Key facts
- Japan's Seto Inland Sea is focusing on private cruises to attract affluent travelers.
- The region boasts over 700 islands and scenic beauty.
- The Solarina Setoda Marina opened in September on Ikuchijima Island.
The Seto Inland Sea, an area dotted with over 700 islands, is being developed as a destination for affluent travelers, with a particular emphasis on private and luxury cruise experiences. The region's natural scenery is being leveraged to draw this high-spending demographic.
New infrastructure is being put in place to support this tourism push. The Solarina Setoda Marina, located on Ikuchijima Island off the coast of Hiroshima prefecture, opened in September. This development is part of an effort to increase capacity and enhance the visitor experience.
Luxury cruise operators are highlighting the unique offerings of the region. For instance, Le Jacques Cartier, a French-flagged yacht with 92 staterooms and suites, is designed to provide an intimate and refined cruising experience. It features spacious accommodations, panoramic dining areas, and amenities like a pool deck with a counter-current system and a hydraulic platform for easier embarkation and access to water sports.