Secrets of Setouchi

Touched by Natural Beauty

In association with

Setouchi encompasses the 7 prefectures around the Seto Inland Sea, including Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Tokushima, and Ehime. It is known for its outstanding natural beauty and diverse culture.

Highlights

Read about our writers' experiences in Setouchi

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The White Heron Castle of Himeji

Originally built over 400 years ago, Himeji Castle still stands today as a testament to the craftsmanship of its ancient builders. Also known as the White Heron Castle, it offers a firsthand glimpse into Japanese history. 계속

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Kinosaki Marine World

As an island nation, Japan is deeply connected to the sea. At Kinosaki Marine World, the nation's relationship is on display in an amazing way. It's not just an aquarium - it's a marine life experience! 계속

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Korakuen Garden

Although there are many impressive gardens throughout Japan, few can match the design and beauty of Korakuen in Okayama City. 계속

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Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Sometimes known as the "Venice of Japan," the Bikan Historical Quarter in Kurashiki City lives up to the title. Though it is much smaller than the real Venice, don't let its size fool you! This hidden travel gem is one of Japan's finest historical sites. 계속

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Cat Alley In Onomichi

Neko no Hosomichi or Cat Alley in Onomichi is hidden away between the sloping streets that wind around the town. It connects art, the town, people and greenery into one unique experience that you will not forget. 계속

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Cycling the Shimanami Kaido

The Shimanami Kaido Expressway connects six islands from Onomichi in Hiroshima to Imabari in Ehime. Six spectacular bridges link these tranquil islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The bike ride is 70 kms in total and provides users with spectacular aerial and land views of the diverse landscape these islands are famous for. 계속

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Yamaguchi's Yuda Onsen & Rurikoji

Travel to Yamaguchi's Yuda Onsen & Rurikoji Temple to see wonderful lesser-known sightseeing spots in the Setouchi area of Japan. 계속

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Best of the Yanai Historic District

Travel to Yamaguchi Prefecture and 'time slip' into Japan's past in Yanai City's lovely historic district, only 35 minutes by train from Iwakuni. 계속

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Naruto Whirlpool Boat Trip

The Naruto Whirlpools are a natural wonder that occurs in the Naruto Straits between Oge Island in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. They can be viewed from bridge or from sea craft. 계속

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Kazurabashi - Rope Bridge of Iya

A traditional vine-rope bridge located in Tokushima Prefecture's Iya Valley region. A beautiful work of engineering in a gorgeous natural setting makes this bridge one of Tokushima's top tourist destinations. 계속

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Takamatsu's Ritsurin Garden

Ritsurin Garden is one of the most nationally acclaimed gardens in Japan. Standing for nearly 400 years, this garden is in the center of Takamatsu City, Kagawa. Visitors come from around the world to walk and enjoy the extensive grounds. 계속

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Art of Naoshima and Teshima

Two islands sit beside each other in the narrow Seto Inland Sea. Located between Okayama and Takamatsu prefectures, these two islands are famous for their art museums and art installations. 계속

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Sakura at Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama is becoming increasingly more popular with travellers who are looking for locations slightly removed from the traditional tourist routes of central Honshu. Matsuyama City is distinctive because of it's slightly more rustic, cozy setting on Shikoku which contributes to the the warmth of its welcome and ability to enamour the visitor. Matsuyama castle is one of the central attractions of the city, and still holds a key role in day to day cultural and seasonal festivities. 계속

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Dogo Onsen: Tradition Stripped Bare

Dogo Onsen, the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away, is one of Matsuyama's most prized buildings and one of Japan's oldest bath houses. 계속

Location

Setouchi is the area surrounding the Seto Inland Sea in Western Japan

Community Discoveries

See what other discoveries our community has made in Setouchi

Hyogo

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Jazz Statues in Kobe Kitano

Why you can see statues of jazz musicians in Kobe Kitano. 계속

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Shopping For Local Awaji Flavors

Souvenirs and local produce on sale at the Higashiura Road Station on Awaji Island. 계속

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Kemmin Sun Beach on Awaji Island

Yellow sand and blue sea makes Kemmin Sun Beach in Ura an inviting summer resort. 계속

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Wonderful Kobe

Exploring Kobe and three star Grand Hotel Sky Villa 계속

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Kitano-Tenman Shrine in Kobe

Views over Kobe, bonsai pines and fortune telling papers at this pretty shrine in Kitano-cho. 계속

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Walk Through Chinatown in Kobe

Kobe's Chinatown is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. You can feast on spring rolls, steamed dumplings and other delicious Chinese street food. Just a few minutes walk from Sannomiya Station in will bring you to Kobe's Chinatown. 계속

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Himeji Castle and Engyoji Temple

Historic Engyoji Temple, site of the Last Samurai. Also, the city of Himeji and Himeji Castle. 계속

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Honpukuji – the Water Temple

Honpukuji: the Water Temple on Awaji Island designed by famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando is a beautiful modern reinterpretation of a Japanese temple. 계속

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Awaji Hanasajiki Park

Beautiful flower park Awaji Hanasajiki has mass plantings of various flowers throughout the year. 계속

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Izanagi Jingu Shrine

Japan's oldest shrine, Izunagi Jingu, is found on Awaji Island. 계속

Okayama

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Fun in Okayama

Exploring Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden 계속

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Étoile Café in Okayama

Étoile café and restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood of Okayama city in the Okayama prefecture. A good dining location for the budgeting tourist and the busy traveler. 계속

Hiroshima

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The Miyajima Fireworks Experience

The Miyajima Fireworks Show, also known as the "Miyajima-on-the-sea-Fireworks Display," is an annual show and festival that takes place on the island of Miyajima. The festival is one of the most famous fireworks shows in Japan, and crowds of tourists flock to the island each year to see the show. 계속

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An Evening in Hiroshima

Views of the A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima on the evening of a beautiful sunset 계속

Yamaguchi

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Rurikoji & Toshunji Temples in Fall

Visitors to Yamaguchi in autumn should be sure to visit Kozan Park's Rurikoji & Toshunji Temples. A historic five story pagoda, one of Japan's 'Top 3' is especially beautiful when framed by vibrant red and yellow leaves. 계속

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Yuda Onsen's Patisserie Fleur

Patisserie Fleur is a wonderful shop selling delicious desserts and sweets in Yamaguchi City's Yuda Onsen. Choose from a wide selection of treats and feel free to enjoy them onsite in the cafe inside their beautifully renovated historic building. 계속

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Yanai's Sagawa Shoyu-gura & Museum

Sagawa Shoyu was founded in 1830 and is located in Yanai City's white-walled historic district in Yamaguchi Prefecture. See soy sauce being brewed in a traditional manner, try some samples, and purchase your favorite. 계속

Tokushima

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Naruto-cho Tosadomariura Photo Walk

A couple of hours spent walking around Naruto-cho Tosadomaiura taking photos. 계속

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Long sandy beach at Naruto

Long, sandy and deserted beach on Oge Island in Naruto. 계속

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Awa-Odori Kaikan in Tokushima

Experience the Awa-Odori Festival's folk dance throughout the year at Tokushima's Awa-Odori Kaikan. 계속

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Tokyo to Tokushima: Travel Tips!

Sometimes it's worth it to fork out a little more cash for some peace of mind. Travel Tips from my 3-day trip to Tokushima. 계속

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Tokushima University Area

The area around Tokushima University is quite scenic and worth checking out. 계속

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Kurozo Marshlands

A beautiful mountain marsh in the rustic Iya Valley region of Tokushima on the island of Shikoku, Japan. There is a boardwalk hike, observatories, lookouts, a small waterfall, a nearby hot spring, and places to picnic. 계속

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Ooasahiko Shrine

OoAsahiko ( 大麻比古神社 ) is a Shinto Shrine in Naruto, Tokushima. Located within walking distance of Ryozen Temple, it is the first of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. 계속

Kagawa

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Nirvana in Kagawa

Nirvana in Kagawa is the end of the Henro, but what it leads on to is also important. 계속

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Shikoku Pilgrimage's Mairi Path

About Temples 71-77 which form the Mairi Path, and its origins, Iyadani-ji. A sad story but henro are happy coming closer to Nirvana. 계속

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Fancy A Fan?

How the Japanese round fans, uchiwa, are handcrafted in Marugame. 계속

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Utazu's Temples of Love

Utazu has two sides, one with wedding chapels and the other with old temples. Both are temples of love, just different sorts. 계속

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Marugame's Nakatsu Banshoen

Nakatsu Banshoen is an often-missed Japanese garden not far from Marugame Castle, in Kagawa Prefecture. Dating back to 1688, it contains a walking path around a lovely pond, a gallery/museum, and a restaurant. 계속

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Ocean Views of Naoshima

In Japan's Kagawa prefecture, the art island of Naoshima is also worth visiting for its scenery and beautiful ocean views. 계속

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A Complete Guide to Naoshima

In Japan's inland sea, Naoshima is a small island that's home to striking modern art museums, designed to blend in with the beautiful natural scenery 계속

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In and Around Takamatsu

In Kagawa prefecture on Japan's Shikoku island, Takamatsu is a lively, interesting city with interesting sights and scenery around it. 계속

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Nagasaki no Hana

A narrow peninsula jutting out into the sea, Nagasaki no Hana is a great place to get a view of the surrounding seascape of Takamatsu. 계속

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Highway To Heaven at Konpirasan

Konpirasan, or the Kotohira Shrine is a steep climb that does take you to heaven, because of all the beauty you find, both along the way and at the top. 계속

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Take 5

Take 5 is a delicious little burger cafe in the heart of Takamatsu City. Possibly the best burger to be had in the city and located in the center of town, near Marugamemachi Green and the post office in the Kataharamachi area of downtown. 계속

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Milano no Okazuyasan

Milano no Okazuyasan is a great Italian restaurant in downtown Takamatsu. Family run with a wide menu and generous portions, you get a great value here. The fettuccine, salad dressing, bread, and many of the desserts are fresh-made throughout each day. 계속

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Chocolat Chocolat Coffee

Cozy nooks, soft sofas, and a modern design make this comfortable cafe in Sanuki City a great place to meet people for a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, or even a full meal. 계속

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Hiking Yashima Plateau

Yashima Plateau is the biggest green space in central Takamatsu and it has a great trail for short day hikes. 계속

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The Yashima Plateau

Yashima is a plateau in Takamatsu City with a long history. There are shrines, a temple, a castle ground, hiking paths, and plenty of places to get stunning views of the surrounding area. 계속

Ehime

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A Disturbing Temple: Ishiteji 51

Ishetiji Temple 51's eclectic collection of different gods and deities can be disturbing because one can't find order in it. 계속

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Towel Town

An Imabari towel is forever: Japan's softest, most absorbent, most durable towels come from Imabari in Ehime. 계속

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Eating at Everest

Authentic and pleasing Indian food at a good price. 계속

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The Splendour Falls On Castle Walls

A castle that has kept much of its original shape and components, Matsuyama Castle still reigns among the most impressive of Japan's castles. 계속

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Enlightenment In Ehime

The third stage of Enlightenment in Ehime: Part 7 of Old Tiger Henro's Shikoku Pilgrimage. 계속

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Walking on Cloud, Sea, and Sky

The beauty of the Kurushima Kaikyo, part of the world's longest suspension bridge Shimanami Kaido, makes for a wonderful walk. 계속

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Enlightenment to Nirvana - Or Not

Enlightenment might be admitting defeat. Old Tiger Henro Part 9 계속

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Zuio-ji

Zuio-ji is a temple monastery of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. Many monks live, train, work, and study here. Meditation is free for lay people to attend. 계속