A Scenic Drive Setouchi: A Wide-Area Tour of Sea and Gourmet Food Connecting Okayama to Tokushima and Naruto

• Table of Contents
• A wide-ranging road trip exploring the stunning scenery and cuisine of the Seto Inland Sea.
• Enjoy stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea in Okayama
• Ushimado Olive Garden
• Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
• Mt. Ojigatake
• Mt. Washuzan
• Setouchi cuisine to enjoy in Okayama
• Experience the dynamic ocean scenery of Naruto
• Naruto Whirlpools
• The Onaruto Bridge Promenade Uzu no Michi)
• Otsuka Museum of Art
• Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat
• Enjoy Tokushima 's seafood and cup-style gourmet food in Naruto
• access
• Recommended travel season
• summary

A wide-ranging road trip exploring the stunning scenery and cuisine of the Seto Inland Sea.

Okayama Prefecture faces the Seto Inland Sea and is known for its calm seascape dotted with islands of all sizes. The Seto Inland Sea is a relatively calm area of ​​water, and a unique landscape known as "tatoubi" (meaning "beauty of many islands") unfolds there, with islands forming a chain.

In the southwestern part of Okayama Prefecture lies the Seto Ohashi Bridge , which connects Honshu and Shikoku. The Seto Ohashi Bridge is a series of bridges approximately 13 km long, connecting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea as it leads to Seto Inland Sea. From the bridge, you can enjoy the scenic view of the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea, making it one of Japan's most popular driving routes.

Crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge into Shikoku and continuing eastward, you will arrive in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture . In the Naruto Strait, the currents of the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Suido collide, creating one of the world's largest whirlpools.

The tranquil scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and the dramatic natural phenomena of the straits—experiencing these contrasting marine attractions all at once is the charm of this long-distance road trip connecting Okayama to Naruto.

Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Website

Enjoy stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea in Okayama

Okayama Prefecture , facing the Seto Inland Sea , is known as an area where you can enjoy the calm seascape with many islands. The "beauty of numerous islands," with its gentle waves and scattered islands of all sizes, is a landscape unique to the Setouchi and is one of Japan's representative landscapes.

The southern part of Okayama Prefecture is dotted with observation spots offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, each providing a different perspective of the sea, islands, and the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The ability to visit multiple scenic spots while driving is one of the unique charms of this area.

Here, we introduce some of the most representative scenic spots where you can experience the charm of the Seto Inland Sea, easily accessible on your way to Shikoku.

Ushimado Olive Garden

Ushimado in Setouchi City , Okayama Prefecture , is a popular tourist destination known as "Japan's Aegean Sea" for its beautiful coastal scenery. The islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and the calm ocean scenery make it one of the most representative landscapes of the Setouchi.

Ushimado Olive Garden cultivates approximately 2,000 olive trees, and from the observation deck on the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea. On a clear day, you can see as far as Shodoshima Island, and at sunset, you can witness the beautiful sunset over the sea.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a tourist destination in Okayama Prefecture that preserves a historic townscape. With its rows of white-walled warehouses and townhouses built from the Edo period to the Meiji era, visitors can enjoy a traditional Japanese landscape.

Along the Kurashiki, willow trees line the banks, and the sight of riverboats passing by evokes a distinctly Japanese atmosphere. With numerous cafes, shops, and art galleries, it's a popular area for sightseeing and leisurely strolls.

Mt. Ojigatake

Mt. Ojigatake is a popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The magnificent scenery of the Seto Inland Sea from this hill, which rises approximately 234 meters above sea level, makes it a popular spot for photography.

This region is dotted with uniquely shaped rocks, including one called "Uncle Rock," which have been formed over long periods of time.

Mt. Washuzan

Mt. Washuzan is one of the most representative scenic spots in the Seto Inland Sea National Park. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge.

The Seto Ohashi Bridge connects Honshu and Shikoku, and the view of the bridge stretching across the sea, dotted with islands, is an iconic landscape of the Setouchi. Especially at sunset, the sky and sea are painted in orange hues, creating a beautiful evening scene.

Setouchi cuisine to enjoy in Okayama

Okayama is a region blessed with seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and agricultural products that thrive in its warm climate.

In winter, Hinase oysters are particularly famous, and many tourists visit seeking fresh oyster dishes. Oyster okonomiyaki, called "Kakioko (Oyster Okonomiyaki)," is a popular local specialty of Okayama.

Okayama is also known as a "Fruit Kingdom," and its specialties include high-quality fruits such as Shimizu White Peach and Muscat Grape. You can enjoy seasonal fruits from summer to autumn.

Experience the dynamic ocean scenery of Naruto

From Okayama, cross the Seto Ohashi Bridge into Shikoku, and after about an hour's drive, you can reach Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture . The Naruto Strait is where the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Suido meet, and giant whirlpools are generated by the seabed topography and tidal currents.

In contrast to the calm Seto Inland Sea, Naruto offers breathtaking natural marine phenomena.

Naruto Whirlpools

In the Naruto Strait, giant whirlpools are generated by the underwater topography and the ebb and flow of the tides. These whirlpools can reach a diameter of about 30 meters and are known as a rare natural phenomenon in the world.

Especially during the spring and autumn tides, some of the world's largest whirlpools occur, and seeing them up close from observation decks or Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat is truly spectacular.

The Onaruto Bridge Promenade Uzu no Michi)

The Uzunomichi (Whirlpool Walkway) is a pedestrian walkway built on the bridge deck of the Naruto. From a height of approximately 45 meters above sea level, you can look down on the Naruto Strait and observe the whirlpools.

There's also a glass-floored observation area, offering a unique viewing experience where you can see the sea below your feet.

Otsuka Museum of Art

With a permanent exhibition area of ​​approximately 30,000 square meters and a viewing route of approximately 4 kilometers, this is the largest ceramic panel art museum in Japan and unlike any other in the world.

This facility reproduces over 1,000 masterpieces of Western art from antiquity to the present day, held in more than 190 museums across 26 countries, in their original size on ceramic panels. It is an ideal facility for both art education and as a tourist attraction.

*The images are photographs of works exhibited at the Otsuka Museum of Art.

Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat

Two companies operate cruise ships on the Tokushima Prefecture side, and you can choose from ships of different sizes, including large and small vessels.

Observe the impressive sight of the whirlpools up close.

Enjoy Tokushima 's seafood and cup-style gourmet food in Naruto

The Naruto Strait is known for its strong currents and abundant fishing grounds. Seafood that grows in these strong currents is characterized by its firm flesh and rich flavor.

If you visit Naruto, be sure to enjoy the local seafood.

Cup-in Gourmet (A new dining experience perfect for road trips)

Naruto City has "cup-in gourmet" products that have been developed to be easily enjoyed while driving or cycling.

These easy-to-carry cup-style gourmet meals can be enjoyed casually while sightseeing, and are perfect for savoring while admiring the scenery of the Setouchi. They're easy to take out and ideal for enjoying while traveling by car or taking a break at a scenic viewpoint.

The restaurant offers a menu featuring seafood from Naruto and local ingredients, and is attracting attention as a new travel style that allows you to enjoy sightseeing and food at the same time.

Cup-in Gourmet

Naruto Sea Bream

If you visit Naruto, you should definitely try the fresh seafood nurtured by the Naruto Strait. Among them, the most representative is "Naruto Sea Bream."

Sea bream raised in the strong currents of the Naruto Strait are called "Naruto Sea Bream," and are characterized by their firm flesh and concentrated flavor. They are considered the finest of all sea bream. You can enjoy their deliciousness in a variety of dishes, such as sashimi and sea bream rice.

Naruto Wakame

Another well-known blessing from the sea off Naruto is "Naruto Wakame" seaweed.

Wakame seaweed grown in the area where the currents of the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Suido meet is one of Tokushima's representative seafood products, boasting a vibrant color, thick flesh, and excellent texture.

Naruto Kintoki Sweet Potato

One of the best treats to enjoy after a meal or during a drive is " Naruto Kintoki Sweet Potato ," a sweet potato that represents Tokushima .

Characterized by its strong sweetness and fluffy texture, it's popular for baked sweet potatoes and desserts. Its simple yet delicious flavor, unique to Naruto, allows you to fully appreciate the natural goodness of the ingredients.

One of the attractions of Naruto is the wide variety of culinary delights you can encounter, from fresh seafood to simple sweets.

Naruto City Official Tourism Website | Gourmet List

access

Okayama and Naruto can be accessed by car via bridges connecting Honshu and Shikoku.

The Seto Ohashi Bridge , connecting Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture Kurashiki City and Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture , is a major route linking Honshu and Shikoku. From the bridge, you can enjoy spectacular views of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, making it a popular driving route.

You can access Naruto City by crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge into Shikoku and then heading towards Tokushima .

Alternatively, if you are traveling to Naruto from the Kansai area, you can cross the Akashi Strait to Awaji Island , and then access Naruto City via the Naruto .

On this route

Akashi Strait(one of the world's leading suspension bridges), a coastal drive on Awaji Island , and the Naruto Strait as seen from the Naruto .

You can enjoy ocean views like these.

The drive from Okayama to Naruto takes about 2-3 hours and is a popular scenic route that allows you to enjoy the views of the Seto Inland Sea along the way.

Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Website

Naruto City Official Tourism Website

Recommended travel season

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a perfect season for sightseeing and driving, with its mild weather. The currents in the Naruto Strait become stronger, making it a great time to see the impressive whirlpools. Experiencing the whirlpools up close from Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat or the promenade on the Naruto is a major attraction. In addition, Okayama Korakuen Garden and Kagawa Ritsurin Garden are beautiful with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, allowing visitors to enjoy the harmonious scenery of Japanese gardens and the nature of the Setouchi.

Summer to Autumn (June to September)

Okayama's representative White Peach and Muscat Grape are in season, making it the perfect time for a fruit-filled trip. Cafes and tourist facilities offer a wide variety of sweets made with seasonal fruits. In summer, the contrast between the blue sea and islands of the Seto Inland Sea is at its most beautiful, making it ideal for drives and island hopping. Naruto City hosts the Awa dance festival every year from August 9th to 11th, making it the first city in the prefecture to do so. In autumn, the temperature settles down, making it a comfortable season for sightseeing while enjoying the autumn foliage.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is a season when the air is clearer, allowing for a more vivid view of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge . With relatively fewer tourists, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery and delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, seafood from the Setouchi Sea, including oysters from Hinase , is in season, making winter delicacies another attractive feature.

If you're unsure which time to choose, we recommend visiting in spring or autumn, when the weather is stable and ideal for sightseeing.

summary

A road trip along the Setouchi , connecting Okayama Prefecture to Naruto City , allows you to experience the contrasting charms of the sea: the tranquil scenery of numerous islands and the dynamic whirlpools of the Naruto Strait.

One of the major attractions of this wide-area route is the opportunity to enjoy ocean views while crossing some of Japan's most iconic bridges, such as the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the Naruto.

A wide-area tour that combines Okayama's stunning scenic spots and Setouchi cuisine with visits to Naruto's natural landscapes and art museums will allow you to experience the charm of the Seto Inland Sea more deeply.