The Seto Inland Sea is a familiar presence for Kurashiki City residents.
In 1934, the area bordering the Seto Inland Sea was designated Japan’s first national park. As the Seto Inland Sea National Park, it has built up a history spanning more than 90 years.
As the fresh greenery of spring makes outings more enjoyable, a walking event exploring Seto Inland Sea National Park will be held. The route lets participants experience the richness of nature and the charm of history, and they can also enjoy taking eye-catching photos and videos along the way.
Introducing the Seto Inland Sea National Park [Washuzan Hill and Shimotsui] Snap and Share Walking Event.
The information provided was current when this article was published in May 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Seto Inland Sea National Park [Washuzan Hill and Shimotsui] Snap and Share Walking Event
Seto Inland Sea National Park [Washuzan Hill and Shimotsui] Snap and Share Walking Event is a walking event to be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
The route visits Washuzan Hill, one of the Seto Inland Sea National Park’s most scenic spots, and Shimotsui, a port town once bustling with Kitamaebune trading ships, covering a distance of about 5 km.
The route also includes walking on the hiking trail up Washuzan Hill (133 m above sea level). Those who are not confident in their stamina or who may have difficulty walking in a group should refrain from participating. Please also bring drinks and stay well hydrated on the day.
Along with beautiful scenery, the event offers plenty to enjoy in Kojima and Shimotsui, including a live performance of the folk song “Shimotsui-bushi,” passed down in song since the Edo period, and a light meal of “Sanuki Aee Udon,” inspired by Kojima denim.
And, as the event name “Snap and Share” suggests, there’s more to it than just walking.
When you spot a view that makes you want to stop in your tracks, enjoy taking photos with your smartphone, camera, or other device. Sharing your photos and videos on social media and spreading the word about the charms of Washuzan Hill and Shimotsui is the main highlight of the Snap and Share Walking Event.
Staff who can help with photography and social media posts, along with knowledgeable Kojima sightseeing guides, will accompany the walkers.
The participation fee is 1,000 yen per person, and the application deadline is May 17 (Sunday). To participate, apply through the Kurashiki City online application service.
There are only 50 places available, so we recommend applying early if you’re interested.
Interview with the Organizer
We spoke with Shirakawa Koji of the Industry Division at Kurashiki City’s Kojima Branch Office, who planned the walking event.
Could you tell us what led to the event being held?
Shirakawa (surname only)
It was inspired by the 90th Anniversary Commemorative Project for the Designation of Seto Inland Sea National Park, held in 2024.
As part of the commemorative project, we held the “National Park Walking” event, the predecessor to this one. A symposium also issued a declaration saying, “Let’s continue sharing the appeal of Seto Inland Sea National Park as we look toward the next 100 years.” These events led us to begin holding a regular walking event in 2025.
Kurashiki has special zones within the national park, including Washuzan Hill, Ojigadake Hill, Mt. Yuga, Mt. Ryuozan, and Tsusenen. We plan to hold an annual walking event exploring these special zones as we look toward the park’s 100th anniversary.
In 2025, the theme was “Let’s bring the old pilgrimage route back to life,” and we walked along Mt. Yuga’s old pilgrimage route.
What is the theme of the Snap and Share Walking Event?
Shirakawa
“Take eye-catching photos and share the charms of Shimotsui and Washuzan Hill.”
We’d be delighted if you not only take photos as you walk, but also give posting on social media a try. We hope that participants will share what makes the area special and that more people will come to visit Shimotsui and Washuzan Hill.
What are the event’s highlights?
Shirakawa
The highlight is that you can enjoy photographing all kinds of things—not just the scenery, but also trains, people, mascots, and food.
At the former Shimotsui Station, the starting point, participants can enter an area that is normally off-limits. It’s a rare opportunity to photograph the train up close.
At the Shimotsui-bushi live performance, you can enjoy not only the singing but also the dancing. Washu-kun, Washuzan Hill’s mascot, will also appear at the Washuzan Visitor Center. It would be fun to take a photo together.
The “Sanuki Aee Udon” served as a light meal is an unusual blue udon that should look great in photos.
We hope you’ll take this opportunity to try photographing all kinds of things.
Also, knowledgeable local sightseeing guides will accompany you and share all kinds of stories at each spot, so we hope you’ll enjoy learning about the area as you walk.
Who would you recommend this event to?
Shirakawa
I’d recommend it not only to people interested in photography, but also to those who enjoy posting on social media, as well as those who aren’t sure how to share posts.
There will be support with photography, so even if you’re not used to taking photos or using social media, please feel free to join us.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Shirakawa
I think it’s a route where you can enjoy yourself with all five senses: enjoy the sights, enjoy the food, and enjoy the sounds.
The fresh greenery is beautiful this time of year, so let’s walk together, take lots of eye-catching photos, and share them!
From the Writer
With beautiful scenery all along the route, I assumed the focus would be on photographing landscapes. But there’s plenty to point your camera at beyond the scenery, including a Shimotsui-bushi live performance, blue udon, and a mascot appearance.
It would be wonderful if a favorite photo you took could inspire someone to visit through social media.
You don’t need to bring a large camera to take photos; a smartphone or a consumer digital camera should be more than enough.
Why not join everyone in sharing the charms of Shimotsui and Washuzan Hill?
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 | Sunday, May 30, 2026 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
| Location | Shimotsui and Washuzan Hill |
| Participation fee (tax included) | 1,000 yen per person |
| Website | Kurashiki City website: Seto Inland Sea National Park Walking Event |
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