Road Trip Explores Japan's Setouchi Region Beyond Golden Route

A road trip through Japan's Setouchi region offers an alternative to the traditional Golden Route, revealing a diverse landscape of historic towns, artistic enclaves, and rural valleys. This journey, undertaken on the author's sixth visit to Japan, moved away from the well-trodden paths of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to explore the less-visited areas surrounding the Seto Inland Sea. The trip began with a domestic flight from Tokyo to Okayama, followed by a car rental, marking a transition from urban environments to quieter, greener scenery.

The first significant stop was Kurashiki, a historic canal district characterized by white-walled warehouses lining waterways shaded by willow trees. Here, the author stayed at the Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel, notable for its lobby featuring a two-story artwork created in 1963 by the renowned woodblock and folk artist Shikō Munakata. The Bikan Historical Quarter of Kurashiki preserves its Edo-period architecture, with former merchant buildings now housing shops, galleries, and cafes. A 20-minute riverboat tour through the canals provides a unique perspective on the preserved historical buildings.

Continuing from Kurashiki, the journey led to Kojima, a coastal district recognized as the origin of Japanese denim. At the Betty Smith Jeans Museum & Village, the author engaged in customizing a pair of jeans, an experience described as physically demanding. This stop highlights the region's connection to artisanal crafts and specific industries.

The exploration extended to Naoshima, an island renowned for its contemporary art museums and installations, including the Chichu Art Museum and the Benesse House Museum. These sites showcase works by prominent artists and integrate art seamlessly with the natural environment. The island's unique approach to art tourism transforms it into an open-air gallery.

Further inland, the trip ventured into the Iya Valley on Shikoku Island, a region known for its dramatic gorges and traditional thatched-roof farmhouses. The author experienced the tranquility of a 300-year-old farmhouse, surrounded by the sounds of nature, emphasizing the stark contrast with the bustling metropolises of Japan's main tourist circuit. The valley's remote setting and preserved rural lifestyle offer a glimpse into a different facet of Japanese culture.

The itinerary also included a visit to a Sanuki Udon school, providing an opportunity to learn about and experience the preparation of this regional noodle specialty. This culinary exploration adds another layer to the cultural immersion, showcasing local food traditions. The road trip format allowed for flexibility and spontaneous discovery, enabling the author to experience a broader spectrum of Japan's diverse offerings beyond the conventional tourist routes. The Setouchi region, with its blend of history, art, nature, and culinary traditions, emerges as a compelling destination for travelers seeking a more in-depth and varied experience of Japan.