Produced by SilverKris for Japan Nationwide Tourism Group
Discovered west of Kyoto and Osaka, Setouchi is a serene coastal area with unparalleled treasures beckoning luxurious travellers. The enchanting Seto Inland Sea runs alongside Setouchi’s seven prefectures – Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, Okayama, Hyōgo, Ehime, Kagawa and Tokushima – every providing a slice of paradise. Whether or not you’re craving for much-needed rejuvenation inside pristine pure environment, trying to immerse in time-honoured practices handed on by means of generations, looking for your subsequent favorite modern art work, or on the lookout for a mix of surprising pursuits, Setouchi presents priceless encounters for everybody.
Roam across the multifaceted area in fashion as you sail off to secluded spots or cruise over grand bridges connecting a myriad of islands. Uncover gorgeous landscapes as you hike to the highest of Mount Kurotaki or cycle alongside the 70-kilometre-long Shimanami Kaido. Delve into Japan’s distinctive way of life by means of artisan workshops in Kurashiki or intimate artwork installations in Megi Island (Megijima). At each cease, seasonal gastronomic delights paired with refined lodging spherical out the entire expertise.
Luxurious meets pure magnificence
With its nice year-round local weather, Setouchi is the perfect backdrop for an expensive getaway. The huge turquoise expanse of the Seto Inland Sea is an arresting sight with over 3,000 charming islands to discover. However extra than simply possessing a chilled seaside vista, the mountain ranges that nestle its glittering waters – Chūgoku Mountains to the north and Shikoku Mountains to the south—additionally forged their spell on sightseers.
Many islands effortlessly evoke awe due to their pure sights. The most important island within the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island is understood for its huge whirlpools and five-coloured pebble seashore. In style for its olive groves, Shodoshima has a cream-coloured sandbar that solely seems twice a day and an impressive gorge that comes alive within the autumn season.
Some isles provide peace from crowds. Kujira-jima, a abandoned island off Okayama, could be completely rented by a solitary group. From sea kayaking to forged fishing, the personal retreat suggests various out of doors and marine actions that spotlight the island’s tranquillity. Nourish the physique with contemporary delicacies equivalent to smoked rainbow salmon, mushrooms and clams. Select between glamping beneath the twinkling stars or slowly waking as much as the dawn in a sea-facing trendy cottage adorned with regionally made denim fixtures.
Luxurious meets custom
Setouchi is steeped in historical past and custom. The previous is revered and guarded all through its totally different prefectures, granting travellers a uncommon glimpse into Japan’s bygone eras and practices.
In Ehime Prefecture, Ozu Metropolis is recognised because the Little Kyoto of Setouchi. Its streets are lined with rigorously restored conventional picket townhouses or machiyas as soon as dwelling to rich service provider households and are actually open for luxurious stays. At each nook of this historic district, you may come throughout breweries, dessert outlets and eating places that skilfully mix native produce with preparation strategies harkening again to the Edo interval.
Stay like a daimyo (feudal lord) at Ozu Fortress. Obtain a warrior’s welcome from samurai troops waving flags, taking part in horagai (conch shell trumpets) and performing a kagura dance. Absolutely immerse within the way of life of historic the Aristocracy by feasting on a set of traditionally correct dishes served to the primary lord of the area, then getting undisturbed sleep contained in the fort’s tower or turret. Except for Ozu Fortress, Marugame Fortress in Kagawa Prefecture and Fukuyama Fortress in Hiroshima Prefecture additionally provide unique fort keep experiences.
If being ensconced throughout the mountains seems like a dream, head to Iya Valley positioned deep inside Shikoku’s emerald peaks. Characterised by rocky gorges and steep slopes, this remoted space in Western Tokushima Prefecture grew to become the refuge for twelfth century Heike clan after they misplaced the Gempei Conflict. Observe their lead and discover serenity in Chiiori, a 300-year-old conventional farmhouse that overlooks the valley. The little-known marvel retains its authentic construction – paper sliding doorways, burnished hardwood flooring, centre-room firepit and a thatched roof – whereas embracing ultra-modern comforts.
Luxurious meets artwork
Revitalising the area by means of inventive and sustainable methods, Setouchi’s staunch supporters come collectively each three years to host its most prolific artwork competition: the Setouchi Triennale. In 2025, Teshima, Inujima and Naoshima will as soon as once more be reworked to showcase immersive masterpieces all through the eight-month-long competition.
Past the Setouchi Triennale competition, these “artwork islands” are dwelling to world-class museums, installations and structure. Teshima Artwork Museum’s concrete, pillarless construction resembles a water droplet that touches the bottom. On the neighbouring island, Inujima Seirensho Artwork Museum seamlessly weaves an artwork gallery into the ruins of a copper refinery. To not be outdone, Naoshima impresses with its iconic Yayoi Kusama polka-dotted yellow pumpkin sculpture and numerous museums put in by Benesse Artwork Website Naoshima.
Take pleasure in a personal guided tour of Naoshima’s famend museums, together with the Chichu Artwork Museum (which shows Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” items in pure mild), Benesse Home Museum, Lee Ufan Museum and Teshima Artwork Museum. Through the tour, acquire unique entry to a yacht or boat, permitting you to discover the islands round Naoshima at your individual tempo. Take pleasure in distinctive gastronomic experiences set in extraordinary areas, with choices to improve your transportation to and from the island—whether or not by helicopter, luxurious automotive or personal jet.
Whereas having fun with a seamless mixture of the island’s pure magnificence and artwork installations, Naoshima Ryokan ROKA invitations visitors to expertise final consolation at an genuine, one-storey Japanese inn. With nature proper at your step, open-air baths and trendy decors crafted from native supplies, the minimalist visitor suites delicately stability consolation and opulence. Work together with artwork as you strive their multi-course kaiseki meal that includes seasonal components and the most effective catch from the ocean.
Nature, custom and artwork all rolled into one
Setouchi gives an entire journey encounter in concord with Japan’s nature, custom and artwork. Regardless of the way you outline luxurious journey, this vacation spot is a must-visit. Simply keep in mind, luxurious is not only outlined by its lovely sights, wealthy heritage and modern artworks. Meticulously curated and extremely personalised experiences provided throughout the Setouchi area will create lasting recollections for years to come back.
Take step one to planning your luxurious sojourn to Setouchi. For intensive guides and traveller tales, go to the Japan Nationwide Tourism Group’s luxurious journey web site. For Singapore Airways flights to Japan (Fukuoka, Nagoya, Tokyo or Osaka), go to the Singapore Airways official web site. For extra journey tips about planning your itinerary or reserving of home flights, study extra from this complete information.
Hero photograph by The Inland Sea, SETOUCHI Tourism Authority
