Getting Around Seto
Seto is a compact city, and much of what a visitor comes to see — the ceramics shops and the main sights — sits within walking distance of the central stations. For anything further out, a network of buses fills in the gaps. The practical picture is simple: arrive by train, orient yourself around Owari-Seto station, and walk or take a bus from there.
Arriving by Train
Seto is served by two train lines, the primary one being the Meitetsu-Seto Line. This train is easy to spot thanks to its bright red paint job, and it runs regularly between Owari-Seto and Sakae.
If you are coming from Nagoya station, there are two ways to reach Seto:
- Via Ozone: Start on the JR Chuo Line to Ozone. At Ozone, change from JR to the Meitetsu and ride the Meitetsu to Seto.
- Via Kozoji: Again take the JR Chuo Line, but instead of getting off at Ozone, continue to Kozoji station. At Kozoji, change to the Aichi Loop Line and get off at Shin-Seto.
One important thing to keep in mind: most of the sites and ceramics shops are located near Owari-Seto station, not Shin-Seto. If the pottery and the main attractions are your goal, aim for Owari-Seto.
Getting Around the City
Seto is small enough that you can walk to most of the attractions from either Owari-Seto station or Shin-Seto station. Walking is therefore the simplest and most flexible way to cover the core of the city.
For destinations that are further out, there are a variety of buses that will usually run to or near them. These buses are the practical fallback when a sight lies beyond comfortable walking range from the stations.
Practical Tips
- Plan your arrival station around your itinerary: Owari-Seto for the ceramics shops and main sites, Shin-Seto if you are coming in via the Aichi Loop Line.
- Expect to do a lot on foot once you are in the center — the city's layout rewards walkers.
- Check bus routes for any outlying destination, since buses generally serve the places beyond easy walking distance.