Japan’s Setouchi region abounds with gorgeous landscapes and seascapes formed by the rich topography of the Seto Inland Sea. From dramatic coastlines, dense forests and towering peaks, to mountainside shrines, historical landmarks, and bridges connecting islands, Setouchi welcomes visitors to explore its natural and cultural environments..
Whether you’re on foot or on two wheels, immersing yourself in local lifestyles, following traditional sea routes, or simply taking the time to savor the surroundings, these recommended experiences promise slow and sensory journeys in one of Japan’s most naturally blessed regions.
Asageshiki morning walk and open-air tea ceremony
This gentle morning ascent up Mt. Futaba leads guests past Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine, through a tunnel of torii gates to the natural sanctuary of Kinko Inari Shrine. After reaching the Peace Pagoda at the summit, practice bathing mindfully in this sacred forest of guardians.
At Okumiya, guests have the rare privilege of enjoying an authentic Japanese tea ceremony held in an open-air setting with sweeping sunlit views of Hiroshima city, the Ota River Delta and the Seto Inland Sea beyond.
sokoiko! bicycle tour
sokoiko!’s signature Peace Tour guides visitors on a historical journey through downtown Hiroshima that begins and ends at the landmark Peace Memorial Park. Riding electric-assist bicycles, experience the city past and present, from the ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome to the timeless streetcars that continue to be part of everyday life in Hiroshima.
Through engaging conversations with local guides, participants can gain a deeper understanding of both Hiroshima’s history and its remarkable post-war recovery.
Kamijima Tours
Winner of the Cycling category in the 2026 Setouchi DMO Awards, Kamijima Tours offer intimatebespoke journeys through the Kamijima islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Just east of the more famous Shimanami Kaido, the islands are home to the Yumeshima Kaido – a more low-key cycling sea route across bridges and islands promising light traffic and tranquil coastal scenery.
Participants can pedal leisurely past quiet seaside shrines and encounter local lifestyles in fishing villages and citrus farms.
Michi-no-eki SAZANSETO TOWA
This roadside station in Suo-Oshima offers spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea. SAZANSETO TOWA sells a wide selection of local souvenirs and produce featuring mandarin oranges, while its upstairs restaurant serves seafood dishes from around the region.
The facility also includes a tourist information desk and bicycle rentals, making it a central hub for exploring Suo-Oshima by bike. Route 437 runs along the scenic northern side of the island, with opportunities to cycle inland for panoramic mountaintop views.
Setouchi Alps Trekking
This hiking trail circles four peaks—Mt. Monju, Mt. Kano, Mt. Genmei, and Mt. Dake—in Suo-Oshima town, within the Seto Inland Sea National Park. The ridgeline formed by these mountains at an elevation of around 600 meters is affectionately known as the Setouchi Alps.
Each mountain preserves historical sites that have long been objects of religious worship, set among lush vegetation and seasonal blossoms. The Mt. Dake Observation Terrace offers a sweeping view of the surrounding archipelago stretching out to the Shikoku Mountains.
Tobishima Cycling
This beginner-friendly electric-assist bicycle tour follows the Akinada Tobishima Kaido sea route that begins in the city of Kure and connects seven islands via seven bridges in the Seto Inland Sea. Participants cycle along coastal and quiet island roads, experiencing local lifestyles in distinct settlement structures and port townscapes that are unique to each island.
As featured in the 2021 Japanese film “Drive My Car”, the Akinada Tobishima Kaido sea route culminates in Mitarai, a diligently preserved Edo-period townscape of merchant houses on the island of Osaki-Shimojima.
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.
