Located in southwestern Japan, the Setouchi area is a unique region surrounded by the calm Seto Inland Sea. This area, which includes prefectures like Hiroshima, Okayama, Ehime, Kagawa, and Yamaguchi, features a mild climate and abundant natural blessings throughout the year. The Seto Inland Sea, known for its countless beautiful islands, has long nurtured local life and culture. With its gentle climate, the abundant ingredients from the sea and mountains, and its unique regional wellness experiences, the Setouchi area is an ideal place to heal mind and body and restore vitality.
Wellness Nurtured by Setouchi’s Landscape and Climate
Setouchi faces the Seto Inland Sea, stretching between Honshu and Shikoku, offering a distinctive landscape dotted with numerous islands. It’s known for its “Setouchi climate,” which means low annual rainfall and many clear days, making your stay comfortable year-round with its warm and mild weather. This temperate climate is also ideal for growing abundant agricultural products, and its citrus fruits, in particular, are nationally renowned.
Furthermore, winds from the Seto Inland Sea sometimes carry marine-derived components to the land. It’s said that these components influence the local soil and environment, contributing to the cultivation of flavorful vegetables and fruits. This signifies how closely the sea and land are intertwined, influencing each other to support the rich food culture of this region. This natural environment forms the foundation of the wellness experiences you can have in the Setouchi area.
Food Wellness Created by Mineral-Rich Local Ingredients
Setouchi is a treasure trove of mineral-rich seafood and mountain produce. The calm Seto Inland Sea nurtures a variety of marine life, and fresh fish, oysters, and octopus are essential to this region’s dining tables. The fertile land, influenced by the sea, is said to cultivate flavorful vegetables and fruits. Citrus fruits, in particular, are a representative specialty of Setouchi and are rich in vitamin C and citric acid, which are expected to have skin-beautifying and fatigue-recovery effects.
Dishes using these local ingredients are at the heart of Setouchi’s wellness experiences. Sushi and sashimi with fresh seafood, local taimeshi (sea bream rice), and dishes using a generous amount of mineral-rich vegetables not only make your body healthy from within but also fulfill your heart through the five senses, giving you vitality.
Wellness Activities Offered by the Calm Sea
The mild climate and beautiful nature of Setouchi make various wellness activities possible for you.
Shimanami Kaido Cycling
The Shimanami Kaido, connecting Onomichi in Honshu and Imabari in Shikoku, is globally famous as a cycling mecca. Cycling across bridges over the blue sea, exploring beautiful islands, offers exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment, perfect for refreshing your mind and body. Cycling while feeling the sea breeze is a wonderful experience of unity with nature.
Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage Experience
The Ohenro pilgrimage, circling the 88 sacred temples associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai in Shikoku, is a unique wellness experience that allows you to connect with Japanese spiritual culture. You can participate in various ways, from walking the entire route to experiencing just a portion.
Walking strengthens your mind and body, and time spent contemplating yourself amidst rich nature brings deep spiritual healing and insight.
Sake Brewery Tours and Japanese Sake Tasting
Setouchi, particularly Hiroshima Prefecture, is blessed with abundant water and high-quality rice, making it a thriving
region for sake brewing since ancient times. On a sake brewery tour, you can learn about the sake production process and witness traditional techniques and the passion of the artisans. Afterward, you can taste unique local sakes. Engaging your five senses to experience the profound world of sake connects you with cultural wellness.
Other Unique Setouchi Experiences
Beyond these, the Setouchi area offers you a diverse range of other wellness experiences
Salt-making experience
Experience traditional salt production using Setouchi’s rich seawater, feeling nature’s blessings with all your senses.
Citrus harvesting experience
Experience harvesting citrus fruits grown in the warm climate and savor the fresh fruit.
Traditional craft experience
Cultivate the joy of creation and enhance concentration through the production of traditional crafts rooted in the region, such as Bizen-yaki pottery and Tobe-yaki pottery.
The Setouchi area, where gentle nature, rich food, and unique regional cultural experiences converge, can truly be called a “wellness sanctuary.” For those seeking mental and physical rejuvenation, Setouchi promises you an unforgettable journey.
