3-1-3 Tooricho, Imabari 794-0036 Ehime Prefecture

Imabari Castle is one of Japan's premier coastal castles, built facing the Seto Inland Sea by master castle builder Todo Takatora. Construction started in 1602 and finished around the 1608. In 1635, the Tokugawa Shogunate's relatives, the Matsudaira clan, began living in the castle. Most of the structures were demolished after the Meiji Restoration of 1868. In 1980, a major reconstruction of the main tower and other towers and gates was undertaken, allowing us to see the majestic castle as it once stood. The castle interior has been reworked into an exhibition, showcasing historical materials related to the history of the Imabari Domain. Visitors can also see different materials and artwork born of the natural local environment and arts.

3327 Omishimacho Miyaura, Imabari 794-1393 Ehime Prefecture

2930 Asakurakami, Imabari 799-1607 Ehime Prefecture

The Towel Museum is located in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, with the goal of showing visitors how towels can change their lives. In the vast European garden, filled with lawns and flower beds, visitors are greeted by bronze statues of Moomin and his friends, along with flowers in bloom and fruits that change with the seasons. The quiet and peaceful landscape is great for a leisurely stroll or for a BBQ with friends. There are permanent and special exhibitions on the 5th floor gallery, including exhibits on Moomin and the work of Kathy Nakajima, as well as numerous works that showcase the warmth and comfort of towels. The Towel Museum is a place where you can discover a new side of towels that you've never experienced before. Additionally, there is a restaurant and two cafes where you can relax while enjoying the view of the garden, where they also host outdoor weddings.

Oshima-Shikoku, Imabari Ehime Prefecture

487-4 Yoshiumichominamiura, Imabari 794-2115 Ehime Prefecture

Located at the southern tip of Oshima Island, the Kirosan Observatory Park stands at an elevation of 301.1m and is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park. Known as one of the best scenic spots along the Shimanami Kaido, the park offers panoramic views from its observation deck of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge and the waters of the Kurushima Strait. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Ishizuchi, and at night, visitors can enjoy the the illuminated Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge and the nighttime cityscape of Imabari. The unique design of the panoramic observation deck bridge is a masterwork by famed architect Kengo Kuma, offering 360-degree views while remaining hidden off the mountain. With its breathtaking views and popularity as a photo spot, the Kirosan Observatory Park is a favorite among tourists.

9180-2 Kamiurachoinokuchi, Imabari 794-1402 Ehime Prefecture

Located right in the middle of the Shimanami Kaido, just off the Omishima IC exit, Tatara Shimanami Park Roadside Station is a popular spot for enjoying panoramic views of the world-renowned cable-stayed Tatara and the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. There's also a restaurant featuring dishes made with fresh seafood and local produce, a center for local specialty products, and a farmers' market with fresh produce and seafood. The Kamiura Fureai Market is another great place where you can purchase fresh vegetables, citrus fruit, and locally caught seafood. Located at the halfway point between Imabari and Onomichi, this park is very popular with cyclists.

4520-2 Yoshiumichomyo, Imabari 794-2114 Ehime Prefecture

If you're visiting Oshima Island, Yoshiumi Ikiiki Hall Roadside Station is a must. Sampling all sorts of fresh seafood dishes or shichirin barbecue while gazing out over the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is hugely popular. You can also buy your own Kankan-yaki set in the fresh fish counter and grill your own fresh seafood at home. Furthermore, the station is the perfect place for souvenirs, with a wide variety of locally picked vegetables and specialties. You'll also find the reception area for the Kurushima Strait Tidal Current Viewing Boat inside, which allows visitors to experience the whirlpools and historical sites of one of Japan's three major tidal currents, the Kurushima Strait. You'll need about 45 mintues for the ride, which will bring you up close to feel the intensity of the strait.

1285 Miyakubo Miyakubocho, Imabari 794-2203 Ehime Prefecture

The Murakami Kaizoku Museum allows you to trace the footsteps of the Murakami pirates, Japan's largest pirate group during the 16th century. The museum exhibits a large collection of art and crafts handed down through the Murakami family of Noshima, ancient documents that tell the history of the area, as well as artifacts such as those unearthed from the ruins of Noshima Castle, a National Historic Site and one of the pirate's strongholds. The museum regulalry hosts special exhibitions and is an enjoyable place for both children and adults to learn about the Murakami pirates. The exhibits also help explain the differences between Japanese pirates, called "kaizoku," and pirates from the West.

32 Omishimachoutena, Imabari 794-1305 Ehime Prefecture

2-5-2 Koracho, Imabari 799-2111 Ehime Prefecture

The Kurushima Strait Observation Hall is located in Itoyama Park, a scenic spot known for its views of the Kurushima Strait. Inside the facility, there is an exhibition room where visitors can view displays related to the Kurushima Strait and the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, and panels that discuss the Murakami pirates. at Shimanami Picnic, visitors can purchase take-out items like fresh juice, smoothies, and ice cream made from locally grown Ehime fruits, as well as seasonal products and specialties from the local Ehime area. The Kurushima Strait Observation Hall is also a popular rest stop for cyclists exploring the Shimanami Kaido.

5-14-3 Higashimoncho, Imabari 794-0033 Ehime Prefecture

3-1 Bekku-cho, Imabari 794-0026 Ehime Prefecture

Imabari 799-2111 Ehime Prefecture

Itoyama Park is located within the Setonaikai National Park, on the Imabari side of the Shimanami Kaido. It is situated at the foot of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, which spans the Kurushima Strait along the Shimanami Kaido, and features the Kurushima Strait Overlook, the Itoyama Overlook, and a cycling terminal. The park overlooks the Kurushima Strait which, along with the Naruto and Kanmon straits, is considered one of Japan's three major tidal currents. The park also has great views of the world's first triple suspension bridge, the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, which stretches 4,105 meters in length. The overlook is located on the west side of the bridge, allowing visitors to witness the rising sun over the bridge, making it a popular spot in the morning. It also offers stunning night views from its position overlooking the bridge. With a spacious free parking lot and bicycle stands, visitors can relax and enjoy their visit without worrying about the parking meter.

Imabari 794-2301 Ehime Prefecture

1292 Yoshiumicho Fukuda, Imabari 794-2103 Ehime Prefecture

Located on a spacious 2.8-hectare property, Yoshiumi Rose Park boasts 3,500 rose bushes of 400 different varieties. From mid-May to the end of December, the park is filled with beautiful roses from around the world. In 1999, as part of the Shimanami Kaido opening celebration, approximately 100 varieties of heirloom roses, including thoese from the renowned "Josephine Collection" collected by Napoleon's wife Empress Josephine from the famous French rose garden L'Haÿ-les-Roses, were transplanted here. The park features well-maintained walking paths and a playground, and is a great destination for families. Additionally, the annual Yoshiumi Rose Festival is held in mid-May when the roses are in full bloom. Visitors can both see and buy a variety of roses while enjoying various events.