Dotted with charming old towns nestled between rolling green hills and the glistening Seto Inland Sea, Japan’s Setouchi region offers a wealth of fascinating sights and experiences for travellers curious to explore the country’s rich history and culture. From old luxurious merchant houses and glorious spiritual temples and gardens to time-honoured crafts still to be found alive and well along stone-paved streets, here are some of the best places to visit on your journey back in time in Setouchi.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (Okayama Prefecture)
A visit to the merchant town of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s Edo-period (1603-1868) architecture and atmosphere. The narrow streets are lined with white-walled storehouses (kura) – once used to store rice and other goods – while the beautifully preserved Kurashiki River lies at the heart of the area flanked by willow trees. The town’s beauty varies throughout the seasons – visit in spring for riverside cherry blossoms or in winter to appreciate the crisp and cosy atmosphere of its grounds and buildings dusted with snow.
Once an essential mode of transport in the town for transporting goods, you can now enjoy scenic rides along the river to appreciate the town’s historic architecture from a traditional wooden boat. Browse the traditional local craft shops and cafes in beautifully renovated old buildings or enjoy a range of cultural experiences from a Japanese tea ceremony and kimono rental to visiting the town’s museums. The Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft has more than 600 exhibits on display and the Kurashiki Archaeological Museum has spent more than 70 years examining artifacts from Ancient Kibi.
Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Nestled between the Seto Inland Sea and green inland hills, the port town of Onomichi is known for its coastal charm, scenic views and nostalgic atmosphere, and the Onomichi Channel running through the town creates a unique scene. The Onomichi Temple walk is one of the most popular reasons to visit this historic gem with a route that takes you on a journey to the town’s 25 temples – most of which are dotted along the hillside set in a picturesque and tranquil environment. At each temple, you can explore the ancient pagodas and immaculately maintained gardens, while the Senkoji Temple situated at the top of Mt Senkoji is a must-see for its panoramic views over the town, sea, and islands.
Aside from the many temples of Onomichi, wander the stone-paved streets to explore small vintage shops, ramen houses serving Onomichi ramen, and restaurants serving freshly caught seafood – or you might choose to soak up the town’s creative spirit at the Onomichi City Museum of Art, designed by renowned Japanese architect, Tadao Ando.
Tomonoura (Hiroshima Prefecture)
The coastal town of Tomonoura – situated on the Seto Inland Sea – is well known for its harbour which has remained largely unchanged since Japan’s Edo period when it was a thriving hub for trade. A visit to Tomonoura will make you feel like you’re stepping back centuries with its well-preserved historic streets lined with old wooden buildings, and quaint fishing vessels which can be seen entering and leaving the harbour and cruising between the islands off the coast.
The Iroha Maru Museum is one of Tomonoura’s highlights where visitors can learn about the Iroha Maru steamship and its history. The famed ship was associated with the famous samurai, Sakamoto Ryoma, and sank off the coast of Tomonoura in 1867 following a collision. Several temples and shrines can also be found around the town including Fukuzenji Temple and Nunakuma Shrine which is known for its two stone lanterns that stand tall at the harbour, and where people prayed for the safety of sailors entering Tomonoura. The Joyato Lighthouse built in 1859, Ota Residence – a former wealthy merchant’s house open to the public – and the town’s historic Homeishu breweries (traditional medicinal sake) are also experiences not to be missed during a visit to Tomonoura.
Hagi (Yamaguchi Prefecture)
In the historic district of Hagi, you’ll discover a maze of well-preserved samurai residences, merchant houses, temples, and pristine gardens. Visit the Hagi Castle ruins which date back to 1604 and the surrounding Shizuki Park – a popular place to witness cherry blossoms in spring.
A visit to Hagi, however, wouldn’t be complete without learning more about its famous pottery style known as Hagi-yaki. Produced in Hagi since the 17th century, Hagi-yaki pottery experiences in the town range from visiting the workshops where the pottery is made and participating in hands-on pottery classes, to exploring galleries dedicated to the specific craft. Hagi is also home to two historic temples including Daishoin, and Tokoji where you can wander the lantern-lined pathways through burial grounds to experience the spiritual atmosphere.
Uwajima (Ehime Prefecture)
Perched on top of a hill overlooking the town and sea, Uwajima Castle is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of Uwajima town, offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. Surrounded by green hillsides and situated right on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, the town offers travellers a great base from which to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or exploring gardens like the popular Nanrakuen Garden.
The town is also the perfect place to experience a range of traditional cultural activities including pearl farming which Uwajima has been known for, for centuries. Travellers can explore the pearl farms and learn about how they are sourced, as well as visit some of the many local pearl shops along the streets. For a glimpse into the life of the Samurai ruling class, visit the Date Museum which is full of artefacts and dedicated to the Date family who ruled Uwajima for centuries.
Takehara Preservation District (Hiroshima Prefecture)
With sake brewing integral to its past, some of Takehara’s breweries have been operating for centuries, including Fujii Shuzo brewery which dates to 1863. Takahara is also known for its salt production during the Edo period thanks to the town’s wide shallow bay which allowed for salt production due to the extremes of high and low tide.
Takehara Preservation District also attracts visitors for its unique collection of old residences and buildings that are open to the public providing an insight into the life of historically prominent families resident in the town. The Matsusaka Residence and the Morikawa Residence are highlights of the town, displaying the wealth of Takehara’s most successful salt and sake merchants from the past. You can explore the spacious tatami mat rooms, tea houses, and expansive courtyard gardens filled with trees and flowers as part of your visit.
More information on Setouchi
Visitors can explore the best of the Setouchi Region by choosing from one of 23 ‘Setouchi Journeys’, where curated routes take travellers on three to five-night journeys across the region. Find out more about the different routes and itineraries here.
