In March 2024, the Seto Inland Sea marked the 90th anniversary of its designation as Japan’s first national park.
To pass its beautiful scenery and rich natural environment on to the next centenary, “Seto Inland Sea National Park Walking,” an event showcasing the park’s appeal, is scheduled to be held every year from now on.
The 2026 event will be held in Washuzan and Shimotsui. The route offered more than just a walk—it was also a chance to enjoy taking photos.
The “Snap and Share the Scenery Walking” event offered a chance to take in the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. Here’s a look at the day.
The information presented was current when this article was published in June 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Seto Inland Sea National Park Washuzan and Shimotsui “Snap and Share the Scenery Walking” event?
The Seto Inland Sea National Park Washuzan and Shimotsui “Snap and Share the Scenery Walking” event was held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, and organized by Kurashiki City.
It grew out of a national park walking event held as part of the “Seto Inland Sea National Park 90th Anniversary Commemorative Project” and was planned with the aim of sharing the appeal of Seto Inland Sea National Park.
The route takes participants around Washuzan, where they can enjoy spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea’s many islands, and Shimotsui, a port town that once thrived as a port of call for Kitamaebune trading ships. Along the approximately 5-kilometer route, participants walk while taking photos. The course offered beautiful seascapes and atmospheric streetscapes that made you want to reach for your camera.
Photos taken by participants can be viewed by searching Instagram for “#瀬戸内海国立公園ウォーキング,” so be sure to check them out. The scenery that made lasting memories for participants is also helping share the appeal of Seto Inland Sea National Park.
On the day, an experienced tour guide familiar with Kojima and staff who provided support with social media posts also accompanied the group.
Events are also planned for the future, taking participants around special areas of Seto Inland Sea National Park within Kurashiki City, including Washuzan Hill, Ojigadake Hill, Mt. Yuga, Ryuozan, and Tsusenen.
![[Held Saturday, May 30] Seto Inland Sea National Park Washuzan and Shimotsui “Snap and Share the Scenery Walking” — A walking event around Washuzan and Shimotsui to share their appeal through your favorite photogenic shots!](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/03225401/IMG_1957-485x323.jpg)
The day’s events
The event day dawned clear and cloudless. There were 50 participants, who split into two groups of 25 and set off for the finish at Washuzan Rest House.
Starting point: the former Shimotsui Station
The starting point was the former Shimotsui Station, on the former Shimotsui Electric Railway line.
It once served as a route connecting Chayamachi and Shimotsui. The Kojima–Shimotsui section was discontinued in 1990, and the railway cars from that time are now preserved by the Shimotsui Minato Train Preservation Society.
For this event, participants were given special access to an area that is normally off-limits. Up close, the dirt and scratches accumulated over years of service were clearly visible on the cars.
Eleven cars are preserved on the grounds, an unusually large number for a private railway other than JR.
Visitors were also allowed inside. The place was so full of nostalgia that it was easy to imagine the passengers of the time.
We snapped a photo on the tracks, where you normally can’t stop. The tracks, overgrown with weeds, evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Shimotsui Port and Shimotsui Gion Shrine
After leaving the former Shimotsui Station, we walked along the coast, taking in views of Shimotsui Port.
Octopus is one of Shimotsui’s specialties. The piles of octopus pots by the water are a quintessential Seto Inland Sea scene.
After walking for a while and climbing some steps, we arrived at Shimotsui Gion Shrine, which offers a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. It is an unusual shrine with two main halls.
According to a Kojima tour guide, there was once a pleasure quarter right beside the shrine, and the women who worked there also made offerings.
After paying our respects, all the participants took in the view of the Seto Inland Sea from the shrine grounds. It’s a spectacular photo spot.
As we walked along the coast again, something long and white floated in the blue sky. It looked just like a white dragon.
It turned out to be a kite train flown by a local resident. The kites were made from plastic bags and, fittingly for Shimotsui, featured an octopus character.
Apparently, kite trains are rarely flown, so we were thrilled to chance upon this rare sight.
Townscape Preservation District and Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum
We walked through the Shimotsui Townscape Preservation District, making sure to drink water regularly. Old houses with striking white walls and namako-kabe (sea-cucumber-patterned walls) lined the streets.
One after another, we came across things rarely seen nowadays, such as a cigarette vending machine and a cylindrical post box. The retro atmosphere was irresistible.
We stopped along the way at the Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum. A staff member gave us a detailed account of the history of the Kitamaebune ships and what Shimotsui was like when it thrived as a port of call.
A staff member told us, “The Kitamaebune ships brought not only goods, but also culture.” One example is Shimotsui-bushi, which has been sung in Shimotsui for more than 400 years. Shimotsui-bushi is a folk song that originated as entertainment for the crews of the Kitamaebune ships.
That day, we had a special opportunity to watch a performance of Shimotsui-bushi singing and dancing up close.
The gentle singing and unhurried dancing, performed in a charming old house, made for a memorable experience of Shimotsui’s warm hospitality.
Tadotsuura Park, with views of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge from directly below
Next, we headed to Tadotsuura Park, directly beneath the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
It is also a popular fishing spot, and we saw people fishing there. Time seemed to pass peacefully, making us want to linger.
The Seto-Ohashi Bridge looked imposing from below, and whenever a train on the JR Seto-Ohashi Line passed, its loud rumble echoed all around.
The Seto-Ohashi Bridge is used for commuting to work and school and has become part of people’s daily lives. I was once again deeply moved by the thought that such an impressive railway bridge was built by human hands.
Now, at last, our hike up Washuzan Hill begins.
The final push: hiking up Washuzan Hill
After a short break at the former Washuzan Station on the Shimotsui Electric Railway Line, we set off for the summit of Washuzan Hill.
We were drenched in sweat and starting to feel tired, but whenever we turned around, a beautiful view opened up before us. Walking while taking in the scenery is always a pleasure.
“Since we’ve come this far, let’s make it to the summit for the spectacular view!” With that determination, we set off on our hike. We walked along a path dappled with sunlight and surrounded by fresh green leaves.
The gazebo and observation deck along the way make for an unusual viewpoint, looking straight down at the Seto-Ohashi Bridge. We had been right beneath the bridge just a little while ago, so it felt strange to think, “We’ve climbed all the way up here already.”
There were scenic spots all along the trail, and many participants stopped to take photos. It’s the kind of view you never tire of, no matter how many pictures you take.
As we walked along taking photos, we reached the summit in no time.
Surrounded by a sweeping 360-degree panorama, we took a while to savor the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. The expansive beauty of its many islands is a spectacular sight unique to the Seto Inland Sea. The weather was clear, so we could see all the way to Kagawa.
Everyone spent their time as they pleased, taking commemorative photos or sitting down for a rest on a large rock.
Washuzan Visitor Center and Washuzan Rest House
We made our way to the Washuzan Visitor Center, a little way down from the summit.
At the Washuzan Visitor Center, you can learn about the history and nature of Washuzan, as well as the Seto-Ohashi Bridge. There were lots of exhibits and plenty to see.
To our surprise, Washu-kun, Washuzan’s mascot, also made a surprise appearance. His cuteness was a real treat.
We all took a group photo with Washu-kun, too.
A staff member from the Kojima Tourist Guides cheerfully led us along the final stretch, saying, “Now, it’s time for the downhill walk you’ve earned!” We headed down the mountain, enjoying the scenery along the way.
Three and a half hours after setting out, we arrived at the finish point, the Washuzan Rest House. It’s easy to get here by car or bus, but climbing up from the foot of the mountain made the sense of accomplishment incredible.
We got photos of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto-Ohashi Bridge from all kinds of angles, and it made me think that it’s nice to hike up Washuzan Hill on foot once in a while.
At Washuzan Rest House, we were served “Sanuki Aee Udon.” Its beautiful blue color is said to represent the sea and sky of the Seto Inland Sea, as well as the blue of jeans, Kojima’s local industry. It is colored with gardenia.
It is light and refreshing, and easy to eat even when the heat still lingers. It also looks cool and refreshing, making it a perfect summer souvenir.
From the Writer
We walked for a long time, but stopped here and there to take photos and learned interesting tidbits from the tour guide staff. It was a walking event we enjoyed throughout without ever getting bored.
The weather was also on our side, and we were able to take many beautiful photos that we couldn’t wait to show people.
Search Instagram for “#SetoInlandSeaNationalParkWalking” to see photos posted by event participants. I also posted some of my favorite photos, so be sure to check them out.
The spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea that Kurashiki is proud of. I hope they will remain unchanged for years to come.
Event Details: Seto Inland Sea National Park Washuzan Hill and Shimotsui “Snap and Share Walking Event”
| Name | Seto Inland Sea National Park Washuzan Hill and Shimotsui “Snap and Share Walking Event” |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, May 30, 2026 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
| Location | Washuzan Hill and Shimotsui |
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