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Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
In a period during which you'll find yourself wanting to actively get outdoors, how about a leisurely island tour in the pleasantly warm weather of the Seto Inland Sea?
SKY TREK recommends Naoshima, an island floating on the surface of the Seto Inland Sea, which offers an abundance of beautiful nature and art to enjoy. With art spots spread out across the entirety of the island, why not kick back and enjoy a tour of "Art Island", for the plethora of fine arts and diverse architecture it has to offer?
We'd like to introduce a comprehensive tour plan packed with the marvels of exploring the Seto Inland Sea by both air and by sea en route to Naoshima.
Naoshima, A Haven of Modern Art
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
About 3 km south of Tamano City in the Okayama Prefecture, "Naoshima" is located at the center of a series of 27 islands, both large and small, which make up Naoshima-cho (the town of Naoshima). Around 3,200 people live within the premises of an area that is approximately 7.82 square kilometers.
Prior to the island's revitalization through various art projects, the island was a tranquil place with an economy sustained by a local industry that involved farming yellowtail and cultivating seaweed, alongside smelting precious metals, such as copper, in the north of the island. Like many other islands, depopulation and an aging community led to a gradual decline from a population of 7,501 people, which peaked in 1955.
Beginning with the "Benesse House", which opened in 1992, is a facility that is based on the coexistence among nature, architetcure, and art. Following this, various pieces of artwork can be found at the "Chichu Art Museum", a museum built into the southern part of the island designed by Tadao Ando. Additionally, the "Yellow Pumpkin" and "Red Colored Pumpkin" statues, both designed by Kusama Yayoi, are scattered across the island. These attractions bring in around 720,000 tourists from around the world annually who flock to see an island so affluent in the art that it is nicknamed the "Haven of Modern Art".Naoshima is also popular for being the central venue hosting a modern art festival held once every 3 years known as the "Setouchi Triennale".
The festival, held on April 26, was chosen as one of "52 Places to Go in 2019" by the New York Times. (Insert 2020 date here)
Departing From Kobe with SKY TREK
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
You will fly with SKY TREK from Hirata Gakuen Air Center, which is about a 10 minute walk from Kobe Airport. At the scheduled time, the KODIAK 100, a SKY TREK exclusive aircraft, will be readily awaiting your arrival.
The KODIAK100 is manufactured by the American company, Quest Aircraft, and built for the purpose of international humanitarian assistance. The aircraft is able to cruise safely at low altitudes, as well as take off from and land on bumpy and uneven grounds, exhibiting its superior aviation capabilities in tough environments.
The aircraft is equipped with the latest glass cockpit indicators manufactured by Garmin, which are highly trusted by pilots. Besides the assurance of your complete safety, the powerful jet engines ensure smooth and comfortable air travel.
Up to 6 people can board the aircraft, accompanied by comfortable leather seats and accessories that are installed so that you can fully enjoy your flight in comfort.
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
After a simple explanation of the flight route and safety inspection, it will be time to board before you know it. Since this is your exclusive aircraft, you don't have to worry about inconvenient waiting times. Only SKY TREK makes it possible to experience the phrase, “Instead of waiting for your flight, the plane waits for you”.
Traverse Every Sightseeing Spot From The Skies!
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
From Kobe, you will spend 45 minutes with a view of each sightseeing spot on the way to the destination of "Kounan Airport". At the pilots direction, you will immediately begin takeoff once you are settled inside of the aircraft.
The biggest difference between a commercial airline and SKY TREK is being able to enjoy the scenery while cruising at low altitude. You'll have the luxury taking in the overhead view of Himeji Castle from an altitude of 600m, while making a loop around as well.
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
Taking in the various sights of Japan from the skies is far more exciting than you may realize. By viewing the wonders of Japan from above, you are able to experience familiar locations in an entirely new way like never before, making every second a moment to remember.
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
After gazing upon the various sights of Kobe and Osaka, entering your periphery at the horizon will be the Seto Inland Sea, the largest inland sea in Japan.
With the peaceful waters of the ocean and the group of islands comprising the archipelago before you, you are sure to feel a sense of excitement welling up inside you. .
Heading to Naoshima on a Luxury Cruise!
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
After landing at Kounan Airport, you will head to Uno Port by car to board the Seto Yacht Charter. After arriving at Uno Port, which should take around 30 minutes by car, the catamaran yacht known as the Seto Yacht Charter will be awaiting our arrival.
A catamaran yacht refers to a ship where two hulls are held parallel by a deck and is known for having an interior that is more spacious than a cruiser. They are popular among celebrities worldwide for taking a slow, relaxing cruise.
The catamaran is also characterized by its excellent stability, ensuring you enjoy your ride in comfort.
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
Manufactured by the French company BALI, the BALI 4.0 yacht model is among the company’s most distinguished with its sleek “white” themed mast and body that exudes a sense of class which stands out in the azure waters of the Seto Inland Sea 
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
At a length of 40 feet (12.19 meters), the interior houses a deck, kitchen, and salon, as well as 3 guest cabins and 3 separate bathrooms/showers, allowing for a capacity of 10 people when cruising (or 6 people for staying overnight on the ship).
With a high ceiling and a bright, spacious interior atmosphere, you can fully enjoy the luxury of a relaxing cruise.
While basking in the rays of the Setouchi sun, you'll find yourself savoring a brief spell of freedom as you feel yourself melting into the ocean around you.
An Elegant Experience Made Possible By a Cruise
Inside of the ship, you can choose from a variety of meal options and alcoholic beverages you'd like to enjoy during the cruise.
There are various courses to decorate a special occasion, from meals prepared by the crews or chefs on board, as well as convenient catering. It is possible to make special requests prior to the cruise depending on your preferences, such as vegetarian options.
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
A Deeply Moving Scenery from On Board the Ship
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
On board the boat towards "Naoshima", it is possible to see "Toyoshima", known as the fusion of nature and art, as well as the "Injuma", symbolized by the magnificent art of the Inujima Seirensho Museum, which is built on the site of an old copper refinery.After enjoying the unique view of the Seto islands from aboard a yacht throughout the course of the two and a half hour cruise, we finally arrive at our destination, Naoshima.
Arrival at Naoshima!
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
This first art piece to catch the eye of arriving tourists is the "Red Colored Pumpkin", created by Kusama Yayoi in 1994.
The piece was designed with the concept of "a yearning to search to the fringes of space to find the 'red light' of the sun', which then transformed into a red pumpkin in the seas of Naoshima."
A number of the water drops on the "Red Colored Pumpkin" have been carved out, making it possible to go inside of the pumpkin.
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
A counterpoint to the "Red Colored Pumpkin" is the "Yellow Pumpkin".
This is also a work of Kusama Yayoi, and while it is an approximate 40 minute walk from the port, this time you'll have the luxury of seeing it from the ship.
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
The "Naoshima Pavilion" is an object designed by Fujimoto Sosuke for the 60th Anniversary of Naoshima's Implementation.
The work, designed with a concept of being a "28th island" to the 27 islands which comprise Naoshima, was built with 250 sheets of stainless steel wires and is a popular photo spot since it is possible to go inside of the artistic object.
Naoshima has plenty of other artistic sights to offer in the "Benesse House Museum", the "Chichu Art Museum", and the art-themed bathhouse titled "I ♥ (LOVE) YU" (yu is Japanese for hot water or bath).
After thoroughly enjoying the various art pieces, you will head back to Uno Port.
A New Way to Enjoy the Seto Inland Sea
Photo by Tetsuya Ito / Courtesy of SKY TREK
This has been an introduction to a comprehensive island tour provided by both SKY TREK and the Seto Inland Yacht Charter, allowing you to enjoy the marvels of the Seto Inland Sea from both the sky and the sea.
Enjoy a short spell of respite amid the calm sparkling waters and countless pieces of modern art each island has to offer.
How about a one of a kind trip where you can immerse yourself in the Seto Inland Sea on your next vacation?＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
SKY TREK
https://skytrek.co.jp/
https://tours.skytrek.co.jp/
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