The Seto Inland Sea is a familiar presence for the citizens of Kurashiki City.
In 1934, the area adjacent to the Seto Inland Sea was designated as Japan's first national park, accumulating over 90 years of history as Seto Inland Sea National Park.
In the refreshing season of new greenery, a walking event will be held to explore Seto Inland Sea National Park. The course allows participants to walk while feeling the richness of nature and the charm of history, and during the walk, participants can enjoy taking beautiful photos and videos.
Seto Inland Sea National Park【Washuzan Hill・Shimotsui】introduces the Take Photos, Be Beautiful Walking event.
Seto Inland Sea National Park【Washuzan Hill・Shimotsui】Take Photos, Be Beautiful Walking - What is it?
Seto Inland Sea National Park【Washuzan Hill・Shimotsui】Take Photos, Be Beautiful Walking is a walking event scheduled for May 30, 2026 (Saturday).
Participants will walk approximately 5 km, exploring the representative scenic spots of Seto Inland Sea National Park, including "Washuzan Hill" and the port town of "Shimotsui," which was once bustling with Kitamaebune (northern-bound cargo ships).
The course includes a hiking trail on Washuzan Hill (elevation 133m). Those who are not confident in their physical strength or have difficulty walking in groups are advised to refrain from participating. Additionally, please bring drinks on the day and ensure proper hydration.
In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, participants can experience live performances of the folk song "Shimotsui Bushi", which has been passed down since the Edo period, and enjoy light meals inspired by Kojima's denim, such as "Sanuki Aee Udon."
Moreover, as the event name suggests, "Take Photos, Be Beautiful," it is not just about walking.
If you find a view that makes you want to stop, enjoy taking photos with your smartphone or camera. Furthermore, posting the photos and videos you take on social media and sharing the charm of Washuzan Hill and Shimotsui with everyone is the main highlight of the "Take Photos, Be Beautiful Walking" event.
The walking event will be accompanied by staff to support photography and social media posting, as well as knowledgeable tourist guides from Kojima.
The participation fee is 1,000 yen per person, and the application deadline is May 17 (Sunday). Those who wish to participate should apply through Kurashiki City's electronic application service.
The capacity is limited to 50 participants, so those interested are encouraged to apply early.
Interview with the person in charge
We spoke with Koji Shirakawa, who planned the walking event at the Kurashiki City Kojima Branch Industry Division.
Can you tell us about the background that led to this event?
Shirakawa (no honorifics)
It was triggered by the "90th Anniversary Project of Seto Inland Sea National Park Designation" held in 2024.
As part of the commemorative project, we held a "National Park Walking" event, and during a symposium, a declaration was made to "further promote the charm of Seto Inland Sea National Park for the next 100 years," leading to the decision to hold walking events regularly starting in 2025.
Kurashiki has special areas of the national park, such as Washuzan Hill, Ojigadake Hill, Yuka Mountain, Ryuo Mountain, and Tsusen-en. We plan to hold walking events every year that explore these special areas leading up to the next 100th anniversary.
By the way, in 2025, we walked the old approach to Yuka Mountain with the theme "Let's revive the old approach."
What is the theme of "Take Photos, Be Beautiful Walking"?
Shirakawa
The theme is "Take beautiful photos and promote the charm of Shimotsui and Washuzan Hill." I would be happy if participants not only walk and take photos but also challenge themselves to share on social media. By conveying the charm from the participants, I hope it will lead to an increase in visitors to Shimotsui and Washuzan Hill.
What are the highlights of the event?
Shirakawa
Not only the scenery but also various subjects such as trains, people, mascots, and food can be enjoyed for photography. At the starting point, the former Shimotsui Station, participants will have the rare opportunity to enter areas that are usually off-limits and take close-up photos of trains.
During the live performance of Shimotsui Bushi, participants can enjoy not only singing but also dancing, and at the Washuzan Visitor Center, the mascot Washukun will also make an appearance. Taking a two-shot with it would be great.
The "Sanuki Aee Udon" served as a light meal is a rare blue udon that I think will look great in photos.
I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to challenge various types of photography.
Additionally, knowledgeable local tourist guides will accompany the event and share various stories at each spot, so I hope participants can enjoy walking while learning such information.
What kind of people would you recommend to participate?
Shirakawa
I would recommend it to those who are interested in photography, of course, as well as those who enjoy sharing on social media, and even those who might say, "I don't know how to share."
There will be support for photography, so even those who are not familiar with photography or social media can participate with peace of mind.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Shirakawa
This course is truly enjoyable for all five senses: seeing, eating, and listening.
As it is the season of beautiful new greenery, let's walk together, take many beautiful photos, and share them together!
Conclusion
Since the course continues with beautiful scenery, I initially thought it would focus on landscape photography, but there were plenty of other elements that made me want to point my camera, such as the live performance of Shimotsui Bushi, the blue udon, and the appearance of mascots.
I would be happy if my favorite photos taken could inspire someone to visit through social media.
You don't need to prepare a large camera for photography; a smartphone or a home digital camera is sufficient.
Let's casually share the charm of Shimotsui and Washuzan Hill together.
Data on Seto Inland Sea National Park【Washuzan Hill・Shimotsui】Take Photos, Be Beautiful Walking
| Name | Seto Inland Sea National Park【Washuzan Hill・Shimotsui】Take Photos, Be Beautiful Walking |
|---|---|
| Date | May 30, 2026 (Sunday) From 9 AM to 2 PM |
| Location | Shimotsui・Washuzan |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | 1,000 yen per person |
| Homepage | Kurashiki City Homepage - Seto Inland Sea National Park Walking |
