Stretching across Japan’s serene Inland Sea, the Setouchi region offers a journey into the heart of the country’s cultural and artistic heritage. With its constellation of islands, coastal retreats, and deep-rooted traditions, Setouchi invites travellers to slow down and explore a side of Japan shaped by history, craftsmanship, and an enduring connection to nature. From sacred rituals to world-class contemporary design, the region offers an experience that unfolds like a living tapestry.
One of Setouchi’s most spiritually rich destinations is Iwaishima, a small island revered since ancient times and celebrated in the Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest poetry collection. Its stone-lined alleys and traditional fences preserve a centuries-old way of life, while terraced rice fields and scenic coastal trails invite quiet reflection. Central to the island’s identity is the Kamimai ritual dance, performed every four years and passed down for more than a millennium. The ceremony remains a powerful expression of gratitude and spirituality.
A short journey away lies Shōdoshima, known throughout Japan as the “Soy Sauce Island.” The island’s fermentation culture—particularly the traditional kioke wooden-barrel method—has been preserved for generations. More than 1,100 wooden barrels are still in active use, creating an environment where time-honored craftsmanship thrives. Visitors to Hishio no Sato can explore Meiji-era breweries, observe brewing methods unchanged for centuries, and sample the island’s richly layered soy sauces. For food lovers, Shōdoshima is a place where culinary heritage remains vibrantly alive.
Setouchi’s artistic pulse is perhaps strongest on Naoshima, internationally celebrated as an open-air art haven. Here, SANA MANE offers travellers a luxurious glamping experience that fuses modern design with the tranquility of island life. Guests stay in geodesic dome villas overlooking a private beach, and can unwind in SAZAE, a sculptural wooden sauna crafted by Kengo Kuma and Associates. With outdoor dining featuring premium Okayama Wagyu beef and fresh local ingredients, Naoshima provides an immersive blend of nature, creativity, and relaxation.
History enthusiasts will find deeper layers in the Ieshima Islands of Hyogo Prefecture, where archaeological discoveries trace human activity back 20,000 years. Ancient shrines, early imperial ranches, and the Chinkandō Burial Mound offer insights into the origins of Japan’s cultural traditions, while festivals like the Tenjin Festival maintain a vibrant local spirit.
For a restorative stay, the newly renovated Kyukamura Sanuki Goshikidai in Kagawa Prefecture offers sweeping views from its hillside location. Its expansive terrace and Sky Bath echo the mirrored beauty of Chichibugahama Beach, while premium suites and regional cuisine highlight the richness of Setouchi’s hospitality. Nearby, the preserved set of the 1954 film Twenty-Four Eyes on Shōdoshima adds a cinematic touch to the experience.
With its blend of sacred sites, artisanal traditions, lush landscapes, and visionary art, Setouchi invites travellers to experience Japan beyond the expected. It is a region where time slows, culture breathes, and discovery unfolds across every shore. For more, visit www.setouchi.travel/en.