Trade Tokyo's futuristic frenzy for far eastern wilds faster than you can say "Sayonara!"

Article by Robert Earle Howells

Paddle an Inland Sea

The brilliantly red Torii Gate, floating off the coast ofg Miyajima, represents the passgae from reality to the realm of the spirit - a fitting symbol for the trandsition into the otherworldly beauty of a kayaking trip in the Seto Sea.  Here hundreds of gumdrop islands dot the water, but tiny Miyajima is the gem. Maine-based H2Outfitters leads paddling excursions that circumnavigate much of the island's 19-mile coast, nosing into sea caves and oyster farms and setting onto pocket beaches for traditional Bento box lunches.  Home based is a little Ryokan that serves killer fried eel.  Beyond the main village Miyajima is mostly wilderness. A trek to its high point, 1,739 foot Mt. Misen, passes through lush forests, populated by tame deer and frisky monkeys, to magnificent Seto views. "A paddling trip is a great way to see Miyajima," says H2O's Jeff Cooper, "and to avoid gettimg 'shrined out', which can be easy to do in Japan" VITALS: H2Outfitters leads all-inclusive 12 day trips.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine, Island Hopping Japan, October 2008