Dotted with more than a thousand islands large and small, the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu is a marvel of natural beauty. The archipelago and its shores comprise the Setouchi area, where picturesque scenery meets a forward-looking blend of art, culture and cuisine.
You may know Setouchi as Japan’s number one destination for contemporary art enthusiasts thanks to the international Setouchi Triennale art festival, which is returning in 2025. And with world-class museums and a wealth of site-specific artworks sprinkled across the region’s pretty forests and sandy beaches, that reputation is deserved.
But there’s so much more, too: stretching from Kobe in the east all the way to Kitakyushu in the west, the Inland Sea region has a mild climate that underpins an incredible culinary culture, and a rich history intimately entwined with contemporary life.
And there’s no more convenient way to start exploring it all – from bucket-list sights to ultra-local eateries, bars and bookstores – than scoring a copy of The ultimate guide to Setouchi.
Published December 19 2024 and created by us together with the good folks at JR West, the free 16-page booklet contains all the inspiration you need to start planning an Inland Sea adventure. Inside you’ll find seven easy-to-follow model itineraries, each one centred on a specific JR railway station in Setouchi. Here’s a sneak peek…
In Okayama, snack on freshly fried millet dumplings after exploring one of the country’s most famous samurai-era gardens and delve deep into the local drinking scene at a classic izakaya. Across the Inland Sea in Kagawa, see Japanese coffeeshop essentials like ‘Napolitan’ spaghetti get a 21st-century makeover and shop for zines, artsy T-shirts and rock-solid interior décor.
On the western tip of Honshu in Yamaguchi, ride a steam train through the mountainous landscape, see cutting-edge media art and sip your way through the local café culture. Then cross the Kanmon Straits to Kitakyushu for toilet history, bustling street markets and some of the highest-rated sushi in Japan.
Pick up your FREE copy of The ultimate guide to Setouchi at Haneda or Narita airport, Osaka Station, Hiroshima Station, or the tourist information centre at Shin-Osaka Station – or check out the online edition here.