Suō Sea

The Suō Sea is a marine region between the islands of Honshu and Kyushu, forming a significant part of the Seto Inland Sea. Numerous small islands dot its waters, creating a fragmented landscape with many harbors and passage routes.

The Suō Sea was a main transportation corridor before railways developed, connecting the Kansai region with Kyushu. Its waterways enabled commerce and exchange between distant regions for centuries.

Fishing shapes daily life in coastal communities, where local fishermen use traditional methods to supply regional markets. These practices remain central to how people along the shore connect with the sea.

Ferry services operate regularly across these waters, connecting major ports throughout the year. Traveling by boat remains a practical way to cross the sea while observing the landscape from the water.

The waters host finless porpoises, small marine mammals that have adapted to living in shallow, protected bays. Spotting them from passing ferries happens occasionally, especially in warmer months.