Going Solo - Inland Sea of Japan

Also called Seto Inland Sea.

I had a great fascination to travel across Inland Sea of Japan.

It is also known as the Seto Inland Sea. It is a body of water that separates three of Japan's main islands: Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It is an important and historically significant maritime area, known for its calm waters, scenic beauty, and numerous islands.

The Seto Inland Sea stretches approximately 450 kilometers from east to west, and it is connected to the Pacific Ocean through several narrow straits. It covers an area of around 23,000 square kilometers. The sea is dotted with about 3,000 islands, ranging from large inhabited islands like Shodoshima and Awaji Island to small, uninhabited islets.

The Inland Sea is famous for its picturesque landscapes, including tranquil waters, rugged coastlines, and lush greenery. The region is particularly renowned for its beautiful sunsets and panoramic views.

 Setonaikai National Park

• The Seto Inland Sea is part of the Setonaikai National Park, one of Japan's oldest national parks, established in 1934. The park protects the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

• The park includes famous scenic spots like Miyajima Island, known for the Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate, as well as the Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima.

The Seto Inland Sea is easily accessible by ferry, which connects many of the islands to the mainland. The Shimanami Kaido, a famous cycling route that connects Honshu and Shikoku via a series of bridges, offers stunning views of the sea and islands.

The region is popular with tourists for its island-hopping opportunities, where visitors can explore the different islands' unique attractions, such as art installations on Naoshima Island, the olive groves on Shodoshima, The Seto Inland Sea remains one of Japan's most treasured natural and cultural landscapes, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that attracts both domestic and international visitors.

Our first trip was to visit Shodoshima

Shodoshima is a beautiful island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. It's part of Kagawa Prefecture and is known for its olive groves, scenic beauty, and rich cultural history. The island is the second-largest in the Seto Inland Sea and has a warm, Mediterranean-like climate, making it ideal for olive cultivation. It was recommended by a friend for its Mediterranean climate. Shodoshima is accessible by ferry from several ports, including those in Takamatsu and Okayama. It’s a popular destination for those looking to experience a more rural, serene side of Japan with a rich cultural heritage.

Shodoshima is famous as the birthplace of olive cultivation in Japan. The island is often referred to as "Olive Island" due to its extensive olive groves and the production of olive oil. The Olive Park, which includes an olive museum, is a popular tourist attraction.

Kankakei Gorge: This is one of Japan's most beautiful gorges, offering stunning views, especially during the autumn foliage season. A ropeway ride over the gorge provides breathtaking vistas of the island and the surrounding sea. We did not see this Gorge. The Olive Groves, Shodoshima is famous as the birthplace of olive cultivation in Japan. 

Angel Road: A unique natural phenomenon, Angel Road is a sandbar that appears only at low tide, connecting the main island to three smaller islands. It's a romantic spot, and it's said that couples who walk across it hand in hand will have their wishes granted.

Shodoshima boasts beautiful beaches and relaxing hot springs, making it a great destination for both adventure and relaxation. It is also an area famous for plenty of peacocks.

SECOND VISIT TO TRAVEL IN INLAND SEA.

To satisfy my wish to travel in the Inland sea, with great difficulty our friend found for us to travel by a ferry from a town named Beppu on Kyushu Island to Hiroshima. There were no stops at any Island. Though we would have liked to go further there was no other way. From here we went to Kobe as there was a conference there that we had to attend.