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Setouchi Finder

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

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. Plus
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! Plus
Although there are many impressive gardens throughout Japan, few can match the design and beauty of Korakuen in Okayama City. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
Travel to Yamaguchi's Yuda Onsen & Rurikoji Temple to see wonderful lesser-known sightseeing spots in the Setouchi area of Japan. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus

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

Why you can see statues of jazz musicians in Kobe Kitano. Plus
Souvenirs and local produce on sale at the Higashiura Road Station on Awaji Island. Plus
Yellow sand and blue sea makes Kemmin Sun Beach in Ura an inviting summer resort. Plus
Exploring Kobe and three star Grand Hotel Sky Villa Plus
Views over Kobe, bonsai pines and fortune telling papers at this pretty shrine in Kitano-cho. Plus
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. Plus
Historic Engyoji Temple, site of the Last Samurai. Also, the city of Himeji and Himeji Castle. Plus
Honpukuji: the Water Temple on Awaji Island designed by famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando is a beautiful modern reinterpretation of a Japanese temple. Plus
Beautiful flower park Awaji Hanasajiki has mass plantings of various flowers throughout the year. Plus
Japan's oldest shrine, Izunagi Jingu, is found on Awaji Island. Plus

Okayama

Exploring Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden Plus
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. Plus

Hiroshima

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

Yamaguchi

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. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus

Tokushima

A couple of hours spent walking around Naruto-cho Tosadomaiura taking photos. Plus
Long, sandy and deserted beach on Oge Island in Naruto. Plus
Experience the Awa-Odori Festival's folk dance throughout the year at Tokushima's Awa-Odori Kaikan. Plus
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. Plus
The area around Tokushima University is quite scenic and worth checking out. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus

Kagawa

Nirvana in Kagawa is the end of the Henro, but what it leads on to is also important. Plus
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. Plus
How the Japanese round fans, uchiwa, are handcrafted in Marugame. Plus
Utazu has two sides, one with wedding chapels and the other with old temples. Both are temples of love, just different sorts. Plus
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. Plus
In Japan's Kagawa prefecture, the art island of Naoshima is also worth visiting for its scenery and beautiful ocean views. Plus
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 Plus
In Kagawa prefecture on Japan's Shikoku island, Takamatsu is a lively, interesting city with interesting sights and scenery around it. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
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. Plus
Yashima Plateau is the biggest green space in central Takamatsu and it has a great trail for short day hikes. Plus
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. Plus

Ehime

Ishetiji Temple 51's eclectic collection of different gods and deities can be disturbing because one can't find order in it. Plus
An Imabari towel is forever: Japan's softest, most absorbent, most durable towels come from Imabari in Ehime. Plus
Authentic and pleasing Indian food at a good price. Plus
A castle that has kept much of its original shape and components, Matsuyama Castle still reigns among the most impressive of Japan's castles. Plus
The third stage of Enlightenment in Ehime: Part 7 of Old Tiger Henro's Shikoku Pilgrimage. Plus
The beauty of the Kurushima Kaikyo, part of the world's longest suspension bridge Shimanami Kaido, makes for a wonderful walk. Plus
Enlightenment might be admitting defeat. Old Tiger Henro Part 9 Plus
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. Plus