A day trip around the Setouchi region on the luxury tourist train "etSETOra" and the cruise ship "SEA SPICA"

The tourist train "etSETOra" has an impressive refreshing design that evokes the image of white sand beaches and blue seas. We take our seats at the spacious tables to enjoy the view from the window and finally depart.

It takes about two hours from Kure Station to Mihara Station. While gazing at the sparkling Seto Inland Sea spreading out before your window, you can enjoy sweets that look like a jewel box. These are original sweets from "etSETOra", made by Japanese confectioners representing Hiroshima and Kure. This time, we chose "Seto no Kobako ~Wa~" (2,000 yen including tax, reservation required) from among the several available. You can choose between coffee and matcha as your drink. Enjoying the view while eating delicious Japanese sweets will make you feel very luxurious!

*The "Seto no Kobako - Nagomi -" requires a reservation at least 4 days before boarding. Don't forget to make your reservation when you make your reservation for "etSETOra"!

*Train services may be canceled due to weather or natural disasters.

*Please check the JR West train operation information for the operation status on the day.

*Operates on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (excluding New Year's holidays).

*All seats are reserved, and in addition to the regular ticket, a regular train reserved seat green ticket is required.

We arrived at Mihara Station. This is where we say goodbye to "etSETOra."

Then, I moved to Mihara Port, which is about an 8-minute walk from Mihara Station. There was a signboard indicating the boarding point for the "SEA SPICA" at Mihara Station, so I didn't get lost. I reserved the westbound route for the "SEA SPICA" departing from Mihara Port and returning to Kure Port.

*Operates on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.

*This service may not be available depending on reservation status.

*There are times when the service is not in operation.

"SEA SPICA" is a cruiser decorated in navy blue, white, and gold. It has sofa seats, table seats, box seats, and the Spica Terrace on the second floor where you can feel the sea breeze all over your body, so you can enjoy your cruise in any place you like.

There are more than 700 islands in the Seto Inland Sea, which is also known as the "Aegean Sea of Asia." The contrast between the islands, the sea, and the sky is so beautiful that you will never tire of the beauty of the islands, which changes with the time of day.

First we land on Okunoshima.

Okunoshima is a national park that includes the Okunoshima National Vacation Village. It is known as "Rabbit Island" because of the approximately 500 wild rabbits that live there. It's soothing to play with the little fluffy creatures and take photos with them.

We anchor here for about 30 minutes and then reboard.

Next, we arrived at Osaki Shimojima (Mitarai district).

The Mitarai district in the eastern part of Osaki Shimojima flourished as a port town during the Edo period, waiting for the tide and wind. In 1994, it was designated by the government as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and old merchant houses, boat inns, shrines, and temples still remain.

As you stroll through the town, you will come across cafes and accommodations that have been renovated from old buildings, giving you a taste of the good old townscape. It takes about an hour to board the boat. Enjoy the Mitarai area!

Now, we reboard the ship and head for Kure Port.

There are many islands on the route to Kure, so be sure to check out the bridges that connect them.

You can see a variety of bridges of different sizes, structures, and colors that accentuate the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea's many islands.

It's also exciting to watch "SEA SPICA" pass under the bridge.

We approach Ondo Strait.

This is a sea route full of legends, said to have been opened by Taira no Kiyomori. The Seto Inland Sea is narrow and has a lot of ship traffic, so the "SEA SPICA" also slows down and runs slowly. You can enjoy the townscape of Ondo up close, with people and cars passing by close by. After passing under the two red Ondo Bridges, the townscape of Kure comes into view in the distance.

The port of Kure is approaching.

Just before passing under the red Ondo Bridge and returning to Kure Port, there is one more place to see. That is the Kure Base of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. "SEA SPICA" passes right next to "Alley Karasukojima", where ships and submarines are anchored.

Alley Karasukojima can be seen from land, but being able to see it from the sea is a privilege that can only be experienced on a cruise. You can see the Self-Defense Forces working on the boats and some boats starting their engines, giving you a unique sense of presence.

We soon arrived at Kure Port, and this was the end of our day trip by luxury train and boat, packed with attractions.

From the land and the sea, I was able to fully experience the splendor of the Seto Inland Sea.

For details on reservations, please click here.

Tourist train "etSETOra" reservation website

https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/kankoutrain/area_hiroshima/etsetora/

*If there is availability, same-day reservations are also possible.

*Train services may be canceled due to weather or natural disasters.

*Please check the JR West train operation information for the operation status on the day.

*Operates on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (excluding New Year's holidays).

*All seats are reserved, and in addition to the regular ticket, a regular train reserved seat green ticket is required.

Cruise ship "SEA SPICA" reservation homepage

https://setonaikaikisen.co.jp/simatabi/

*Reservation required

*Operates on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.

*This service may not be available depending on reservation status.

*There are times when the service is not in operation.