Shimanami Yamanami, a series of islets and a chain of mountains, is the pet name for the single road connecting the three prefectures of Ehime, Hiroshima, and Shimane. The road is categorized into two sections, the section that goes through the islets ("shima" meaning islands) in the Seto Inland Sea and the section that goes through the mountainous area ("yama" meaning mountains). Shimanami Yamanami is a popular tourist area with hot springs and many other attractive tourist destinations.
SHIMANAMI YAMANAMI Recommended Area
Matsuyama City
Matsuyama City is an old castle town that has developed around Matsuyama Castle and has long been known as a famous hot spring destination. Visited by a number of Japanese literary greats, Matsuyama City is the home of many literary works.
Dogo Hot Springs
Dogo Hot Springs have a 3,000 year-old history, and are renowned, historical hot springs that appear in Nihon Shoki, the chronicles of Japan. The public bathhouse Dogo Hot Springs Main Building, the icon of the area, is designated as important cultural heritage asset by the Japanese government.
Imabari City
Imabari City is known as a city of shipbuilding, a city of Yakitori dishes, and a city of towels. Its techniques for manufacturing towels are renowned the world over. The Kurushima Channel Viewing Hall provides visitors with a view of the beautiful seascape.
Onomichi City
Onomichi City is well known throughout Japan as a city of slopes, a city of literature, and a city of movies. Nostalgic with clusters of old houses and numerous slopes and stairs, Onomichi City is a city where many people enjoy taking a stroll.
Matsue City
Matsue City is an attractive city that features national treasure Matsue Castle and many other tourist spots. Located about an hour's drive from Matsue City is Izumo Taisha Shrine, which is well known as a shrine of marriage and visited by a large number of people every year.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
Known as Japan's oldest hot spring, Tamatsukuri Hot Spring is a popular destination mentioned in Izumo no Kuni Fudoki, the topography of Izumo Province edited in 733, providing a glimpse into its historical aspect.