Discover the Islands Through the Four Seasons at Setonaikai National Park

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Discover the Islands Through the Four Seasons at Setonaikai National Park

Created in 1934 as Japan’s first national park, “Setonaikai National Park” is the largest national park in Japan. It spans an impressive 11 prefectures, including Osaka, Wakayama, Hiroshima, Kagawa, Fukuoka, and Oita. The park encompasses a vast sea area surrounded by five straits, the many islands scattered across it, and the viewpoints overlooking them. Its main features are the multi-island seascape with countless islands of all sizes, and the familiar scenery where nature and daily life come together, such as terraced fields on the islands and port towns where ships wait for the tide. With scenery that varies wildly by season and location, it is a place to be enjoyed with all five senses.

In the eastern area, the views of the Naruto whirlpools in spring and autumn, the autumn leaves of Shodoshima Island, and the multi-island seascape views from Mt. Washuzan and Yashima are recommended. In Tomonoura, you can enjoy a historic townscape that became a model for a Ghibli film. In the western area, you can see the cherry blossoms of Mt. Sekizensan in spring and the beautiful evening views from Mt. Kirosan. From spring to autumn, cycling on the Shimanami Kaido and hiking in the Setouchi Alps are recommended. The view of the islands from above is spectacular. By taking regular ferries that connect the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, such as in Bisan-Seto, Geiyo, and Boyo Islands, you can enjoy the islands appearing one after another and the scenery changing with the seasons and time of day.

Recommended Spots in Eastern Area (Hyogo, Okayama, Kagawa, Tokushima)

■Naruto Whirlpools and Whirlpool Sightseeing Boats | 鳴門の渦潮と観潮船

Best Season: Spring and Autumn | MAP

The whirlpool sightseeing boat is recommended during spring tides in spring and autumn

■Mt. Washuzan | 鷲羽山

Best Season: Spring | MAP

Panoramic views overlooking the multi-island seascape

■Yashima | 屋島

Best Season: Spring and Autumn | MAP

Multi-island seascape views seen from the observation point

■Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima Island | 小豆島の寒霞渓

Best Season: Autumn | MAP

The entire gorge is dyed in autumn colors

■Islands of Bisan-Seto | 備讃瀬戸の島々

Best Season: Year-round

Scenery of islands viewed from boats or while traveling along the coast

Recommended Spots in Western Area (Hiroshima, Ehime, Yamaguchi)

■Tomonoura | 鞆の浦

Best Season: Year-round | MAP

A scenic view where a historic port town meets the sea

■Mt. Sekizensan | 積善山

Best Season: Spring | MAP

Cherry blossom ridgelines color the island and blend with the sea

■Shimanami Kaido | しまなみ海道

Best Season: Spring to Autumn | MAP

Cycling on the bridges to experience the multi-island seascape and island life

■Setouchi Alps | 瀬戸内アルプス

Best Season: Spring, Autumn, Winter | MAP

Enjoy sweeping sea views from a high vantage point on a low-mountain hike

■Mt. Kirosan | 亀老山

Best Time: Dusk | MAP

Sunset views of the Seto Inland Sea from the observatory

By changing the time of year and the places you visit, Setonaikai National Park reveals many different and varied attractions. We invite you to visit the various observation points and villages, experiencing the charm of the multi-island seascape where nature and life coexist, along with its various cultural experiences and activities.

Information

Ministry of the Environment National Park Website
Let's go to the national park! | 国立公園に、行ってみよう！
Setonaikai National Park
Website (Japanese-Only): https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nationalparks/list/setonaikai/

*The above article is based on information from January 2026.
*Information is subject to change, so please check the official website or other information before visiting.

MAPPLE, Inc. has entered into a "National Parks of Official Partner" with the Ministry of the Environment.
⇒ LINK (Japanese-only)

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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 01 30,2026 Author：DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team

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Discover the Islands Through the Four Seasons at Setonaikai National Park