The picturesque Setouchi region, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, also beckons food lovers. Whether you’re a foodie or a culture enthusiast, Setouchi is the perfect destination for travellers seeking to experience the essence of Japan. With its memorable culinary
offerings, visitors can savour Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki, embark on a personalised udon taxi tour in Kagawa, or indulge during a stay in Takamatsu as part of an immersive gastronomic adventure.
Ride off in a Udon Taxi that takes you to the best specialist vendours in Takamatsu
What is a Japanese food best served in the winter? A warm bowl of udon should be on the list of every Japanese cuisine lover’s list. In the Takamatsu area and Kagawa Prefecture in Setouchi, travellers can go on a udon-tasting journey on the Udon Taxi, a unique cab tour where local drivers take tourists to famous udon restaurants and hidden gems not listed in guidebooks. Full-time Udon Taxi drivers who have passed a test can explain in detail the history and culture of udon in Japan, as well as the best way to order it in stores. The service is available mainly in the western part of Kagawa prefecture, including Sakaide, Marugame, Zentsuji, and Kotohira.
Build your own okonomiyaki pancake at Okonomimura in Hiroshima
Located in the heart of Hiroshima’s Naka-ku district, Okonomimura is a multi-storey ‘okonomiyaki village’ that’s home to 23 different restaurants, each offering its own take on this beloved dish.
Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake, is usually made with cabbage, meat, seafood, and noodles. It is a local speciality born in the aftermath of World War II. Its history can be traced back to the food stalls in Shintenchi Square, a plaza not far from the hypocentre of the atomic bomb, which helped revive the community post-war. Today, the area’s transformation into a high-rise building allows travellers to experience this nostalgic dish, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Hiroshima’s food culture.
A visit to Hiroshima is not complete without a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum, seeing the shrines on Miyajima island and trying the infamous oysters – the area accounts for 60% of Japan’s oyster production – but trying okonomiyaki at Okonomimura is a must.
Okonomiyaki Village opening hours vary from store to store, so please check the Okonomimura website in advance.
Three Gastronomical Places to Stay in Takamatsu
The newly restored Anabukitei offers a private rental that combines modern comfort with traditional Japanese architecture. Built in 1970, this luxury mansion welcomes just one group of guests per day to enjoy its beautiful Japanese garden, private open-air bath, sauna, and breakfast and optional dinner featuring local Japanese flavors.
Auberge de Oishi is an intimate 5-room Mediterranean-style hotel located at the foot of Mt. Yashima, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. It features a ‘hidden Setouchi restaurant’ that highlights local ingredients from the region, including unique offerings like Sanuki olives.
Hanajukai, or ‘Hana no Yado’ (Flower Inn), centers around a revived hot spring and boasts a large bath with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and Takamatsu City skyline. Guests enjoy exquisite Sanuki cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients, blending Japanese traditions with international flavors. Prices start at 380,000 yen for a single occupancy room, including consumption tax and breakfast, as of October 2025.
Discover LOG: A boutique hotel in Onomichi, where gourmet cuisine meets serene design
Onomichi is home to LOG, a charming boutique hotel that beautifully blends architectural heritage with modern style. Opened in 2018 after transforming an apartment building, LOG was brought to life in collaboration with the Indian architectural collective STUDIO MUMBAI. It’s located near the famous Senkoji Temple and offers a unique dining experience that mixes traditional Japanese flavors with European and Asian influences.
The hotel offers a menu crafted by the talented food creative, Ms. Ai Hosokawa, who focuses on clean, nourishing flavours that highlight high-quality ingredients, with inspiration from her training in Italy. The restaurant’s vibe matches the hotel’s aesthetic, with rooms wrapped in stretched Japanese paper that creates a cocoon-like cosy feel.
