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Japanese Inland Sea
Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
The Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海 Seto Naikai) is the body of water between the Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. With countless islands crisscrossed by bridges and ferries, a warm climate and low rainfall, this is fertile territory for olives and citrus and is often described as "Japan's Mediterranean Sea". The whole surrounding area was designated as one of the first National Parks of Japan in 1934.
By car
After billions of dollars in construction works, the Seto Inland Sea is now crossed by no less than three stupendously huge bridges. From east to west:
By bicycle
The very popular Shimanami Kaido Bikeway crosses the seven bridges of the Shimanami Kaido from Onomichi, Hiroshima (Honshu) to Imabari, Ehime (Shikoku).
By train
The only train connection across the Inland Sea is via the Seto-Ohashi Bridge from Okayama to Takamatsu and onward. Services are fast and frequent, although no Shinkansen service is available.
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