Setouchi is a region known as Japan’s Inland Sea.
With its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and deep culture, even within Japan the Setouchi area is considered exceptional.
Wanderlust Travel loves combining exploration of new destinations with wellness.
This 14-day sample itinerary just might pique your interest for future travel explore the culture, history, and self-care in this exceptional region of Japan.
KIX – Kyoto
DAY 1
Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX), meet your English-speaking guide
Transfer to Kyoto by private car
Overnight: Kyoto
Day 2
9:00 Meet your guide in the hotel lobby
Sightseeing by public transportation
Kinkakuji Temple
Ryoanji Temple
12:00 Guide will recommend fine restaurant in Nara
Sagano Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
17:00 Arrival at the hotel
Kyoto
Day 3
9:00 Meet your guide in the hotel lobby
Sightseeing by public transportation
Nara Deer Park
12:00 Guide will recommend fine restaurant in Nara
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Todaiji Temple
Fushimi Inari Shrine
17:00 Arrival at the hotel
Overnight: Kyoto
Hyogo (Kobe city)
Day 4
Meet your guide at hotel lobby
Take bullet train to Shin-Kobe station from Kyoto
Transfer to next destination by private car
12:00 Lunch on the way to Arima Onsen District
15:00 Check in hotel
Walking tour
16:00 Meet your guide at hotel lobby and start exploring Arima Onsen District
Zuihoji Temple (Zuihoji Park) – This temple is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer and autumn leaves in autumn
17:00 Back to hotel
Free until dinner
19:00 Dinner at accommodation – Enjoy “Wagyu” and local cuisine at Gosho Bessho
Overnight: Arima Onsen District
Hyogo-Okayama
Day 5
10:00 Meet your guide in the hotel lobby
Move to Himeji by private vehicle
11:00 Visit world heritage site Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden
13:00 Lunch at Dining Room on the Harima – Enjoy the heart-warming cuisine and the panoramic view of the city of Himeji
15:00 Departure from Himeji
17:00 Check in hotel
19:00 Dinner at accommodation – From the open kitchen with its live atmosphere enjoy cuisine created with carefully selected ingredients, such as local Satoyama vegetables and fresh fish and seafood landed in Ushimado, based on tradition but with a new sensibility
Overnight: Setouchi city
Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi
Day 6
7:00 Enjoy yoga while the sun is rising
Check out after breakfast
Proceed to Okayama station to take bullet train to Hiroshima
Upon arrival at Hiroshima station, meet your English-speaking guide
Sightseeing by public transportation
13:00 After lunch visit Peace Memorial Park and the Museum, A Bomb Dome
*If you wish the itinerary can be customized to add yoga at the historical temple
17:00 Check in hotel
18:00 Taste the local Hiroshima food “Okonomiyaki” at Okosta
Overnight: Hiroshima City
Day 7
10:00 Check out hotel and proceed to the Sandankyo Abyss by private car
11:00 Arrival at Sandankyo Abyss and explore Sandankyo, the only forest therapy spot that can be reached in just one hour from Hiroshima
13:00 Box lunch at a lovely view point
15:00 Proceed to the accommodation by private vehicle
17:30 Check in hotel
Overnight: Nagato city
Yamaguchi-Hiroshima-Onomichi
Day 8
This is the day to the dive into relaxation which is provided by the luxury property. Surrender yourself to high-quality relaxation while feeling the presence of nature nearby. The Nagato-Yumoto Hot Spring Resort in a mountainous area rich in nature with the crystal clear Otozure River flowing through the town.
Overnight: Nagato city
Day 9
10:00 Proceed to Shin-Yamaguchi station by private vehicle
11:00 Take bullet train to Hiroshima
12:30 Arrival at Higashi Hiroshima station and stroll the city by public transportation
13:00 Lunch at France-Ya
16:00 Check in hotel
Overnight: Onomichi city
Hiroshima-Ehime
Day 10
9:00 Departure from hotel by private car with a guide
9:30～15:00 Join the Zen practice with the trainee monk at Shinshoji Temple
*A Zen practice experience eliminates distractions, regulates your mind and body, and allows you to look at yourself. Forgetting the passing of time, you will regain your true self with each breath. Through the practice of the Heart Sutra, zazen, sutra copying, and tea ceremony, you will be able to face yourself and experience a practice similar to that of a specialized Rinzai dojo.
15:30 Proceed to the Ehime by private car
16:30 Explore the undiscovered Oyamadumi Shrine in one of the islands in Setouchi
18:30 Check in hotel
Overnight: Dogo Onsen
Hiroshima-Ehime
Day 11
9:00 Departure from the hotel by private car with a guide
10:30 Arrival at Ishiduchiyama Mountain for trekking- the highest mountain in western Japan (1,982m)
*The mountain has been revered as a mountain of mountain worship (Shugendo) by many people since ancient times. It is said that Kobo-Daishi Kukai once practiced asceticism here, and with the development of mountain Buddhism and Shugendo, the mountain is still popular not only among ascetic monks but also among the general public.
14:00 After trekking departure to the Takamatsu City
16:30 Check in hotel
Overnight: Takamatsu City
Ehime-Kagawa-Tokushima
Day 12
10:00 Departure from the hotel with a guide
Proceed to the Takamatsu seaport to take the ferry to the Shodoshima Island
12:00 Stroll in Shodoshima island by public transportation
Lunch will be served at Olive Park
14:00 Angel Road and Kankakei Gorge
16:00 Check in hotel
Overnight: Takamatsu City
Day 13
10:00 Departure from the hotel with a guide
Proceed to Tokushima via ferry and public transportation
13:00 Lunch is served at Konyacho Yoshikono
15:00 Bizan – A mountain located in Tokushima City
16:30 Check in hotel
Overnight: Naruto city
Tokushima-Osaka
Day 14
10:00 Departure from the hotel with a guide
Guide will take you to bus station to Sannomiya
Upon arrival at Sannomiya station, a Japanese speaking driver will transfer you to KIX by private car
14:00 The tour will end upon arrival at KIX
Contact Us
Let’s start planning your journey to the Setouchi region of Japan
Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]
Luxury Travel Advisor and Virtuoso Wellness Travel community member at Wanderlust Travel Boutique
At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
If not now, when?
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/jamiejackson
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