuming establishment has garnered a loyal following for its traditional beverages.

With a lemonade flag waving outside, it's hard to resist trying their refreshing homemade ramune. But there's more to discover – from classic ciders to creamy milkshakes and nostalgic cream sodas. These drinks offer a unique taste that you won't find in vending machines.

If you're exploring the area by bike and need to quench your thirst, stop by and enjoy a drink while chatting with the friendly owner. He's full of local knowledge about Mukaishima and the Shimanami Kaido, making it a great place to connect with the community.

9. USHIO CHOCOLATL

In Mukojima, an area with a retro atmosphere, USHIO CHOCOLATL stands out as an anomaly. USHIO CHOCOLATL is a simple yet delicious and new chocolate made by three young people. The chocolate, made from cacao and sugar, is directly imported from farms abroad. USHIO CHOCOLATL, said to have broken the common sense of chocolate, is not only pursuing deliciousness but also fun.
The chocolate, made while singing together as three people, is indeed an unusual chocolate but is extremely delicious. If you go directly to Mukojima, you can not only buy freshly made chocolate but also takeout drinks. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Mukojima port, but it is better to go by car or bicycle. Come and experience the new sensory chocolate made by young people at the beautiful USHIO CHOCOLATL factory.

◎ Summary

Many people visit Mukojima on the Shimanami Kaido as a little detour. Some people who cycle may research their destination in advance and leave after just a few hours. However, Mukojima's tourist spots are so rich that it would be a waste to do so. There are many places in the Seto Inland Sea where you can see the beautiful ocean. Of course, Mukojima has many such places, but even more so, it is a place where you have a higher chance of interacting with local people.

If you're taking the ferry to Mukaishima Island, why not go beyond sightseeing and try to connect with the locals? Cycling is a great way to do just that.

If you're a seasoned Shimanami Kaido traveler but haven't explored Mukaishima Island yet, consider discovering its hidden gems.