The Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, which connects Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture and Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, is a 60-kilometer motorway that comprises of the Nishi Seto Expressway, Ikuchijima Road, and Oshima Road. Of the many routes connecting the major islands of Shikoku and Honshu, this is the only one in which a path designated for cyclists and other pedestrians was constructed. It is a popular route for cyclists worldwide because you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lush islands in the beautiful Seto Inland Sea while cycling on a magnificent bridge.

If you depart from Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture to get on the Setouchi Shimanami Expressway, the first bridge you will cross is the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, which is about 4.1km long. It opened in 1999 as the world's first triple-suspension bridge. From the bridge, you can see a spectacular view of the Kurushima Strait and the popular Setonaikai National Park. The scenery at night is also just as fantastic, if not wonderfully different, from the one during the day.

The Setouchi Shimanami Expressway crosses the scenic Seto Inland Sea with seven bridges over six islands. There are plenty of bicycle rental stations and resting areas, plus a ferry that traverses across the entire route, so anyone from beginners to experts can enjoy. You won't find a cycling experience like this anywhere else!

Located between the Aki Sea and the Iyo Sea in the Seto Inland Sea, the Kutsuna Islands are made up of more than 30 different islands, and the entire area is referred to as the Setonaikai National Park.

The terrain is shaped by the complex currents between the islands, and creates an excellent environment for a wide variety of fishes. Some fishes, like horse mackerel and sillago, can be easily caught, even by beginners. There are many other rock fish such as the red sea perch and sea ruffe, flounders and fat greenling (experts' favorite largescale blackfish), and black sea bream and red sea bream. Different types of fish can be found thoughout the year, keeping anglers coming back for more.

In the Kutsuna Islands, there are nine inhabited islands, the largest being Nakajima Island. Various types of citrus fruits, such as "mikan" (mandarins), "iyokan", and "kara" mandarins are grown there, so it is known as the "island scented with citrus flowers". The scattered piers of Oura Port, Konoura Port, and Nishinaka Port, along with beaches and rocky areas, are very popular fishing spots.

Another recommended fishing spot in Ehime Prefecture is Cape Sada, Japan's longest and narrowest peninsula, located in the westernmost part of Shikoku. It is most recently known for being a fishing spot for big horse mackerel, but big fin reef squid, largehead hairtail, yellowtail, and red sea bream can also be found there. It is a good spot for both families who just want to go fishing for fun and experts fully equipped with fishing gear. Also, if you decide to go, please be aware of fishing prohibited areas and no entry zones, and make sure to take your garbage with you when you leave.

The Shikoku Mountains are a mountain range with an average altitude of about 1,500m. Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan, is located within this range. It is the source of the crystal clear Niyodo River, from which Omogo Gorge, the largest gorge in Shikoku, extends from its upper reaches.

Both the Ishizuchi Quasi-National Park and the Omogo / Shikoku Karst Natural Recreation Forest are amazingly beautiful. The quality of the water from the Niyodo River is said to be the best in Japan. It is clear, transparent, and shines an emerald green. From the promenade, you can see the white limestone of the riverbed, and some swimming fishes. It contrasts beautifully with autumn leaves, a must-see for many tourists in the fall.

Small waterfalls and stream pools are located all around the Omogo Gorge, making it the perfect environment for mountain stream fishes such as char, yamame trout, and red spotted trout. Fishers from all over the country come to reel in a big catch, trying different fishing methods such as bait fishing, fly fishing, tenkara fishing, or lure fishing, depending on the season. Omogo Gorge, with its changing scenery, is one of the most popular mountain stream fishing spots in Shikoku. Please note that mountain fishing requires a special permit issued by the Omogo River Fisheries Association, also known as the Omogogawa Gyoukyou. Please also make sure to take your garbage with you when you leave. Beginners are recommended to go with someone experienced, as some routes up the mountain stream can be dangerous.

The Nametoko Gorge is located upstream of the Meguro River, a tributary of the Shimanto River, which is one of the three major clear streams in Japan. Its name comes from the smooth granite riverbed shaped by ages of erosion, and it is one of the best gorges in Ehime Prefecture. On the large rocks called "Deainame" and "Senjojiki", you can see the amazing patterns formed weathering and the crystal clear stream. It is definitely worth a visit.

Nametoko Gorge is also the perfect place for canyoning, which is where you traverse and slide around the natural terrain of the gorge. With about 12km of terrain to explore, there are plenty of spots to slide in the gorge. There are gently-sloped drops that even children can enjoy, or routes with thrilling S-shaped corners. You can experience canyoning at your own confort level.

The Yukiwa Falls, a symbol of the Nametoko Gorge, has been named as one of the "100 Best Waterfalls in Japan." It is one of the largest natural waterslides in Japan with a total length of about 40m. Right next to it is the Ochiai Fuchi, which is a wonderful, naturally-formed pipe-shaped waterslide. From families to individuals looking for a challenge, the best canyoning experience is waiting for you.