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

Hyogo

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. More

Hyogo

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! More

Okayama

Korakuen Garden

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

Okayama

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. More

Hiroshima

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. More

Hiroshima

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. More

Yamaguchi

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. More

Yamaguchi

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. More

Tokushima

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. More

Tokushima

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. More

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

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. More

Ehime

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. More

Ehime

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. More

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

Jazz Statues in Kobe Kitano

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

Hyogo

Shopping For Local Awaji Flavors

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

Hyogo

Kemmin Sun Beach on Awaji Island

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

Hyogo

Wonderful Kobe

Exploring Kobe and three star Grand Hotel Sky Villa More

Hyogo

Kitano-Tenman Shrine in Kobe

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

Hyogo

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. More

Hyogo

Himeji Castle and Engyoji Temple

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

Hyogo

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. More

Hyogo

Awaji Hanasajiki Park

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

Hyogo

Izanagi Jingu Shrine

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

Okayama

Fun in Okayama

Exploring Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden More

Okayama

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. More

Hiroshima

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. More

Hiroshima

An Evening in Hiroshima

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

Yamaguchi

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. More

Yamaguchi

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. More

Yamaguchi

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. More

Tokushima

Naruto-cho Tosadomariura Photo Walk

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

Tokushima

Long sandy beach at Naruto

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

Tokushima

Awa-Odori Kaikan in Tokushima

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

Tokushima

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. More

Tokushima

Tokushima University Area

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

Tokushima

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. More

Tokushima

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. More

Kagawa

Nirvana in Kagawa

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

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

Fancy A Fan?

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

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

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 More

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

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. More

Kagawa

Hiking Yashima Plateau

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

Kagawa

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. More

Ehime

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. More

Ehime

Towel Town

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

Ehime

Eating at Everest

Authentic and pleasing Indian food at a good price. More

Ehime

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. More

Ehime

Enlightenment In Ehime

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

Ehime

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. More

Ehime

Enlightenment to Nirvana - Or Not

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

Ehime

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. More