Setouchi Showcases Its Hidden Historical Gems in Tokushima and Hyogo
- Details
- Category: Asia A&E, Lifestyle, Culture
- Published on Thursday, 30 January 2025 12:36
- Written by Asia Contributing Editor
The Setouchi region of Japan is captivating travelers with its variety of hidden-gem destinations that reveal the country's culture and history. From ancient farmhouse stays in the Iya Valley to Kobe City, Setouchi offers rich culture and adventure.
Breathtaking views of mountains with ancient farmhouses and nature and a city trade hub are some of the regional elements that make up the Tokushima and Hyogo Prefectures offering a little bit of everything for every type of traveler.
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Image courtesy of Setouchi Destination Marketing Organization.
Miyoshi City, on the western side of Tokushima Prefecture, is the largest municipality on the island of Shikoku. Located deep within the Shikoku mountains, Miyoshi is the gateway to some of Japan's top scenic vistas, where you can experience the country's unique mountainous nature. One of which, the Iya Valley, contains vine bridges over the Iya River, including the glorious Kazura Vine Bridge, and ancient thatched farmhouses, such as the 300-year-old Chiiori house and Togenkyo-lya, both of which were renovated by an American writer.
Image courtesy of Setouchi Destination Marketing Organization.
Chiiori(House of the Flute) - Located atop the Iya mountains, this 300-year-old thatched roof house can be enjoyed with a group (up to 10 people) or solo travelers. The house has a special connection with American writer and Japanologist Alex Kerr, who was so inspired by his visit in the 1970s that he bought and restored it. Kerr made sure to keep the structure as true to history as possible. Although, it now also has the latest facilities, such as a bathroom, air conditioning, linens, and underfloor heating. The kitchen is well-equipped with all the essentials: an induction kitchen, cooking utensils, and basic seasonings (salt, pepper, soy sauce, salad oil, mirin, sugar).
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Guests are welcome to bring their own ingredients and drinks and cook their own meals. For dinner, a catering service of local cuisine is also available upon request and needs to be reserved in advance. The house is run by Chiiori Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable tourism, environmental awareness, and promoting the traditional Japanese way of life.
Image courtesy of Setouchi Destination Marketing Organization.
Togenkyo-Iya - Tucked away in the revered Iya Valley, Tougenkyo-Iya is a collection of thatched roof homes in Ochiai village that offer guests an unparalleled staying experience. The houses have been renovated and reinvented in a way that tends to modern tastes and pays homage to Japan's domestic history. Each home has its own distinctive architectural characteristics featuring traditional or contemporary furnishings. Each house also has a modern kitchen, where guests can embark on a culinary adventure by ordering delivery or making their own meal using the area's local delicacies under the guidance of a local. The menu is centered around dishes on the table in Iya. An outdoor grill for rent is provided upon request to enjoy impressive mountain views while grilling your favorite foods. Guests can experience all the different insightful activities, including Soba-making classes, a walking tour of Ochiai Village's preservation sites, and kayaking.
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Kobe City is Japan's seventh largest city and capital of the Hyogo Prefecture. Located on the northern coast of Osaka Bay, Kobe has a rich history as an international trade hub and is home to the renowned Kobe wagyu beef. Kobe beef is a designation of Tajima Beef that means 'high standards of judging' and is one of Japan's most famous brands of wagyu. There are a total of 320 types of brand-name cattle that meet the criteria like breed, type, and method of breeding. Travelers to Kobe can learn about the art and history behind the world's most renowned beef brand at The Kobe Beef Gallery.
Image courtesy of Setouchi Destination Marketing Organization.
Kobe Beef Gallery - Easily accessible, the Kobe Beef Gallery is just a two-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station. The facility provides visitors with a history lesson on its origins, how it garnered its huge appeal, and how to evaluate the first-class beef through immersive panels, detailed exhibits, and video exhibitions. The museum also features areas educating the public on the registered restaurants officially designated to sell Kobe beef. Onesite, a small restaurant with limited seating offers guests an indulging experience with teppanyaki-style Kobe wagyu beef and a gift store dedicated to all Kobe-themed gifts to bring back home.
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Image courtesy of Setouchi Destination Marketing Organization.
Asago City- On the central part of the Hyogo prefecture lies Asago city with the mining town of Ikuno. Nestled in the countryside yet close to major cities, Ikuno provides visitors with a serene escape from urban life.
Ikuno Stay - Located in the historic silver mining town of Ikuno, these facilities are some of the oldest remaining official residences and company housing in Japan. These buildings were renovated more than 13 years ago as part of the Ikuno town revitalization and existed before the establishment of Ikuno Stay. Currently the facility has two buildings, Koushataku #9 and Koushataku #19 available for accommodation, both of which are nostalgic buildings from the Meiji era (1868-1912). The houses both seamlessly blend architecture with a minimalist interior design creating a tranquil environment. Ikuno Stay encourages their guests to not only partake on the property but also take advantage of the local experiences such as cycling, hiking, and fishing. The culinary culture of the area includes a procured listof restaurants personally recommended by the Ikuno Stay team. Travelers looking to learn the deeper side of Ikuno silver mining history can visit the Ikuno Silver Mine Museum which includes an impressive tour tunnel. A must-stop is the Kuchiganaya area that features preserved structures and Karami Stone, all designated as part of the Hyogo Prefecture Landscape Formation District.
Image courtesy of Setouchi Destination Marketing Organization.
For visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Setouchi's unique offerings, the Setouchi Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) provides tailored travel itineraries and insider tips. From culinary tours to historical explorations, Setouchi DMO helps travelers plan memorable experiences that go beyond conventional destinations. For inspiration on travel itineraries throughout the Setouchi region, visit Setouchi Travel.
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Image courtesy of Setouchi Destination Marketing Organization.
ABOUT SETOUCHI DMO: The Setouchi Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) serves as the gateway to Japan's captivating Setouchi region, showcasing the unique beauty, cultural depth, and diverse experiences encompassing the prefectures of Okayama, Kagawa, Hiroshima, Tokushima, Yamaguchi, Hyogo, and Ehime. Visitors can explore traditional Japanese culture, enjoy breathtaking landscapes ranging from the serene Inland Sea to lush mountains, and indulge in regional specialties like fresh seafood and renowned sake. The organization provides travel planning assistance, connects travelers with knowledgeable local guides, offers information on events, and recommends accommodations and transportation options with a mission to revitalize the local economy. For further details, please visit: https://setouchitourism.or.jp/en/.
