Imabari

About Imabari

Imabari is the western endpoint of the 70km Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Imabari Castle sits directly on the sea - one of only three Japanese castles with water gates. The city is also Japan's number one producer of premium cotton towels.

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  Kirosan Observatory Park

  ★4.6(5,911)

  Panoramic views of forested islands, city lights & the Kurushima Kaikyo bridge from a hilltop park.

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  Imabari Castle

  ★4.2(5,152)

  Edo-era castle featuring the original walls & moat, plus a reconstructed keep with exhibits.

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  Kurushima Strait Observatory

  ★4.2(2,283)

  Lookout point with bridge & water views, plus a visitor's center with a cafe & a souvenir shop.

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  Saisai Kiteya

  ★4.0(2,033)

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  Kurushima-Kaikyo SA Observation Deck

  ★4.2(1,807)

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  Iyo Suigun

  ★4.2(1,571)

  Easygoing restaurant offering set menus with local fish & shellfish including sashimi.

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Getting around Imabari

Getting around Imabari is easiest by local bus, with the Imabari Bus network serving the city center and nearby attractions like Imabari Castle around ¥200 - 300 per ride. IC cards such as ICOCA work across most routes, though you can also purchase single-journey tickets at the station; cards can be recharged at convenience stores throughout the city. Walking is practical for the compact downtown area and castle grounds, but the real draw for many visitors is cycling - Imabari sits at the western terminus of the famous Shimanami Kaido, and numerous rental shops near the station offer bicycles (typically ¥1,000 - 1,500 per day) perfect for exploring both the coast and the route's islands. JR trains connect to larger cities, though local buses remain more convenient for day-to-day navigation. Taxis are available but rarely necessary given the walkable center and reliable bus service.

Best time to visit

The ideal months to visit are typically late March to early April for cherry blossoms, when the castle grounds burst into bloom and mild weather invites cycling along the Shimanami Kaido, or October through November for autumn foliage and comfortable temperatures. Avoid the rainy tsuyu season from June to mid-July and typhoon season from late August to September, when heavy downpours can disrupt outdoor activities and cycling routes. Peak summer heat in July and August also draws large crowds and becomes uncomfortably humid. The Imabari Towel Festival, usually held in early October, celebrates the region's famous textile heritage with exhibitions and sales that coincide perfectly with pleasant fall weather. Shoulder seasons like May and early September offer fewer tourists and reasonable conditions, making them excellent alternatives if spring and autumn dates are booked.

Where to stay

For visitors exploring this cycling gateway, the central Imabari station area offers convenient access to Imabari Castle and local attractions, with business hotels typically charging ¥8,000 - 15,000 for a double room. The waterfront district near the castle provides a more atmospheric alternative, where a handful of modest ryokan and vacation rentals cater to those seeking traditional hospitality; expect ¥12,000 - 20,000 nightly. For budget-conscious cyclists tackling the Shimanami Kaido, capsule hotels and guesthouses cluster near the station, often running ¥5,000 - 8,000 per night. Business hotels dominate the accommodation landscape here rather than luxury ryokan, though a few family-run inns exist. All three areas sit within walking distance or a short bus ride of the castle and town center, while the Shimanami Kaido's northern trailheads are accessible via local transport within 20 - 30 minutes.

What to eat

Imabari's food culture reflects its maritime heritage, with **imabari yakitori** - charcoal-grilled chicken skewers featuring local poultry - standing as the city's signature dish, typically costing ¥800 - 1,200 per skewer. The Imabari Yakitori Kaido street, lined with casual grilled-chicken stalls, offers the most authentic experience, while the covered Miyaura shopping arcade provides year-round access to local restaurants and food vendors. The surrounding waters also supply fresh seafood, particularly sea bream and squid, featured in casual donburi bowls and sashimi sets. Imabari's sake heritage runs deep, with several local breweries - including the centuries-old Sasakura - offering tastings and tours that showcase Shikoku's brewing traditions. Budget-conscious cyclists stopping along the Shimanami Kaido often grab yakitori from roadside stalls or convenience stores, where satisfying grilled skewers rarely exceed ¥150 each, making the city an excellent refueling point for island-route travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Imabari towels special?▾

Can you start or finish the Shimanami Kaido here?▾

What is the Towel Street in Imabari?▾

What is the Kurushima Strait view from Imabari?▾

What is a good Shimanami cycling one-day itinerary?▾