The pandemic has halted the travel plans of many. But it doesn't mean we cannot see the world anymore. We can still imagine ourselves traveling to places we dreamt to go.
Setouchi is the largest inland sea in Japan. The region is home to a number of amazing attractions including 4 UNESCO world heritage sites
A waveless and calm sea, islands that look as they were floating, and a large bridge that connects them. This is the scenery of Setouchi that we the Japanese people imagine. Of course, such scenery is essential in talking about Setouchi, but this region fosters a history and culture through the sea and creates a wide variety of tourist resources.
Day 1 Arrival
Itinerary:
Welcome to Japan. This is the start point where the 8-days adventure begins upon arrival at Kansai International Airport.
Overnight: Osaka
Day 2: Himeji-Awajishima Island
Itinerary: On this day, you will be transferred to Awajishima Island. En-route to the island, swing by at Himeji Castle. Himeji is also well-known as Sake brewing and you will visit the local Sake Brewery in the Nada district. After visiting the brewery, you will stop at Honpukuji Suigodo Temple in Awajishima Island which is designed by Tadao Ando. Honpukuji is known as the "Water Temple" for reasons that become obvious when you see it.
Overnight: Awajishima
Day 3: Awajishima Island-Takamatsu
Itinerary: You will be transferred to Takamatsu by a private coach. The first visit of the day is Ritusrin Park. It is a must-see spot in Takamatsu. Then, a guide will take you to Noguchi Isamu Garden Museum. The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum Japan is the fulfillment of Noguchi's wish that his former studio in Mure is an extension of his museum in New York, that it be a place to inspire artists and scholars.
Overnight: Takamatsu
Day 4: Takamatsu-Naoshima
Itinerary: On this day, you will dive into the face of art in the Setouchi inland sea. A guide will take you to Naoshima and Teshima island by ferry. Benesse Art Site Naoshima is a collective name for the art activities conducted by Benesse Holdings and the Fukutake Foundation on Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima. You will visit, Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, Benesse House Museum, and Teshima Art Museum in the islands.
Overnight: Takamatsu
Day 5: Takamatsu-Dogo Onsen
Itinerary: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Matsumaya by express train from Takamatsu station. The main attraction in the day is Dogo Onsen. Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs, located to the east of central Matsuyama. The area is popular with tourists for its beautiful bathhouse and many ryokans. You will stay in traditional Japanese ryokan. Overnight: Dogo Onsen (Ryokan)
Day 6: Dogo Onsen-Hiroshima-Onomichi
Itinerary: On this day, you will be transferred to Hiroshima by a private coach. En route to Hiroshima, you will swing by Onomichi and drive by the famous cycling route Shimanami Kaido. In Onomichi, you will visit Senkoji Temple. It is famous for its scenic view from the open stage. You can see many islands' beauty in Setouchi inland sea.
Overnight: Hiroshima City
Day 7: Hiroshima-Osaka
Itinerary: After breakfast, embark on a full-day Hiroshima highlight tour by a private coach. The first visit of the day is Hiroshima Peace, Memorial Park. And also, a guide will take you to Miyajima Island via ferry. Upon completion of the sightseeing, you will be transferred to Osaka via bullet train.
Overnight: Osaka
Day 8: Bid a farewell to Japan
Itinerary:
An English-speaking assistant will pick you up at the hotel by vehicle for your departure flight. You will be transferred to Kansai International Airport.
