{"id":31548,"date":"2021-05-20T17:39:34","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T16:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=31548"},"modified":"2026-02-27T10:35:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T10:35:14","slug":"regional-japan-slow-travel-in-setouchi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2021\/05\/20\/regional-japan-slow-travel-in-setouchi\/","title":{"rendered":"Regional Japan: slow travel in Setouchi"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We\u2019re often asked the best way to get off the beaten track and experience the evocative Japan that everyone pictures in their head.\u00a0The answer? Pick a region, and explore it in depth! Japan\u2019s regions often have everything you could ever need, all wrapped up in their cities, culture, blissful rural areas and unique foodie scenes \u2013 and all unmarred by mass tourism.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In this series, we\u2019ll introduce you to our favourites. If you\u2019re hankering for slow travel and the \u2018real\u2019 Japan, this is for you! First up: Setouchi.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW145965199 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW145965199 BCX0\">Introducing\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW145965199 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW145965199 BCX0\">the\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW145965199 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW145965199 BCX0\">Setouchi<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW145965199 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW145965199 BCX0\">\u00a0region<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31566\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31566\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-31566 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting.jpg\" alt=\"The fishing town of Tomonoura\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-900x601.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-1440x961.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-780x521.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura-2-matya1234-2-Pixta-needs-crediting-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31566\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomonoura, credit: matya1234 \/ PIXTA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Setouchi\u2019s geography couldn\u2019t be more diverse if it tried, comprising the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">island-dotted Inland Sea, mountainous central Shikoku, the rice fields of rural Hiroshima and the rocky plateaus of Yamaguchi\u2019s Akiyoshidai area.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">f that\u2019s not enough variety for you, there\u2019s also history (castles), religion (pilgrimage routes), culture (festivals) and plenty of extraordinary foods to try. Yep, the Setouchi region may well just incorporate everything you loved about your first Japan trip \u2013\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">but crucially, with much more of a chance to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">do\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">things\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">your way.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> From all the transport options you could ever want, to activities and destinations that cater to all sorts of interests, this part of Japan is perfect for a second-timer wanting to delve even deeper; to find out just what makes Japan tick beyond the Golden Route trail.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With its\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">h<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">istoric cities<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(most famously<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Hiroshima, Takamatsu and Matsuyama<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, pretty seaside towns, and laid-back pace of life<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the Setouchi region is<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(in a very broad sense) like a Japanese version of the Mediterranean.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And, much like the Med, this lesser-travelled area of Japan is somewhere you can really slow down<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and take your time<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">though\u00a0being easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0you can bookend it with some of that fa<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">st<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">-paced city life that Japan does so well.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW231160283 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW231160283 BCX0\">Our favourite ways to experience\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW231160283 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW231160283 BCX0\">Setouchi<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW231160283 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-31572\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2.jpg\" alt=\"The Shimanami Kaido cycling route\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-564x365.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-1536x995.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-2048x1326.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-1200x777.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-900x583.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-720x466.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-1440x932.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-390x253.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-780x505.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-2-510x330.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cycle the\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shimanami\u00a0Kaido<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re looking<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">world-class cycling\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">with incredible\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sea-and-island\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">views<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, look no further than the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shimanami<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Kaido:\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a 70-kilometre\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cycling\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">route<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">at connects Honshu with Shikoku<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, passing through six islands along the way<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You don\u2019t have to be a hardcore cyclist to enjoy the ride, though \u2013\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you can rent and drop off a bike at any<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0bike<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0terminal along the way<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, so you can experience the joys of travelling slowly and soaking in the views without committing to the whole\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ten<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8211;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hour<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(two-day)\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shebang.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-31569\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Giant Pumpkin on Naoshima Art Island\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/photo12-1440x1080-1-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Visit t<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">he\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Japan\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Art Islands<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Naoshima<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Teshima,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inujima<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Once\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">just\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a cluster of sleepy islands in the Seto Inland Sea, these three\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">islets<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0are now\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">famous as<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> the home of surreal art installations, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">museums, and architectural wonders<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 (not to mention a certain \u2018Giant Pumpkin\u2019 by contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama). Ferry-hop between them, cycle around them&#8230; it&#8217;s like a serene and striking treasure hunt made for art-loving grown-ups!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-31575\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2.jpg\" alt=\"Tomonoura at dusk\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-2-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explore the region\u2019s seaside\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">towns<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As you make your way from Kyoto to Hiroshima (or back again), there\u2019s simply no excuse not to stop in on some of the picture-perfect towns dotted along the coast of the Seto In<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">land Sea.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tomonoura<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, an old-fashioned fishing town that\u2019s part of the Setonaikai National Park, may well be the most charming\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">we\u2019ve visited<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. A Korean envoy once said it had the \u2018most beautiful view in Japan\u2019, so n<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">o wonder it was chosen as a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">location setting<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ghibli animation<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ponyo<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">!<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31590\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31590\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31590\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting.jpg\" alt=\"Bizen pottery\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Hot-Pot-Bimae-Tokutouri-dinner-with-Bizen-pottery-omizu-Pixta-needs-crediting-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31590\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bizen pot, credit: omizu \/ PIXTA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Try your hand at\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bizen\u00a0pottery<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">his is<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">no ordinary pottery class<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yunogo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Onsen<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you get to learn\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the art of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bizen<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> pottery \u2013\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">famous all over Japan for its iron-like hardness &#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">from master<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Kyo\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Isezaki<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, who comes from a long line of expert potters.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Under his careful direction, you\u2019ll\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">have the chance to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shape your own\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bizen<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0ware keepsake and fire it<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in a wood-burning kiln<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">just like\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Isezaki-san&#8217;s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">family<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has been doing for generations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW18219354 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW18219354 BCX0\">Getting to (and around) Setouchi<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW18219354 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31593\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31593\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31593\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1.jpg\" alt=\"A ferry to Naoshima Art Island\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Naoshima_%E7%9B%B4%E5%B3%B6%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC_%EF%BC%88%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%EF%BC%89ShokoPhoto%C2%A9-1-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31593\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A ferry to Naoshima, credit: ShokoPhoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\">How do you get around Setouchi?\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\">Let\u2019s just say you have options<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\">! It all\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\">depends whether you want to do things the easy way&#8230; or the scenic way<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW27792321 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW27792321 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shinkansen:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Less haste, more speed.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you want to get to Setouchi as quickly as\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">possible, you<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0can take the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and be there in under two hours.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Plus,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">all the stations are well-signposted in English.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Smaller trains:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0getting to Setouchi is all part of the adventure, why not soak up some of that incredible scenery on\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">some of the smaller trains connecting the region to Kyoto?\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It may (read: will) take you\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">longer, but<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0mingling with the locals\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">as you watch<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Japanese countryside<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">slide\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">past\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">your window\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">will be an experience you\u2019ll never forget.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Drive:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Now this is the epitome of slow travel \u2013 and the perfect way to really get under the skin of this naturally beautiful region<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. For all those in-between places that you\u2019d otherwise miss, driving is the way to go.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>High-speed ferry: <\/strong>Prefer to cruise? High-speed ferries connect the port cities of Hiroshima, on Honshu, and Matsuyama, on Shikoku island. There are also numerous smaller ferries that criss-cross the Seto Inland Sea, linking up the art islands of Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima \u2013 as well as Okunoshima, the notorious &#8216;bunny island&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW87768626 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW87768626 BCX0\">Regional food and drink<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW87768626 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31596\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31596\" style=\"width: 2160px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-31596 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007.jpg\" alt=\"Kobe beef\" width=\"2160\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007.jpg 2160w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-300x139.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-1024x474.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-768x356.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-564x261.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-1536x711.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-2048x948.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-1200x556.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-900x417.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-720x333.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-1440x667.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-390x181.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-780x361.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/fd007-510x236.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31596\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kobe beef<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kobe beef<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Perhaps the most internationally famous of Japan\u2019s regional dishes,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wagyu<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0beef from Kobe is<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of the very highest quality.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Its coating of marbled fat prevents all the flavours and juicy goodness from escaping as it cooks, resulting in meat that\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0so tender it\u2019ll melt in your mouth.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sake<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Setouchi region encompasses not one, but two of Japan\u2019s most famous sake-producing areas:\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hiroshima<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0prefecture<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and Nada in Kobe.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In particular, Saijo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in Hiroshima is a mecca for sake connoisseurs \u2013<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0with a grand total of eight\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">closely<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">packed\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">breweries<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Where better to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">take a sake sampling tour?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31608\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31608\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31608\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa.jpg\" alt=\"Sanuki udon\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kama-age_sanuki_udon_by_sekido_in_Takamatsu_Kagawa-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31608\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sanuki udon, credit: sekido<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Udon<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not just any\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">udon<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, mind you; we\u2019re talking\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">chunky\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sanuki<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">udon<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Kagawa prefecture\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">square-shaped, flat-edged\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">noodle of choice.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> What\u2019s special about this dish is that there are so many ways to enjoy it \u2013 from how it\u2019s cooked to the toppings you choose to garnish it with<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31611\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31611\" style=\"width: 1280px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-31611 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese rock oysters\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rock-Oysters-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31611\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fresh rock oysters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Local seafood<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The shimmering waters of the Seto Inland Sea are chock-full of nutrients \u2013 leading to the tastiest local seafood you could possibly imagine. Take\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hiroshima oysters<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, for example, which\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">are prized all over Japan<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Other fresh-from-the-sea specialities include fugu (blowfish) and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">iwakuni<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">zushi<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: sushi prepared in square moulds.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hirara-yaki<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stay at a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rural\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">farmhouse in the Iya Valley and you\u2019re sure to encounter\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hirara-yaki<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 a traditional countryside dish <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cooked\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to perfection\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">on a s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tone over a fire. Construct a wall of tofu to keep your dinner<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from escaping off the sides of the slate, then fill it with seafood and vegetables<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for the ultimate in rustic dining.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW250286641 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250286641 BCX0\">Where to stay<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW250286641 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW250286641 BCX0\">&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW250286641 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31614\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31614\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-31614 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379.jpg\" alt=\"Iya Valley rural farmhouse stay\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-564x377.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-2048x1370.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-1200x803.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-900x602.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-1440x964.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0379-510x341.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31614\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Farmhouse stay in the Iya Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you want the whole place to yourself: farmhouse stay<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Iya\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Valley<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ever wondered what traditional Japan was like before the tourists started coming? It might have been something a little like this! Squirrel yourself away at a thatched farmhouse\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in a remote mountain village, where the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">staff<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0are ever welcoming, the views are captivating, and all the food is wholesome and home-grown, and you\u2019ll discover the true meaning of slow travel. Trust us when we say this is one quintessentially Japanese experience that you\u2019ll never forget!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you want to treat yourself:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Seki<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tei<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Miyajima<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With only twelve guest rooms \u2013 all of which overlook a beautiful Japanese garden, complete with Koi carp pond \u2013 the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sekitei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a pretty exclusive<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0place to stay. It\u2019s fun to explore, too<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: each guest room is unique, with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rabbit warren-style\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">doors and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">staircases leading to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tucked-away sitting rooms\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0balconies.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A walk around the garden\u2019s perimeter will lead you to plenty more\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cosy nooks and crannies<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(librar<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ies and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">reading rooms<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, for example<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">which are\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">not only\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">filled with stunning articles of retro furniture<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, but are also<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">free to all guests<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0And did we mention the sea views?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31617\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31617\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31617\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1.jpg\" alt=\"A street in Tomonoura\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Tomonoura_HIROSHIMA-1-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31617\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A quiet Tomonoura street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lovers of traditional ryokan<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: the\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Migiwatei<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Ochi K<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ochi<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0Tomonoura<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Charming setting? Check.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A b<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">eautiful outlook<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Check. A warm welcome, delicious traditional cuisine<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">excellent on-site<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0facilities? Looks like we have a full house!<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tomonoura\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Migiwatei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Ochi Kochi is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">everything you could want from a ryokan<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 with <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">added bonus<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">being located in<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0one of the most charming fishing villages in all of Japan.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spend just<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a few minutes in\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the private<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0hot spring bath on your balcony<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0overlooking the Seto Inland Sea<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and you\u2019re sure to fall promptly under its spell. Blissful!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For an in-depth temple experience<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shukubo<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0temple stay, Koshin-<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ji<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Visit<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">ed Mount Koya\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">on your first trip to Japan\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">and want to try a second time-round temple\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">stay<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">? This\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">shukubo<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">(literally \u2018sleeping with the monks\u2019<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">)<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">experience<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is for you.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Nestled into the mountains of Hiroshima prefecture, Koshin-ji temple seems all but cut off from the outside world<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2013<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">all bookings are private (with no other guests),\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">offer<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">ing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> a much more personal<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">experience. Spend your day learning to rake a garden, make matcha or\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">ring bells, and then spend the night star gazing or\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">practising<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0outdoor Zazen meditation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW188322388 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW188322388 BCX0\">Recommended\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW188322388 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188322388 BCX0\">route<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW188322388 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW77951763 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW77951763 BCX0\">Starting point: Kyoto<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW77951763 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Day 1<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Travel by train and ferry to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Naoshima<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> art island.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cycle around the island to see the art installations, visit Benesse House museum and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Chichu<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Art Museum, and enjoy world-class art in the most charming setting imaginable.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Benesse House museum even has its own hotel that you can stay in!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31626\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31626\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31626\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920.jpg\" alt=\"Ritsurin Garden\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ritsurin-garden-1987179_1920-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31626\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Days 2-3<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Take the ferry over to Takamatsu and drop by\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">meticulously maintained<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ritsurin\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ga<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">rden<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Don\u2019t miss a bowl of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">sanuki<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">udon<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0for lunch \u2013 or try making it at a cooking class (we can arrange it!).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Rent a car and drive south into rural Shikoku<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0en\u00a0route to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">the Iya Valley, in Tokushima prefecture. Stay for two nights at the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tougenkyo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Iya farmhouses in Ochiai village.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Spend a full day exploring the Iya Valley, including the famous<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">ly dizzying<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kazurabashi<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0vine bridges<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2013<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">and take a boat\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">trip\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">past the ancient rock formations of the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oboke<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Gorge<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Day 4<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Drive through the mountain countryside to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Shikoku\u2019s largest city:\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Matsuyama.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Visit the castle, and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dogo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Onsen \u2013 one of the oldest bathhouses in Japan, which is famous for inspiring the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Spirited Away<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Stay a night in the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">city, or<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0splash out on a night at the architecturally impressive Setouchi\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Aonagi<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0(designed by Tadao Ando), located just\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">half an hour\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">outside<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0of<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Matsuyama<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Top tip \u2013 we recommend adding on an extra night here to visit the charming town of\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Uchiko<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0\u2013 the\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2018<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Takayama of Shikoku<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2019<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0\u2013 and Ozu castle town. You can even stay in your very own traditional townhouse in\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Uchiko.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31629\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31629\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31629\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1.jpg\" alt=\"Cycling the Shimanami Kaido\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shimanami-cycling-1-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31629\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cycling the Shimanami Kaido<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Day 5<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Take the train up to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Imabari<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and set out on the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shimanami<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Kaido<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0cycling route.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Over the course of two days, c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">ycle the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">7<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">0km cycle route over bridges connecting\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Shikoku island<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0with mainland Honshu<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">It\u2019s fairly flat<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0but e-bikes are available for people who want to focus more on the scenery than the exercise<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Stay overnight at\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">homely\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">minshuku<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0(<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">bed and breakfast<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">) on one of the islands along the route<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Try: the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">bran<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">d-<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">new luxury ryokan<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Azumi\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Setoda<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0on\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ikuchijima<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Island<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Sunset views here are not to be missed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Day 6<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cycle the second half of the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Shimanami<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Kaido in the morning.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">After arriving in\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">the quaint town of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Onomichi, take a breather for lunch at a caf\u00e9, wander up to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Senkoji<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0temple and observation area<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0for views back over the Seto Inland Sea, then hop on a train east along the coast to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tomonoura<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Check in to your ryokan (we recommend\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Migiwatei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Ochi<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">k<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">ochi) and relax with views out over the sea. A traditional kaiseki meal and an\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">onsen<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0bath await!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31632\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31632\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31632\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-1.jpg\" alt=\"The temple walk overlooking Onomichi\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-1-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-1-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-1-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-1-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31632\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The temple walk overlooking Onomichi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Day 7<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Back on the train, and east to Kyoto.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Stop off at Okayama<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to visit<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0the beautifully landscaped<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Korakuen<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">G<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">arden &#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">End point: Kyoto<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Inspired to travel regional Japan? We can design a trip to suit your interests and budget. Get in touch to <\/strong><strong>begin planning the holiday of a lifetime!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F31548\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! We\u2019re often asked the best way to get off the beaten track and experience the evocative Japan that everyone pictures in their head.\u00a0The answer? Pick a region, and explore it in depth! Japan\u2019s regions often have everything you could ever need, all wrapped up in their cities, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":171,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2362],"tags":[2073],"class_list":["post-31548","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-places-and-where-to-stay-in-japan","tag-setouchi"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31548","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/171"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31548"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31548\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31653,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31548\/revisions\/31653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31548"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}