The Setouchi region of Japan continues to be a hub for travelers looking to explore off the beaten path destinations within the country. Some of the country’s most captivating areas can be found in the Okayama, Kagawa and Hiroshima prefectures, inviting travelers to explore a diverse blend of history, culture, and culinary offerings.
Shrines and Culinary Heritage in Okayama
At the heart of Okayama is the Kibitsu Jinja Shrine, a national treasure located in Okayama City. Rebuilt in 1425, this iconic shrine is steeped in Japanese mythology and is an architectural marvel, showcasing the rare “Kibitsu-zukuri” style, considered a masterpiece of Japanese architecture, with its main hall and worship hall standing as the only remaining examples of this distinctive design in Japan. Kibitsu Jinja Shrine is also the model for Momotaro, one of the most familiar folktales to Japanese people, an episode taught to them as children and familiar to all. Even today, the history of the shrine continues unbroken, with a grand festival held twice a year to express gratitude for the extermination of Ura, the conqueror of the Oni no Ura, which is believed to be the source of Momotaro’s story
The Okayama region also boasts a vibrant food culture deeply connected to its history. One of the most iconic local dishes is Okayama Barazushi, a scattered sushi that originated during the Edo period. This dish was born out of the townspeople’s protest of a decree of thrift imposed by Lord Mitsumasa Ikeda who restricted meals to one soup and one vegetable. After issuing a decree that “a vegetable on a bed of rice is still a vegetable,” the townspeople responded by mixing vegetables and fish into vinegared rice, creating a flavorful dish that adhered to the laws while still offering a satisfying meal. Today, colorful Barazushi with rich ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea is enjoyed during festivals and celebrations as a beloved regional specialty. For a true taste of Okayama’s local dishes, Kidoairaku, a long-established restaurant in Okayama City, offers a traditional dining experience.
In addition to its historical dishes, Okayama is also known as the “Fruit Kingdom” of Japan. The region’s mild climate allows for the cultivation of high-quality peaches and grapes, with the white peaches and “Muscat of Alexandria” grapes being particularly famous. Visitors can indulge in fruit-based delicacies, such as parfaits brimming with fresh local peaches and grapes or pay a visit to one of the many fruit farms, like Tomomien in Akaiwa, to pick their own peaches from June to August and grapes from August to September.
History and Cycling Adventures in Hiroshima
In Hiroshima, a highlight for visitors is the Hiroshima Localized Walking Tour which provides a deep dive into Hiroshima’s past, focusing on its recovery from the devastating atomic bombing of 1945. Participants visit key historical sites such as the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Park, while local guides share insight into the region’s culture, details on Hiroshima’s culinary traditions like okonomiyaki and ramen, and personal stories. The tour, which was awarded by TripAdvisor in 2024, allows visitors to gain a deep understanding of Hiroshima’s history in just 2.5 hours while being led by passionate local experts who bring the stories to life. The tour, awarded TripAdvisor 2024, allows visitors to gain a deep understanding of Hiroshima’s history in just 2.5 hours while being led by passionate local experts who bring the stories to life.
For those seeking an outdoor adventure, cycling along the Shimanami Kaido offers a stunning way to experience the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. Starting from Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture and extending 70 kilometers to Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, the Shimanami Kaido is renowned as one of the world’s premier cycling routes. The scenic path takes cyclists across seven impressive bridges, each offering breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. Cyclists of all levels can enjoy this journey, with convenient bike rental terminals like Central Cycling Terminal Station and i.i.imabari! Cycle Station (JR Imabari Station Rental Cycle) providing a range of bicycles, including e-bikes for an easier ride. With designated “cycle oases” scattered along the route, offering rest stops, water stations, and even accommodation, riders can explore the islands at their own pace, enjoying the unique landscapes and seasonal beauty of Setouchi.
Scenic Escapes and Unique Stays in Kagawa
Travelers seeking more adventures in the great outdoors can head to Mitoyo area located in western Kagawa, where they will find stunning natural beauty across a variety of landscapes. One of Japan’s most beautiful beaches, Chichibugahama Beach is located in Mitoyo city, Kagawa prefecture, and is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and mirror-like reflections created when tide pools form at low tide and the setting sun reflects off the water’s surface. Also in Mitoyo City sits Mt. Shiude, where visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea from the top of the mountain. Especially in the spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a visual showcase said to be one of the most beautiful landscapes representing the area. An attraction so beautiful, a photo of the cherry blossoms was used as the background photo for the New York Times “52 Places to Go” 2019 feature on the Islands of the Seto Inland Sea. At the top of the mountain are the ruins of Mt. Shiude, where the remains of a village dating back to the Yayoi period (2,300 to 1,700 years ago) have been discovered.
For accommodation in the area, Mitoyotsuru TOJI in Mitoyo City offers visitors a unique opportunity to stay in a renovated historical sake brewery dating back to the Edo period (1603 – 1868) when local rice and water were used to make sake. In recent years, the brewery has been transformed into new accommodations while still maintaining the traditions of the sake brewery. Offered as a unique and immersive experience, guests can dive into the history and culture of sake brewing by participating in the inn’s spa-like “brew yourself” experience. This allows visitors to relax in a water bath cauldron and enjoy a brewing-inspired sauna, mimicking the traditional brewing environment while offering a cultural twist on a spa retreat. To see the region by sea, Setouchi Island Cruise is a cruising business based in Takamatsu city that takes passengers on luxury cruisers around the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, offering particularly beautiful scenery, art, and food for all five senses. A variety of plans are available, and tourists can choose from short cruises or free cruises where they can freely decide their route around the islands.
