The book “Shinumade-ni-ikitai! Sekai-no-Zekkei (Breathtaking Sights in the World I Want to See Before I Die)” became a best seller a few years ago.
Since then, we are experiencing a boom of sightseeing at spots with superb views.
Well, you don’t have to wait too long, just go visit some places with great scenery this weekend!
It is likely that even people who have visited Setouchi many times, or have been living in Setouchi area, have not visited all places we will introduce in this article. (If you have seen them all, then you are a Setouchi master!)
Now let’s start looking at the hot spots in Setouchi which foreign tourists are also interested in.

Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari (Tokushima & Kagawa)

This luxury sightseeing train running through Shikoku is called Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari (The 1000-Year Story of Middle Shikoku).
This train runs between Tadotsu Station in Kagawa and Oboke Station in Tokushima, and the one-way trip is around 2.5 hours.
You can enjoy the views from the window, and also the special local cuisine made only for this train.
This may be a short trip; however, you will be satisfied with the highlights!

Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari
Schedule／Basically, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays
http://www.jr-eki.com/global/en/travel/sennen_top/index.html

Tokoro Museum Omishima (Ehime)

“Tokoro Museum Omishima” is a place where you can enjoy the modern arts.
Moreover, one of the best parts of this museum is the open terrace where you can get a wide view of the Setouchi Inland Sea.
Please don’t miss seeing the beautiful scenery of the sea, and the view which changes from one moment to another.

>A Modern Art Museum & Fantastic Oceanside Scenery on Omishima / Tokoro Museum Omishima (Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture)

Setouchi Hideaway Resort Ciela (Hiroshima)

If you would like to have a great view of the Setouchi Inland Sea all to yourself, we recommend you try a vacation on this isolated island.
There is an accommodation called “Setouchi Hideaway Resort Ciela” where you can rent a whole building and do “glamping” (glamorous camping). It is located in Momoshima, between Onomichi City and Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture.
The capacity is 4 people (children are welcome).

Setouchi Hideaway Resort Ciela
Address／2586-22, Momoshima-cho, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima

https://setouchikakuregaresorts.jp

Niko-Niko Rock (Okayama)

Maybe this spot is pretty different when compared to the other spots. “Niko-Niko Rock” (Smiling Rock) is located in Tamano City, Okayama.
Mt. Ojigadake, with a height of 234.5 meters above sea level, is dotted with huge and strangely shaped rocks of granite around the top of the mountain.
You will enjoy the scenery of Setouchi Inland Sea with art created by nature while strolling around on the mountain.

>“Smiling Rock” & Superb Seto Inland Sea Views! : Mt. Ōjigadake (Tamano City, Okayama)

Roadside Station Kitaura-Kaido Houhoku (Yamaguchi)

This must be the most amazing view representing Setouchi and Yamaguchi prefecture, the Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge.
There is a roadside station (called Michi-no-Eki in Japanese, which is a government-designated rest area found along roads and highways) a few kilometers south of the bridge. “Kitaura-Kaido Houhoku” provides you with a great view of the bridge from its southwestern side.
And do not forget to use the toilet here to get the wonderful view…!

>You Should See This At Least Once in Your Lifetime?! Amazing Views @ Kitaura Highway Houhoku Roadside Station!

Hyogo Maiko Park (Hyogo)

>The Go-To-Place for a Great View of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge : Maiko Park (Kobe City, Hyogo)

Now you know that there are various spots for seeing great views, such as natural scenery, a beautiful bridge, and a museum which is harmonized with nature.
People who live in this area are proud of and love each landscape.
It is also the enjoyable to communicate with the people who live there, so come visit Setouchi now!

Text by Kumiko Tobita