A cruising tour of Miyajima and Kurahashijima. Miyajima is home to Itsukushima Shrine, a world cultural heritage site. Miyajima has been revered since ancient times as the “Island of the Gods,” and it is said that many people have worshipped here, including Heike Kiyomori, during his time as governor of Ako province, as he considered the island home to the guardian deity of the Heike clan. Kurahashijima, also known as Nagato Island, has flourished as an island of shipbuilding and shipping since ancient times. The island of the gods is accessible to us by a private cruise (via cabin cruiser or yacht).

Surrounded by six rivers, Hiroshima was once called the city of water, but after the end of World War II, when the first atomic bomb was dropped on the city, it became known as the city of reconstruction. Our SUP tour will be led by a local resident who is driven by a passionate desire to revive the water city of the past, and supplant the image of a bombed city. While touring Hiroshima City by SUP, we will see from the river the Atomic Bomb Dome, another World Heritage Site.

The Tobishima Kaidō consists of seven islands and bridges, with a cycling course that takes in the many historical stories including Jimmu relocating the capital, the Warring States period and the Edo period, making it one of the most popular cycling areas along with the Shimanami Kaidō. We will cycle along the Tobishima Kaidō, taking in the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea’s many islands and the gentle sea. Our goal for the day is Mitarai, registered as a Japan Heritage Site, a once flourishing port town from the Edo period. Some of the original docks, stone bridges, and tall lanterns still exist in this historical town, a place which waited for the changing wind and tides.

Since ancient times, Takehara developed as a major transportation hub of the Seto Inland Sea. 。Known as a port town since the Muromachi period (1333-1573), Takehara flourished in the late Edo period (1603-1868) due to its “salt fields” and “sake brewing” Industry. At that time Hiroshima Prefecture accounted for 80% of the national share of salt, which was transported by Kitamae merchant ship to as far away as Osaka and the capital, Edo. Takehara is a beautiful town filled with the mansions of wealthy merchants and historic temples. We will walk along the streets full of excitement as if we slipped back in time.

Tomonoura, which is the dividing line of the tides of the Seto Inland Sea, prospered as a port for waiting for the change of tides. Many warriors, writers, and artists mingled there, creating a progressive history and culture. As a key port in the Seto Inland Sea, Tomonoura has been continuously involved in warfare, and many historical sites and materials related to historical events have been preserved. In knowing the eternal historical romance of Tomonoura, we can even more greatly enjoy walking around the town.

Okayama Korakuen Garden, the starting point for kayaking, is one of the most famous feudal garden of the Edo period. After strolling Korakuen Garden, which conveys the atmosphere of the Edo period, we will take a leisurely paddle around the moat by kayak and enjoy the scenery of each of the four seasons. Seen from the river, the dynamic appearance of Okayama Castle, (also known as Ujo), is said to be as beautiful as the wet feathers of a raven. Stones from Inujima in the Setouchi Sea were said to be used for the walls of Okayama Castle, brought to the site by the Asahikawa River. We, too, will travel along the Asahikawa River to the legendary island visited by Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan. Throughout the day, we trace by water the route the Setouchi Sea to Okayama Castle, following the ages from when Jimmu moved his capital east, right up to the Edo period. A time travel experience that history buffs will not want to miss.