Setouchi Seaplanes has launched Japan’s first commercial seaplane operation in 50 years, to areas around the Seto Inland Sea, the body of water between Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu that is home to 3,000 islands.
The company, located on the southern coast of Hiroshima Prefecture, is offering a 50-minute sightseeing flight over the Geiyo Islands, an area renowned for its scenic beauty. Alternatively, customers can customise their tours through special or chartered flights.
“A seaplane can be a very convenient and useful tourism tool for a country surrounded by ocean, like Japan,” said Yutaka Nakanishi, the firm’s marketing and planning department manager. “We offer tourists the chance to see the magical beauty of islands large and small, ancient ruins, and historic buildings.”
The fleet comprises Kodiak 100 amphibious planes produced by US-based Quest Aircraft. For an adult, prices range from 32,000 yen (US$310) on weekdays to 42,000 yen during holidays.
Robert Day, owner of Japan tour specialist Robert Day Travel, believes there will be quite a lot of interest but pricing is key to converting that interest to demand.
“The scenery in the inland sea area is spectacular and I think that an aerial view would only make the view better,” he said. “As long as people think that the price offers good value for money, then I’m sure there would be interest.”
Setouchi Seaplanes also plans to offer charter flights from Kansai International Airport to Hiroshima Prefecture and to expand its routes to include the bay areas of Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka.
