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Japan Heritage Revival Murakami Pirates of Innoshima Island Journey
The Murakami Pirates Castle Ruins Cruising Tour: an island activity featuring revival of Japanese Heritage with the Murakami Pirates of Innoshima. The boat cruise visits the ruins of castles associated with the Innoshima Murakami Clan, formerly based on Innoshima Island. Unlike the typical pirate image, this is a rare opportunity to learn about the true aspect and history of the Murakami Pirates, who acted as maritime guides to ensure safe navigation through these waters.
30 minutes by bicycle
Innoshima Suigun (Naval) Castle
During the Sengoku period, the Innoshima Murakami Clan played a vital role as part of the naval forces under Kobayakawa family. Innoshima Suigun Castle is a castle-style maritime museum showcasing weapons, personal belongings, and historical documents left behind by the Innoshima Murakami Clan. Through the exhibits and video presentations, visitors can learn about the Murakami Pirates not only as seafarers but also as a significant military force.
20 minutes by bicycle
Oyama Shrine
Oyama-jinja Shrine is the oldest shrine on Innoshima and was revered by the Innoshima Murakami Pirates as their guardian deity. Worshipped as the“God of Victory, Good Fortune, and Protection from Misfortune,”the shrine is also known as the“God of Architecture,”one of the“Seven Lucky Gods of Setouchi,”the“God of Ears,”and the“God of Bicycles,”attracting many worshippers seeking blessings.
60 minutes by bicycle
HAKKO Park
Located on Innoshima along the Shimanami Kaido, the HAKKO Park is a theme park operated by Manda Fermentation Co., Ltd., where visitors can enjoy learning about fermentation and Manda Koso. Admission is free, and is thus a perfect place for a break during travels—with a cafe, garden, footbath, and more! The park also features a shop offering popular Manda products and guided tours where visitors can learn all about fermentation and Manda Koso.
120 minutes by bicycle
USHIO CHOCOLATL
Located on a hilltop overlooking the sea of Mukai-shima, USHIO CHOCOLATL is a chocolate factory that creates and sells original, inventive chocolate centered around a simple recipe of only cacao beans and sugar. The adjoining cafe offers chocolate drinks and sweets that match perfectly with the serene views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding townscape.
18 minutes by bicycle
Mancho Farm (Seaside Fig Orchard)
Located on Mukai-shima Island along the Shimanami Kaido, the Mancho Farm (Seaside Fig Orchard) is a rare destination nationwide, where visitors can enjoy picking Japanese figs straight from the tree. The farm offers a variety of fun experience, including a fig-picking course, a 30-minute all-you-can-eat fig tasting, jam-making workshops, fig juice-making, and a quiz rally—all centered around their incredibly sweet, fully ripened figs.
35 minutes by bicycle
Ryokan Onomichi Nishiyama
Ryokan Onomichi Nishiyama carries on the legacy of Nishiyama Bekkan, a long-established inn in Onomichi. The property preserves historical elements such as its architecture, furniture, and tea utensils, offering a stay that reflects the rich culture and heritage of Onomichi. Guest rooms are housed in standalone buildings—including Western-style—arranged around the garden with views of the Seto Inland Sea. Recognized as a destination with unique character and charm, the ryokan has been awarded one Michelin Key.
