During my visit to Hiroshima, I took the Setouchi Shimatabi Line cruise operated by Setouchi Sealine. This Seto Inland Sea cruise does not return to the same location. When I took this cruise, the morning cruise was eastbound, departing Hiroshima and ending at Mihara. The afternoon cruise was westbound in the reverse direction. It looks like currently, this cruise is operating between Hiroshima and Onomichi.
The cruise is operated by Sea Spica ship.
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The first floor is an indoor seating area, seats were assigned seats.
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The upstairs is an outside deck. Half of the time I spent outside deck.
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The ship also has a small shop at the back where drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are available. All drinks and snacks were small size, but the price was same as regular size at conbini in the city. Could be better off to bring own.
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The departure at Hiroshima is at Hiroshima Port, which can be reached by Hiroshima tram, and Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima. Departure time from Hiroshima coincide with morning rush hours. During weekdays it may take little longer to get to the departure point of this cruise.
Cruising through the Seto Inland Sea.
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First stop, port city of Kure. Kure was a naval port before WWII and the battleship Yamato was built here. Shipbuilding continues today and also it is a major port for Japanese coast guard and self-defense force. The attendant on the ship will provide information during the cruise. I think guide is available only in Japanese.
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About this cruise ship Sea Spica. During G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023, leaders visited Miyajima and from Hiroshima to Miyajima leaders took this Sea Spica, except for Biden from the U.S. Biden too Marine One. There is pictures onboard the ship. I sat on the chair where Macron and Kishida sat. :)
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First stop, Sanose at Shimokamagari Island. Had about an hour to stroll around the area. This island is known as where Korean diplomats stayed from Muromachi era to Edo era.
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During the cruise there is an option for lunch, need to arrange before the day of the cruise, additional 100 yen.
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The cruise continues.
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Next stop, Ookuno Island. Ookuno Island has government operated hotel facility and also known as rabbit island. Why rabbits? Ookuno Island had military facility for chemical weapons during WWII. Rabbits were brought to the island to test chemical weapons. However, all rabbits brought in during the war was slaughtered and rabbits exists today were likely brought in during early '70's.
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The cruise head to Mihara, finally destination. Overall, this was very nice cruise. Because the cruise does not return to Hiroshima, got to see wider area of Seto Inland Sea. I think guide/information are given in Japanese only. It was a nice way to experience Seto Inland Sea.
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Arriving at Mihara
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The cruise is operated by Sea Spica ship.
The first floor is an indoor seating area, seats were assigned seats.
The upstairs is an outside deck. Half of the time I spent outside deck.
The ship also has a small shop at the back where drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are available. All drinks and snacks were small size, but the price was same as regular size at conbini in the city. Could be better off to bring own.
The departure at Hiroshima is at Hiroshima Port, which can be reached by Hiroshima tram, and Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima. Departure time from Hiroshima coincide with morning rush hours. During weekdays it may take little longer to get to the departure point of this cruise.
Cruising through the Seto Inland Sea.
First stop, port city of Kure. Kure was a naval port before WWII and the battleship Yamato was built here. Shipbuilding continues today and also it is a major port for Japanese coast guard and self-defense force. The attendant on the ship will provide information during the cruise. I think guide is available only in Japanese.
About this cruise ship Sea Spica. During G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023, leaders visited Miyajima and from Hiroshima to Miyajima leaders took this Sea Spica, except for Biden from the U.S. Biden too Marine One. There is pictures onboard the ship. I sat on the chair where Macron and Kishida sat. :)
First stop, Sanose at Shimokamagari Island. Had about an hour to stroll around the area. This island is known as where Korean diplomats stayed from Muromachi era to Edo era.
During the cruise there is an option for lunch, need to arrange before the day of the cruise, additional 100 yen.
The cruise continues.
Next stop, Ookuno Island. Ookuno Island has government operated hotel facility and also known as rabbit island. Why rabbits? Ookuno Island had military facility for chemical weapons during WWII. Rabbits were brought to the island to test chemical weapons. However, all rabbits brought in during the war was slaughtered and rabbits exists today were likely brought in during early '70's.
The cruise head to Mihara, finally destination. Overall, this was very nice cruise. Because the cruise does not return to Hiroshima, got to see wider area of Seto Inland Sea. I think guide/information are given in Japanese only. It was a nice way to experience Seto Inland Sea.
Arriving at Mihara
