Iwaishima islandStretching across Japan’s tranquil Inland Sea, the Setouchi region is a tapestry of islands and coastal retreats where history, nature, art, and living traditions intertwine. From ancient archaeological sites to world-class contemporary design, Setouchi offers travellers a wealth of experiences beyond the country’s better-known cities. Among its many highlights are the islands of Ieshima, Iwaishima, Shōdoshima, and Naoshima, along with the newly renovated Kyukamura Sanuki Goshikidai on Shikoku’s Goshikidai Plateau—together showcasing the diverse culture and lifestyle of this unique region.
Iwaishima: A Sacred Island of Poetry and Tradition
Off Yamaguchi Prefecture’s southern tip lies Iwaishima, celebrated in Japan’s oldest poetry collection, the Manyoshu. Revered as sacred since ancient times, this fishing island preserves a traditional way of life in its stone-lined alleys and centuries-old fences.
The spirit of the island thrives in the Kamimai ritual dance. Held every four years this sacred performance has been passed down through generations for over a thousand years. This dance is integral to the island's spiritual life and is often performed during local festivals and ceremonies. Seasonal sights including terraced rice fields, cherry blossoms, and gentle coastal paths offer a chance to slow down and get an unforgettable glimpse of spiritual Japan.
Shōdoshima: Japan’s Living Fermentation Culture
Known as the “Soy Sauce Island,” Shōdoshima has been a hub of soy sauce production since the Edo period. The island still preserves the craft of kioke shikomi shoyu, fermentation in wooden barrels, an increasingly rare practice worldwide. Over 1,100 wooden barrels remain in use, creating what is considered a “living fermentation culture.”
Visitors to Hishio no Sato (Soy Sauce Village) can tour Meiji-era breweries, sample richly aromatic soy sauce, and watch traditional brewing in action. The townscape, lined with historic wooden buildings, provides a photogenic backdrop and an immersive journey into Japan’s food heritage. For culinary-curious travellers Shōdoshima offers a unique blend of taste and tradition.
Exhibition view of Naoshima New Museum of Art Inaugural Exhibition–From the Origin to the Future, 2025 Photo_ Takeru Koroda
Naoshima: Where Art Meets Nature
Internationally renowned as Japan’s “art island,” Naoshima blends cutting-edge creativity with tranquil landscapes. A highlight for travellers is SANA MANE, a glamping retreat designed for both comfort and inspiration. Guests stay in geodesic dome tents facing a private beach, where the Seto Inland Sea and starry skies set the scene for relaxation.
The property features SAZAE, a striking wooden sauna designed by world-renowned Kengo Kuma and Associates, harmoniously placed within nature. Evenings bring outdoor dining with premium Okayama Wagyu beef and fresh local produce, making SANA MANE a destination where art, design, and indulgence coexist in perfect balance.
Prices start from £230 per villa per night, based on two people sharing and a sauna and select dinner/breakfast plan (valid September 2025).
Naoshima New Museum
Legends and Living Heritage
The Ieshima Islands in Hyogo Prefecture are steeped in history dating back to up to 20,000 years. Excavations have uncovered Paleolithic stone tools, while the Engishiki (10th-century text) records the Ieshima Shrine. Once imperial horse ranches, the islands carry stories from the dawn of Japan’s civilisation.
Today, Ieshima is renowned for its serene seascapes and deep-rooted spiritual traditions. Festivals like the Tenjin Festival, alongside archaeological treasures such as the Chinkandō Burial Mound, reveal deep cultural continuity.
Kyukamura Sanuki Goshikidai: Elevated Views and Immersive Stays
Reopened in March 2025 after extensive renovation, Kyukamura Sanuki Goshikidai in Kagawa Prefecture welcomes guests to a retreat set on a hillside overlooking the island studded Inland Sea. The centrepiece is its 400㎡ terrace with a reflecting pool, inspired by the famous “mirror-sky” of Chichibugahama Beach.
Guests can soak in panoramic views from the Sky Bath, where the horizon blends seamlessly with the sea. Culinary highlights include buffets rich in Kagawa’s flavours, while the newly opened Setouchi Terrace premium suites (May 2025) provide the ultimate vantage point for sunsets and the night lights of the Sanuki Plain. Nearby, visitors can also explore the movie set of the 1954 Japanese cinematic classic film Twenty-Four Eyes on Shōdoshima, adding a touch of cinematic history to their journey.
Setouchi: A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
From ancient shrines to experimental architecture, soy sauce breweries to sacred ritual dances, Setouchi’s islands invite travellers to embrace “island time.” Each destination offers a unique blend of nature, heritage, and creativity—an invitation to discover Japan at its most authentic and inspiring.
