Setouchi: Art, Culture, and Tradition Across the Archipelago

The Setouchi region is a stunning archipelago located in the heart of Japan, boasting over 700 islands with their own unique charm. Situated around the Seto Inland Sea, this area has long been a crossroads for trade, with sea routes linking Japan to the broader world and facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures. The resulting blend of influences has shaped a distinct cultural landscape, where centuries-old traditions coexist with the region's natural beauty.

View over Seto Inland Sea, dotted with islands ©︎Hiroshima Tourism Association

Touring Setouchi is a journey through authentic Japan, where you can encounter ancient shrines, historic temples, and vibrant local traditions. The area is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, known for its iconic vermillion torii gate that rises majestically from the water. Visitors can also explore Naoshima Island, an art lover’s haven, which is dotted with contemporary museums and outdoor sculptures. For those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, the town of Kurashiki offers charming preserved Edo-period streets, where traditional merchant houses have been transformed into museums, shops, and cozy cafes.

Streets of Kurashiki

​​Foodies don’t miss out here, either—Setouchi’s cuisine is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients, shaped by the region’s unique, mild climate. Famous for its​ citrus fruits which are​ often used in sauces and beverages, the area also boasts a thriving olive industry, particularly on Shodoshima Island which produces high-quality olive oil and tapenade. Seafood is another key component to the region’s flavors, with fresh oysters, clams, and Seto sea bream featured in many dishes.​ Many of these foods can be enjoyed at local ryotei (high-end restaurants) for a special experience.​​​​ 

With its rich history, diverse cultural influences, stunning natural scenery, and fresh local cuisine, the Setouchi region offers a unique travel experience that showcases the very essence of Japan. From admiring the beauty of the islands to delving into the local heritage, Setouchi is a place where tradition and nature meet in harmony.

Unforgettable Setouchi Experiences: Art, History, and Spiritual Journeys 

Naoshima and Teshima Islands in Kagawa are two destinations in the Setouchi region renowned for their blend of contemporary art and natural beauty. Naoshima, known as Japan’s "Art Island," is home to the world-famous Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which includes the Benesse House Museum. This unique space integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, featuring both indoor galleries and outdoor art installations that blur the lines between sculpture and nature. The Benesse House also offers a unique opportunity for guests to stay overnight within the museum, allowing for a truly immersive art experience. Nearby, Teshima Island is equally captivating—the minimalist architecture of the Teshima Art Museum creates a profound connection to the landscape. 

Benesse House Museum

Ikuchijima, located in Hiroshima, is another sanctuary of art, history, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the sacred Kosanji Temple, a national registered Tangible Cultural Property, renowned for its intricate architecture and tranquil atmosphere. One of the most striking features at the temple is the Hill of Hope, a beautiful, marble-terraced hillside offering panoramic views out over the Seto Inland Sea. The island is also home to the Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art, which displays the works of the celebrated Japanese painter.

Hill of Hope ©︎Hiroshima Tourism Association

For those seeking to connect with Japan’s spiritual side, the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro) features 88 temples and sacred sites across Shikoku and follows in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism. This ancient trail spans around 1,200 kilometers and is dotted with temples where travelers can reflect and find peace. Each destination along the route holds significant spiritual value, allowing pilgrims to connect with Japan’s rich religious history. Along the way, the beauty of the island’s landscapes—lush forests, mountains, and scenic coastlines—enhances the experience, making the pilgrimage a meaningful journey for both the body and the soul.

Tradition Meets Refined Comfort with Unique Stays in Setouchi

Setouchi offers an array of accommodations that perfectly capture the essence of the region, blending traditional charm with modern comforts. Each stay is an invitation to immerse oneself in the authentic culture of the area. 

Azumi Setoda, located in Hiroshima, offers a rare and intimate experience. Housed in a 140-year-old mansion once owned by the Horiuchi family (prominent merchants in the salt manufacturing and shipping industries), the property ​was created by Adrian Zecha, the renowned hotelier and founder of the luxurious Aman Resorts group, and ​retains the best of its historical architecture with a contemporary spin. Guests are treated to exceptional French cuisine, which uses locally sourced vegetables from the Setouchi region. The combination of the mansion’s rich history and the culinary delights on offer creates a truly unique stay.

Azumi Suzumi Room

For those seeking a regal experience, Ozu Castle Stay in Ehime provides the rare opportunity to spend the night within the keep of this historic castle. This exclusive experience offers private access to the castle—only the butlers and chefs are allowed on the premises—giving guests the chance to live like feudal lords for a day. In addition, visitors can take part in various hands-on programs that offer insights into the local history, culture, and traditions. Tours of the Ozu downtown area, champagne cruises along the Hiji River, and exploring nearby shrines and temples are some of the available options.

Ozu Castle Stay Castle Exterior

​​For a serene retreat, Bettei Otozure offers a modern take on hot spring therapy, blending contemporary design with Japan’s onsen traditions. With only 18 rooms, this exclusive retreat provides a private villa-like experience, where guests can unwind in spacious accommodations featuring dark wood, Western stone, and soft lighting. Nestled beside the Otozure River, the resort embraces nature’s tranquility, offering guests the chance to indulge in Yamaguchi’s refined kaiseki cuisine while rejuvenating in the area’s healing alkaline waters. A stay here provides the perfect combination of luxurious comfort with the timeless art of relaxation.​

Authentic Craftsmanship: A Glimpse into Setouchi’s Cultural Legacy

The Setouchi region is renowned for its local specialties, each offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage in this part of Japan. Various products are made with skills passed down through generations, allowing visitors to take home some truly authentic pieces. 

Bizen ware, a renowned form of Japanese pottery with over 1,000 years of history, is one Setouchi specialty celebrated for its timeless beauty and craftsmanship. Designated a Japan Heritage since 2017, it is distinguished by its unique, unglazed surface, created through a traditional firing process using pine wood. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, with colors and patterns formed by the interaction of fire, ash, and positioning. Not only are Bizen ware pieces aesthetically captivating, they are also highly functional. Their evolving colors over time make for beautiful, personal items that age gracefully with their owners.

Bizen ware

In Tokushima, indigo dyeing is a centuries-old practice integral to the region’s culture. Using sukumo, a traditional indigo dye material, artisans create deep blue fabrics that embody the enduring artistry of the prefecture. Visitors can take part in indigo workshops at places like Ai-no-Yakata to craft their own hand-dyed textiles, making for a special memento from their travels to the region.

Indigo dyeing