Seto Inland Sea
The Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海 Seto Naikai) is the body of water between the Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. With more than 700 islands, warm climate and low rainfall, this is one of the best areas for tourists. The whole surrounding area was designated as one of the first National Parks of Japan in 1934.
Islands
- East
- Awaji Island — Kansai's stepping stone to Shikoku
- Central
- Shodoshima — the island of olives
- Naoshima — devoted to contemporary art
- Inujima — a new centre of art.
- Teshima — yet another art-island.
- Shiraishijima — quiet beach island with an international villa
- Megijima — AKA "Ogre Island".
- Ogijima — picturesque, rocky island.
- Honjima
- Takamijima
- Awashima
- Ibukijima
- West
- Innoshima — famous for tangerine cultivation.
- Miyajima — famous for its shrine and "floating torii" gate
- Omishima
- Suooshima
Understand
Many of Japan's largest cities border the Inland Sea, and the countless small islands in the Sea are perfect for off-the-beaten-track exploration.
Get around
By boat
Boats are the natural way to travel around the sea. There are countless services, most running only short distances; check under your destination of interest for details.
By car
After billions of dollars in construction works, the Seto Inland Sea is now crossed by no less than three stupendously huge bridges. From east to west:
- Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, with the longest suspended span in the world, between Akashi (off Kobe, Honshu) and Awaji
- Seto-Ohashi Bridge, a set of ten bridges connected Kurashiki, Okayama (Honshu) to Sakaide, Kagawa (Shikoku)
- Shimanami Kaido, from Onomichi, Hiroshima (Honshu) to Imabari, Ehime (Shikoku) via seven bridges