Shimanami Kurushima Strait Cruise and Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Tower Top Experience

JB Honshi Expressway and Shimanami Co., Ltd. are launching the tour 'Kurushima Strait Cruise & Tower Top Experience (Kurukuru Climb)', which combines a guided tour of the tower top of the suspension bridge Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge—rising approximately 180 meters above sea level on the Seto Inland Sea Shimanami Kaido—with a cruise through the Kurushima Strait, one of Japan's three major tidal currents.

Registration for the autumn season (September to December) will begin on July 1 (Wednesday) at 9:00 AM, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participation in the 2025 season exceeded 800 people—an increase of 178% compared to the previous year.

The tour has received significant attention, including features on television programs.

We sincerely look forward to your participation in the 'Kurukuru Climb,' a full sensory experience of the Kurushima Strait from top to bottom.

What is Kurukuru Climb?

The nickname 'Kurukuru Climb' was chosen to evoke the image of circling the 'Kuru(shima)' Strait by cruise ship ('kurukuru') and climbing ('climb') to the tower top, making the tour more approachable and memorable.

1. Tour Schedule

Dates: September 27 (Sun), October 4 (Sun), 10 (Sat), 17 (Sat), 18 (Sun), November 7 (Sat), 8 (Sun), 14 (Sat), 15 (Sun), December 5 (Sat), 6 (Sun), 12 (Sat), 13 (Sun)

Two sessions per day (Morning / Afternoon):

Session

Check-in (Registration)

Tour Duration

Morning

By 9:00 AM

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Afternoon

By 12:30 PM

1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

※ Please arrive at the Shitadami Port waiting room by the check-in time.

(We will provide an introduction, tour explanation, safety video viewing, helmet fitting, and other preparations.)

※ The end time may vary depending on the number of participants.

2. Tour Course and Duration

(1) Meeting and Dismissal Location

Shitadami Port Waiting Room (5292, Goma, Yoshiumi-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture)

※ 3-minute walk from 'Michi-no-Eki Yoshiumi Ikikikan'

[Access]

From Hiroshima direction: Approx. 20 minutes by car from Oshima-Kita IC on E76 Nishiseto Expressway

From Ehime direction: Approx. 5 minutes by car from Oshima-Minami IC on E76 Nishiseto Expressway

Access Map

(2) Tour Route and Duration

Tour Route:

Shitadami Port (Meeting) → After tour briefing → ① Shimanami Kurushima Strait Cruise (Transfer) → Umajima Port → ② Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Main Tower (8P) → Umajima Port → ① Shimanami Kurushima Strait Cruise (Transfer) → Shitadami Port (Dismissal)

Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes

[Tour Highlights]

Route

① Shimanami Kurushima Strait Cruise

Board the Shimanami Kurushima Strait Cruise and experience the powerful currents of the Kurushima Strait—one of Japan's three major tidal flows—up close. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea's island scenery and see the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge from directly beneath.

You'll also get a unique view of Imabari, Japan's leading maritime city, including its cluster of shipyards, from within the bay.

Operator: Shimanami Co., Ltd.

Route: Refer to the diagram (subject to change based on tidal conditions)

Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Tower Top Experience

② Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Tower Top Experience

We will guide you to the tower top of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge—a suspension bridge on the Seto Inland Sea Shimanami Kaido—approximately 180 meters above sea level, normally inaccessible to the public.

Enjoy the unique panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea's island-dotted landscape, only possible from this vantage point.

3. Participation Fee

8,250 JPY (tax included) per person

※ Transportation costs to the meeting point are not included.

※ Payment must be made in advance via online payment or bank transfer after reservation.

4. Registration Start Date

[Registration Page]

From July 1 (Wed) at 9:00 AM

Registration will be conducted via Shimanami Co., Ltd.'s official website.

For the reservation process, please check the following page:

Tour Reservation Here

<Inquiries>

Shimanami Co., Ltd. Reservation Center

Phone: 0898-25-7338, Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed: Weekends and Holidays

[Important Notes]

Please carefully review the <Important Notes> section on the registration page before applying.

'Participation Requirements' on Shimanami Co., Ltd.'s website

5. Participation Requirements

○ Participants must be 12 years or older (those aged 12–15 must be accompanied by an adult)

○ Must be able to walk 2 km or more and climb stairs without assistive devices

○ Must not suffer from acrophobia or claustrophobia

○ Participation is not allowed for those feeling unwell, with heart conditions or other medical issues, under the influence of alcohol, or who are pregnant.

※ You must comply with all safety-related instructions.

※ You may be required to present identification proving your age.

6. Capacity

30 participants per session (minimum required: 8)

※ If the minimum number is not met 14 days before the event, the tour may be canceled.

7. Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Period

Cancellation Fee

14 days before event to day of event, no-show without notice

100% of participation fee

※ The above cancellation fee applies to individual bookings.

8. Other

The tour may be canceled if weather conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, or lightning, or other unavoidable circumstances make it difficult to proceed. Please understand in advance.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event