Your Adventure Awaits
The Setouchi Art Trails
The artistic odyssey through Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, and the Shimanami Kaido is a rhythmic dialogue between the avant-garde and the ancient, where the jagged coastlines of the Seto Inland Sea serve as a living gallery and a symbiotic relationship between environment and the arts. The sojourn culminates in the ultimate fusion of movement and aesthetics along the Shimanami Kaido, an island-hopping trail where contemporary sculptures rise unexpectedly from citrus groves and the island vibe. Across these bridges and islands, the "journey" is no longer just a route, but a curated experience where the salty air bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and the bold, experimental spirit of
21st-Century Japan.
Japan
Arts & Design
Art de Vivre
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When To Go?
Highlights
Accommodations
A visual and aesthetical presentation of West Japan's differentiated angles and elements of arts, design and restoration in its full entirety where every accommodation no longer functions as just a place to stay but a deeply-resonated concept that brings the full fore to the journey.
Experiences
While the arts still take centerstage, the backstories are what drive the narrative. "A reason for being" - manifested from the willingness of paying homage to the identity, heritage and the appreciation of nature and what the islands of the Setouchi mean for the locals.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive Tokyo / Ube
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Arrive Tokyo Haneda Airport and shortly, connect onto your domestic flight for Ube in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
On arrival at Yamaguchi-Ube Airport, you will be met as we enjoy a leisurely visit to Tokiwa Park - recognized by the Guinness World Records for hosting the UBE Biennale - the longest-running outdoor sculpture competition. Witness an assortment of contemporary sculptures in the 189-hectares park, along with more than 3,500 cherry trees in spring.
Thereafter, we visit an Akama Inkstone workshop of Yoichi Hieda gaining a deep insight into its history that dates back more than 900 years when inkstones were essential tools in calligraphy and ink painting. Each ink stone is meticulously carved, shaped, and polished by hand, utilizing time-honored techniques passed down through the ages.
Finally, we will arrive at Maison Owl, designed by visionary architect, Junya Ishigami, as an underground-dug cave restaurant-residence. Carved into the earth, the fascinating complex looks like a cave that’s been carved by wind and water and seemingly oblivious from the ground level. Experience an unusual and whimsical stay this evening where you sleep into the arts while savoring to incredible French cuisine by Chef Motonori Hirata.
DAY 2: Ube / Iwakuni / Otake
This morning, we depart Maison Owl venturing east for a visit to the Fujigochi Cha-en Green Tea Plantation - home to the largest green tea plantations in Western Japan. Enjoy a tour of the tea fields and an immersive lecture about the origins of Ono tea where tea cultivation in Yamaguchi Prefecture is said to have originated more than 600 years ago during the Edo period. Experience an intimate tasting session on the tea platform overlooking expansive views of the tea fields while savoring traditional sweets.
Thereafter, continue our journey east. En route, consider a stop to visit the renowned Dassai Brewery Store where you may have a tasting of its premium sake. Not far away, we take a break and enjoy lunch at the unique Irori Sanzoku, renowned for its open-air atmosphere and their splendid charcoal-grilled chicken.
After a sumptuous lunch, we arrive into the tranquil city of Iwakuni, renowned for the Kintaikyo Bridge, possibly the most beautiful in Japan. First built in the 17th Century by Lord Hiroyoshi Kikkawa, the 5-arch wooden bridge spans 175m over the Nishiki River to the beautiful grounds of Kikka Park, former grounds and residence of the Yoshikawa samurai family. Perched high above the park is the 17th Century Iwakuni Castle - accessed by a ropeway. On a flexible basis, wander and explore at leisure where in Spring, is one of the most enchanting sites for viewing of cherry blossoms.
Finally, a short drive arrives us at the Simose Art Garden Villa, right on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea combining an art museum, a villa and restaurant, designed by Pritzker prize-winning architect and living national treasure, Shigeru Ban where the main highlight features eight moveable galleries incorporating Hiroshima's shipbuilding technology into the design where these galleries can be moved floating on water. The complex was awarded the Prix Versailles by UNESCO as the "World’s Most Beautiful Museum".
DAY 3: Otake (Excursion to Miyajima)
A beautiful morning after breakfast, you have time to fully appreciate Simose Art Museum, housing a collection of more than 500 works assembled over more than 50 years by Yumiko Shimose and her parents to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Marui Sangyo Co. Ltd, a corporation primarily involved in the distribution of construction materials. Art pieces feature traditional Japanese crafts such as Hina and Kyoto dolls, glasswork, handcrafted furniture, sculptures as well as seasonal exhibition of art works including those of the intriguing Miwa Komatsu.
In the afternoon, we will transfer to Okushin Pier to embark onboard our private cruiser boat for a 4-hour experience of Miyajima and Etajima as we experience the tranquility of the Setouchi islands.
We will first stop on the small island of Etajima, famed for its naval history and postcard-worthy landscapes. Visit the charming Bricolage17 Cafe, perched atop a viewpoint of the island, surrounded by a kitchen garden featuring herbs, vegetables and fruit trees. The cafe’s concept as an "edible garden" means you can pick fresh herbs like mint to garnish your desserts or drinks, enhancing your culinary experience with a personal touch. The views from the terrace are spectacular, offering sweeping vistas of the Seto Inland Sea and the distant outlines of Miyajima.
Thereafter, we return to our boat, resuming our cruise along Miyajima's coast where as sunset approaches, we will have a privileged undisturbed view of the spectacular Itsukushima Shrine Torii and Nanaura Shrines from the water, providing an enviable perspective compared to land visits. Finally, we return back to the pier and make our return to Simose Art Garden Villa.
DAY 4: Otake / Saijo / Takehara
Today is all about sake heritage and our journey today takes a deep dive into the acclaimed sake legacy of Hiroshima Prefecture. We depart this morning to Saijo - one of Japan's undoubted top sake-producing region. We take a walk on the historic Saijo Sake Brewery Street - home to a cluster of the famed "Seven Breweries" namely Sanyotsuru, Hakubotan, Saijotsuru, Kamotsuru, Kirei, Fukubijin and Kamoizumi. While understanding about the heritage, we will get the chance to sample and taste some of the brands' unique flavors.
From here, our drive returns us close to the Seto Inland Sea again where we will arrive into the historic town of Takehara - also known as "Kyoto of the Setouchi". Spanning a 350-year history, Takehara was renowned as a merchant town specializing in salt-making and sake in the Chugoku region of Japan. On a pleasant exploration, we first visit the beautiful Morikawa Residence, standing on a land that was once a salt field during the Edo Period, built in 1913 by Morikawa Hachiro, a “hama-danna” salt magnate and also served as the mayor of Takehara from 1924 to 1936. Thereafter, we will meet Toshio Taketsuru, the 14th-generation and current President & Chairman of the famed Taketsuru Sake Brewery, descendent of Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka Whisky and the "Father of Japanese Whisky". Non-open to the public, we have the privilege to go behind the scenes to learn about Taketsuru's history, lineage and legacy from salt-making to sake-production and then to whisky.
After an intimate experience learning all about Taketsuru, a gentle stroll arrives us at the NIPPONIA Hotel Takehara Saltworks Town, an "albergo diffuso" styled hotel where rooms are spread over in various restored historic buildings in the Takehara townscape. This evening, you will continue the Taketsuru story with traditional cuisine that uses its sake in the preparation process.
DAY 5: Takehara (Excursion to Osakikamijima & Akitsu)
A day of island fervor as we transfer to Takehara Port for a scenic ferry ride to the island of Osakikamijima decorated with exceptional seascapes and rich with food production heritage. We will make a visit to the historic family-run Okamoto Soy Sauce Brewery witnessing the traditional manufacturing process of soy sauce with head brewer Yasufumi Okamoto and Tetsuya Okamoto. Culminating from the visit will be a tasting flight of its exceptional range of soy sauce that is regarded highly by chefs and restaurants in the Setouchi region.
Our next stop will be Farm Suzuki where we meet visionary oyster farmer, Takashi Suzuki who has successfully employed the techniques and style of oyster cultivation from Marennes-Oleron on the west coast of Rochefort, France to the favorable waters of Osakikamijima. The insightful visit will be followed by an exceptional oyster lunch - raw and cooked in various styles.
After lunch, we will return back to the mainland via our ferry to the small fishing hamlet of Akitsu where shortly after arrival, we will meet Miho Imada, 5th-generation owner and master brewer of the historic Imada Shuzo Sake Brewery, established in 1868, at the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. One of the pioneering female sake brewers in Japan, enjoy an intimate understanding of one of Hiroshima Prefecture's highly-revered sake brands for its irresistible complex but refined range of sake. From here, a short drive returns us back to NIPPONIA Hotel Takehara Saltworks Town.
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DAY 6: Takehara / Mihara / Ikuchijima
Another exceptional day beckons as we transfer to Mihara for a scenic and comfortable ferry ride to the island of Ikuchijima - our home for the next 2 nights and where we arrive at the stunning allure of Azumi Setoda, a 21st Century reimagined ryokan that was designed from a restored townhouse with minimalist renovation by Aman Resorts founder, Adrian Zecha. Begin a stroll along the historic Shiomachi Shopping Street, coming across nostalgic shops and food stalls that are heavily-influenced by the island’s lemons while understanding first-hand the importance lemons brings to its economy.
Soon, we will arrive at the Kosanji Temple, a bizarre and unusual temple complex filled with replicas from Japan’s most renowned religious sites as well as a long cave lined with statues and artifacts said to represent the notion of hell in the Buddhist faith. We then take a path up the hill from the temple grounds to arrive at the “Miraishin-no-Oka” Hill of Hope, a white marble garden where all marble materials used in the design was mined in Italy and transported to Japan by sea. Later, worth a stop is Shimagokoro, a confectionary that harvest the organic lemons of Setoda to create unique lemon cakes primarily amongst other lemon food products including lemon jam, lemon-infused olive oil, juice, lemon vinegar and more. Returning to Azumi Setoda, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to unwind on the relaxing island.
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DAY 7: Ikuchijima (Excursion to Mitarai)
The comfortable vibe of the Setouchi continues to be felt naturally as we embark on our water taxi for a scenic cruise of the Geiyo group of islands, before landing on the shores of the time-honored town of Mitarai on the island of Osaki Shimojima,
designated as an Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District. Begin our visit of Mitarai understanding its resplendent past as an important shipping stop. We stop at the
Wakaebisuya, which used to be the largest brothel in the Setouchi region housing elite “Oirans” for wealthy sailors and traders. Thereafter, make a stop at the studio of former ship builder, Mr Miyamoto who has been working on “Ochiro Fune” boat models, the type of boats that used to ferry prostitutes out to the boats to entertain sailors who had stayed on board their ships. Thereafter, we make a stop to the stunning Otome-za Theater. Built in 1937, it was used as a cinema before being converted into a theater. Next, we have the opportunity to visit Atsuka Uegami of Sun Fruits OkiToMo where a group of local old ladies are passionate and dedicated to produce some of the world’s most revered award-winning specialty jams and marmalades.
From here, we return back to Ikuchijima where you have the rest of the day at leisure to vibe and recharge. Worth a visit, walking steps away from Azumi Setoda is SOIL Setoda, a social space, cafe, bar and accommodation restored from a 140-year old storehouse, facing the Seto Inland Sea.
DAY 8: Ikuchijima / Omishima / Imabari / Matsuyama
We leave Azumi Setoda this morning and embark on our drive through the islands of the Shimanami-kaido, possibly the most beautiful inter-connected island cycling route in the world spanning over 70km. We will drive through the beautiful Tatara Bridge that connects to the island of Omishima in Ehime Prefecture. The breathtaking drive soon takes us to the Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, continuing the feature of blending architecture with nature. Consisting of the Steel Hut and the Silver Hut, be enthralled by Toyo Ito's innovative works and design philosophy. Thereafter, we make a stop at the Ken Iwata Museum of Mother & Child where the museum showcases evocative sculptures and paintings that depict motherhood and familial love.
Continuing our journey, we will drive through a succession of spectacular bridges, idyllic countryside before a stop at the Kirosan Observatory Park for panoramic views of the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, spanning a length of more than 4km over clusters of islands, taking the honor as the world's longest suspension bridge. As we cross the bridge entirely, we will officially be on the mainland of Shikoku. Take our time to chill with the pleasant seaside atmosphere before continuing an hour's drive to the Setouchi Retreat by Onko Chishin, designed by the legendary Ando Tadao where a living gallery experience intertwines contemporary art with minimalist luxury.
DAY 9: Matsuyama
Today we will uncover Matsuyama, largest city in Shikoku, with a blend of arts, design and heritage. Begin with a visit to the symbolic Dogo Onsen Honkan, designated a National Important Cultural Property, regarded as the oldest hot spring in Japan and inspired novels and anime adaptations such as "Botchan" and "Spirited Away". Steps away is the Botchan Train, retaining part of the steam train locomotive from 1888. We have the opportunity to enjoy a short ride to Okaido Station (every Sat & Sun) where we disembark in front of the remarkable Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum, designed by Ando Tadao and showcasing the works of Masaoka Shiki, Akiyama Yoshifuru and Saneyuki, during the growth of Japan during the Meiji era. Later, consider a ropeway or lift to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's original 12 castle keeps that has survived undamaged since the Edo Period.
Still within the castle grounds and museum district, there is the opportunity to visit the impressive Ehime Museum of Art, showcasing more than 12,000 works on rotating display, including paintings by international artists Paul Cézanne and Claude Monet, as well as local artists including graphic designer Sugiura Hisui, printmaker Azechi Umetaro, and illustrator Manabe Hiroshi. Thereafter, enjoy time at leisure before returning to Setouchi Retreat by Onko Chishin where you may spend time appreciating the impressive collection of art works by many local and international artists.
DAY 10: Departure Matsuyama
Today, we transfer to Matsuyama Airport for your domestic flight to Tokyo or alternatively, continue your discovery of Ehime Prefecture and beyond in Shikoku.
Featured Hotels
Setouchi Retreat by Onko Chishin
Situated in the verdant Matsuyama area of Japan, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the structure was initially built 20 years ago as a private guesthouse. The residence was then converted into a small modern art museum before reopening as Setouchi Retreat by Onko Chishin — all under Tadao Ando’s supervision. Perfectly complementing Ando’s “smooth-as-silk” concrete walls, museum-quality artwork abounds at the hotel. Here, a painting by Frank Stella—one of the leading figures of the postwar minimalist and abstract movements—crowns the hotel’s dining room. Guests also discover a large-scale work by calligrapher/visual artist Rieko Kawabe, whose practice is rooted in Japanese aesthetic traditions.
Simose Art Garden Villa
Enjoy collections of endearing Japanese dolls and Art Noveau glass works. Appreciate modern masters Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, and Kaii Higashiyama, and gaze upon the Setouchi seascape from the rooftop. Everything you see and encounter stimulates the senses, from Shigeru Ban’s concept of movable exhibition rooms inspired by the islands of Setouchi, to the garden filled with plants beloved by French artist Emile Gallé, all while living in the arts environment regarded as one of Japan's Best Hotels,
Privileges
Priority Room Upgrade to Aonagi Suite*