Japan’s Setouchi region invites art lovers and cultural explorers to embark on an inspiring journey through its rich heritage and stunning landscapes. This enchanting destination offers a deep dive into Japan’s history of art and cultural tapestry, featuring historic landmarks, traditional craftsmanship, and breathtaking vistas through a variety of unforgettable experiences.

A Picturesque Voyage Aboard the La Malle de Bois Art Train

Step aboard La Malle de Bois, which translates as ‘a wooden suitcase’, that elegantly winds through the Setouchi region and along the coastline of the Seto Inland Sea. This scenic journey is a moving gallery both inside and out with monochromatic artwork on the exterior and a dedicated exhibition space showcasing works by contemporary artists – presenting travellers with awe-inspiring views and artistic inspirations from the heart of Japan. La Malle de Bois not only provides modern comforts, including bookshelves filled with books about art and space for bicycle storage which is very rare on Japanese trains, but also pays homage to traditional Japanese art and craftsmanship, ensuring a travel experience steeped in beauty and culture.

Throughout the year, La Malle de Bois runs on 4 routes: Okayama–Uno, Okayama–Onomichi, Okayama–

Hinase and Okayama–Kotohira.Each of them providing access to major tourist destinations in the Seto Inland Sea. Those visiting this autumn, can enjoy “The Forest Festival of the Arts Okayama with a special route providing access to installations by artists, musicians, architects, flower artists and chefs that celebrate forests and Japanese nature. The festival is being held between 28^th September to 24^th November in twelve cities and towns including Tsuyama, Nimi, Maniwa and Kagamino in the Chugoku Mountains in the northern part of Okayama.

Train prices range from £6.40 to £13.40 depending on destination.  Reservations for meals can be made from one month prior and up to three days before the journey. Options include a Setouchi Sweets Box (Yen 1,500 Yen) of five mini tarts using local seasonal fruits, and an Okayama Barazushi Travelling Small Box (Yen 1,350) featuring local specialities from the Seto Inland Sea. Reservations for bike storage space can be made from 10.00am one month prior up until a day before travel. 

Explore the Historic Charm of Takehara Townscape Conservation Area

Step into history in Takehara City, Hiroshima, where the Takehara Townscape Conservation Area offers a glimpse into Japan’s storied past. This area boasts over 100 well-preserved townhouses dating back over 400 years and testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Stroll the streets, visit the Takehara City Museum of History and Folklore (open 10am-4pm with last admission at 15:30, closed on Tuesdays and between December 27-January 3) or time a visit during seasonal events including the springtime Hinamatsuri festival – a display of Japanese “Hina Dolls” where visitors pray for the growth and happiness of girls, or the autumn Illumination festival when the town is lit up with bamboo candles.

Visitors can also discover the time-honoured tradition of bamboo craftsmanship and try their hand at traditional bamboo weaving with instruction from an expert craftsman. Renowned for its bamboo works, this city has been a central hub for this art form since the era of salt production.Its name synonymous with this tradition, Takehara, meaning bamboo plain in Japanese.  Today, Takehara’s bamboo artisans continue to create a diverse array of items, from practical tools to intricate decorative pieces such as bamboo baskets and ornaments.Visitors can join the bamboo craft experience, learning this age old tradition of experts and take home a memento. The Takehara Machinami Bamboo Workshop is open between 9:30 and 16:00 (closed for national holidays and over the new year)

Immersion in The Art Islands of Setouchi

Visit the Art Islands of Setouchi – Naoshima, Teshima and Inujima – as part of a four day tour of an area where contemporary art and traditional Japanese culture coexist. The combination of striking architectural designs, innovative art installations, and serene island landscapes creates a rich cultural fusion that attracts global art lovers, architects, and travellers seeking a unique and immersive experience.

Naoshima is the most famous of Setouchi’s art islands and The Benesse Art Site Naoshima project, overseen by art collector and patron Soichiro Fukutake, has transformed Naoshima into a canvas for contemporary art. The project integrates art with architecture, creating a blend of modern design and the natural landscape. Here visitors will find Tadao Ando’s unique architecture, masterpieces by Monet and Warhol, and the Art House Project which transforms traditional Japanese houses into art spaces.

Opened in April 2022, Naoshima Ryokan ROKA is a luxury ryokan that exemplifies the fusion of traditional Japanese architectural style with modern design elements. This ryokan reflects the island’s art trend by integrating contemporary artworks into its space, providing eleven suites with open-air baths, Awaji earthen walls used in art sites, handmade Japanese paper from Tosa that conveys a thousand years of history and tradition, stepping stones from Aji, the highest quality and most expensive stone in Japan.

and floor to ceiling picture windows that allow guests to immerse themselves in the island’s artistic atmosphere.

An Artistic Base in Okayama 

A&A HOTEL is a unique concept in Okayama – a series of rental accommodations created in collaboration with world-renowned contemporary artists and leading Japanese architects that act as a portal to experiencing the city. The idea behind the project, launched by the Ishikawa Foundation, is to promote art and culture in Okayama, blending contemporary comforts with local hospitality and revitalising the local community. Currently there are two houses available offering two double bedrooms and an extraordinary experience staying in a work of art. A&A Jonathan Hasewaga, is a merging of three spaces with three with distinct personalities, which provides a unique experience as guests transition through the different spaces. A&A Liam Fuji is a mathematical tribute to Syukuro “Suki” Manabe, Liam’s esteemed Nobel Prize winning physicist Syukuro “Suki” Manabe and the science of climate change.

The project is expected to continue to add more spaces for visitors to enjoy over the next two decades. Rates start from £221 per night (correct as of September 2024), check in from 3pm-8pm and check out at 11am.

All these experiences are part of Setouchi Journeys, a series of 23 carefully curated tours through the

Setouchi region that last between three and five days. For more information visit https://www.setouchi.travel/en/setouchi-journeys

The Setouchi Region is located in western Japan and surrounds Japan’s largest inland sea. To access the region from the UK there are direct flights to Tokyo from London Heathrow with British Airways and Japan Airlines, from there it is a 4.5 – 5 hour journey via Shinkansen to stations in the region including Shin-Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima and Shin-Yamaguchi.