"The Inland Sea/Shikoku"

The "Shimanami-kaido" route recently opened connecting the main islands of Honshu and Shikoku with seven magnificent bridges. The highway and bridge route over the Inland Sea unfolds with fantastic views interwoven by the blue sea dotted with ships and boats of all sizes, and the picturesque small islands.

The Inland Sea, or Seto-Naikai, is bounded by the three main islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Crossing from Honshu to Shikoku islands has now become extremely easy and enjoyable thanks to the series of seven bridges, including the Seto Ohashi, Akashi-kaikyo Ohashi and Shimanami-kaido bridges.

Boats and ferries also travel to Shikoku island from the cities of Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Onomichi, and Wakayama.

The Inland Sea, blessed with superb seascapes and a mild climate, is remarkably calm, peaceful and beautiful. Over 600 islands are scattered over an area of 8,200 sq. km. Walking or cycling along the "Shimanami-kaido" route (60 km. in total length) is highly recommended if you wish to fully enjoy the scenic splendors of the Inland Sea. The "Shimanamikaido" provides an ideal sightseeing route as the seven bridges link the six smaller islands lying between Honshu and Shikoku. The richly diversified coastal scenery is an interesting kaleidoscope of the many small ports, fishing villages, salt fields, and farms found among the gentle island slopes.

The Naoshima Cultural Village on Naoshima Island in the Inland Sea can be reached in about 1 hr. 30 min. from Okayama by train, ferry and car. The "village" features a fine contemporary art museum and its architecture is a harmonious blend with the island's serene natural environment.

Shikoku Island consists of four prefectures, and each prefectural seat was at one time a castle town. The natural beauty illustrated by the picturesque Inland Sea Coast and the dynamic Pacific Ocean Coast accentuates the tourist attractions of Shikoku Island. Access has become very easy since direct bus services began operating recently between the major cities in the Kansai region on the Honshu side and those on Shikoku.

Takamatsu, 1 hr. by train from Okayama, is the main gateway to Shikoku from Honshu, and a convenient starting point for traveling around the island. Takamatsu has many attractions worth seeing. Ritsurin Park is one of the finest traditional gardens in this area. It was laid out about 350 years ago on the site of a villa owned by the Matsudaira clan.

Matsuyama, the largest city in Shikoku, is a 2hr. 40min. limited express train ride from Takamatsu or a one-hour boat trip from Hiroshima or Kure. Matsuyama Castle is one of the nation's bestpreserved. Also Dogo Spa, 20 min. by rail from Matsuyama, is one of the oldest in Japan.

Kochi, 2hr. 20min. by limited express train from Takamatsu, is the prefectural seat of the rich farming land and fisheries along Shikoku's central southern coast. Its southwestern coast is designated a national park and offers a variety of outdoor attractions from scuba diving to whale watching.

Tokushima Prefecture can be reached from the Kansai region in approximately 2 hrs. 30 min. By express bus. Its capital, the city of Tokushima is famous for its Awa-Odori dance festival held every summer. Naruto, 40 min. by train from Tokushima City, is noted for its giant whirlpools in the narrow Naruto Straits. For an exciting, closer look at these whirlpools, book a ride on a pleasure boat.