Setouchi City in Okayama Prefecture is, as its name suggests, "a town facing the Seto Inland Sea".
Setouchi City has not only "calm sea" but also "rich nature" unique to the Seto Inland Sea, but it is still a quiet town that is not so well known compared to the main sightseeing spots in Okayama (such as Bikan Area). Below we would like to introduce some of the attractions of Setouchi City.
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Setouchi City's Hidden Charms (Nature, History, and Healing)
Setouchi City is a "port town surrounded by beautiful islands in the Seto Inland Sea".
It's a sightseeing spot where you can enjoy the beauty of the sea as well as the local fishing industry and historical culture. These are all wonderful places to experience the scenery and culture facing the Seto Inland Sea.
From Okayama Station to Ushimado, Setouchi City (Easy Access Guide)
Setouchi City is about 30 minutes from Okayama Station by train.
From JR Okayama Station, take the Ako Line train (bound for Banshu-Ako) and get off at Oku Station. Ushimado in Setouchi City is about a 10-minute drive from Oku Station. If you are visiting by car from the Osaka area, you can take the Okayama Blue Line from the Bizen IC of the Sanyo Expressway. For more details, please check with Google Maps or other map applications to be sure.
A must-see! Spectacular views and cultural treasures overlooking the Seto Inland Sea
The Seto Inland Sea History and Folklore Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the Seto Inland Sea. Here, you can learn about the fishing industry that has continued since ancient times and the changes in the traditional townscape. You may be able to see the characteristics of the region and its people by learning about the culture that has been nurtured along with the Seto Inland Sea.
Incidentally, the Seto Inland Sea History and Folk Museum also offers a "beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea," but in terms of location, it is located in "Gumizu-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture" on the opposite side of Setouchi City, so you may want to enjoy sightseeing in the area you are interested in while traveling by train or car.
Personal Experience] A Memorable Event in Ushimado, Setouchi City
I once visited the Ushimado Olive Garden. What impressed me the most was the blue of the sea (Seto Inland Sea) against the background of olive trees.
I remember how impressed I was with the view from the olive grove, the green in the foreground overlapping with the blue in the background, as if I had entered the world of a painting. At a nearby olive store, I was able to sample the local olive oil, which had a very well-balanced fruity aroma and mild taste, and I fell in love with olives on the spot.
The fully ripe ones had a sweet and mild flavor, while the early picked ones had a lush aroma, both having their own merits. When ripe, olives are less fragrant and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. I had no idea that olives can have such different flavors depending on their stage of maturity, so this was a learning experience for me. I personally love this place so much that I want to visit again and again! I personally love this place so much that I want to visit again and again.
A full day spent on the Seto Inland Sea (recommended plan)
Ushimado is a town facing the Seto Inland Sea, rich in nature and full of historical charm.
Starting with a morning walk, enjoy a lunch of fresh local seafood dishes, and spend the afternoon learning about local history and culture. You can also spend a full day on the beach watching the beautiful sunset. Below are some of the recommended ways to spend a day in the Seto Inland Sea.
Morning] Fishing experience on a recreational fishing boat (service provided by the accommodation)
After enjoying the Ushimado Olive Garden in the quiet early morning hours, you can "experience fishing on a pleasure fishing boat.
This pleasure fishing boat is a service provided by the accommodation. The boat will take you to the point where you can fish, and you can enjoy bait fishing from the boat. A set of fishing equipment is loaded on the boat, so there is no need to prepare anything. The fish you catch will be cooked for you during lunch, so you can eat the fish you caught yourself while it is still fresh.
Depending on the schedule and timing, sailings may be cancelled due to weather and other factors, but that is part of the nature experience. It is up to luck what happens.
Lunch] Enjoy local seafood dishes.
You can choose from a variety of fresh seafood, such as "Kaisen-don (fresh seafood on top of a bowl of rice topped with a bowl of rice) and sashimi. There are many restaurants and eateries offering freshly caught seafood that can only be found in a fishing town facing the Seto Inland Sea, so you can enjoy local ingredients to your heart's content. Fish caught in the beautiful sea is delicious.
The above is a dish prepared by the owner of the lodging establishment that provided the recreational fishing experience.
Afternoon] Stroll through the history of the Seto Inland Sea
Setonaikai History and Folklore Museum", visitors can learn about the local culture and the way of life in the past.
It is also a good idea to visit art galleries in various regions to get a feel for the local art scene. You can broaden your knowledge by understanding a different aspect of the local culture and its background.
Evening] A blissful moment of relaxation with a view of the ocean.
Spending time along the coast of Ushimado watching the beautiful sunset is "the best time to relax. Words cannot fully express the beauty of the moment when the orange glow of the sun sets.
The gradation of the mountains and the setting sun seen over the Seto Inland Sea is also fantastic.
summary
Setouchi City is still not well known as a tourist destination, but it is a treasure trove of hidden charms.
Calm waters, beautiful scenery, and warm locals await you. Time spent in this town will surely heal your body and soul and leave you feeling peaceful and tranquil.
If you have a chance, please visit "this area where you can experience sea fishing on a pleasure fishing boat and see beautiful scenery. Why don't you spend "a holiday that heals your heart" too?
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