Kirosan Observatory Park — Attraction in Imabari

Amazing views across the Seto Inland Sea. If you came by bicycle on your way to/from Imabari on the Shimanami Kaido route, it's also gratifying to see Imabari in the distance, getting a sense of how far you have come or will go.

If you are looking to make a detour here while biking the Shimanami Kaido, for reference it took me ~25 minutes to the top (hardest challenge of the ride given the unrelenting incline), 5 minutes down, and then another 40 minutes to Imabari station, assuming you are fit and going at a decent pace. The final bridge felt like a breeze in comparison.

Also just a note, my rear tire was getting a little tail happy on the way down around the curves, so maybe watch for that if you are...

I'm far from a seasoned cyclist, but was able to cycle up the entire mountain, stopping every so often to take photos. The cycle wasn't as scary as I feared, even with the lead road to the path being mostly uphill as well.

The view is...one of the best views I've ever seen. Not only are the Kurushima-Kaikyo bridges spell-binding, there's a 360 degree view over the sea and a stunning panorama of Imabari.

If you're cycling and it's a clear day, don't miss it! And don't forget to check your brakes when making your way...

We cycled the route of Shimanami Kaido from Onomichi to Imabari. This park is just next to the main route, but requires a long and tough climbing, also return per same path. We are casual cyclists, and cycled, more wheeled our bicycles up the hill, costing around 45 mins. The view on the top is absolutely stunnng, and I say this point is the true jewe on the whole route. If you have enough time, must go there. It deserves your hard climbing. The downhill journey just cost 4 mins, grasp your brakes...