Traverse Tranquility with a Private Cruise and Bike Tour of the Seto Inland Sea

A Luxurious Private Vantage of Scenic Seto Nature

Private Blue Seto Setouchi is known for offering bespoke private cruises around the placid island-studded waters of the Seto Inland Sea with expert local guidance. Step aboard to cruise in luxurious privacy.

The city of Onomichi and the Seto Inland Sea

Follow your cruise with a bike tour. An English-fluent guide takes you on an island-hopping route, along the way revealing spots and scenic detours off the beaten path that only a local could know.

Cruise among the many verdant islands of the Seto Inland Sea

Touring the Beauty of the Seto Islands on a Private Cruise 

The island-studded splendor of the Seto Inland Sea is so legendary that it is often described with a single word in Japanese – tatoubi, literally “many-island-beauty.” Its Shimanami Kaido highway route connecting Onomichi in Hiroshima to Imabari in Ehime is a popular cycling route which attracts bicycle enthusiasts from all over the world. Enjoy a private cruise of this renowned scenery through this plan, taking in the gorgeous nature and the stunning views of the sweeping Shimanami viaducts from the sea, sailing approximately one hour out from Onomichi Sea Station in Hiroshima Prefecture.

The shipyards of Inno Island build and service ships from all over the world

As an inland sea, the Seto exhibits much calmer waters than the nearby Sea of Japan. Leisurely lapping waves lend themselves to lounging and luxuriating in scenic splendor. The cruise route takes you past Innoshima Bridge and Ikuchi Island, as well as the storied shipyards of Inno Island, which have thrived as an epicenter of shipbuilding since ages immemorial. Depending on the timing, you may be able to see foreign ships or the Tsugaru from Aomori prefecture, taking in the vast maritime scene as if it were a living diorama.

Ikuchi Island and its bridge are just the beginning of countless picturesque spots you will pass

Ikuchi Bridge is another highlight of the tour, which passes right under its impressive several-hundred meter span. If something catches your eye during the cruise, be sure to speak up to the captain so you can slow down and take photos to your liking. This is the personal touch you get with a private cruise.

An Island-hopping Bicycle Ride from Yuge Island

Sail into the quiet bay of Ehime Prefecture’s Yuge Island and its docks near the town of Kamijima. There, you’re joined by a local guide fluent in English. Embark on a ride so hallowed by the cycling community that it could even be called a bicyclist’s pilgrimage. Sparse traffic and a fair sea breeze let you trawl the coast at your refreshing leisure, asking the guide any questions that come to mind while you ride.

Panoramic vistas enhance the excitement of the ride

Your cycling route takes you from Yuge to Ikina and Iwagi islands before looping back to Ikina across the soaring Iwagi Bridge. This span offers an bracing 360-degree panorama of the surrounding land and seascape. The freedom to ride at your own comfortable pace ensures that absolute beginners or even those with children in tow can enjoy the route without feeling rushed or strained.

Gentle sea breezes kiss the rambling ride

A Catered Lunch of Top Grade Sushi from Yakushido as an Optional Add-on

After the bicycle tour, return to Ikina Island and enjoy the optional add-on of a catered lunch of high-grade sushi provided by the popular Onomichi restaurant Sushi Yakushido. A master sushi chef prepares your meal right before your eyes for a thoroughly engrossing dining experience that is sure to become a lifelong memory.

Locally-sourced top-grade season-perfect sushi served by Yakushido, Onomichi’s best-kept secret

Sushi Yakushido is known for its excellent nigiri made with locally-brewed mellow-sour red vinegar produced by Onomichi Zosu, a 440-year-old maker, and other fresh ingredients from all over Japan. This exquisite pairing is heightened by a full course of appetizers and the seaside ambience of the port where it is all served. Be sure to enjoy a pleasant back-and-forth with the Sushi Yakushido chef as you eat, too.

A special optional lunch-course lets you eat your fill of top tier sushi and other seafood

An Expert Local Guide Takes You Beyond

After the bicycle tour and luxurious lunch, step back on board your boat for the return cruise to Onomichi. Sit back and soak up the afterglow of this special day, stretching your cycle-worn muscles in the balmy salt breeze as the boat gently rocks you to total relaxation.

Cruise among the many verdant islands of the Seto Inland Sea

Though Seto Inland Sea’s gorgeous island-studded panoramas may be legendary in Japan, they are in reality seldom seen by those who don’t live or work among them. But you can enjoy them intimately to your heart’s content during your time here, as one picturesque scene after another slides lazily by.

The dignified silence of the dusk sky over the Seto

From both the seaside vantage of the private cruise and the littoral landscape outlook of the bicycle tour, become privy to secret spots off the beaten path courtesy of your expert local guide, soaking up the exceptional natural beauty of the Seto seaside in the process.

Bridges that quietly link scattered islands are part of the unique charm of the Setouchi seascape