6 Days in the Seto Inland Sea: Okayama, Naoshima, Onomichi & Hiroshima

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The calm, island-dotted Seto Inland Sea links some of Japan's most charming towns. Ferries and short train rides make this loop easy between Osaka and Hiroshima.

Onomichi and the Seto Inland Sea
  • Length6 days, 5 nights
  • RouteOkayama → Kurashiki → Naoshima → Takamatsu → Onomichi → Hiroshima
  • Best forArt lovers and cyclists
  • When to goMarch–May, October–November; the Setouchi Triennale every three years
  • Rail passThe JR West Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass usually fits this route.

Make it yours: open this route in the trip planner, add your dates and get travel times, seasonal alerts and links to flights and hotels.

Open in the trip planner →

The route at a glance

  1. Day 1 · Okayama: Okayama and Kurashiki
  2. Day 2 · Naoshima: Naoshima
  3. Day 3 · Takamatsu: Ferry to Takamatsu
  4. Day 4 · Onomichi: Onomichi
  5. Day 5 · Hiroshima: Shimanami Kaido and Hiroshima
  6. Day 6 · Miyajima: Miyajima and home

Day 1 · Okayama

Okayama and Kurashiki

Shinkansen to Okayama. Visit Korakuen garden and the black Crow Castle, then the canal district of Kurashiki at dusk.

Kurashiki
  • Korakuen
  • Okayama Castle
  • Kurashiki Bikan district

Day 2 · Naoshima

Naoshima

Train to Uno and ferry (about 20 minutes) to Naoshima for the Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House and the pumpkins.

Naoshima
  • Chichu Art Museum
  • Benesse House
  • Red pumpkin

Tip: Book Chichu in advance; museums close on Mondays.

Day 3 · Takamatsu

Ferry to Takamatsu

Ferry to Takamatsu (about 50 minutes) for Ritsurin garden and udon.

Ritsurin Garden
  • Ritsurin Garden
  • Sanuki udon

Day 4 · Onomichi

Onomichi

Train back via Okayama to Onomichi (about 2 hours). Walk the temple path and cat alley, and ride the ropeway to Senko-ji.

Onomichi
  • Senko-ji
  • Temple walk
  • Cat alley

Day 5 · Hiroshima

Shimanami Kaido and Hiroshima

Rent a bicycle and ride part of the Shimanami Kaido across the first bridges, then continue to Hiroshima (about 1 hour by train) for the Peace Memorial Park.

Shimanami Kaido
  • Shimanami Kaido
  • Peace Memorial Park

Day 6 · Miyajima

Miyajima and home

Ferry to Miyajima for the floating torii, then the Shinkansen back to Osaka.

Miyajima
  • Itsukushima Shrine
  • Mount Misen

Getting around

Shinkansen along the coast, ferries to the islands, rental bikes in Onomichi.

When to go

March–May, October–November; the Setouchi Triennale every three years. Add your dates in the trip planner to see cherry blossom and autumn leaf timing, the rainy season, typhoons and holidays for this route.

Where to stay

  • Okayama (1 night): near Okayama Station, or Kurashiki.
  • Naoshima (1 night): Benesse House or a guesthouse.
  • Takamatsu (1 night): near the port.
  • Onomichi (1 night): a guesthouse in the old town.
  • Hiroshima (1 night): near the station.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cycle the whole Shimanami Kaido?

Yes, about 70 km from Onomichi to Imabari; most people need a full day.

What is the Setouchi Triennale?

A contemporary art festival on the islands, held every three years in spring, summer and autumn.

Do I need to book ferries?

Usually not, but arrive early on weekends and holidays.

Prefecture guides for this trip

Want a different pace or more stops? The planner rebuilds the itinerary around your dates and choices.

Customise this itinerary →

Last updated: 19 October 2026 · Japan47.org, by Francesco Consalvo. Travel times are approximate; check timetables and opening days before you go. Photos: Wikimedia Commons.

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