The Seto sea is made up of one of the most famous archipelago in the world, surrounded by the Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu islqnds, and includes more than 700 islands and 7230 kilometers long coastline. The sea is stretching over 450 kilometers from east to west and 55 kilometers from north to south, including a depth of 38 meters, that could be surprising regarding its total surface. 

The history of the sea is closely linked to those of Nara and Kyoto. The chinese culture formerly introduced in Kyushu always reached Nara and Kyoto through the Seto sea. Moreover, at this time, the trade exclusively transited by boat and the natural ports of the Seto sea islands were highly used. Therefore the traffic increased progressivly. 
 

However, that is not the only reason of the economic development of those ports and islands in this part of Japan. In addition appeared the culture of what Japanese called Shiomachi “waiting for the tide” and Kazemachi “waiting for the wind”. In fact, engine did not exist at this time ; only the force of nature could help boat to sail on the sea.

In the harbour, the sailors waited for the tide and the wind. Also, the tide changing every 6 hours, the boat were all mooring in the harbour. Some of those ports were famous as Ushimado, Mitarai and Tomonoura. During Edo period, the sea traffic reached its height as the economic activity of the port and the increasing of restaurants, accommodation and shops. The Seto sea became a true hub for everyone who was sailing in Japan.

Thereafter, with the invention of the engine and naval technology, the ports and the islands became more and more useless. Nevertheless, plenty of activities still make those islands enjoyable thanks to their wonderful sceneries, the animated and beautiful towns by the sea, and the arrival of contemporary art that started in Naoshima thanks to Benesse, and the works of the famous architect Tadao Ando. Today, numerous of the Seto sea islands are welcoming the works of talentuouse artists and from all around the world. 
 

It is possible to travel through those islands by ferry and by renting a car, but going on a cruise aboard a yacht is also an incomparable way to discover the Seto sea. As the sea is surrounded from north to south by mountains, there is a very low precipitation rate and it is very easy to sail there.

Notice that the route that Japan Yacht Experience offers is not the only itinerary possible. If you have some places that you would rather visit or activities you would like to do, do not hesitate to contact us. Here, you draw your own map.