Located in western Japan, the Setouchi Region consists of the Seto Inland Sea, the largest inland sea of Japan. It is known around the world for its beautiful scenery with calm waters and islands that look as if they are floating.
Let us introduce real Japanese experiences enjoyed by the locals found in this scenic region.Kazurabashi Bridge – showcasing a different side of its beauty every season
A thrilling-looking suspension bridge in Iya Valley, Tokushima Prefecture, the Kazurabashi Bridge is a hotspot still unknown to international travellers. The bridge is made of about 5 tonnes of local vines, and was used in the past for people looking to cross the valley for business. It is currently listed as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property.
At 14m above the water and 45m long, the bridge is a thrilling experience, creaking and swaying with every step.
The reason this spot is so popular is that the scenery is beautiful in all seasons: wisteria in spring, fresh greenery in summer, orange autumn leaves in autumn and snow in winter. You can experience the thrill of crossing this mysterious bridge and experience life in traditional Japan.
At night, the bridge is illuminated and transforms visitors into a magical new world, however please note that crossing the bridge at night is prohibited.
An hour’s drive deeper into the wilderness from the Kazurabashi Bridge, you will find Oku-Iya Niju-Kazurabashi Bridge, where two vine bridges can be seen at the same time. These bridges are called Otoko-bashi (male bridge) and Onna-bashi (female bridge).After seeing the bridges, consider going on an adventure, such as enjoying a hike or rafting in the surrounding area. Biwa waterfall, which will refresh your spirit, is just a few minutes’ walk from the Kazurabashi Bridge. Also, about 20 minutes drive from the bridge is a scenic spot overlooking the Iya River and the mountains of the valley, called Hinoji Valley, which is said to resemble the Japanese letter ‘ひ’ in hiragana because of the large meandering Iya River.
If you visit this area, be sure to stay at Hotel Iyaonsen. There are hot springs overlooking the Iya Valley which are spectacular, and another open-air hot spring in the midst of the valley along the riverbed. Taking a cable car from the lower open-air hot spring back to the hotel is a life-changing experience.
Vine Bridge in Iya Valley Information
Address: Zentoku, Nishi-iyayamamura, Miyoshi-shi, Tokushima Prefecture
Website: https://discovertokushima.net/en/experience/mountains/vinebridges-iyavalley/
Access: About 20 minutes by Shikoku Kotsu Bus from JR Oboke Station. (Towards Kazurabashi)
Tamba – A kingdom living in harmony with nature
In this area of great natural beauty, the townspeople live to protect nature whilst also being protected by nature. The local settlement of people and farms is surrounded by nature, which is well maintained, is often referred to as “The Forest of Tamba”.
Tamba was once a prosperous region that served as a key transport hub between Hyogo Prefecture and Kyoto. Traditional accommodations at the base of this small castle town, and the famous Tamba pottery kilns with a history of 800 years still remain, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the culture of old Japan. A stroll around the 400-year-old castle town is recommended, including Tamba’s local food and the Nishiyama Sake Brewery, a 170-year-old sake brewery that has won various awards.
For adventure lovers, paragliding and cycling are magnificent experiences here. In the northern area of Tamba, paragliding can be experienced in the terrain surrounded by mountains where rising air currents are easy to generate. The area is popular for its panoramic views of Tamba’s mountains from the sky above and its spectacular seasonal scenery. There are also a variety of cycling courses, including flat countryside areas and mountain passes with varying elevations, which everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy. In addition to bicycle hire, you can hire a guide if you wish, who will tailor the course to your preference and experience.
Tamba Information
Address: Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture
Website: https://www.tambacity-kankou.jp/english/
Access: 70 minutes from Osaka/120 minutes from Kobe by train, or 80 minutes from Osaka/ 60 minutes from Kobe by Highway bus
Awa Odori – the wildest four days in Japan
Awa Odori, or Awa Dance, a traditional dancing festival in Tokushima city held for four days every year from 12 to 15 August, is one of the largest and most popular festivals in Japan, attracting one million people domestically and internationally. During the festival, the whole of central Tokushima City becomes a frenzy of dancing and exhilarating festival energy.
Groups of dancers known as ‘ren’ perform powerful male dances and brilliant female dances one after another, accompanied by Japanese drums, shamisen guitar and other Japanese traditional musical instruments. There is also a ‘So Odori’, in which more than a thousand people dance simultaneously. The powerful performance by dancers in colourful yukata and happi coats attracts children to adults, and the whole town comes alive with excitement. Of course, visitors don’t just watch the dancing, they can also take part in it and enjoy the Japanese summer for a unique experience. “Mr. Hachisuka, the lord of Tokushima left Awa Odori to the people in order to prosper.” This is the verse from “Awa Yoshikono-bushi,” the Japanese folk song often sung during Awa Odori, and it is the most well-known tale about the origin of Awa Odori.
It is said that Lord Iemasa Hachisuka commemorated the completion of the local castle by allowing the locals to hold a dance party within the castle, however, there are still some doubts about this theory. Some say the “Bon Odori Origin Theory” seems more convincing, with Bon Odori being a traditional dance performed during memorial services for ancestors and dedicated to them at summer festivals all over Japan.
No matter its origins, Awa Odori has over 430 years history in Tokushima and an experience to remember. This traditional performing arts event is considered the pride of Tokushima Prefecture and continues to be passed on to the next generation.
Awa Odori Information
Spot: Central area of Shinmatchi bashi, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture
Website: https://discovertokushima.net/en/topics/awa-odoridance/
Access: 5 minutes by walk from JR Tokushima Station.
The as-yet-undiscovered attraction of golf in Japan
When you think to visit Japan, is golf in your plans? Many people are still unaware of the appeal of golf in Japan. According to both the Australian and Japan Golf Associations, there are an estimated 5.6 million amateur golf players in Japan, almost five times the number in Australia. Furthermore, Japan is second only to the USA in the number of golf courses, with approximately 2,200 golf courses, making it the best golfing nation close to Australia.
However, Australians have not yet discovered that there are many excellent golf courses in Japan.
Of these, Hyogo Prefecture is one of Japan’s best golfing destinations. The first place where golf entered Japan is in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Around 1900, a British trader built a short course by hand for personal enjoyment, and then a few years later he expanded the course to nine holes and named it ‘Kobe Golf Club’, the first golf course in Japan. Today, there are more than 160 golf courses in Hyogo Prefecture. One of the attractions is that numerous golf courses are located close to the city of Kobe, the gateway to Setouchi (only 30 minutes or less from Kyoto and Osaka).
A key point unique to Japan is that golf can be enjoyed while experiencing Japanese culture through four distinctly different seasons. There are many places where you can play golf while viewing cherry blossoms, autumn leaves or snowy landscapes, as well as golf courses with hot springs or saunas and Japanese gardens, which brings a different appeal to the overall golfing experience. Of course, you can have amazing Japanese food, sake and cultural experience in Hyogo after a round of golf.
For those who are seriously considering this, a small piece of advice, golf in Japan has a slightly different etiquette. We recommend that you check the Japanese golf etiquette in advance to avoid any faux pas.
Golf in Hyogo Information
Website: https://golfinhyogo.com/
Access (To Kobe):15 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station, and 30 minutes from Kyoto Station.
