Sunset Beach is a tourist trap on Ikuchijima, but it is a good tourist trap. Like most things on Ikuchijima, things are simple here. When I was riding up to the area, I was easily able to find the bicycle parking area and put my things down so that I could relax.
Setoda Sunset Beach
The first place I headed was the restaurant. I was STARVING as it was around 2pm and I hadn’t eaten lunch. My energy reserves were empty and I needed something that would help me boost my energy. The food at Sunset Beach is not great, but it was satisfying. I had the Octopus Pepperoncino, which isn’t very Japanese but it did provide the energy I needed to keep cycling. The pepperoncino was good, light, and used local octopus. There was a healthy amount of octopus inside it and there was also a lemon tabasco sauce which was a bit salty, but delicious.
Setoda Sunset Beach (Octopus Pepperoncino)
Next to the restaurant is the gift shop. You can buy various items needed to help you complete the Shimanami Kaido. You can buy cycling gear, local food gifts, and even juice and ice cream. I made sure I had some of the ice cream as it is famous in the area. In front of the gift shop is also the bicycle rental shop. You can easily park your car there and take a bicycle out for a few hours rather than do the entire Shimanami Kaido.
Cycle Through (Gift Shop)
The beach is the main attraction and there are facilities to help you wash up, from foot showers to full showers. The beach is very nice and there are 3 art objects located on the beach. The first is a yellow tower that is easily seen from the restaurant. It really takes your attention from the sea but the sea is very inviting.
Setoda Sunset Beach
If you go to the beach, it is best if you have something to wear when you go down there. I had no sandals so I just took my shoes off and walked into the sea. The sea was cold in May but it was very refreshing. It was pretty hot all day, but not too hot. Getting into the cold sea was just what my feet needed, but once I got out, it was painful. The beach is not very soft as there are lots of shells there, and the walk along the beach front to the restaurant was not as safe either. There were a lot of little stones and other things on the pavement. Just walk slowly and you’ll be safe.
Setoda Sunset Beach
Setoda Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach met all of my expectations. I loved the place and I could relax there for hours. I would have loved to see the sunset but I also wanted to get to my B&B for the evening. I had to pry myself from the seat in order to get going again but I wouldn’t mind going back in the future.
Leaving Setoda Sunset Beach
Information
- Sunset Beach (Official Site – Japanese Only)