Setouchi is the area around the Seto Inland Sea in western Japan. The northern coast of the Inland Sea is the island of Honshū, while Shikoku forms its southern coast. The sea is studded with beautiful islands, leading to comparisons with the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. Naturally, people are keen to board a vessel and venture out on its glittering waters.

The Inland Sea is big. From Shimonoseki to Ōsaka, it stretches 450 km. To get an idea of times and distances, it takes seven hours to travel the 180 km from Matsuyama to Kita-Kyūshū by ferry. So you can only explore a bit of it at a time.

Ferry cruising
The Inland Sea is criss-crossed by a tangled web of ferry routes, with vessels of all sizes. Big car ferries ply long-distance routes between major cities, departing in the evening and arriving early in the morning. You can hire a private cabin, or bed down with a blanket and pillow in the big, carpeted sections. Passengers are a mix of commercial drivers and foot passengers who mingle in the ship’s bars, dining rooms, and sleeping areas. Boarding in the evening as night falls, slipping through the sea with the lights of cities and shipping all around, and pulling into port as the sun rises is a romantic way to see the sea.

Shorter routes are served by small car ferries and high-speed passenger boats which operate from morning to night. Many of these take an hour or two and are a great way to experience the beauty of the coastal mountains and the many islands.

Let us know and we’ll try to incorporate a ferry trip in your plan.