What to Do in Setouchi

Shiomachi Karakoto Street still retains the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese port town, some of the structures dating back to the Edo Period. The name Shiomachi means something like “waiting for favorable tides” and describes the town’s function as a port of call for feudal lords and their retinues when making regular trips from their domains to their residences in Edo, the shogun’s capital. Also, between 1607 and 1811, Korea sent twelve diplomatic missions to meet with the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo. The route they took brought them to Shiomachi and so their sojourn is commemorated at the Ushimado Kaiyu Cultural Museum.

Stroll Through a Preserved Edo Period Street

Shiomachi Karakoto-dori Street

Okayama Setouchi-shi Ushimadocho Ushimado

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In the Kamakura Period, the Setouchi area was renowned for its master swordsmiths. Today, the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum showcases an assortment of samurai swords and demonstrates the entire process of making Japanese swords from starting with raw tamahagane (a kind of steel) to decorating the hilt and sheath.

Learn How Katana Are Made

Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum

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Okayama Pref. Setouchishi Osafunechouosafune 966

0869667767

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If you take a ferry over to the island of Maejima, you can rent bikes at the ferry office when you disembark. Ride to the top of the biggest hill where you can find the Maejima Observation Deck for a stunning view of the Seto Inland Sea and the Japanese mainland.

Go Cycling On Maejima

Maejima Island

Okayama Setouchi-shi

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Also available for rent on Maejima are sea kayaks that you can use to explore the waters around the island. You can relax on the beach or barbecue and camp overnight, all with a view of the beautiful clean water of the Inland Sea.

Ride a Sea Kayak or One Man Yacht

At low tide, a land bridge known as Kuroshima Venus Road emerges and links three islands. Couples enjoy strolling from island to island looking at the sea life and search for the a mysterious pair of breast-like stones jutting out of a stony hill known as the Oppai Iwa, where – believe it or not – women pray for more beautiful breasts.

Take a Romantic Walk Along a Secret Ocean Road

Angel Road

Kagawa Pref. Shouzuguntonoshouchou Ginpura

0879622801

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