Kinki

Setonaikai National Park

national parks
Setonaikai National Park was the first national park in Japan to be designated, along with Unzen and Kirishima, in 1934. The park area is surrounded by the five straits of Akashi, Kitan, Naruto, Kanmon, and Toyoyo, and includes a large area of ocean, islands scattered throughout the area, and landscapes with a view of the islands. The park area covers an area of more than 900,000 hectares, including the sea area, and is the largest national park in Japan. The park features an inland sea landscape of many islands of various sizes. There are many scenic spots along the coastal land areas where visitors can view the islands. The Seto Inland Sea area has been a region where culture flourished from early on and people and nature coexisted in harmony. One of the main features of the area is its friendly landscape where nature and life are integrated, such as terraced fields on islands and port towns where people wait for the tide. (Source: Ministry of the Environment website https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nationalparks/list/)

Activity

Awaji Island Uzushio Cruise Pre-Book for a Thrilling Whirlpool Adventure

 

Highlights

・Advance reservations can be made for the Uzushio Cruise by selecting the date and time. ・You can easily enter the Uzushio Cruise by paying in advance and using the QR code on the voucher. ・During spring and fall high tides, a maelstrom as large as 20 meters in diameter appears. ・Children and the elderly can join the cruise without anxiety.

 

Detail

The Uzushio Cruise departs from Fukura Port on Awaji Island. Board a large sailing ship and experience the world's largest whirlpool. The large ship is stable and has little swaying, so children and the elderly can participate with peace of mind. Experience the mysterious power of nature that can only be seen here in the world.

 

Summary

Location Awaji Island

Operating Hours In the morning or In the afternoon

Required time 1hour

Transportation none

Meal none

Shodoshima Kankakei Ropeway Tickets: Choose One-Way or Round-Trip Tickets

 

Highlights

・Aerial stroll over Kankakei, one of Japan's top three gorges! ・The ropeway view is breathtaking! ・Round-Trip Tickets 10% off w/ advance purchase! (excludes Nov.) No time slot needed

 

Detail

The Kankakei Ropeway, connecting the base to the summit, offers unique views of the sky, sea, and gorge. Enjoy seasonal scenery from the gondola. Advance reservations recommended as tickets may sell out.

 

Summary

Location Shodo-shima

Operating Hours

Required time

Transportation none

Meal none

Discounted Tickets for Takamatsu ⇔ Shodoshima: Ferry / High-Speed Boat

 

Highlights

・No need to specify departure times ・Purchase in advance for a 10% discount ・Choose the high-speed boat for a 35-minute trip if time is a priority ・Arrive at Tonosho Port, convenient for sightseeing

 

Detail

Enjoy affordable travel between Takamatsu and Shodoshima. Choose the ferry for comfort or the high-speed boat for a quick trip. No advance booking required, offering flexibility for same-day decisions or schedule changes.

 

Summary

Location Shodoshima

Operating Hours

Required time 35~60 mins

Transportation none

Meal none

Shodoshima Private Taxi Tour to Stunning Scenic Spots

 

Highlights

・Explore Popular Photogenic Spots in Shodoshima! ・Enjoy the flexibility of a private taxi tour ・Visit iconic spots like Angel Road and Olive Park ・Capture breathtaking views at Kankakei Gorge

 

Detail

Private Taxi Tour of Instagrammable Spots in Shodoshima! We'll guide you to breathtaking spots such as Angel Road, Olive Park, and Kankakei Gorge. As a private tour, you can enjoy a relaxing journey with the freedom to take breaks whenever you like.

 

Summary

Location Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture

Operating Hours 4 - 5 hours

Required time In the morning or In the afternoon

Transportation without pick up

Meal none

Hiroshima and Itsukushima Shrine Full-Day Bus Tour

JPY 20,000
 

Highlights

Discover the powerful history of Hiroshima as you walk through the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome and serene Peace Memorial Park, gaining profound insight into the events of World War II. Then, enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Seto Inland Sea to the majestic Itsukushima Shrine, where the famous floating torii gate awaits. Indulge in a delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch, and explore Daisho-in Temple or local shops on Miyajima Island—all accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide.

 

Detail

This full-day, 8-hour bus tour offers a seamless and enriching experience of two of Hiroshima’s most meaningful destinations. Starting at Hiroshima Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gate), you’ll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Peace Memorial Museum in the morning, guided by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide with multilingual audio support available in several languages. In the afternoon, enjoy a smooth ferry crossing to Miyajima Island, where you’ll behold the sacred Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic torii gate, and have time to explore either Daisho-in Temple or local shopping avenues. The tour concludes back at Hiroshima Station around 18:00. Lunch and admissions are included in the package, with optional variants available.

 

Summary

Location Hiroshima

Operating Hours Full day

Required time 8 hours

Transportation Pick up not Available

Meal Yes

Full Day Shodoshima Island Nature Sightseeing Bus Tour from Tonosho Port

JPY 9,800
 

Highlights

Embark on a scenic full‑day journey around Shodoshima Island via comfortable bus, beginning from Tonosho Port. You’ll visit the playful macaques at Monkey’s Kingdom in Choshi Gorge, ride a ropeway through spectacular volcanic ravines, stroll through the nostalgic “Twenty‑Four Eyes” Movie Village, browse traditional soy sauce and tsukudani shops at Hishio no Sato, and explore the Mediterranean‑style Olive Park complete with olive fields, a windmill, and famous olive soft‑serve.

 

Detail

This full-day sightseeing bus tour takes you on a scenic journey around Shodoshima Island, departing from Tonosho Port. Explore the island’s natural wonders and cultural highlights, including Choshi Gorge, home to wild Japanese macaques, and the breathtaking Kankakei Gorge, where you'll ride a ropeway offering panoramic views of rugged cliffs and the Seto Inland Sea. Step back in time at the nostalgic "Twenty-Four Eyes" Movie Village, stroll through the historic soy sauce town of Hishio no Sato, and unwind at the Mediterranean-inspired Olive Park, famous for its olive groves and picturesque windmill. With convenient transportation and visits to Shodoshima’s most iconic spots, this tour offers a rich and memorable experience of the island’s charm—all in one day.

 

Summary

Location Kagawa

Operating Hours Full day

Required time 7 hours

Transportation Pick up not Available

Meal None

Naruto Whirlpools, Awaji Island, and Kobe Day Tour from Osaka

JPY 11,600
 

Highlights

Discover the breathtaking natural wonder of the Naruto Whirlpools on this full-day tour from Osaka. Enjoy panoramic views from the Happiness Pancakes Awajishima Terrace and stroll along the “Stairway of Happiness.” Explore the unique Kurukuru Naruto roadside station, filled with local delicacies and charming souvenirs. End your journey at Awa Odori Hall, where you’ll experience the vibrant culture of Tokushima’s traditional dance and even try it yourself. This tour combines stunning scenery, local flavors, and cultural experiences in one unforgettable day.

 

Detail

This 10.5-hour guided day tour departs from Osaka and takes you through the scenic landscapes of Awaji Island and Naruto. Travel comfortably by chartered bus with an English-speaking guide. The itinerary includes visits to popular spots such as Happiness Pancakes Awajishima, Naruto Whirlpools (with optional boat cruise), Kurukuru Naruto, and Awa Odori Hall. While meals and optional activities are not included, the tour offers ample time for sightseeing, shopping, and cultural exploration. Ideal for international travelers looking to discover a different side of Japan in just one day.

 

Summary

Location Awaji Island

Operating Hours Full day

Required time 10.5 hours

Transportation Pick up not Available

Meal None

Access

How to get there

Setonaikai National Park is a noncontiguous park encompassing many highlights of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. It includes around 3,000 islands and extends across 11 prefectures between Osaka, Fukuoka and Oita. The park has something for everyone, including Naoshima for art lovers, Miyajima for those interested in Japanese religion, Shimanami Kaido for cyclists, and Shodoshima for a laid-back Japanese island experience. Pick an area and explore it by train, bus, ferry or bike.

From Tokyo

The Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen traverses Japan’s main island of Honshu to the large southern island of Kyushu, making stops close to major cities near Setonaikai National Park once you’ve passed Osaka (2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo). If your destination is west of Okayama or Hiroshima (3 hours 30 minutes and 4 hours from Tokyo, respectively), it may be more convenient to take a plane. Flights depart from Haneda Airport and Narita Airport to cities near the park, including Takamatsu, Okayama, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Yamaguchi-Ube, Kitakyushu and Oita (60-90 minutes).

From Hiroshima

Hiroshima is also a stop on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen and offers convenient access to Miyajima and its famous "floating" torii gate. From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (30 min), walk a few minutes to the port, then take a JR or Matsudai ferry to Miyajima (10 min). Shin-Onomichi Station is the starting point of Shimanami Kaido, a scenic cycling route/road that crosses the Seto Inland Sea. Shin-Onomichi Station is located roughly halfway between Okayama and Hiroshima stations on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. Once you’ve arrived, take a bus to Onomichi Station, where there are two bicycle-rental locations.

Getting Around

Setonaikai National Park is a testament to Japan’s excellent public transportation systems. You’ll find trains, buses, ferries, ropeways, and more, offered by the JR Group and many other private companies. The Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen traverses Japan’s main island of Honshu north of the Seto Inland Sea from Shin-Osaka to Kokura, while the Yosan Line runs parallel south of the Inland Sea along the coast of Shikoku. You can cross the Seto Inland Sea to parts of the park on the island of Shikoku via the Seto Ohashi Bridge, or to parts of the park on Awaji Island via the Onarutokyo Bridge, using a private vehicle or bus (there is also a rail link between Okayama and Takamatsu). Explore the beautiful islands of the park along the 70-kilometer Shimanami Kaido, with its series of six bridges, by bicycle, bus or private vehicle. An extensive network of ferries sail to the islands and most allow you to take bicycles on board.

National Park or Japan
Hokkaido
Tohoku
Kanto
Chubu
Kinki
Chugoku and Shikoku Region
Kyushu and Okinawa