Japan is a fascinating tapestry of age-old traditions, stunning landscapes, and groundbreaking modernity, making it a captivating destination for travelers worldwide. Within this intriguing mosaic, lies a hidden gem, lesser-known but equally enchanting - the Setouchi region. Positioned between Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu - three of Japan's main islands, Setouchi is home to a sprawling archipelago in the Seto Inland Sea. A region teeming with natural beauty, diverse cultural experiences, and tranquil serenity, it stands as a testament to Japan's innate ability to harmoniously blend the old with the new, the traditional with the avant-garde.
Setouchi's charm lies not just in the picturesque landscapes, but in its soul-stirring array of approximately 3,000 islands, each one radiating its own unique charisma. Awaji Island, with its lush gardens and tranquility, presents a unique blend of flora and cultural richness. Naoshima Island, an unlikely haven for contemporary art installations and unique architecture, symbolizes a marriage of artistic innovation and nature's grandeur. Shodoshima Island, famous for its olives and stunning natural beauty, serves as a culinary delight for food enthusiasts. But the exploration doesn't stop there. A variety of adventurous activities await the daring traveler, from island hopping to cycling adventures, and sea kayaking. Coupled with a rich array of traditional arts and mouthwatering local gastronomy, Setouchi offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the conventional.
Awaji Island, the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, greets visitors with an enticing serenity, adorned with stunning natural landscapes. Often regarded as the birthplace of Japan, according to the ancient Shinto myth that states the island was the first to be created by the gods Izanagi and Izanami, Awaji emanates a sense of primordial tranquility that captivates its visitors. One cannot miss the magnificent Naruto Whirlpools, where the changing tides create natural whirlpools, an awe-inspiring sight that epitomizes the dynamic yet serene character of Awaji.
Nestled within the verdant terrain of the island, the Awaji Yumebutai complex, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, merges modern architecture with the natural landscape in a harmonious symphony. This intricate labyrinth of terraced flower gardens, water bodies, and geometrically intriguing buildings creates a tranquil environment for contemplation, further amplifying the island's serenity.
Naoshima, affectionately known as "Art Island", presents a compelling fusion of contemporary art and natural beauty. The island is home to several world-class museums and outdoor art installations that have transformed it into a sanctuary for art enthusiasts. The Benesse House, a museum-cum-hotel conceptualized by Tadao Ando, showcases an impressive collection of contemporary art, while offering unparalleled views of the Seto Inland Sea.
The outdoor sculptures and installations further enhance the island's artistic charm. Yayoi Kusama's iconic Yellow Pumpkin has become a symbol of Naoshima, its surreal beauty contrasting with the serene seascape. The Art House Project, where abandoned houses and workshops are converted into art installations, adds another layer of uniqueness to the island's art scene, signifying the seamless integration of art into everyday life on Naoshima.
Explore Naoshima's art galleries.
Known as the Mediterranean of Japan, Shodoshima Island presents an exquisite blend of natural beauty and rich culinary heritage. It is the first place in Japan to successfully cultivate olives, and the island's sprawling olive groves under the Mediterranean-like climate are a sight to behold. The Shodoshima Olive Park offers insight into the island's olive cultivation history and even allows visitors to taste some of the finest olive-based products.
However, olives are not the only flavorsome charm of Shodoshima. The island is also famous for its soy sauce breweries, with a history dating back over 400 years. The fragrant aroma of brewing soy sauce, the picturesque landscapes of terraced rice fields, and the spectacular views from the Kankakei Gorge combine to make Shodoshima an island where flavors meet natural beauty. It offers a sensory experience that appeases both the palate and the eyes.
The sheer number and diversity of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea make island hopping an essential part of any Setouchi adventure. With over 700 islands to choose from, visitors can embark on a unique journey of discovery, each island revealing its distinctive charm. From the sacred confines of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island to the cat haven of Ainoshima, island hopping unveils the hidden gems scattered across the sea.
Island hopping also offers an intimate glimpse into the local lifestyle. The Guntu floating hotel, for example, allows visitors to explore the less-known islands while enjoying the luxury of a floating inn. The Setouchi region's beauty unfolds differently with each island, and the practice of island hopping allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the mesmerizing landscape and rich culture of the area.
Visit Miyajima Island with this tour.
For those seeking an immersive experience of the Setouchi landscape, cycling offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the scenic routes. The Shimanami Kaido, a 70-kilometer cycling route that connects the main island of Honshu to Shikoku, is a cyclist’s dream. This route passes over several islands, bridges, and spectacular seascapes, offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Notably, Naoshima and Teshima islands offer an excellent combination of art and cycling. Visitors can rent bicycles to explore the islands at their own pace, cycling from one art site to another, while absorbing the tranquil island atmosphere. The joy of cycling in Setouchi lies not only in the physical activity but also in the way it allows visitors to connect with the land, the sea, and the art in a deeply personal manner.
Perfect for cycling adventures with a view.
Sea kayaking in Setouchi provides an entirely different perspective of the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. As you paddle along the gentle waves, the sea's calm expanse unfolds a breathtaking panorama of islands dotted along the horizon. The coastline of each island, with its unique topography, presents a fascinating sight to behold from the kayak.
Sea kayaking also opens up opportunities to explore the less accessible areas of the islands. Paddling along the coast of the uninhabited islands or exploring the hidden beaches and coves offers a sense of adventure and discovery. Whether it’s watching the sunset from the middle of the sea or catching a glimpse of the local marine life, sea kayaking in Setouchi is an experience that showcases the region's natural wonders in their most unadulterated form.
Situated along the bountiful Seto Inland Sea, the Setouchi region offers a gastronomic delight in the form of fresh seafood. The sea's calm and nutrient-rich waters nurture a vast array of marine life, serving as the source for some of Japan's finest seafood. From the tender and subtly sweet taste of Setouchi's oysters to the succulent texture of the local sea bream, the region's seafood promises a culinary experience that stimulates the senses.
The islands of Setouchi not only provide an abundance of seafood but also showcase the distinct methods of preparation. Visitors can indulge in the Japanese custom of savoring fresh sashimi, delicately sliced raw fish, or delight in the artistry of a meticulously prepared seafood donburi (rice bowl). The flavors of Setouchi's seafood are a testament to the region's intimate relationship with the sea, offering a taste of the ocean's bounty in every bite.
The Setouchi region, known for its quality rice production, boasts a rich tradition of sake brewing. Sake, often referred to as Japanese rice wine, is a quintessential element of Japanese culture, and the breweries in Setouchi offer a fascinating insight into its intricate production process. The region's mild climate and pure water sources provide ideal conditions for brewing sake, resulting in a beverage with a distinct flavor profile.
Many breweries in the region, like the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery in Hiroshima, welcome visitors for tours, allowing them a firsthand experience of the brewing process. Here, one can learn about the fermentation process, witness the careful craftsmanship, and, of course, sample a variety of sakes. Setouchi's sake brewing tradition offers not just a glass of finely brewed sake, but a sip of the region's cultural heritage, providing a sense of connection to the land and its people.
The enchanting region of Setouchi offers more than just a picturesque archipelago. It's a symphony of unique experiences, from the tranquility of Awaji to the art-laden streets of Naoshima, and the culinary delights of Shodoshima. The blend of traditional and contemporary art, the delicious offerings from the sea, the tranquility that permeates the landscapes, and the thrill of adventurous activities create an exquisite tapestry of experiences that resonate with the heart and soul of every traveler.
In Setouchi, every island tells a story, every path leads to a discovery, and every taste evokes a sensation. Whether you seek cultural immersion, artistic inspiration, culinary adventures, or natural beauty, the archipelago region of Setouchi offers an enriching journey that transcends the ordinary. Embarking on this exploration, one not only discovers the stunning archipelago but also unveils a unique narrative of their own - a tale of adventure, wonder, and harmony with nature and culture.
