Himeji Castle (World Heritage)

East Seto Inland Sea

At its eastern end, this region encompasses the ports of Kobe and Osaka. Entering the Inland Sea's inner reaches, you'll pass beneath the world's longest suspension bridge, between Kobe and the island of Awajima. Historical treasures include Japan's most impressive surviving castle, the World Heritage Himeji-jo, also called the White Egret Castle for its graceful lines. On Shikoku, you'll find the Kotahira-gu Shrine, revered for a thousand years as the home of the God of Seafarers. A perfect place to offer a wish for a pleasant journey.
Old soy sauce breweries



Enjoy a private cruise to the island of Naoshima, home to an outstanding collection of contemporary art housed in a museum designed by the celebrated architect Ando Tadao. The associated Art House Project has transformed a series of centuries-old local houses into artworks. You'll also have a chance to see venerable settlements of the Edo period suigun, pirate clans that controlled the area, and visit islands devoted to the traditional production of Japanese staples such as soy sauce and udon noodles.
Sunset over the Seto Inland Sea




No luxury is spared, and your cruise includes a personal chef. Taking advantage of ingredients fresh from the sea and island markets, your chef will delight you and your clients at every meal, creating a series of exquisite dishes reflecting the flavors and cultures of the places you visit. Imagine an alfresco dinner of local cuisine on the afterdeck as the sun sinks below distant, blue islands.



east (3 days, approximately 4 million yen, including yacht charter)
View Google Maps

Naruto Whirlpools


In the narrow Naruto Strait connecting the Seto Inland Sea to the Pacific Ocean, swift tidal currents create whirlpools up to twenty meters across. A thrilling and unnerving sight, the whirlpools pose no danger to ships and are popular with travelers to the area.

Shodoshima


The second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, Shodoshima is popular with Japanese tourists for its beautiful scenery and local culture, but largely unknown to the rest of the world. Hike the spectacular outcroppings of Kanka-kei Gorge, stroll among Japan's oldest olive groves, or do part of the island's smaller version of Shikoku's famous 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

Naoshima


Virtually the entire southern end of the island serves as a world class center for contemporary art, with the Ando Tadao-designed main museum showcasing works by such giants as Hockney, Warhol, Basquiat, Issey Miyake, Frank Stella and others. Historical homes and a local shrine have also metamorphosed into memorable installations. In 2010, the Setouchi International Arts Festival will take over several islands from July to October, centering on Naoshima.

Honjima



From ancient times, the 28 islands of the Shiwaku Island group have played an important role in maritime transport on the Inland Sea. Honjima, once a stronghold of the fierce pirate clans that in certain periods virtually ruled the Sea, is remarkable for its fine collection of historic and traditional buildings, giving visitors a strong sense of the island's storied past.