Summer Trip: Enjoy the Island and Sea of Setouchi to the Fullest｜Recommended Sightseeing Routes and Itinerary in Setouchi｜Unveiling a New Japan, Captivating Experiences - Sightseeing in Japan and Travel Information

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Classic Route

A summer island hopping trip in Setouchi

Recommended season

DAY 1

"Hiroshima, the starting point of this journey. First, we set off by boat to Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a World Heritage Site. The large torii gate floating on the sea is absolutely stunning. After visiting the shrine on the sea, embark on an oyster fishing tour with the oyster fishermen. In the afternoon, we trek up Mt. Misen. From the top of the mountain, you can see the beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea. Feel the essence of the sea, the mountains, and Japanese tradition, all in a day.
*The Otorii (Great Gate) of Itsukushima Shinto Shrine is currently under repair and cannot be seen. Please check out the latest information when you visit. (As of January 2021)"

DAY 2

Move from Hiroshima City to the seaside city of Onomichi. Experience a full day of cycling with electrically-powered bicycles, which are convenient for touring the islands of the Seto Inland Sea! Cycling while looking out at the sea and feeling the sea breeze is very refreshing. In the afternoon, you will take a stroll around Onomichi and try some of the local delicacies. You will stay at the stylish "ONOMICHI U2", a renovated warehouse. After enjoying the day, relaxing and staying at a hotel is one of the best parts of the trip.

DAY 3

The Shimanami area is a great place to visit remote islands. Cross the Great Bridge connecting the islands by bicycle and explore the islands. There are also shrines and other tourist spots, so you can enjoy a variety of things. In the evening, toast with a local craft beer at the craft beer studio!

DAY 4

Cross the Seto Inland Sea to Ehime Prefecture. There are many places where you can feel Japan's history, such as the local railway "Botchan Train" and Matsuyama Castle. In the afternoon, we will proceed to Dogo Onsen Honkan, an important national cultural property, to relax. Don't forget to take pictures of the photogenic shrines scattered around the Onsen town. A soothing onsen visit after a day full of history will be a memorable ending to your trip.

OTHER ROUTES

A relaxing trip in an unexplored region

Recommended season

Experience the unexplored lifestyle that has lasted for 1000 years. Traditional dances and a relaxing trip in nature.

A photogenic trip to the Art Islands

Recommended season

The Seto Inland Sea in autumn is a treasure trove of photogenic spots! Take a photogenic trip surrounded by art and amazing scenery!

A classic, popular itinerary starting from Kobe

Recommended season

Easy travel on the Shinkansen! Visit World Heritage Sites, explore port towns, and enjoy some autumn leaves viewing! Classic travel course starting from Kobe.

Savour udon, bonito, and other Setouchi delicacies

Recommended season

Check out the seasonal bounty of Seto Inland Sea! Hand-made udon noodles, straw-roasted bonito, and other local delicacies!

A relaxing vacation in mystical Yakushima Island

Recommended season

Enjoy trekking through the primeval forest and diving in the sea! The World Heritage Site, Yakushima, where you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains

A family trip to great nature in Kumamoto

Recommended season

Panoramic view in the meadow & wild dolphin watching. A magnificent nature trip with your family.

The Nature & Shinto Shrine worship trip

Recommended season

Worship at the Three Great Inari-jinja Shrines of Japan & Make Pottery! Indulge in traditional cuisine, experience a tatami room and meet a geisha.

A gastronomic journey with Beauty and Deliciousness

Recommended season

Spectacular views of nature and craft of glass-making, summed up with a fish market visit - famous for blowfish.

600-year-traditional performing arts experiences

Recommended season

Experience Noh - cherished and preserved by the Japanese. Enjoy tea ceremony at a samurai residence, and immerse yourself deeply into Japan

Tropical resort stay in Japan

Recommended season

An out-of-the-world luxurious trip. Relish dolphin-watching cruises and exclusive resorts.

A trip to Kyoto by the sea, Enjoying the superb view and delicious food

Recommended season

Enjoy "Kyoto by the Sea", vast sand dunes and the breathtaking scenery of nature to the fullest! You can also savour Japanese gourmet meal such as Wagyu beef.

Enjoy the sea ! A family trip to Kansai

Recommended season

Cycling along the sea & driving with the refreshing breeze blowing... and don't miss the local cuisine! A magnificent road trip for families.

Walking the World Heritage Site

Recommended season

Dress up in traditional costumes and reminisce about the past on the Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site pilgrimage trail, where Japan's most sacred shrines and temples are located.

Autumn meditation retreat

Recommended season

Conquer Japan's largest lake and famous autumn foliage spots! Experience Zen at a traditional temple and stay at a glamping facility!

Savour Kyoto's long-established restaurants with Maiko

Recommended season

Cross-cultural interaction with Maiko and visit world heritage castles and temples - a must for the bucket list.

Travel back in time in Kanazawa

Recommended season

Soak up in the Japanese spirit through this trip by experiencing samurai, making traditional crafts, and visiting Japanese-style gardens

Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour in Tohoku

Recommended season

Cherry blossom viewing and local farmhouse stay. Soothe your soul in the tranquility of Japan's nature.

Getting closer to nature with mountain asceticism

Recommended season

Discover the mysteries of Japan through practicing Yamabushi (asceticism) and visiting unexplored hot spring towns

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