Exciting Eastern Setouchi: Hot Springs, Samurai Castles and Gardens, Contemporary Art and Architecture

As well as popular destinations such as Kobe, Kurashiki and the art islands of Naoshima and Teshima, this five-day circuit of eastern Setouchi takes in the eclectic sights of Awaji Island and the off-the-beaten-track cultural highlights of Okayama Castle and Takamatsu’s Ritsurin Garden.

Travel: Tokushima to Takamatsu via Sanju Idatsu Yashiki

・Take the Uzushio Limited Express train from Tokushima JR Station to Takamatsu Station (Approx 1 hour 15 minutes)
・Get off at Hiketa Station to visit Sanju Idatsu Yashiki on the way to Takamatsu (Approx 30 minutes)

Sanju Izutsu Yashiki

7 minutes walk from Hiketa Station (on the way to Takamastu) is Sanju Izutsu Yashiki, a renovated former merchant residence and soy sauce and sake factory. The buildings, dating from the late Edo period (1603-1868), have been well preserved and are open to the public. Hands-on experience activities such as Wasanbon traditional sugar confectionery making and leathercraft are also available.

This part of Kagawa Prefecture has been a center of glove manufacturing since the late 19th century and around 90% of Japan’s gloves are still made here. Check out the nearby Glove Gallery, housed in one of the many traditional houses and stores that line the narrow streets.

Grab a coffee and toasted sandwich at Cafe Nouvelle Post, located in a former post office built in the 1930s, before continuing your journey to Takamatsu.

Ritsurin Garden

Enjoy traditional Japanese tea and a tranquil boat ride in Takamatsu’s world-renowned 400-year-old Ritsurin Garden. Famous for its picture postcard views and hundreds of well-manicured pine trees, Ritsurin Garden is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and received a glowing three-star review in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Travel: Takamatsu to Naoshima

・Take a ferry from Takamatsu Port to Miyaura Port on Naoshima (Car ferry 50 minutes, high speed passenger ferry 30 minutes)

・Find ferry information in English here

Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum, Art House Project

People travel from far and wide to visit Naoshima – the most famous of Setouchi’s ‘Art Islands.’ Naoshima’s appeal is enriched by Tadao Ando’s unique architecture that houses so many of the artworks and museums. In the Chichu Art Museum, natural light and Tadao Ando’s architecture add another dimension to the masterpieces by Claude Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell on display. The Benesse House Museum houses an incredible array of work by contemporary artists including works by Yayoi Kusama and Andy Warhol. Make sure you leave enough time to visit Naoshima’s Art House Project. This art initiative transforms traditional Japanese houses into art spaces.

Accommodation: Benesse House

Benesse House as it’s not only a museum but also a hotel and Benesse House Oval is the most luxurious of its four sections (the others being the Museum, Park and Beach)section. Accessible by a small monorail, it is located on top of a hill, and each room commands a sweeping view of the Seto Inland Sea and is decorated with original artworks. Hotel guests have the privilege to experience the Benesse House Museum after hours in a completely different atmosphere, when other visitors are gone, and the sun has set.

Issen, the Museum Restaurant will let you discover fine traditional Japanese cuisine centered around the local seafood and the Terrace Restaurant, located right by the Seto Inland Sea, gives local ingredients and French interpretation. End your day with a night visit to the Sugimoto Gallery or a walk by the sea surrounded by Nikki de Saint-Phalle sculptures and Kusama’s iconic “Pumpkin”.

URL: https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/stay/

Travel: Naoshima to Teshima

・Take the ferry from Miyaura Port on Naoshima to Ieura Port on Teshima (Approx 20 minutes)

・Find ferry information in English here

Teshima Art Museum and Shima Kitchen

The result of a collaboration between artist Rei Naito and architect Ryue Nishizawa, Teshima Art Museum features a single, smooth concrete shell with no pillars. The oval windows create a bridge between the interior of the structure and the natural landscape outside. Your experience within the museum is influenced directly by the changing seasons and weather outside, meaning no two visits to the site will ever feel the same.

The restaurant Shima Kitchen aims to connect people through food and art. Shima Kitchen was created by architect Ryo Abe during the Setouchi International Art Festival 2010 and serves lunch on weekends, Mondays and public holidays. Run by local residents, it is a great place to feel the local community vibe. They also host regular performances and other events throughout the year. Make sure to check their website for opening hours and event information before you go.

Travel: Teshima to Kurashiki

・Take the ferry from Teshima to Uno Port (Car ferry approx 40 minutes, high speed passenger ferry approx 25 minutes)
・Take the local train to Kurashiki Station (Approx 20 minutes)

・Find ferry information in English here

La Malle de Bois

Continue the artistic theme by taking this retro-styled scenic train that makes the journey from Uno to Okayama on a limited number of days during the year. Should your visit coincide with one of these days, consider making a reservation and booking yourself a fresh seafood lunch box or sweets set to enjoy on your way to Okayama.

URL: https://www.jr-odekake.net/railrod/kankoutrain/area_okayama/lamalledebois/

Take an evening stroll around the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki prospered as a political and trade center after it came under the direct control of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1642. Kurashiki’s fortune continued during the late 19th century and early 20th century, this time led by the textile industry. As the town escaped relatively unscathed in WWII, the mix of traditional Japanese and Western-style warehouses and mansions built along the Kurashiki River still remain. Today they are protected as part of the Bikan Historical District which attracts people from all around the world for a taste of the Japan of old. As night descends, the streets are illuminated and Kurashiki takes on a serene ambiance.

Accommodation: Ryokan Kurashiki

Ryokan Kurashiki, overlooking the canal that runs through the heart of Kurashiki’s historical district, is in one of the most picturesque locations in the district and is considered the best traditional Japanese inn experience in the area. Housed in a former sugar warehouse, all Ryokan Kurashiki’s eight rooms have a traditional architectural aesthetic with stylish accents and modern comforts such as low profile western beds. The Okuzashiki suite, tucked away within the depths of the ryokan, feels like staying in your own private villa. Exquisite seasonal kaiseki dinners, featuring the abundant produce of the Setouchi region, and beautifully presented breakfasts are a highlight. Use of a private onsen is also available by reservation.

URL: http://www.ryokan-kurashiki.jp/en/