Onomichi RIB tour: 60-minute Seto Inland Sea speedboat

Sixty minutes skimming the Seto Inland Sea: shipyards, temples, bridge engineering and a shrine by water

A 60-minute RIB speedboat tour departing from Onomichi takes you across the Seto Inland Sea to photograph historical maritime sites, the Innoshima Bridge, and Itsukushima Shrine: a shrine older than the famous one at Miyajima, reachable only by sea. The boat accelerates into high-speed turns. The guide records video during maneuvers and gifts the footage if you leave a review. Life jacket, protective gear and insurance are included. Children from age 5 are welcome.

The experience

The tour leaves from Onomichi's waterfront and heads into the Seto Inland Sea with a live Japanese-speaking guide. You'll pass working shipyards and temples along the Onomichi Channel, then move toward open water where the boat picks up speed. The guide steers you to photo spots at historical "SUIGUN" lookout points, lighthouses and tidal observation stations that once kept maritime traffic safe: each one a stop where the boat slows and you can frame a shot.

The Innoshima Bridge appears as you round the islands. The guide brings the boat close enough to show the scale of the engineering. Then you head to Itsukushima Shrine, which predates the better-known shrine at Miyajima and sits on an island only reachable by water. You'll stop there to pray and make a wish before the boat turns back toward Onomichi. On the return, the guide may execute high-speed turns, including "tornado" maneuvers, and if you agree to leave a review afterward, you'll receive the video footage as a keepsake.

Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure at the SUIGUN RIB TOURS office. You'll fill out a passenger manifest, review safety guidelines, and store personal belongings (food and drink excluded) at no charge. The pier is a one-minute walk from the office. Life jacket, protective gear including a wetsuit and rain coat, and insurance are all included in the price.

What’s included

• Admission to the tour.
• life jacket, protective wetsuit and rain coat.
• insurance.
• a live guide speaking Japanese who points out photo spots and records video during high-speed maneuvers.
• access to Itsukushima Shrine by sea.
• free storage of personal belongings at the office.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideJapanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by SUIGUN RIB TOURS 水軍リブツアーズ

Is this one for you?At 60 minutes, this tour fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming the whole day, leaving time to explore Onomichi's temples and streets on foot. The speed and the high-speed turns make it a thrill rather than a leisurely cruise, so it suits travelers who want an adrenaline edge to their sightseeing.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Itsukushima Shrine and why does the tour visit it?

Itsukushima Shrine is an ancient shrine that predates the famous Miyajima shrine and sits on an island accessible only by sea. The tour stops there so you can pray and make a wish as part of the experience.

Does the tour include video of the high-speed maneuvers?

The guide records video during high-speed turns and tornado maneuvers. If you agree to leave a review after the tour, you'll receive the video footage as a gift.

What protective gear is provided?

Life jacket, a wetsuit for warmth, and a rain coat are all included. You'll put on the life jacket before boarding at the pier.

What is the Innoshima Bridge and what will I see?

The Innoshima Bridge is a major Japanese bridge spanning the Seto Inland Sea. The tour brings the boat close to it so you can photograph and witness the impressive scale of the bridge-building engineering up close.