■Cruise Route Map
■ Cruise name : Setouchi Shimatabi Line
■ Cruising area
Tobishima Kaido and Shimanami Kaido areas (Geiyo Islands area), which connect Hiroshima Port (Ujina) and Onomichi Port
Tobishima and Shimanami Kaido Expressways, connecting Hiroshima Port (Ujina) and Mihara Port.
Operator : Setouchi Sealine（Setonaikai Kisen Group）
Ship owner : Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (abbreviated name: JRTT) and Setouchi Shimatabi Corporation
Shipyard : Setouchi Craft Co., Ltd.
■Service Schedule
March 1, 2025 (Saturday) to December 7, 2025 (Sunday): Operates on Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and National Holidays
■ Cruiser Name
SEA SPICA
Spica is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. With its pale blue shine, it is one of the brightest stars that form the Spring Triangle asterism. Named after the star that shines brightly over Setouchi's blue ocean, the cruiser takes passengers on a freeing journey. This is the new Setouchi highspeed sightseeing cruiser.
The distinctive logo combines the image of “Spica” (literally, “Pearl Star”), a key component of the Spring Triangle star cluster within the Virgo constellation, and the route linking isles along the Seto Inland Sea. It is also origin of the “SEA SPICA” cruiser name.
■Onboard Facilities
＜1F＞
Contrary to existing highspeed cruisers, SEA SPICA's interior features custom sofa style seating with tables and drink holders at each seat. Window seat pairings are slightly angled towards the window, and have low backrests to offer unobstructed views of the ocean.
★ In preparation for use in the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit, the four one-person seats in the center of the 1F passenger seating section were converted into a long, semi-curved seat facing a table. Additionally, the two-person seats in the back of the section were reupholstered from a white and orange fabric to a blue fabric. Both of these seats feature the G7 Hiroshima Summit logo mark, and will continue to be used.
* Photographs are for illustrative purposes, and may vary from the actual design.
● The four-screen multiple display installed at the front of the lower-deck cabin projects images from the upper-deck pilothouse, ensuring passengers the identical view as the captain.
● This combination monitor also profiles the history, charisma and other aspects of sightseeing stops and scenic viewpoints along the way, further fueling passenger interest and anticipation.
● An onboard concierge fully versed in the Seto Inland Sea provides explanations of the history and appeal of the islands. This special service enriches visual appreciation of the cruise with detailed descriptions of Setouchi enchantments.
＜2F＞
The upper-deck “SPICA TERRASSE” features sofas crafted in the image of the Setouchi island chain, along with counter-style tables. These appointments ensure optimum and unobstructed views of the exhilarating Seto Inland Sea scenery. The barrier-free design includes an elevator for ready access from the lower level for mobility challenged passengers.
* Photographs are for illustrative purposes, and may vary from the actual design.
■Seating Layout
●The cruiser can accommodate up to 90 passengers, making it also suitable as a charter ship for use by travel agencies.
●The cruiser is equipped with Wi-Fi and AC adapters, high-quality sound and resolution digital signage boards for foreign visitors, as well as a souvenir stand.
● Added conveniences include a multipurpose restroom with diaper change station, exclusive ladies’ restroom, direct elevator to the upper deck and other amenities to further enhance passenger comfort on Seto Inland Sea cruises.
Designer
• Yasuyuki Kawanishi
- Architect and designer.
President of ICHIBANSEN/nextstations Co., Ltd.
He was born in Nara Prefecture in 1976 and founded ICHIBANSEN/nextstations Co., Ltd. in 2014. He has won numerous awards, including those for the renovation of Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway and the design of Echigo TOKImeki Resort Setsugekka for the Echigo TOKImeki Railway Company.
He was also involved in designing the WEST EXPRESS Ginga and Limited Express Yakumo.
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- Scenic Isles Of Setouchi
- Setouchi, comprised of a tranquil inland sea with over 700 distinctive islands, is an area packed with truly lovely landscapes. From the “Spica Terrasse,” the barrier-free SEA SPICA outside deck, passengers enjoy closeup views of the gorgeous island scenery, while being bathed in exhilarating ocean breezes.
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- Kure Bay Ship Cruise
- The Kure Bay area (focused on Kure Port) was once known as the largest naval port in the Orient. It was particularly famed for building the Yamato, the world’s largest warship at the time. As the current home for a base of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, cruises by here provide close-up views of numerous submarines, destroyers and other Self-Defense Force vessels. Depending on the time of day, meanwhile, passengers may also witness the raising and lowering of the naval flags on these ships.
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- Straits of Ondo
- The Straits of Ondo reach between Japan’s main island of Honshu and Kurahashi Island in the Seto Inland Sea. The passage is said to have been opened by Taira-no-Kiyomori (famed military leader over 1,000 years ago). Two deep-red arch bridges span this passage (Ondo Bridge and No. 2 Ondo Bridge), combining to form a source of true scenic beauty. Due to the swift currents and narrow width, these straights are renowned as a difficult stretch to navigate. Located nearby is Ondo-no-Seto Park, where spring brings the blooming of some 2,300 cherry and 8,300 azalea trees. This furnishes yet another exquisite view from the SEA SPICA deck.
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- Local Sightseeing Spots
(Usagi Course) - Ōkunoshima Island enjoys special fame as the “Rabbit Island” of Setouchi. True to that nickname, over 900 rabbits are estimated to inhabit the isle, and can be encountered in most all areas. In the past a poison gas plant was operated here, with the government deleting the island from all published maps. Traces of those days remain, fostering a unique and thought-provoking atmosphere.
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- Local Sightseeing Spots
(Shimonami Course) - Scene from Mitarai, located on Ōsaki-Shimojima Island – the fourth island along Tobishima Sea Route in the Sea of Aki. This port town retains clear vestiges of the Edo Period, when vessels waited here for favorable winds and tides. There are stores of various sizes, teahouses, shrines, a seawall and other structures dating from that era. From the Hill Overlooking History Park, a site rich in historical ambience, photos can capture an impressive range of the scenic islands of Setouchi Inland Sea below. There is also a traditional inn and boathouse later renovated as a cafe, offering leisurely passage of “island time” at its finest.
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- Onomichi
- This beautiful port town is located in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture. Onomichi’s attractions include its scenic beauty and unique charms. One popular sightseeing spot is Mount Senkoji, which has sweeping views of Onomichi and the Seto Inland Sea islands. Senkoji Park is also where you will find the Onomichi City Museum of Art and the Path of Literature. We recommend taking your time to leisurely stroll around this area, while enjoying its art and culture. The Onomichi Channel is also a great place to enjoy stunning sunsets. The sloping paths of Onomichi are sprinkled with charming old houses and streetscapes and traditional-style buildings, making for a fun day of simply strolling around the town.
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- Setoda
- Setoda in Ikuchi Island is blessed with the beautiful coastline of the Seto Inland Sea and abundant nature. The town is filled with historical buildings and cultural heritage sites, making it an attractive sightseeing spot for tourists. Setoda’s main sightseeing area has cultural facilities such as the museum and art gallery. It also has places of natural beauty such as sunset beach, where visitors can relax and enjoy spending time in nature.
Setoda also offers unique experiences for visitors, such as renting a bicycle to ride around the town, and enjoying all things lemon which are a way of life there!
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- Tatara Bridge
- The Tatara Bridge cuts a striking image as it spans across the Onomichi Channel that flows through Onomichi. With a length of 1480 m, making it the longest bridge of its kind in Japan, this cable-stayed bridge rises 48 m above sea level and forms a beautiful arch over the sea. You can enjoy sweeping views of Onomichi and the Seto Inland Sea from the bridge. In particular, many people flock to Tatara Bridge to enjoy its well-known stunning sunset scenery and night views. Pedestrians and cyclists can also walk and ride on the bridge, making it a perfect spot for strolling and cycling.
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■ Reservations
Setoauchi Shimatabi Line | Travel around Setouchi on the SEA SPICA
