A giant "cycling duck" is arriving at Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu in Imabari, Ehime, on Friday, September 18, 2026, as a new photo spot.
Wearing a blue helmet and cycling gear printed with the Kisuke no Yu logo, the familiar bathtub duck arrives in a big-enough size to make passersby stop and reach for their cameras.
The facility's operator is a silver partner of Cycling Shimanami 2026, and alongside that sponsorship, is using this photo spot to bring a smile to visitors' faces and help liven up cycling in the Shimanami area from the local side.
Another Shutter Moment for the Shimanami Trip, After the Scenery
Islands seen from bridges crossing the sea, coastal roads ridden with the sea breeze in your face — the Shimanami Kaido is full of scenery worth capturing in photos. Why not add one more, slightly unusual shot to that travel album?
Arriving at Kisuke no Yu is a 3.5-meter giant hot-spring duck, its bright yellow body and endearing expression catching the eye. Its helmet and gear are both done up in cycling style, combining the approachable feel of a hot spring facility with the character of a cycling town.
It's a photo spot for taking a commemorative shot with fellow riders to share the sense of accomplishment after a ride, or gathering the family around the big duck for a smiling group photo. Cyclists, sightseeing visitors, and local residents alike are all welcome to enjoy it.
A Spot to Bring the Shimanami Trip Back to Mind
The hope is that visitors can keep enjoying their time on the Shimanami Kaido even after they've gone home. This photo spot is meant as a way to bring a piece of that lingering travel mood back with them.
Along with the distance ridden and the beautiful scenery, meeting the giant duck and laughing with friends while taking photos is meant to become an unforgettable part of the memory too.
As visitors show the photos to family and friends or share their trip on social media, the appeal of the Shimanami area is passed on to the next person. A stop at the onsen is meant to be where that kind of connection begins.
The Onsen Where the Most Cyclists in Japan Gather, Welcoming Riders on Their Journey
Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu has worked to build a facility where cyclists visiting the Shimanami Kaido from Japan and abroad can relax with peace of mind.
In the sports bicycle magazine BICYCLE CLUB's ranking of "the onsen where the most cyclists gather in Japan," the facility won the title four years running through 2022 and earned a place in its hall of fame.*
After enjoying a ride, visitors can settle in at the onsen, look back on the day's scenery with friends, and take their time savoring the lingering mood of the trip. The giant duck adds a bit more fun to that time at Kisuke no Yu — the fun of taking a photo.
The joy of riding, the joy of taking photos, and the comfort of relaxing in an onsen.
The facility welcomes visitors as a place to enjoy the Shimanami trip right to the end.
*Regarding the ranking in the May issue of BICYCLE CLUB, published March 19, 2022. Per the facility's own announcement.
Supporting Cycling Shimanami 2026 as a Silver Partner
Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu's operator is a silver partner of Cycling Shimanami 2026, an event held across the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido.
The aim is for a meeting with the giant duck to become a reason visitors feel glad they stopped by Kisuke no Yu, and want to come back to Imabari again.
Cycling Shimanami 2026 official website
Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu
Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu is a natural hot spring facility about a 1-minute walk from JR Imabari Station in Imabari, Ehime. Drawing natural hot spring water from 1,000 meters underground, it offers a range of baths and a full-scale sauna, welcoming everyone from sauna fans to first-timers. The facility is equipped with lockers and maintenance equipment for cyclists and is also known as a base for Shimanami Cycle Transit. With a dining area and relaxation facilities on site, it's a place for day-trip visitors, travelers passing through, and sightseers or business travelers alike to unwind, and is loved by both locals and tourists.
- Phone: 0898-22-0026
- Hours: 6:00 AM–Midnight (last admission 11:00 PM)
- Address: 1-2-30 Nakahiyoshi-cho, Imabari, Ehime
- Official website: https://kisuke.com/yu-imabari/
