Setoda Port and Konejima Bridge

Setoda Port is your best bet to get to Ikuchijima, or to return home, from Honshu.  There are 2 ferry lines that connect Onomichi and Mihara with this lovely port.  It is a very small port that is really close to the Konejima Bridge as well.  When I first rode up to this port, I thought it was nothing more than a little building by the sea.  When I got a little closer, I discovered that it was a bit bigger than I had expected.

Konejima Bridge and a bit of Setoda Port in the Background

Setoda Port is located on the coast next to Setoda Town.  As you make your way down the main shopping street of town, just past the museums, you will notice that things start to get a bit sparse.  Once you hit the coast, you’ll notice a nice open grassy area and to the right is the port.

Setoda Port Terminal

The port is pretty empty but really well kept.  The boats run back and forth all day between Setoda Port and various ports between Setoda and Onomichi and Mihara.  I guess we arrived when there were no ships coming through for a while as there were very few people there.  Perhaps we just missed the most recent ship.

Setoda Port

Just behind the port building is the Konejima Bridge.  It is another interesting bridge to look at.  While every bridge in the Shimanami Kaido is pretty unique, the Konejima Bridge is especially unique.  The yellow colour is in stark contrast to the Mukaishima Bridge connecting Mukaishima with Iwashijima.  Konejima Bridge obviously connects Ikuchijima with Konejima.

Konejima Bridge

Unfortunately I didn’t have the time or energy to head over to Konejima but it looks like a lovely little island to visit.  There is a little artwork there and a few other shops, but in reality, if you don’t have the time I don’t think it will matter if you don’t make it there.

Art at Konejima

The Setoda Port area is a lovely area and a great transition between the coastal roads, that I was getting used to, and the small town of Setoda.  It was great to be back in the middle of nowhere, but there was a noticeable rise in the number of people on the road from here on out.

Information

• Konejima Bridge (Onomichi Travel Guide)
• Ferry Service (Official Onomichi City Website – English)
• Ferry Service (Shimap – Japanese)
• Setoda-Mihara Ferry Service (Shimap – Japanese)