Best of the West: A Completionist’s Journey Across Setouchi

This 8-day tour explores the cultural highlights, island landscapes, and artistic treasures of Japan’s Setouchi region.
Perfect for repeat visitors looking to explore some of the neighboring areas of those along Japan’s ‘Golden Route’.

Starting in Tokushima, witness the powerful Naruto Whirlpools and take part in a live Awa Odori dance experience before crossing into Kagawa to stroll through the beautifully preserved Ritsurin Garden and Takamatsu Castle ruins.

Sail to Naoshima, the world-renowned art island  home to contemporary museums and open-air installations. Then continue to Kurashiki, canal-side merchant district and traditional townscape, followed by a visit to Okayama Castle and the pristine Korakuen Garden.

Drive or cycle across the scenic Shimanami Kaido route, hopping from island to island with stops at temples, citrus orchards, and panoramic viewpoints.

From Matsuyama head over to Hiroshima to reflect at the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park. Indulge in the city’s famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

The journey concludes with a ferry ride to Miyajima Island to visit the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Grab that perfect picture of wild sacred deer on the beach in front of the powerful red gate.

From Hiroshima take a bullet train to Osaka for some final shopping and sightseeing where your tour comes to an end.

Meet up and then depart from Shin-Kobe and head out over the Seto Inland Sea, where beneath its calm surface, tidal forces clash in the Naruto Strait. Board a sightseeing boat and ride out to witness the Naruto Whirlpools up close—great spiraling vortices that form and vanish beneath the towering Ōnaruto Bridge, the sea’s raw energy surrounding you.

Travel inland to Tokushima and step into the Awa Odori Kaikan, where the city’s spirit comes alive through dance. Watch local performers move to the joyful rhythms of this centuries-old tradition, then join in yourself, swept up in the communal celebration.

End the day by ascending Mt. Bizan on the Bizan Ropeway. From the summit, look out over Tokushima city and the Seto Inland Sea beyond. Walk quiet trails and take in the view as the sun sinks low, turning the water’s surface to gold beneath the orange glow of dusk.

Begin the day at Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of traditional Japanese landscaping where ponds, islands, and bridges create a living work of art. Stroll along manicured paths, pausing to sip Japanese green tea in a serene teahouse or glide across the water on a small boat, surrounded by the harmony of nature that defines this historic space.

Continue to the Takamatsu Castle Ruins, where remnants of the once-mighty Sea Castle rise beside the Seto Inland Sea. Board a boat along the moat for views of the stone walls from the water, then explore the castle grounds, where history and sea breeze meet in quiet reflection.

Ride the ferry out to Naoshima Art Island and step off into a world shaped by imagination. Spot Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin at the dock and the many other installations dotted around the island.

Enter the Chichu Art Museum, an underground space where natural light reveals Monet’s Water Lilies, the glow of James Turrell, and the brutal pure geometry of Ando Tadao’s architecture.

Follow the coastal road to Benesse House. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Benesse House museum. Continue exploring Benesse House where museum and hotel blend seamlessly, and sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle and Kusama stand open to sea and sky.

In Honmura, wander the Art House Project, stepping inside old homes transformed, such as a chamber of light, another a hidden shrine amongst others.

Take the ferry from Naoshima to Okayama and end the night at your hotel.

Start the day at Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three great gardens. Walk through the open lawns and paths where ponds, islands, and manicured trees create changing views at every turn. Stop at a teahouse to rest, with Okayama Castle always visible beyond the garden.

Next it’s time to visit Okayama Castle, known for its black exterior and views over the city. From the top of the castle keep, look down at the garden and surrounding streets. Inside, see displays that show what life was like for the daimyo of the past.

Head towards Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards, wander through its Edo-era canals and white-walled merchant houses that line quiet streets.  The area feels lost in time, giving a glimpse into a different era. Take a walk along the water and explore small shops and artisan stores, taking in the local atmosphere. If weather permits enjoy a gondola ride along the canals for a more immersive experience.

Finally returning to your hotel for the night.

In the morning you move on towards Onomichi.
Start at Senkoji Temple, reached by the ropeway or a climb up Mt. Senkoji. From the top, take in sprawling views of the Seto Inland Sea and the old townscape of Onomichi.
Walk down through Cat Alley (Neko-no-Hosomichi), where narrow paths and small shops are hidden amongst a plethora of cat themed art and designs. 
Have lunch at a restaurant nearby.

Continue to Setoda to explore Kosanji Temple. It’s towering gates, richly decorated halls, and a dazzling marble garden, all blending Japanese, Chinese, and modern styles into one vivid space. Walk through the temple’s Cave of a Thousand Buddhas. A representation of the descent into hell, a long underground path lined with statues and carvings that depict Buddhist hell, before emerging into light and peace.

Ride along the Shimanami Kaido, one of Japan’s most scenic cycling routes. Cross bridges between small islands, passing citrus groves, fishing ports, and seaside cafés. For the adventurers out there, rent bicycles at one of the various stations and ride along the suspension bridges yourselves.
Stop at lookouts where the sea stretches out below.

The views are breathtaking and a highlight of the trip!

After traveling from Imabari, you will visit Ishiteji Temple, part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage of 88 Temples. Follow the smell of incense through temple gates, past moss-covered halls and ancient carvings. Step into the hidden underground tunnel beneath the main hall, where history and legend feel close at hand.

Continue to Matsuyama Castle, choose your path of either the ropeway or a forested path, that leads to the original castle keep on Mt. Katsuyama. From the top, take in views of Matsuyama city and the Seto Inland Sea, and explore rooms where samurai lords once lived.

Your final spot is the area around Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs.  Stroll through the shopping arcade, passing small shops until the historic bathhouse comes into view. Once used by royalty, the onsen invites you to soak in its healing waters or visit the preserved imperial bathing rooms.

Spend the night in Matsuyama.

Take a ferry from Matsuyama to Hiroshima, and explore the main areas of Hiroshima city.
Begin at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a powerful reminder of the city’s resilience. Walk along the canal and stand before the Atomic Bomb Dome, frozen in time since 1945.

Enter inside the Peace Memorial Museum and see artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of that pivotal moment in history. The museum’s exhibits are powerful and leave a lasting impression of the severity of war. Reflect at the Cenotaph, where the Flame of Peace burns for a world without nuclear weapons.

Take a quick stop at Hiroshima Castle, once home to feudal lords. Cross the moat and explore the grounds. Inside the reconstructed castle keep, view samurai armor, weapons, and historical records. 

Ending the day with a hands-on Okonomiyaki dinner. Use a large hot plate to cook your own Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, layering batter, cabbage, noodles, and toppings. A fun, interactive way to enjoy this local specialty.

Take the ferry to Miyajima and see the picturesque red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, seemingly floating over the sea at high tide. Walk along wooden corridors over the water and explore quiet prayer halls. Follow forest paths where sacred deer roam, then climb to the hillside pagodas and the nearby temple nestled among the trees.

Travel by shinkansen to Osaka and explore Dotonbori, known for its bright signs and lively food stalls. Try local dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, take a photo with the Glico running man, and enjoy the busy atmosphere.