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When one think of Japan, the names of big cities come to mind, such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. As more people become more well-travelled, they are starting to take interest in less well-known areas, and one of them is Setouchi.
Setouchi consist of various islands located along the coastline. With a rich history and fascinating landmarks, it has become one of the more visited areas in Japan. While every main attraction is a highlight that vividly shows Setouchi’s uniqueness, these are the 5 reasons why you must definitely visit this region:
Miyajima Island
If you are an avid user of Instagram, you would have realized that many people have been posting photos and pictures with a seemingly floating shrine. This place is no other than Miyajima Island! The grand red shrine that you have been seeing so often in photos is the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine which is a revered a World Heritage site.
Image cred: gaijinpo
At high tide, the shrine seems to be standing on waters, raising questions and creating a shroud of mystery. But in fact, the waters covering the bottom of the pillars create this illusion. It is at low tide where you would be able to see the strong foundations that have been supporting the grand structure for decades.
Besides being an Instagram-worthy addition to your collection of photos, the shrine is also said to bless those who make offerings to the God that resides there. Folktale or not, it has definitely not stopped anyone from wishing and making offerings at the shrine.
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| Address |
|---|
| 1 Chome-7 Dōgomachi, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime-ken 790-0843, Japan |
| How to get there |
| From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. Then, take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Pier. |
| Entry Fees |
| Free |
| Website |
| http://visit-miyajima-japan.com/en/culture-and-heritage/spiritual-heritage-temples-shrines/sanctuaire-itsukushima.html |
Dōgo Onsen
Located in the east of Matsuyama, Dōgo Onsen is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan. This could be partly due to the fact that it was the inspiration for the hot spring setting in the movie Spirited Away.
Image cred: nice-moves.com
The hot spring takes on the appearance of a Meiji Period wooden public bathroom that has existed for more than 100 years! If you are in the area, you definitely shouldn’t miss a trip to Dōgo Onsen.
Image cred: jpinfo
| Address | 1 Chome-7 Dōgomachi, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime-ken 790-0843, Japan |
| Opening hours | |
| How to get there | From Matsuyama Airport, there is bus to Dōgo Onsen. You can also take the train from Okayama Station to Matsuyama Station, then change to the train to head towards Dōgo Onsen Station. |
| Entry Fees | |
| Website | http://www.dogo.or.jp/pc/ |
Taishaku Valley
Spanning 15 kilometers, Taishaku Valley is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Japan. It includes massive hills and majestic flowing waters which lends to the magnificent view and scenery that one can discover. If you come here in autumn, you can witness the bright red and orange leaves floating gracefully in the air. You don’t have to go too far to see a beautiful autumn.
Image cred: jnto.go.jp
While every stone, rock and structure are nature’s gift by itself, the most prized possession is possibly the On-bashi Bridge. It is 90 metres long, 19 metres wide and 40 metres high! And the most amazing of all is that having made of limestone, it is an all-natural bridge. With its size, it is easily one of the three largest bridge in the world.
| Address | Jinsekikogen, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture 729-3602, Japan |
| Opening hours | All day, but some facilities and activities may have fixed hours |
| How to get there | By Shinkansen, take the railway system Shin-Osaka to Okayama. |
| Entry Fees | No entry fee but you would have to pay for other activities such as entering the caves (¥250) |
| Website | http://taishakukyo.com/ http://gethiroshima.com/museums-attractions/taishaku-kyo-gorge/ |
Tahoto Tower
Image cred: Very Japanese Guide
Tahoto Tower, or some call it Tahoto Pagoda, is a beautiful red-lacquered structure that stands on high ground, overlooking almost the whole of Miyajima. Its history dates back to the 15th century and was built by the powerful Abo clan in that era. Even if its history bores you, the place wouldn’t disappoint. Although you can’t enter the pagoda, the surroundings offer a great view of the island and of Itsukushima Shrine. It is particularly beautiful in spring as light pink flowers shower the place with its beauty.
| Address | 70-2 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588, Japan |
| Opening hours | All day |
| How to get there | Travel by foot or by taxi from Miyajima Pier |
| Entry Fees | Nil (No entry into the tower) |
| Website | http://visithiroshima.net/things_to_do/attractions/shrines_and_temples/tahoto_pagoda.html |
Setouchi Triennale
Image cred: setouchi-artfest.jp
While not a location or area, the Setouchi Triennale is something that all art lovers should come to Setouchi for. Started in 2010, it is a contemporary art festival that you shouldn’t miss, because if you do, you have to wait another 3 years for it. The festival showcases the pieces and products from people across different islands and also from overseas, each with their own unique sense of style and art. With the aim of revitalizing the life and population in the region, the Setouchi Triennale certainly succeeded in its original intention.
| Address | Changed every event and held at various places |
| Opening hours | Depends on the year |
| How to get there | Depends on the location of the art festival |
| Entry Fees | May subject to change |
| Website | http://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/ |
While Setouchi is not yet as much visited as the bigger cities, it definitely has the potential to climb to the top. Already, the region has been gaining popularity due to various locations, and it is only a matter of time Setouchi becomes one of the top tourist attraction of Japan. While locations are key in rejuvenating the area, at the end of the day, it all comes down to the warmth and hospitality offered to those who visit Setouchi.
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