Imabari

Imabari city has held an important strategic position for maritime transportation since ancient times, and has developed as a city of shipping, ship building, and towel production. With the opening of the Shimanami Kaido that connects the islands of the Geiyo Archipelago, the city is like a holy land for cyclists who travel here from throughout the world.

Must see attractions

Hashihama

The churning currents in the Kurushima Strait strike against the rocky shores,
providing a spectacular scenic view.

Shishimagahara

The seashore is lined with pine trees at this scenic spot.
It has been selected as one of the
“100 best sites in Japan combining white sand with green pines.”

The site of Kurushima Fort

This sea fort was situated at the main point along the Kurushima Strait.
Signs from the passage of countless ships can be found on the rocky shores.

Kominato Castle Remnants and Jokeiji Temple

The remnants of a castle built by the Murakami pirates on a hill facing the Kurushima Strait.

It is said that, following the battle of Sekigahara, Todo Takatora considered this to be an important connecting castle in a strategic location.

Jokeiji Temple is also located nearby and is believed to have been favored by the Kurushima Murakami clan.

The site of Kokubusan Fort

This fort was built on Kokubusan Mountain by the Murakamis of Noshima.
It was their land base until the construction of Imabari Castle.

The site of Keshima Fort

This sea fort was protected by a vassal of the Murakami Kaizoku.
The entire island was used as a small fort. *It is not open to the public. Please observe it from a distance.

Front shrine at the Bekku Oyamazumi Shrine

This is an example of traditional Japanese shrine architecture rebuilt
by the Murakami Kaizoku at the Oyamazumi Shrine’s auxiliary shrine.
Only the front shrine has survived fires.

Ohama Hachiman Shrine

This shrine appears in the historical record as the local shrine for a castle town.
There is an inscription saying it was constructed in 1524.

Korinji Temple documents

These ancient documents describe the dedication of lanterns by Takeyoshi Murakami, renowned as Japan’s greatest pirate general.

The site of Imabari Castle

This was a state of the art sea castle built by Takatora Todo after the Murakami Kaizoku left.
The moat was filled with sea water.

Stone pagodas of the Noma district

These stone pagodas are leading examples of the stone carving culture that existed at the time the Murakami Kaizoku first appeared.
These pagodas prove north-south exchange among the craftsmen.

Rental Cycle Terminal

Central Rental Bike Terminal
〔Itoyama Cycling Terminal(Sunrise Itoyama)〕

Address:: 2-8-1 Sunabacho, Imabari city
Google Map
Tel.:: 0898-41-3196
Business hours:: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Parking:: Free
Closest bus stop, port, or station:: Tenbodai-Iriguchi bus stop

JR Imabari Station Rental Bike Terminal
〔 JR Imabari Station Cycling Terminal (i.i.imabari! Cycle Station)〕

Address:: 2-773-8 Kitahourai-cho, Imabari city
Google Map
Tel.:: 0898-34-3190
Business hours:: 8：00AM to 8：00PM
Parking:: Paid parking
Closest bus stop, port, or station:: Imabari Eki-mae bus stop, Imabari Station