#setoinlandsea

Discover the serene beauty of Matsuyama Beach in Ehime, Japan, nestled along the tranquil coastlines of Shikoku Island. This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of unspoiled nature, calm waters, and local charm, making it a haven for beach enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat away from bustling tourist spots. One of the most accessible beaches is Fuwari Beach in Hojo, just a 15-minute drive from central Matsuyama. This family-friendly destination is ideal for sunbathing and swimming, with its gentle waves and serene atmosphere. Nearby, Kashima Island, also known as 'Deer Island,' is a short ferry ride away. It features wild deer, scenic hiking trails, and a 400-meter sandy beach, perfect for a tranquil escape. For those who prefer a beach experience within the city, Baishinji Beach is a popular choice, offering breathtaking sunset views and convenient access. Further north, Takahama Beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural surroundings. Adventurers will love Himegahama Beach on Nakajima Island, which is perfect for kayaking, camping, and enjoying panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. Whether you're looking to relax with a book by the shore or explore the nature-rich islands nearby, Matsuyama’s beaches provide a variety of experiences, all wrapped in a serene and tranquil setting.

#cityplaybook #localguides #attractive Takamatsu is the vibrant capital city of Kagawa Prefecture, located on the northern coast of Shikoku Island, Japan. Known as the “Gateway to Shikoku,” it is a key transportation hub with ferry connections to nearby islands and easy access via train from major cities like Osaka and Okayama. One of Takamatsu’s biggest attractions is the stunning Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful and historic strolling gardens. Spanning over 75 acres, the garden features meticulously landscaped pine trees, ponds, and traditional teahouses, offering visitors a peaceful retreat to experience Japanese horticulture and culture. The city is also famous for its delicious Sanuki Udon noodles, a regional specialty enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Takamatsu’s bustling shopping streets and markets provide ample opportunities to savor this dish and explore local crafts. Takamatsu boasts several cultural and historic sites, including Takamatsu Castle ruins, which offer scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea. Nearby islands such as Shodoshima are popular day trips for exploring olive groves, scenic coastlines, and art festivals. With a mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and tasty cuisine, Takamatsu offers a unique experience for travelers wanting to explore the charm of Shikoku Island. #Takamatsu #Kagawa #Shikoku #RitsurinGarden #SanukiUdon #JapaneseGardens #ExploreJapan #SetoInlandSea #TravelJapan #HistoricSites #JapaneseCuisine

#cityplaybook #familytrip #cityplaybook #postandearn Hiroshima moved me in ways I didn’t expect. It’s a city synonymous with tragedy, yet it stands today as one of the most peaceful, resilient, and emotionally powerful places I’ve ever visited. I began at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park—a place of quiet reflection. The A-Bomb Dome, preserved exactly as it stood on that fateful day in 1945, left me speechless. Walking through the Peace Memorial Museum, I felt the stories of survivors deep in my chest. Their pain, hope, and courage are forever woven into the city’s fabric. But Hiroshima is not only about the past. It's about rebirth. The moment I stepped into Shukkeien Garden, with its tranquil ponds and graceful bridges, I felt a sense of healing. Locals strolled peacefully, children giggled, and koi swam beneath cherry blossoms. A day trip to Miyajima Island was unforgettable. The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine seemed to hover magically above the water at high tide—a sacred sight that made me pause. I climbed Mount Misen and was rewarded with breathtaking views across the Seto Inland Sea. Evenings in Hiroshima offered a different joy: food. I sat at a local counter and devoured a plate of okonomiyaki layered with noodles and seafood, prepared right before my eyes. It’s messy, flavorful, and uniquely Hiroshima. Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–April) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October–November) for crisp air and golden foliage. Location: Hiroshima, Japan Helpful Tips: Rent a bicycle to explore the city’s riverbanks and green spaces. Visit the Peace Bell and ring it—it’s a humbling moment. Don’t skip Hiroshima Castle—it’s beautifully reconstructed. #HiroshimaPeace #ResilientCity #MiyajimaMagic #OkonomiyakiLove #HiroshimaViews #HistoryAndHope #FloatingTorii #TravelJapan #HiroshimaHealing #SetoInlandSea

#cherryblossom2024 🛳️ My journey on the ferry from Shodoshima to Okayama was a scenic adventure filled with stunning views and tranquil moments. The price for the ferry ticket was quite reasonable, offering a budget-friendly way to travel between these two picturesque destinations. As the ferry departed from Shodoshima, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea surrounding us. The calm waters, dotted with small islands and fishing boats, created a serene atmosphere that was perfect for relaxation. Standing on the deck, I felt the gentle sea breeze against my face as we glided through the water. It was a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. During the journey, I had plenty of opportunities to soak in the breathtaking views of the coastline and distant mountains. The changing colors of the sky as the sun began to set painted a picture-perfect scene that I will never forget. I spent some time capturing the beauty of the scenery on my camera, trying to preserve the memory of this magical experience. Upon arriving in Okayama, I was greeted by the vibrant energy of the city. There are plenty of attractions nearby to explore, including the famous Okayama Castle and the enchanting Korakuen Garden, known as one of Japan's three great gardens. After disembarking from the ferry, I took a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the lively atmosphere and soaking up the local culture. Overall, my journey on the ferry from Shodoshima to Okayama was a delightful experience that exceeded my expectations. It offered not only a convenient mode of transportation but also an opportunity to immerse myself in the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful voyage, this ferry ride is sure to leave a lasting impression. 🌊⛴️ #FerryTravel #SetoInlandSea #Okayama #Shodoshima #ScenicViews #TravelAdventure

In our recent driving trip in Japan, we drove from Kobe to Shikoku, passing through the Seto Inland Sea. As the area is known for its scenic beauty, we reserved one whole day to drive slowly to enjoy the different islands and the views. For lunch , we made a little detour to Shimanami Beach in Innoshima. The beach was not very long, but there was a lighthouse and camping field next to the beach. As it was a Sunday, we saw several tents set up on the beach, and the campers were enjoying their coffee and snacks. There were a couple of one story buildings facing the beach, but only one was serving lunch. We walked in and was immediately attracted by the interior design with warm wooden beams against concrete walls. Sunlight came through the ceiling and reflected onto the multiple glass balls hanging in the center of the cafe. There were 6-8 tables/ sofa set sparingly inside and we took one of the larger table near the window,m. There were only 4 lunch sets available - fried chicken, curry, and two cake sets, and priced between 1500-2000 yen. While we waited for our food, we couldn’t help but walked around the large cafe, taking photos at almost every corner. The staff also informed us that shoes must be taken off when we walk onto the two sides of the cafe where the tables are set. Slippers and bags were provided for us to carry our shoes. The cafe was so well designed, chic, and spacious. It is even better than many of the cafes in Tokyo and Osaka. We spent more than an hour in the cafe, and only wished we could come back for a second time. Last by not least, there is a huge white dinosaur standing in the backyard of the cafe- to add to the fun of this lunch break. What a memorable experience it was and definitely highly recommending this place to anyone visiting Seto Sea. address: Onomichi, Innoshimahamacho, Hiroshima Prefecture Hours: 10-17:00 daily , closed on Wed and Thu #we-create #setoinlandsea #japan #cafe #urbanexplorer #hiroshima

Viewing towers everywhere around the world are often quite similar in design and purpose. They allows us to look at a place from a distance or from somewhere high in the sky. In almost all cases, we are only interested in admiring the distant sight and not the observation tower itself. However in my recent trip driving through the Seto Inland Sea, we stopped at an observation tower that is unlike most others. It is located on Kirosan Park 龜老山 on Oshima Island - one of the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and is closest to Shikoku. It is also designed by one of the most well known Japanese architect today - Kengo Kuma- in 1994. The viewing park is about 10 minutes drive uphill from the nearest highway exit. Once you get to the top of the hill, the road becomes quite narrow. There are two parking lots and the one at the top can allow for about 10 cars to park. There is also a small shop selling drinks and souvenirs. The signs would then direct visitors to walk up the viewing deck which is on the left side. The walk is about 5 minutes up a few flights of stairs that looked almost like a contemporary art museum. At this point, we saw many visitors simply posing on the staircase instead of going to the top for the scenic view. why? because it just looked so cool! The view from the top is of course spectacular. It has a panoramic view of the Seto Sea , but most importantly it has a view of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge - which consists of 3 successive suspension bridges, and was the world’s longest suspension bridge ( total length of 4015 meters) when completed in 1999. The bridge connects Oshima and Shikoku. We were lucky to have visited on a clear day, and it was so easy to see the bridge and the beautiful surrounding scenery. Many visitors also stood at the top deck to have their photos taken - they all appeared to be standing in the sky! I would highly recommend to stop by the Kirosan Park Observatory to enjoy nature and architecture at the same time! There is no fee to visit nor for parking, and it is opened 24 hours daily. #we-create #japan #architecture #kengokuma #shikoku #setoinlandsea