Far beyond the modern buildings and bright lights of cosmopolitan, modern-day Japan, there’s a whole world of living history in the country just waiting to be explored. While Japan’s Setouchi region is revered as the place to go for incredible natural landscapes, contemporary luxury accommodation, and exciting outdoor activities, don’t miss your chance along the way to travel back in time and experience the Japanese way of life from a bygone era. From opulent castle stays to historic wellness experiences, here are a few one-of-a-kind activities to add to your journey in Setouchi.
Be a lord for a day with a castle stay in Ozu
History buffs can have their chance to step back in time in Ozu City in Ehime Prefecture with a stay at Ozu Castle, Japan’s first fully restored castle keep where guests are invited to experience the life of a real feudal lord. During a stay at Ozu Castle, the first of its kind in Japan, you can expect to immerse yourself in samurai culture by joining the “Lord of Ozu Castle” experience.
As part of the experience, you’ll don traditional armour and participate in reenactments which are reflective of scenes from a period when the Kato family ruled Ozu for more than 250 years – the Edo Period (1603-1868). Meanwhile, your activities and opulent accommodation at Ozu Castle – fit for a lord – will be perfectly complemented by luxurious kaiseki dinners which have been meticulously crafted to be similar to those served to the lords, also featuring authentic Tobe pottery.
Surrounding the castle, don’t miss the chance to explore more of the nostalgic and charming Edo-era townscape including the serene Garyu Sanso, a historic villa of the Kato family that offers a stunning blend of Japanese garden design and natural beauty along the Hiji River.
Experience Tokushima’s rare cultural entertainments: Awa Ningyo Joruri
Tokushima Prefecture is well known for its preservation of the centuries-old art of Awa Ningyo Joruri, a traditional puppet show, where you can expect to be entertained in a theatre styled in the Kabuki tradition. Unlike Kabuki performed by actors, puppeteers use the handmade puppets to tell their stories. A visit to Awa Jurobe Yashiki will immerse you in this well-respected cultural art form, offering the chance to engage with incredible performances that combine masterful puppetry with live shamisen music.
With almost all Ningyo Joruri theatres in Tokushima Prefecture being dedicated to puppet shows which are historically been performed by farmers, the art of Awa Ningyo Joruri offers the chance to immerse yourself into the region’s agricultural heritage and culture, unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Relax like a samurai at Yamaguchi’s oldest hot spring resort
With 600 years of history, Nagato Yumoto Onsen in Yamaguchi Prefecture was a retreat for samurai and warriors seeking rest and relaxation. Known as “Osoto Tengoku” (outside heaven), visitors can enjoy strolling along the picturesque pathways to experience the soothing waters of ONTO ONSEN. For a luxurious stay, Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato at Nagato Yumoto Onsen cleverly combines the resort’s historic hot spring culture with traditional Japanese design inspired by teahouses dedicated to shogun. Here, your experience will include a delicious multi-course kaiseki meal made with fresh local ingredients, while you can look forward to feeling completely soothed and relaxed in the resort’s well-appointed rooms bearing local artisan touches.
Alternatively, you might choose to stay at Otani Sanso Bettei Otozure, a boutique ryokan featuring open-air baths, elegant Japanese-modern aesthetics, and kaiseki dining at its renowned restaurant, Unyu. Surrounded by nature and perfectly positioned along the Otozuregawa River, a stay at Bettei Otozure promises to leave you feeling refreshed. The property was also one of the first Japanese inns to be selected as a Michelin Key hotel.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato. ©Hoshino Resorts
Step into the transformative world of Japan’s revolutionaries
Nestled in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Shoin Shrine and the Shoukasonjuku Academy are two historical landmarks that are well known for their pivotal roles in Japan’s transition from a feudal system to a modern nation-state. Shoin Shrine is dedicated to Yoshida Shoin who was committed to national reform and regarded as one of the most influential educators figures of Japan’s late Edo period. The shrine is in a serene location where visitors can learn more about Shoin’s legacy. Here, immerse yourself in the many fascinating exhibits and displays that provide an insight into the final years of Japan’s Edo period.
Meanwhile, the Shoukasonjuku Academy, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a small private school where Shoin was known to cultivate the minds of new aspiring leaders, including the very first prime minister of Japan. Visitors can now step into this historic space where decisions and discussions took place that shaped the future of Japan.
Beyond both the shrine and academy, Hagi City could be described as a living museum of Edo-period architecture. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore deeper and visit the many well-preserved samurai residences, merchant houses, and castle town streets to get a feel for the atmosphere of Japan’s bygone era.
Soak up the healing powers of Arima Onsen
Tucked in the mountains of Hyogo Prefecture, Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts with a history that dates back over 1,000 years. Throughout history, its healing waters have drawn samurai warriors and nobility including the legendary warlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who is said to have visited Arima to recuperate after military campaigns.
Arima Onsen boasts two distinct types of hot spring waters: the “gold spring” (kinsen) and the “silver spring” (ginsen). The kinsen waters, rich in iron and salt, are said to relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as various skin conditions. On the other hand, the ginsen waters contain radon and carbonate and are believed to help circulation and encourage overall relaxation. Visitors can experience these therapeutic waters at public bathhouses like Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu or indulge in private baths at one of Arima’s luxurious ryokan.
Beyond the baths, the onsen town offers travellers a variety of cultural experiences, from sampling traditional sweets and sake to exploring historic sites such as the Onsenji Temple where bathers historically gave thanks for the healing waters.
Historic streets of Arima Onsen.
Try some feudal-era activities at Himeji Castle
Regarded as a symbol of Japan’s feudal past, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle enchants visitors with its pristine white walls and exquisite wooden architecture. At Himeji Castle, you can choose to join a range of historic activities like the “Ninja Experience”, where you’ll learn martial arts skills against the backdrop of the castle. Alternatively, why not enjoy a relaxing experience with a scenic Wasen Boat Ride on the castle’s inner moat which is also a great way to admire Himeji Castle’s beauty while learning about traditional Japanese boats.
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