GLAMPROOK Shimanami: Enjoy the Photogenic Views, Gourmet and Activities!

Resort hotels along Shimanami Kaido

The Shimanami Kaido, which connects Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture and Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, is a scenic spot known as one of the world's leading cycling roads.

GLAMPROOK Shimanami opened in July 2020 on Umashima along the Shimanami Kaido. This hotel offers ocean view rooms and glamping.

MATCHA writers Mizzochi and Kumiko Ishigaki visited this hotel in October 2023. We will tell you about the charm seen from the eyes of two people!

Click here to reserve accommodation at GLAMPROOK Shimanami

*This article contains the personal impressions of the MATCHA writer. Please note that the content does not reflect the official views of Gramprook Shimanami.

• Table of Contents
• A hotel with a spectacular view on an island with a population of about 10 people
• The three charms of GLAMPROOK Shimanami (rooms, experiences, gourmet food)
• Experience the charm of Setouchi at GLAMPROOK Shimanami

A hotel with a spectacular view on an island with a population of about 10 people

First, I will introduce Umashima, where GLAMPROOK Shimanami is located, and why the hotel was born in this location.

What is Umashima?

Umashima, where the hotel is located, is a small island located about 20 to 30 minutes by car from the center of Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. It is said that it was named ``Umashima'' because horses were grazed there during the Edo period .

After World War II, Umashima flourished as a major flower production area. Additionally, since it is a good fishing ground, it is visited by many anglers, and Umashima has many other attractions.

However, due to Japan's population decline in recent years, the number of residents on Umashima has decreased rapidly, and now there are only about 10 people living on the island.

To an island where you can enjoy the ultimate sense of privacy

The building that is now ``GLAMPROOK Shimanami'' was originally a guesthouse, but it went out of business several years ago due to the decline in the population of the area.

Is it possible to renovate this place and make Umashima an attractive place again? And why not protect the beautiful nature as well? ``GLAMPROOK Shimanami'' was born from this idea.

With the birth of GLAMPROOK Shimanami, Umashima has become a resort where you can enjoy the ultimate sense of privacy.

Many former island residents maintain their homes in the form of villas on the island, and the fields and roads are kept in good condition.

Additionally, for the safety of island residents, general vehicles are prohibited on Umashima. Only vehicles with special permission, such as island residents or hotel shuttles, can enter. Therefore, the number of people who visit the island is limited.

On this quiet, private island, the sounds you hear are completely different from those in the city.

Waves crashing on the beach, the whistle of a ship, the sound of insects... Because the island is rich in nature, listening to the sounds will soothe your senses.

You can enjoy the peaceful time while gazing out at the vast sky and savoring local food. That is Umashima and GLAMPROOK Shimanami.

The three charms of GLAMPROOK Shimanami (rooms, experiences, gourmet food)

GLAMPROOK Shimanami is a recommended accommodation facility for those who want to experience the charm of Setouchi, couples, and those who want to spend intimate time with family and friends.

We will introduce its charm from three perspectives: rooms, activities, and food.

Attraction 1: Rooms you can choose from at Hotel Glamping

There are two types of guest rooms, one in a hotel building and one in a dome-shaped tent, allowing you to experience the different accommodations of a hotel and glamping.

There are 6 types of guest rooms in the hotel building. We have a variety of room types, from the SUPERIOR TWIN (38㎡, capacity for 3 people), which is perfect for small groups, to the JUNIOR SUITE, which can accommodate up to 8 people.

All rooms have stylish interiors with a natural Scandinavian feel, and most rooms have ocean views. Additionally, some rooms have a semi-open-air bath.

The dome-shaped tent has a spacious guest room of approximately 100 square meters (including outdoor living room). The ceiling is high and there are no pillars, giving it an open feel. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean right in front of you.

The interior of the room is unified with outdoor-style furniture and accessories, adding to the excitement of glamping.

There are no baths or toilets inside the tent, but the hotel building is right next door, so there is no major inconvenience. There is also a large public bath in the hotel building.

A report on our stay in the hotel building and dome-shaped tent can be found here.

Attraction 2: Activities to play with nature

While staying at GLAMPROOK Shimanami, which is surrounded by the sea and greenery, you may want to try some activities to get closer to nature.

At GLAMPROOK Shimanami, you can enjoy many activities at no additional charge!

There is a cave on the south side of the hotel that can only be entered during low tide, giving you the feeling of exploring. If you time it right, you can even see a rare whirlpool called the ``Hachiman Uzu.''

*The sea around the hotel has fast currents and is complicated. Please note that swimming is prohibited throughout the year.

If you want to learn more about Umashima and the Shimanami Kaido, we recommend the Skywalk Tour. The knowledgeable hotel staff will take you on a tour to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, and will even give you a souvenir photo if you wish.

There are plenty of other activities to do, too, like picking up colorful seagrass that washes up on the sand or enjoying a drink on the guest-only deck. Please enjoy it depending on your mood that day.

In addition, if you pay an additional fee, you can experience cycling around the Shimanami Kaido on an E-bike. It has an electric assist function, so even beginners can row with ease.

Click here to read the E-bike cycling experience report.

Attraction 3: Enjoy the gourmet food of Setouchi

Setouchi, with its warm climate, beautiful sea, and rich mountains, is one of Japan's most delicious treasures. The fresh seafood, including red sea bream, a specialty of the Kurushima Strait, is especially delicious.

Assorted sashimi mainly featuring red sea bream caught in the Kurushima Strait

Kaiseki dinner is the best way to enjoy the delicacies of Setouchi.

The chef personally goes out to purchase ingredients every day, and serves the truly delicious ingredients of the day in their best form.

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Hiroshima Prefecture's branded beef "Taoshita Gyu"

There are many rare ingredients unique to Setouchi, and the hotel staff will carefully introduce them to you.

By knowing the origin of ingredients and dishes, you will be able to have a special food experience that goes beyond just being delicious.

This article provides detailed information about gourmet food, alcohol, and more.

Experience the charm of Setouchi at GLAMPROOK Shimanami

In addition to the food, the hotel uses local specialties and products throughout the hotel, allowing you to learn about the charm of Setouchi from a variety of perspectives.

For example, we use "Imabari Towel", a famous product of Imabari City, for the towels.

In addition, the chopstick rests and small plates are made from Kikuma tiles from Ehime Prefecture, which has a history of approximately 750 years. Many of the hotel's staff are locals and are knowledgeable about the local culture and history.

The more you stay at GLAMPROOK Shimanami, the more you will learn about the charms of Setouchi and be captivated by it!

For reservations for staying at GLAMPROOK Shimanami, please check here.

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