Ikuchi Island

Ikuchijima is a small island floating in the Seto Inland Sea. If you use a bicycle, you can circle the entire island in under three hours. With art spots and unique exhibits scattered throughout, the whole island feels like an open-air museum. The island’s specialty is lemons—Setoda-cho on Ikuchijima is known for being Japan’s top lemon-shipping area and is also called the "Island of Lemons." Local favorites include "lemon hot pot" made with Seto Inland Sea seafood and plenty of Setoda lemons, refreshing "lemon gelato," and light, salt-based "lemon ramen." Must-visit places include "Lemon Valley," where you can enjoy lemon groves year-round, and the Important Cultural Property Kosanji Temple. Within Kosanji is the dazzling white marble garden "Mirai-shin no Oka," famous on social media as a photogenic spot. Take your time and enjoy a leisurely island ride by bicycle. Access: if traveling by car, motorcycle, moped, or bicycle, use the Shimanami Kaido and exit at Ikuchijima-kita IC. By train, walk about 5 minutes from JR Mihara Station to Mihara Port and take a passenger boat; alternatively, travel from Onomichi Station by bus or ferry to Ikuchijima.