Japan’s Setouchi region includes the breathtaking coastline of the Seto Inland Sea and is bursting with art, culture, history and incredible landscapes.
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Over the years Japan has become incredibly popular with tourists, yet the country still has stunning, culturally rich regions that are rarely visited by travelers. Setouchi is one such region. Bursting with art, culture, history and incredible landscapes, this area in western Japan is home to seven distinct prefectures and hundreds of idyllic islands.
For travelers looking to explore Japan’s lesser-known corners, Setouchi offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the authentic essence of Japan. Here are four carefully curated tours of Setouchi (a small sample of Setouchi Journeys, a collection of over 20 tours) that are a perfect way to discover this remarkable destination.
All Aboard: La Malle de Bois Art Train
Go on a lovely train ride aboard La Malle de Bois as it snakes its way through the Setouchi region and along the breathtaking coastline of the Seto Inland Sea. Take in the ineffable canvas of nature as you also enjoy art displays by contemporary artists. Throughout the year, the train goes along four different routes, each of which give access to popular tourist destinations in the region. In autumn, visors can take advantage of a special, limited-time route, “The Forest Festival of the Arts Okayama,” that showcases art installations paying homage to forests and the natural assets of Japan. The festival runs from September 28 to November 24 in twelve cities in the northern region of Okayama.
Takehara Townscape Conservation Area in dusk. Discover more than a hundred well-preserved townhouses that are over 400-years old and reflect the country’s unique architectural and cultural heritage.
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Step Into The Past
Dive into a fascinating part of Japan’s history in Takehara City, Hiroshima. Discover more than a hundred well-preserved townhouses that are over 400-years old and reflect the country’s unique architectural and cultural heritage. Be sure to stop at the Takehara City Museum of History and Folklore. Learn about the tradition of bamboo craftsmanship and even give it a try under the tutelage of an expert. Today, Takehara’s bamboo artisans are still going strong and it’s a wonderful place to pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may be able to also catch the lovely autumn Illumination festival when the village is set alight with a multitude of bamboo candles.
An Artsy Place to Stay in Okayama
A&A HOTEL in Okayama offers a distinctive accommodation experience, mixing contemporary art and architecture. Developed by the Ishikawa Foundation, this project works to promote local culture while revitalizing the community. Each rental house is designed in collaboration with world-renowned artists and top Japanese architects, providing guests with an unforgettable immersive artistic experience. Two houses are presently available: A&A Jonathan Hasewaga, which offers an interesting fusion of three distinct spaces, and A&A Liam Fuji, an homage to the Nobel Prize winning physicist Syukuro “Suki” Manabe.
Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea in Japan is known for its landscapes, museums of contemporary art, architecture and sculpture
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Discover Japan’s Art Islands
Immerse yourself in the Art Islands of Setouchi—Naoshima, Teshima and Inujima—on a four-day journey where contemporary art and traditional Japanese culture are explored. These inimitable islands offer fascinating architecture, creative art installations and breathtaking natural surroundings. Naoshima is the most renowned of the islands, largely due to the Benesse Art Site Naoshima Project, overseen by art collector Soichiro Fukutake. Here you’ll see Tadao Ando’s masterful architecture, celebrated pieces by Monet and Warhol and the Art House Project that repurposes traditional homes into immersive art spaces. Stay at the Naoshima Ryokan ROKA, which is a luxury traditional Japanese inn (called a ryokan) that fuses Japanese architectural aesthetics with contemporary design. Guests can enjoy open-air baths, handmade Tosa paper reflecting centuries of tradition and large windows that strikingly frame the island’s serene beauty.
AloJapan.com