When visiting Kure, besides touring the naval port and maritime attractions, I also highly recommend taking a walk along Alley Karasukojima. As you walk along the coast, you can enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands, and the sea breeze feels especially pleasant. The path preserves its natural scenery, and it’s also a rare opportunity to see submarines up close.
Alley-Karasukojima | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Kakifukumaru
Kakifukumaru is a direct off shoot of the popular Ogoe Suisan on Miyajima’s Omotesando Shopping Street. Just a 10-minute stroll from Miyajima Pier, you’ll know you’re at this oyster-haven by the blue curtain and banners and all the freshly harvested oysters waiting inside.
When visiting Miyajima, besides Itsukushima Shrine and Omotesando Shopping Street, oysters are another local specialty you shouldn’t miss. Kakifukumaru specializes in fresh oyster dishes, and you can try oysters prepared in different ways here. The oysters are plump, tender, and juicy, with a rich taste of the sea that immediately gives you a sense of the Seto Inland Sea’s distinctive character. It’s a good place to stop for a meal and recharge.
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Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
During the Edo period, Nagasaki was actively engaged in trade with China, and the land reclaimed from the sea to build a baggage warehouse to store goods from Chinese ships was called Shinchikurasho. Today, a monument to the Shinchikurasho site stands in the center of Chinatown.
The brightly colored Chinese-style gates and streets immediately give the area a strong international atmosphere. There are many Chinese restaurants and souvenir shops here, where you can try Nagasaki specialties such as champon, sara udon, and kakuni manju. Compared with Yokohama Chinatown, though, it is quite a bit smaller.
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Setoda Sunset Beach
Setoda Sunset Beach is an 800-meter long beach recognized as one of Japanese 88 Swimming Beaches. Home to beautiful white sands and plenty of space for watersports, this beach waterfront is true to its name, offering up beautiful views of the sun as it sets of the Seto Inland Sea. There’s also camping, sea-kayaking, SUP boats and more for activity-lovers to enjoy.
This is a great place to slow down and enjoy the ocean view. The beach faces the Seto Inland Sea and offers a very open view. On clear days, you can see the sea and the surrounding islands in the distance. I especially recommend coming before evening. As the sun slowly sets, the sky and water are bathed in warm colors, creating a very romantic atmosphere. Sitting by the sea, feeling the breeze, and quietly watching the sunset is also a relaxing and soothing moment during a trip to the Seto Inland Sea.
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