Seto Inland Sea

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Facts & Figures

The Seto Inland Sea is separating three of the four main Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. An impressive number of nearly 3000 islands are located within the Seto Inland Sea. The length of this international waterway is 450km. The beauty of this area is well-known and puts it on the list of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Many large cities like Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Okayama and Kurashiki follow along the coastline. Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.
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History

During the Edo period, the Seto Inland Sea was one of the busiest waterways in Japan. In 1934 the Setonaikai National Park was founded. The park, one of the first national parks in Japan, is covering large parts of the coastal area of the Seto Inland Sea.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

The Great Seto Bridge - the Seto Bridge is one of the three major bridges connecting Honshu with Shikoku

Naoshima island - perfect place for art lovers, the island is full of museums, sculptures and great architecture

Miyajima islands - famous for the torii gate of the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine an UNESCO World Heritage Site

Shimanami Kaido - island hopping by bicycle, enjoy the 60km long journey from Honshu to Shikoku

Shodo Island - Shodo-shima is a very popular tourist spot known for beautiful beaches, wild monkeys and cultivating of olives

Kurashiki - historical place with the well preserved Bikan quarter

Okayama - capital of the Okayama prefecture with two major sightseeing highlights the Okayama Castle (Crow Castle) and Korakuen Garden

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

February

in Okayama: Saidai-ji Eyo or Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival) (3rd Saturday)
Around 10 000 men of all ages wearing only fundoshi (loincloth) and tabi (split toe socks) and fighting over two sacred shingi (wooden batons).

July

in Kurashiki: Tenryu Natsu Matsuri (end of July)
This is the largest festival and a summer time tradition in Kurashiki.