Enjoying the temporary route
Straight from Shodoshima to Hiketa!
ーThe Seto Inland Sea, shining golden just as imaginedー
During the Setouchi Triennale summer season, a temporary ferry route operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from Shodoshima’s Sakate Port (departing at 5:00 PM) to Hiketa Fishing Port in the Hiketa area (arriving at 6:00 PM).
This is a new initiative for Higashikagawa City: one round-trip service per weekend day.
What scenery awaits? Is the phrase used in the initial PR—“Enjoy the golden Seto Inland Sea”—true!? I boarded the ferry to find out.
【Guide to the Hikida Area】
→https://higashikagawa.net/setogei/#section8
From Hikeda, Higashikagawa City, take the free shuttle bus, JR Kotoku Line, ferry, and Setouchi Triennale temporary bus to arrive at Sakate Port.
At Port Terminal “Sakaterasu,” Kenji Yanobe’s works SHIP’S CAT and THE STAR ANGER welcome you.
Arrive at the departure point ahead of schedule.
It’s like a scheduled sea taxi route with a capacity of 10 passengers.
Departing on time, we were seen off by staff from the JTB Takamatsu Branch, who had been entrusted with this special charter service.
The boat picks up speed, heading for Hiketa.
The sun dips toward the west, reflecting off the sea.
When the sun slips behind thin clouds, the sea truly turns golden…
The view was exactly as I’d imagined. I was thrilled!
The sun dips toward the west, reflecting off the sea.
When the sun slips behind thin clouds, the sea truly turns golden…
The view was exactly as I’d imagined. I was thrilled!
Approximately one hour of cruising.
We’ve already arrived at Hiketa Fishing Port.
Welcomed by the bayfront art, we docked to a warm reception from many local residents.
On this day, there were six passengers including myself. Everyone except me planned to tour the Setouchi Triennale on Shodoshima before visiting the Hiketa area.
Most planned to take the train to Takamatsu after viewing the art, but one person asked about restaurants since they were staying at a hotel in the city—which made me a little happy.
The trip to Sakate Port took five hours including lunch. The return trip took just one hour. And it was only 1,500 yen.
It was truly a route offering great value, cost-effectiveness, and the chance to enjoy the golden sea.
While this route was designed with the goal of attracting visitors to the Hiketa area, it would also be great if residents of Higashikagawa City could use this route on their way back after sightseeing on Shodoshima.
The key is to take advantage of the two buses departing from Shodoshima’s Ikeda Port Terminal for Sakate Port before 4:00 PM (15:40 and 15:58).
you arrive at Ikeda Port Terminal by that time, you can take the bus to Sakate Port with peace of mind. From there, enjoy the golden Seto Inland Sea. It’s fun.
●My itinerary for the day
11:00 Depart Hiketa – (Shuttle Bus) – 11:25 Arrive at Sanbonmatsu
11:58 Depart Sanbonmatsu Station – (JR Kotoku Line Limited Express) – 12:30 Arrive at Takamatsu Station
(Lunch)
14:10 Depart Takamatsu Port → (Ferry) → 15:10 Arrive Ikeda Port
15:40 Ikeda Port → (Seto Art Festival Temporary Bus) → 16:10 Sakate Port
17:00 Sakate Port → (Temporary Ferry) → 18:00 Hiketa Fishing Port
