日本旅遊攻略

岡山香川

2025-06-04

Wander from Shodoshima to Okayama, exploring the Seto Inland Sea on a deep journey of art and gastronomy!

Are you ready for exploring the charms of Seto Island Sea with us? Let’s begin our journey with this comprehensive online guide to one of Japan’s most captivating destinations now!

What comes to your mind when speaking of Seto Inland Sea? Is it the shimmering, tranquil waters that draw you in, or the unique artworks scattered across the islands? Perhaps you’re simply looking to relax and enjoy local cuisine in a peaceful setting. No matter what kind of traveler you are, the Seto Inland Sea offers something for everyone. It’s not only a paradise for art lovers, it’s also a haven for food enthusiasts! Are you ready for exploring the charms of Seto Island Sea with us? Let’s begin our journey with this comprehensive online guide to one of Japan’s most captivating destinations now!

Not only a sea！Where exactly is the Seto Inland Sea, scattered with islands like stars across the water?

Located between Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea is Japan’s largest inland sea. The surrounding land area is known as the “Setouchi Region.” Thanks to its unique geography and mild climate, the Setouchi Region boasts charming island landscapes and attracts numerous tourists every year.
Next, let’s take a closer look at one of the main sightseeing areas around the Seto Inland Sea: Kagawa Prefecture!

👉Introduction of the attractions in Kagawa Prefecture

写真：中村脩　Photo: Osamu Nakamura

Although Kagawa Prefecture is the smallest in Japan, it is rich in natural beauty, historical culture, and artistic charm. Besides the famous Ritsurin Garden and Kotohira Shrine, we highly recommend exploring Shōdo Island—known as the “Island of Olives”, as well as visiting Naoshima to see the iconic “Pumpkin” artwork by Yayoi Kusama. Island hopping around the Seto Inland Sea is also a must-do experience!

Kotohira Shrine：A classic feature of Kotohira Shrine is its incredibly long stone staircase. To reach the main shrine, you must climb 785 steps; if you wish to visit the Izutama Shrine located further behind, an additional 583 steps await you, truly a challenge for many! However, the climb is rewarding, with beautiful historical buildings and scenic views along the way. You’ll also find local specialties like Wutong noodles sold on site, adding to the lively and bustling atmosphere.

Image source：金刀比羅宮

Ritsurin Garden：Ritsurin Garden is one of Japan’s most distinctive attractions and has been awarded a prestigious 3-star rating in the ‘Michelin Green Guide Japan.’ 1,400 pine trees and six beautifully crafted fountains, the garden offers a new perspective with every step you take, revealing ever-changing beauty as you explore. This echoes the Japanese expression “Ippo Ichi-kei”—a view with every step. With each changing season, the garden reveals its own unique charm, and the breathtaking scenery is truly worth a visit.

「やしまーる」（Yashimaru）：Located on the top of Mt. Yashima, with curved design. Stretching about 200 meters, the corridor-style walkway provides sweeping views of Takamatsu City and the scenic Seto Inland Sea. Recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Night Views and Top 100 Sunsets, the site stands out not only for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its unique roof tiles, crafted from leftover materials from Aji stone quarrying.

Must-Visit Attractions around Seto Inland Sea！Selected Breathtaking Spots in Shodoshima

Shodoshima is the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, located in the northeastern part of Kagawa Prefecture, and is rich in natural beauty and culture. This is the first place in Japan where olives were successfully cultivated, earning it the nickname ‘The Island of Olives.’ Additionally, the island still preserves traditional rural folk dance festivals and insect-sending ceremonies, showcasing its unique local culture. For must-see attractions in Shodoshima, we highly recommend the following three spots!

Recommended Atrraction in Shodoshima 1｜Shodoshima Olive Park

Shodoshima Olive Park situated on the mountainside where you can sightsee the stunning views in Seto Inland Sea from. Approximately 2,000 olive trees and 130 varieties of valina plants grow here, along with an Olive Memorial Hall that has been established. In addition, the movie ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ was filmed here. We recommend visitors rent a free magic broom at the Olive Memorial Hall to take photos of your “flying” moment by the white Greek windmill and on the lawn!

Recommended Atrraction in Shodoshima 2｜Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

The movie ‘Twenty-Four Eyes’ was filmed in the village, which preserves the wooden dormitory featured in the film. Walking around the streets, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back into the Taisho and Showa Eras, surrounded by a nostalgic vintage atmosphere.

Recommended Atrraction in Shodoshima 3｜Angel’s Promenade

As the tide rises and falls, the road leading to the island appears only twice a day. It is said that if you walk this path with your loved one, an angel will descend between you to grant your wishes, a truly romantic story~ Because of this, the spot is recognized as a sacred place for lovers!

No Boredom in the Seto Inland Sea! These Attractions Will Enrich Your Journey!

👉Introduction of the attractions in Naoshima

Naoshima is known for its modern art and architecture, earning it the nickname “The Island of Art.”
The island features a remarkable collection of renowned artworks and museums, making it a popular destination for art enthusiasts.Naoshima is also one of the key exhibition sites for the Setouchi Triennale 2025, an international art festival that blends contemporary art with local culture and scenic natural landscapes. In addition, we highly recommend the following attractions for a more enriching visit.

Fans of Yayoi Kusama’s masterpiece Pumpkin won’t want to miss this iconic work.
It is the most symbolic landmark on Naoshima, featuring Kusama’s signature bold colors and distinctive polka dots. The red pumpkin is located next to Miyanoura Port, while the yellow one can be found in the southern part of the island. Both are popular photo spots that attract many visitors.

Chichu Art Museum：The museum was designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, with most of its exhibition spaces located underground. It is illuminated entirely by natural light, creating a unique atmosphere that changes with the weather and time of day. The museum features five pieces from Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series, along with a collection of classic works by James Turrell and other internationally acclaimed artists. The combination of the artworks and natural lighting creates a unique and immersive viewing experience.

地中美術館　写真：藤塚光政　Chichu Art Museum　　Photo:FUJITSUKA Mitsumasa

House Project：Collaborating with modern artists and architects, they transformed vacant houses into spaces showcasing paintings, sculptures, and installation art. Here, you can truly immerse yourself in Naoshima’s artistic atmosphere as you wander through the streets.

家プロジェクト「はいしゃ」　大竹伸朗　＂舌上夢／ボッコン覗＂　写真：鈴木研一Art House Project “Haisha” Shinro Ohtake＂Dreaming Tongue/ BOKKON-NOZOKI＂Photo: Ken’ichi Suzuki

Recommendation of Attractions in Okayama Prefecture

Okayama Prefecture is located north of Kagawa Prefecture and is famous for its rich natural scenery and historical culture, including the spectacular Okayama Castle and the Edo-style Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. These attractions draw a large number of visitors.

Okayama Castle：Osaka Castle is also known as “Kurojo Castle,”due to its distinctive black walls. From the top of the castle, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, including Asahikawa, Okayama Korakuen Garden, and the surrounding area. The castle also houses a collection of valuable artifacts and historical exhibits. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Okayama, known as the “Land of Sunshine,” also enjoys the reputation of being the “Fruit Kingdom.” The region is especially famous for its grapes and white peaches.
When visiting, don’t forget to stop by Ujo Café on the first floor to enjoy a seasonal fruit parfait made with the freshest local produce!

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter：The white-walled residences, traditional Japanese buildings, and willow-lined streets along the Kurashiki River create an atmosphere full of Edo-period charm. This area is home to a variety of attractions, including museums, cafés, and delicious local cuisine. You can even take a Kurashiki River boat ride to enjoy the scenic beauty of this historic canal district.

Dog Island (Inujima)：Do you know why the island is called “Dog Island”? It’s because there’s a stone on the island that resembles a dog, hence the name was born. Here is a place where Once a prosperous hub for copper refining, Inujima still retains the ruins of its former refinery. Today, these ruins have been transformed into a contemporary art museum that blends industrial heritage, renewable energy, and art, showcasing a unique fusion of history and creativity.

犬島精錬所美術館　写真：阿野太一　Inujima Seirensho Art Museum　Photo：Daici Ano

Setouchi Triennale 2025：A once-in-a-lifetime artistic experience

If you have the chance to visit Kagawa Prefecture, you must not miss the captivating Setouchi Triennale 2025! This extraordinary art festival unfolds across spring, summer, and autumn, beautifully showcasing the charm of the Seto Inland Sea as the seasons pass by.

What is the “Setouchi Triennale？”

The Setouchi Triennale is an international art festival centered around the Seto Inland Sea. It began in 2010 and is held every three years; this year marks its sixth edition. With the theme “Ocean Renaissance,” the festival aims to revive the energy of the islands and showcase their unique charm to the world, inspiring hope and renewal on a global scale.

Event Period & Exact Location of Setouchi Triennale

The Setouchi Triennale spans three seasons—spring, summer, and autumn, and runs from April 18th to November 9th, 2025. Stunning artworks created by artists from around the world, along with a variety of engaging activities, can be experienced in Kagawa Prefecture, Takamatsu City, and across 17 islands and ports around the Seto Inland Sea.

There are venues exhibiting artworks throughout all seasons, including Naoshima, Teshima, Megijima, Ogijima, Shodoshima, Oshima, Inujima, as well as the Takamatsu and Uno port areas. Additionally, each season features its own unique exhibition sites:

Spring：2025 / 04 / 18－2025 / 05 / 25（Totally 38 days, exhibits in Seto Ohashi Bridge Area）
Summer：2025 / 08 / 01－2025 / 08 / 31（Totally 31 days, exhibits in Shido, Tsuda and Hikita Area）
Autumn：2025 / 10 / 03－2025 / 11 / 09（Totally 38 days, exhibits in Honjima Island, Takamishima Island, Awashima Island, Ibukijima Island and Utatsu Town）

※Some items and venues will be temporarily closed, please check the latest information on the official website.

Ticket Information of Setouchi Triennale

To make your visit to the Setouchi Triennale more convenient, the organizers offer two types of admission tickets. If you’re eager to experience all the masterpieces across spring, summer, and autumn, the All-Season Pass is the perfect choice. For those planning to explore the artworks during just one season, the Single-Season Pass offers a flexible option to suit your schedule.

Special Reminder for Guests: Children under 15 years old can enter for free! Please note that some artworks and facilities at the Setouchi Triennale may require an additional fee. Please refer to the official website for detailed information. With 17 diverse exhibition areas full of cultural richness, we recommend setting aside several days to fully explore each unique piece and enjoy the exciting events.

Access to Setouchi Triennale

There are several routes to access the Setouchi Area:
From Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, you can take a non-stop flight to Takamatsu Airport.
From Osaka Station, take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station, then transfer to Takamatsu Station.
Alternatively, you can take a direct express bus from Osaka to Takamatsu City.

Recommended Package Passes Featuring the Setouchi Triennale：JR Setouchi Area Pass

If you plan to travel frequently within the Setouchi Triennale period, the JR Setouchi Area Pass is a great choice. It offers unlimited rides on trains and ferries from Kansai International Airport or Fukuoka, allowing you to easily explore Osaka, the Setouchi area, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and other nearby regions. It’s truly a convenient and cost-effective travel pass.

Recommended Package Passes Featuring the Setouchi Triennale：JR All Shikoku Rail Pass

By purchasing the “JR All Shikoku Rail Pass,” you can enjoy unlimited rides on eight different transportation services, including JR Shikoku, Iyo Railway, and Tosaden Tram, among others. The pass also covers the ferry to Shodoshima Island and the Shodoshima Olive Bus, so travelers don’t have to worry about transportation once they arrive on the island.

Other Recommended Pass：Have Fun in Okayama Pass

Aside from the “JR Setouchi Area Pass,” the “Have Fun in Okayama Pass” is another package that’s more suitable for visiting additional attractions in the region!

We recommend this pass for travelers visiting Okayama because it includes access to multiple popular attractions and carefully selected restaurants. You can choose any three facilities to enjoy, and simply show your QR code to the on-site staff for entry!

Each island in the Seto Inland Sea is like a unique pearl, shining with its own light. Whether you want to immerse yourself in natural beauty, experience the inspiration of art, or slow down to enjoy peaceful moments, the Seto Inland Sea is truly a destination worth savoring. While enjoying the breathtaking scenery, don’t forget to pair your trip with the Have Fun in Okayama Pass and other useful tickets to make your journey even easier!