Omishima is the biggest of the 6 islands that are connected by the Shimanami Kaido road. One of the sightseeing spot of the road is the Tatara bridge that leads to Omishima. It is very popular amongst cyclists as you can enjoy beautiful nature while riding your bike. Nowadays, the island is starting to focus on tourism; it is also called the Gods Island, and have been visited for centuries. A long time ago, because of the gods living in the Island, fishing was strictly prohibited, and even up to now, this activity is not as popular there than on the other islands of the Seto sea.

What can you find on this island, where the gods influence is so present? 

 

The Oyamazumi Sanctuary is dedicated to Oyamazumi, the child of the two gods who founded Japan : Izanagi and Izanami. You can find over a thousand temples dedicated to this goddess through the whole country, the main one being Mishima Shrine.
Oyamazumi is the Kami (god) of mountain, sea, battles and numerous historic figures and samurais went to this sanctuary. It is said that they would go there to pray for their armor and their art of war. Even now, 8 of the National Treasures are being kept there, as well as many other important cultural items. 
You can find in this sanctuary, that is said to symbolize Japan, abundant nature, including a huge Camphor Laurel within the temple.

 


You can then head towards an arcade a bit further in the sanctuary. Long ago, the only way to reach Omishima was to boat, which is the reason why there is an arcade connecting the sanctuary to the port. But nowadays, since you can now access the island by bike through the Shimanami Kaido road, the old breezeaway has been closed. Even though the temple is being visited a lot, the arcade remains empty. It is now being restaured, and some of the people who moved to the island are opening small shops to make it lively again. Even though it is still under construction, this old breezeaway should become an even more interesting spot very soon.