- Special Moments Brought by Setouchi Night View Journey with Camping Car
- 1. Washuyama Observatory (Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City)
- 2. Mizushima Kombinat Night View Spot (Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City)
- 3. Senkoji Park (Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi City)
- 4. Haigamine (Hiroshima Prefecture, Kure City)
- 5. Ōshima Bridge Observation Park (Yamaguchi Prefecture, Suō-Ōshima Town)
- 6. Bizan Observatory (Tokushima Prefecture, Tokushima City)
- 7. Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge (Ehime Prefecture, Imabari City)
- Key Points for Enjoying Night Views with Camping Cars
- Conclusion: Emotional Journey Woven by Setouchi Night Views and Camping Cars
Special Moments Brought by Setouchi Night View Journey with Camping Car
A journey touring night view spots around the Seto Inland Sea with a camping car is a special experience where freedom and emotion merge. The magnificent illumination of the Great Seto Bridge, fantastical landscapes painted by Mizushima Kombinat’s industrial night views, sparkling city lights in Onomichi Suidō, night views of sea and city lights overlooked from Haigamine in Kure, and beautiful night scenery of cityscape viewed from Bizan in Tokushima. Each spot has different personalities and charms, bringing new emotions with every visit. Today, we propose enjoying Seto Inland Sea night view tours with camping cars. We’ll also explain parking points and precautions, so please use this as reference for your outings.
1. Washuyama Observatory (Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City)
Night View Appeal
Washuyama Observatory is a spectacular spot representing the Seto Inland Sea. The highlight is the Great Seto Bridge illumination, with views overlooking Kurashiki city area and island lights. Light reflections on the sea surface create a fantastical atmosphere.
Parking Points
You can use the Washuyama Visitor Center parking lot. There’s adequate space and camping cars can park, but during tourist seasons it gets crowded, so early arrival is recommended for peace of mind.
Important Notes
Nights often become windy, so don’t forget cold weather protection. Also, areas around the observatory are dark, so prepare a flashlight.
2. Mizushima Kombinat Night View Spot (Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City)
Night View Appeal
Mizushima Kombinat is a nationally famous industrial night view spot. Smokestacks and pipelines are illuminated, allowing you to enjoy the unique beauty characteristic of industrial areas. The scenery with night views reflecting on water surfaces has breathtaking appeal.
Parking Points
Use Mizushima Central Park parking lot. Camping cars can park easily and it’s free to use, which is attractive. The night view spot is accessible within a few minutes’ walk.
Important Notes
There are many restricted areas in the industrial zone, so observe safely following guidance and signs. Also, consider nearby residents and refrain from idling or making noise as proper etiquette.
3. Senkoji Park (Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi City)
Night View Appeal
The highlights are Onomichi city area, Onomichi Suidō, and the illumination of Innoshima Bridge spreading in the distance. The contrast created by Onomichi’s characteristic intricate terrain and night views has movie scene-like beauty.
Parking Points
Senkoji Park parking lot is available 24 hours and camping cars can park without problems. However, during tourist seasons or fireworks festival days, early arrival is advisable.
Important Notes
Make an effort to spend time quietly around the park. Also, roads to the observatory are narrow and require careful driving at night. Visiting during daytime to check routes beforehand is also recommended.
4. Haigamine (Hiroshima Prefecture, Kure City)
Night View Appeal
From Haigamine at 737m elevation, night views of Kure city lights and countless islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea spread out. The contrast between port town-like lights and the sea is attractive.
Parking Points
There’s a spacious parking lot near the summit where camping cars can park. However, roads along the way are narrow with many sharp curves, so careful driving is required.
Important Notes
Snow accumulation and road surface freezing may occur in winter, so having chains ready provides peace of mind. Also, ensure proper wind protection measures at the observatory.
5. Ōshima Bridge Observation Park (Yamaguchi Prefecture, Suō-Ōshima Town)
Night View Appeal
This is a hidden gem spot where you can enjoy the illumination of Ōshima Bridge connecting Suō-Ōshima and Honshu. Bridge lights reflect on the sea, coloring the quiet Seto Inland Sea night. The combination of Suō-Ōshima’s tranquility and starry sky is also beautiful.
Parking Points
Ōshima Bridge Observation Park has a parking lot where camping cars can park. The observation area is accessible on foot from the parking lot.
Important Notes
It becomes extremely dark at night, so careful attention to footing is necessary. Also, the observatory area is often windy, so don’t forget to bring warm clothing.
6. Bizan Observatory (Tokushima Prefecture, Tokushima City)
Night View Appeal
An observatory overlooking Tokushima city and the meandering Yoshino River scenery. The way city lights reflect on the river is one of Shikoku’s premier night view spots. On clear days, you can see lights from distant Naruto area.
Parking Points
Bizan Observatory parking lot is available. There’s space for camping cars to park, so you can visit with peace of mind.
Important Notes
Narrow roads continue along the route, so drive with sufficient care. Also, the observatory area becomes quite quiet at midnight, so be mindful to keep noise down.
7. Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge (Ehime Prefecture, Imabari City)
Night View Appeal
Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge, a symbol of the Shimanami Kaidō, is spectacular when illuminated. The triple suspension bridges float in the night sky, and lights swaying on the water surface of the strait with swift currents are fantastical.
Parking Points
◎ Michi-no-Eki Kazahaya-no-Sato Fūwari
Has parking space compatible with camping cars and is ideal for breaks. You can drive to night view spots or visit Kurushima Kaikyō Exhibition Hall as recommended.
◎ Kamerōyama Observatory Park
An excellent viewpoint overlooking Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge. The parking lot is spacious and camping cars can park, but roads along the way have steep slopes and many curves, so drive carefully.
Important Notes
Observation areas are windy, so ensure proper cold weather protection. Also, tourist seasons get crowded, so weekday visits are recommended.
Key Points for Enjoying Night Views with Camping Cars
- Prioritize safe driving
Visibility becomes particularly poor at night, so drive carefully without pushing yourself. - Follow observation etiquette
Refrain from idling in parking lots and avoid causing trouble to nearby residents or other tourists. - Don’t neglect necessary preparations
Prepare warm clothing, flashlights, drinks, etc., to enjoy night views comfortably.
Conclusion: Emotional Journey Woven by Setouchi Night Views and Camping Cars
Great Seto Bridge, Mizushima Kombinat, Onomichi Suidō, Haigamine in Kure, and Bizan in Tokushima. The journey touring night view spots around the Seto Inland Sea is special moments surrounded by beautiful landscapes woven by light and nature. With camping cars, free movement and comfortable accommodation become possible, allowing you to thoroughly savor the emotion of night views. Luxurious journeys where daytime sightseeing and nighttime spectacular views become one will surely create memorable experiences. Using this article as reference, please tour Setouchi night views with camping cars and enjoy new emotional journeys. Take advantage of the free time that only camping cars can provide and definitely savor these spectacular views! If you’re planning night view tours with camping cars, please also check out this article on preparation and photography techniques.
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