楽天トラベル観光体験
Setonaikai hails as Japan’s largest National Park, encompassing 11 prefectures and spanning a total area of 900,000 hectares. It is also one of the first designated National Parks in Japan. Surrounded by five straits, Akashi, Kitan, Naruto, Kanmon, and Hoyo; the park is characterized by its distinct islands and islets of different sizes and beautiful seascape. Located around the Setonaikai Sea, some areas of the park enjoyed a thriving culture since ancient times. The locals lived in harmony with nature, seen from its vast terrace fields and port towns. Part of the park, close to the Setonaikai Sea, has also been an important destination, connecting Japan to neighboring countries. Since the Edo period, the routes were established and the port towns became a major hub for trade and commerce. You can still see the historical townscapes today. Many of the sights in this park has been mentioned in distinguished pieces of Japanese literature, including Manyo-shu, the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry.
Home of Myths, Whirlpools and Astounding Views
Enjoy the fascinating sight of whirling currents and whirlpools from the Naruto Strait. Characterized by the strait’s unique underwater geography, the currents can be observed during high and low tide with varying sizes. Explore Awaji Island, which according to Japanese mythology, is the birthplace of Japan. Trace the gods' footsteps and learn about the various myths and legends. Taste the delicious food here as the island has been offering ingredients to the Imperial Court for years. At Narugashima Island, see the spectacular 2.5-kilometer-long sandbank that stretches from North to South. Get astounding views of the Shiwaku Islands from Mt. Washu. See the Seto Ohashi Bridge that connects Okayama and Kagawa Prefectures. Finally, watch the sunset from the mountain, chosen as one of the 100 Best Sunsets in Japan.
Scenic Islands, Incredible Coastlines and Quaint Towns
Visit Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s three most scenic places, and admire the towering torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine, a designated World Cultural Heritage site. Venture to Mt. Misen and its primeval forests filled with abundant nature. Shimanami Kaido road which is about 70 kilometers long, connects Honshu, Japan’s main island, to Shikoku. A popular way to explore the road is by car and bicycle where you can admire the scenic landscape. You can also enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Japan at Tomonoura Bay, one of the most important port towns during the Edo period. Feel the nostalgic atmosphere at Onomichi, a quaint town and the birthplace of many famous Japanese authors and directors as you stroll along the streets that are home to traditional merchant houses.
Intertwining Port Cities, Shrines and Tunnels
Cruise along the Kanmon Strait, a 700-meter-wide channel that has long been an important area for maritime transportation. The strait connects the Sea of Japan and the Inland Sea while ferries connect the port cities of Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu. Cross the border from Yamaguchi Prefecture to Fukuoka Prefecture on foot using the 780-meter-long Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel, located on the seabed of the Kanmon Straits. Explore Kunisaki Peninsula and discover its unique Buddhist culture — Rokugo Manzan, a mix of Buddhist, Shinto, and mountain worship with roots around the peninsula’s temples and shrines, notably Usa Shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war. At Daifudo Cave, retrace the footsteps of monks in a place that was formerly their training ground when they were on the road.
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