Itineraries Capturing the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea From Kobe to Ehime with many vantage points

The view from Mt. Maya will take your breath away

Mt. Maya is one of the main peaks in the Rokko mountain range located to the north of Kobe. Accessible via the Maya cablecar and ropeway, you can see Kobe and Osaka from the top – the scene after dark is known as the "ten-million-dollar night view".

This local delicacy is a must-try in Kobe

Kobe is famous for its beef, valued for its high-quality flavour, unique melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and fatty, well-marbled texture. It's especially delicious when perfectly seared on the outside and warmed through; the best ways to enjoy it are yakiniku (grilled over charcoal) and teppanyaki (cooked on a griddle).

Enjoy a leisurely ride on the Kobe Port Cruise at Meriken Park

This picturesque modern waterfront park is covered in a grassy lawn, dotted with art installations and fountains. Attractions include the Kobe Maritime Museum, Kawasaki Good Times World, and the iconic Kobe Port Tower. You can also hop on a leisurely trip on the 1.5 hour-long Kobe Port Cruise.

Shop until you drop at Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe

Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe offers over 130 shops and restaurants where you can get high-quality products and famous domestic brands at outlet prices. Built on a site overlooking the ocean, the mall is designed to give off a cheerful atmosphere like that of Southern Europe.

Be greeted by beautiful sights at Fukuzenji Temple

Located in Tomonoura with its photogenic alleys lined with rustic wooden houses, Fukuzenji is a small Buddhist temple next to Tomo Port, overlooking Tomonoura bay and Bentenjima Island. The breathtaking view from the temple's verandah is said to be one of the most beautiful in East Asia.

Take in the beauty of nature at Sensui Island

At a five-minute ferry ride from Tomonoura is Sensui, an uninhabited island surrounded by lush greenery, clear blue waters, and rugged rock formations. You can chill at the beaches, walking along quiet hiking trails, take a break at a cafe, or relax in the outdoor hot springs.

Feel the positive effects of the hot springs

Take a dip in Tomonoura Onsen, where the hot springs that have a high content of radon have a multitude of positive effects including easing muscular pain and neuralgia. Around the area, there are many comfortable inns and hotels you can stay in.

Explore the quaint town of Onomichi

Onomichi is a port town at the base of Mt. Senkoji (accessible via ropeway from Senkoji Park) where houses cling onto the steep hills, criss-crossed by narrow streets like Cat Alley which is popular for its cats. Check out the old-world tea house Fukuro-no-yakata or U2, a modern cyclist-oriented facility.

Indulge in delicious Onomichi Ramen

Onomichi Ramen is the local version of ramen in Hiroshima Prefecture, characterised by its clear soy sauce base made from dashi (soup stock) which is made using chicken bones and small fish. To top off this tasty dish, chashu (barbequed pork), bamboo shoots and green onions are added.

Challenge yourself with a Shimanami Cycling Tour

The Shimanami Cycling Tour connects Onomichi to Imabari (on Shikoku island), traversing six islands along the way with beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea accompanying the journey. This is the only cycling event in Japan that takes place completely on a highway along a dedicated cycle path.

The intriguing Imabari Towel Museum

Imabari is famous for producing towels – a fact commemorated by the Imabari Towel Museum, housed in a grand European-looking building. The museum features towel sculptures, and a gallery of beautiful patterns that vary with the ever-changing theme. There's also a garden, a cafe, and a shop on site.

Visit one of Japan's oldest hot springs

Located in Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs. The beautiful wooden bathhouse, Dogo Onsen Honkan, has a thousand-year history and served as the inspiration for Studio Ghibli's ‘Spirited Away'. Around the area, there are ryokan (hot spring hotels), temples and shrines.

Take a trip on the Botchan Train

Based on the train depicted in the novel ‘Botchan', written by one of Japan's leading novelists Soseki Natsume who recounts his own experiences in Matsuyama. Take a 20-30 minute ride on this replica steam train with a wooden interior from the 19th century between Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama city.

Discover one of the Japan's intact Edo-era castles

Located on Mt Katsuyama, the grand Matsuyama Castle – with its turrets and keep – has survived in its original state since the 17th century. From the castle, there's a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea; it's especially scenic in spring during cherry blossom season.

Taste fresh mikan (orange) juice from a faucet

At the Ehime Tourist Product Centre at Matsuyama Castle's cable car station, you can actually get mikan (orange) juice from a faucet! Simply pay ¥100 for a cup and fill it with juice from the tap. Ehime is famous for their sweet mikan, so this juice is a must-try.