Islands nurtured by diverse history and culture
Setouchi consists of over 700 islands in the Seto Inland Sea. In recent years, global attention has focused on the contemporary artworks on display throughout an area that has flourished since ancient times. However, the signs of older traditions and culture still remain, and traveling around these historical isles, with their mild climate, makes for a relaxing adventure.
Don't Miss
- Artworks and museums that are fused into the islands' natural environment
- Angel Road on Shodoshima, a sacred place for lovers
- An iconic view of Seto Ohashi, the longest two-tier bridge system in the world
- The old townscapes that were once home to flourishing naval and shipping industries
Activities
Sea firefly watching (Awashima)
You can see 'Umihotaru,' which emit light at night on the sandy beaches or nearby quay. The best time to see them is from May to October.
Soy sauce brewery tour (Shodoshima)
You'll find many soy sauce manufacturers at 'Hishio-no-sato.' Educational tours are available showcasing soy sauce making in the island's traditional wooden barrels.
Noson Kabuki (Shodoshima)
A local performing art that has been performed for 300 years. Held every year on May 3 at Hitoyama, and in October at Nakayama (free of charge).
Food & Souvenirs
Olives (Shodoshima)
Shodoshima is known as an olive island. Olive leaf soft cream, and olives marinated in the locally produced soy sauce are available. You'll also find plenty of olive based beauty products.
Shodoshima Tenobesomen noodles (Shodoshima)
One of Japan's three famed somen noodles. It was introduced to the island about 400 years ago, and manufacturers continue to preserve the ingredients and production methods today. The noodle is characterized by its ingredients including Setouchi salt and sesame oil.
Sightseeing Spots
Awashima Maritime Museum (Awashima)
This beautiful mint green building was Japan's first maritime school.
Kasashima townscape (Honjima)
The buildings in the district were built in the Edo period by master craftsmen named Shiwaku Carpenters.
Hishio-no-sato (Shodoshima)
Shodoshima's salt industry has been thriving since ancient times, while soy sauce has been produced here since the Edo period. A number of soy sauce breweries and factories from the Meiji period are still in use today.
Nakayama's Senmaida (Shodoshima)
The group of 700 Senmaida rice terraces in Nakayama have been selected as one of Japan's top 100 rice terraces.