Setonaikai National Park, National park across 11 prefectures of Japan
Setonaikai National Park spreads across a vast region containing around 3,000 islands in the Seto Inland Sea between Japan's main landmasses. The park features rolling hills, coastal areas, and countless small islands with diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
The park was created in 1934 to protect the sea environment and island landscapes of this region. Over the following decades, its boundaries expanded several times to include more areas and ecosystems.
Fishing villages scattered throughout the park keep old ways of harvesting and living along the water alive through daily practice. These communities shape how people interact with the sea today.
The park is easily reached from major cities like Hiroshima and Okayama by train, with connections to different areas and islands. You should decide in advance which parts of the park interest you most, since the territory covers such a large area.
The Naruto Strait within the park produces powerful tidal currents that create swirling water patterns on the surface. This natural phenomenon is most visible at certain tidal times and draws many observers to watch the display.
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