Setonaikai National Park Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Setonaikai National Park, located in the Ehime region of Japan, is a breathtaking destination that offers visitors a unique and diverse travel experience. This national park, spanning over 1000 islands, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

One of the highlights of Setonaikai National Park is the picturesque Shimanami Kaido, a series of bridges connecting the islands of Honshu and Shikoku. This 70-kilometer long route offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and allows visitors to explore the islands by foot, bicycle, or car. Cycling enthusiasts will be delighted by the well-maintained cycling paths and the opportunity to explore charming coastal towns along the way.

For those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, the Oshima and Hakatajima islands are a must-visit. These islands are home to pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, making them perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the islands to admire the stunning coastal landscapes and spot local wildlife.

History buffs will be captivated by the numerous historical sites scattered throughout the national park. The Matsuyama Castle, located in Matsuyama city, is one of Japan's twelve original castles and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. The Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs, is another must-visit attraction. This historic bathhouse, believed to have been frequented by literary figures such as Natsume Soseki, offers a unique cultural experience.

Food lovers will be delighted by the local cuisine in Setonaikai National Park. The region is known for its fresh seafood, including delectable oysters, sea bream, and octopus. Visitors can indulge in a variety of regional dishes, such as the famous Imabari yakibuta (grilled pork) and the deliciously sweet Ehime oranges.

Local name: 瀬戸内海国立公園 Area: 3489.31 mi²Elevation: 0 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°10'0"N, 133°7'52"E

Location

EhimeJapan

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Setonaikai National Park Top Attractions

Setonaikai National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

Setonaikai National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Great Seto Bridge, Kōsan-ji, The Kagawa Museum, Tatara Bridge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Bridge
Great Seto Bridge
The Great Seto Bridge or Seto Ohashi Bridge is a series of double deck bridges connecting Okayama and Kagawa prefectures in Japan across a series of five small islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
Museum • Sacred and religious sites • Buddhist temple
Kōsan-ji
Kōsan-ji is a Hongan-ji school Jōdo Shinshū temple on the island of Ikuchijima in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
Museum • Specialty museum • Art museum
The Kagawa Museum
The Kagawa Museum is a prefectural museum in Takamatsu, Japan, dedicated to the history and art of Kagawa Prefecture.

Bridge
Tatara Bridge
The Tatara Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that is part of the Nishiseto Expressway, commonly known as the Shimanami Kaidō しまなみ海道. The bridge has a center span of 890 metres. As of 2010 it has the fourth longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge after the Sutong Bridge.
Bridge
Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge
The Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge, which connects the island of Ōshima to the main part of Shikoku, was the world's longest suspension bridge structure when completed, in 1999.
Island
Okamura Island
Okamura Island is a small island in the Inland Sea of Japan. Administratively, it is part of the city of Imabari, Ehime Prefecture. The island is famous for mikan and butterflies. As of 2006, the population was about 1,000. The area is 3.13 km² and the circumference is 11.1 km.
Museum • History museum
Hiroshima City Museum of History and Traditional Crafts
The Hiroshima City Museum of History and Traditional Crafts is a history museum in Ujina-nishi Park in Hiroshima, Japan.
Bridge
Hakata–Ōshima Bridge
The Hakata–Ōshima Bridge is a Japanese suspension bridge, part of the 59 kilometer Nishiseto Expressway connecting the islands of Honshū and Shikoku. Completed in 1988, it has a main span of 560 meters and connects Hakatajima with Ōshima.
Park
Kotohiki Park
Kotohiki Park is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty in Kan'onji, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
Skyscraper • Architecture • Observation decks and towers
Symbol Tower
The Symbol Tower is a skyscraper located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Construction of the 151-metre, 30-story skyscraper was finished in 2001.
Museum • Specialty museum • Architecture
Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture
The Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, Imabari is a museum of contemporary architecture and design located in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture.
Area
Kurushima
Kurushima is an Japanese island in the Inland Sea. Administratively, it forms part of the city of Imabari, Ehime Prefecture.
Lighthouse
Tsurushima Lighthouse
Tsurishima Lighthouse is a lighthouse on the island of Tsurushima, which is administered by Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan.
Neighbourhood
Toyota District
Toyota is a district located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Currently the district has only the town of Ōsakikamijima. As of April, 2008, the district has an estimated population of 8,739 and a Density of 202 persons/km². The total area is 43.28 km².
Museum
Japan Coast Guard Museum
The Japan Coast Guard Museum is a museum dedicated to the Japanese Coast Guard in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It is located on the grounds of the Japan Coast Guard Academy.
Neighbourhood
Ochi District
The Ochi District is a district located in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. As of 2004 the total population of 8,419 with a total area is 30.35 km².
Universities and schools
Kagawa Junior College
Kagawa Junior College is a private junior college in Utazu, Kagawa, Japan, established in 1967.
Universities and schools
Japan Coast Guard Academy
The Japan Coast Guard Academy is a university-level service academy established within the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for the purpose of training students to become Coast guard officers.
Universities and schools
Oshima National College of Maritime Technology
Oshima National College of Maritime Technology is one of five maritime colleges in Japan. At this college students can acquire licenses as a mariner of deck or an engineer.

Day trips

Setonaikai National Park – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Setonaikai National Park, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima), Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima), Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima).

42 milesW
Historic remains of the atomic blast
Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima
The Atomic Bomb Dome stands as a haunting reminder of the devastating power of nuclear weapons and a symbol of peace in Hiroshima, Japan. Originally known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, this structure was one of the few to partially survive the...
47 milesW
Notable seaside Shinto shrine
Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima
Nestled in the serene city of Miyajima, the Itsukushima Shrine stands as an iconic Shinto sanctuary in Hatsukaichi, Japan. Known for its unique construction and cultural significance, the shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been attracting pilgrims...
42 milesW
Park commemorating atomic bomb victims
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as a poignant reminder of the tragic events of August 6, 1945, when the city of Hiroshima, Japan, was devastated by the world's first atomic bomb used in war. Located at the epicenter of the blast, the park is both a somber memorial...
42 milesNW
Castle with a history museum and views
Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima
Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, is a historic fortress in the heart of Hiroshima, Japan. This impressive structure, originally constructed in the 1590s, was once the home of the feudal lord of the Hiroshima domain.
42 milesW
Exhibits on the WWII atomic-bomb attack
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a poignant symbol of peace and a stark reminder of the atrocities of war. Located in the heart of Hiroshima, Japan, this museum is dedicated to documenting the tragic events of August 6, 1945, when the first atomic bomb used in...