By Cathy Hirano

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Seto Inland Sea’s designation as a national park. What better way to celebrate than to enjoy an intimate sunset cruise? That’s exactly what I did this evening, and it was wonderful.


Here’s our beautiful boat – a catamaran.

A team of local Seto Inland Sea lovers have banded together to create their own cruise business called Foucault. They are currently offering 2-hour sunset cruises every Friday through Sunday from about 5:30 to 7:30 PM for up to 17 people.

Some of my fellow shipmates.




There was a group of university students who belong to the “Kagawaken Lovers” club, a local designer/creator, and a member of the French circus “Cabaret”, as well as a boy and his mother who are originally from Taiwan.

Heading out to sea


And leaving Takamatsu far behind.


Our guide, Haruyo Horio, took time out from driving occasionally to share his knowledge of the sea and the islands.



Being very close to the water, the catamaran lets you feel close to the sea, which is both exhilarating and surprisingly relaxing.



Everyone was invited to bring food and drinks so that they could enjoy a picnic on deck



while watching the sun go slowly down. Heaven.







The sunset cruise is just JPY4,000 per person (minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 17). You can also charter a personalized trip to one of over 110 deserted islands where you can stop for a swim and/or a picnic or BBQ. Or you can cruise under the towering Seto Ohashi bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. If you have a group and an idea, the people at Foucault are willing to consult and come up with a plan. Check out their website for more information (and much nicer photos than mine!). It’s in Japanese only at the moment but they have plans to include English. http://www.foucault.co.jp/
https://www.facebook.com/foucault.setouchi




Coming soon!!
Kagawa Waterfront Festival
July 19-August 8. Will include 15-minute hologram shows on a giant water screen in the sea. Come and enjoy art, dynamic historical storytelling, and entertainment. Shows are at 19:40, 20:30 and 21:20 at Sunport. For more details (in Japanese) see: http://www.pref.kagawa.jp/seto80/event/waterfront.html

Sensory Dining in Tamamo Park
Gourmet cuisine coupled with works produced by top Kagawan artists and artisans makes for a special dining experience. Details are not up yet but last year this special event ran from August 10 through 18. Information will be posted on their website soon: http://www.takumikumo.com/shiro-cafe/

For more info on Takamatsu:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu
http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/
http://tia-takamatsu.jp/
http://www.my-kagawa.jp/eg/

Other Takamatsu bloggers:
http://pat.ashita-sanuki.jp/
http://ogijima.com