Shimanami Kaido

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Shimanami Kaido is the designation of several bridges that connect the Japanese islands around the inland sea. Highways are located between the main islands of Honshu and Shikoku, linking Hiroshima and Ehime prefectures. Shimanami Kaido extends from the town of Imbabura in Onomichi city and lays on both sides of the domestic Japanese Sea.

This series of bridges was opened in 1999. Overall, in the picturesque Sea of Japan are about 600 tiny sushi amidst the water.

The bridges are unique and impressive and each in a different way. The largest is the Tatara, who is also the longest bridge built and maintained by the ropes from around the worldg.

The area of the rope bridges is also attractive to tourists. Most of the tourists there rent a bicycle and embark on a tour of the bridges, stopping to admire the beautiful beaches and sights on the small islands.

The most popular island is Omishima, perhaps because of the beautiful tropical landscape of palm trees with overgrown banks. Ikuchijima, another island has a unique temple complex, which has architecture of the typical Japanese style. The island is also a cultural center because the Museum of Arts which is famous for contemporary Japanese artists have put their works there.

Omishima island is also quite attractive for tourists because it is one of the oldest so called Japanese shrines. Built in the 13th century it had been erected in honor of the brother of the goddess.