Wondering if it’s still possible to find a beautiful yet under-the-radar destination in Japan? It certainly is. In a world where popular destinations teem with tourists, Setouchi, a region comprised of the western end of Honshu and the Island of Shikoku, offers a more tranquil yet fascinating adventure in Japan.
Unveiling a tapestry of coastal culture reminiscent of the Mediterranean, Setouchi boasts a serene escape blessed with islands, mountains, and diverse vistas. A haven for culture enthusiasts, art aficionados, and nature lovers, Setouchi beckons to a discerning audience eager to immerse themselves in the authentic essence of Japan.
From the western gateway of Shimonoseki, where the aroma of seafood fills the air, to the historic charm of Yamaguchi's Nagato and Hagi, each locale invites you to slow down and savor the hidden gems of Setouchi.
Shimonoseki
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Shimonoseki is the westernmost city on Japan’s main island of Honshu. As the gateway to Kyushu in the west, Shimonoseki is a major transportation hub. Surrounded by water on three sides, the city has become famous for its seafood.
Hagi was the seat of power for the powerful Mori clan for centuries. The region is also well known for its pottery and you can shop local artists and even try your hand at making some pottery. The neighboring area of Nagato features lovely hot springs in Nagato Yumoto Onsen.
Recommended Do’s: Hagiyaki Pottery Experience, Omijima Island Cruise
Recommended Eats: Soba Sushi
Miyajima
Hiroshima Prefecture
While Hiroshima is certainly popular, there is a side to Hiroshima that most tourists miss—its tranquil evenings and mornings. The island is actually home to a number of luxurious traditional Japanese inns. Moreover, there’s so much more to Miyajima than just its iconic torii. As true travel connoisseurs know, spending the night on the sacred isle and leisurely exploring it without the crowds offers the best Miyajima experience.
Recommended Do’s: Mt. Misen, Daisho-in, Momiji Valley (especially pretty during autumn)
Recommended Eats: Oysters, Fried Momiji Manju (a traditional Japanese confection in the shape of a maple leaf)
Onomichi
Hiroshima Prefecture
Hiroshima is the largest urban center in Setouchi but you’re totally missing out if you don’t visit one of the port towns on the Seto Inland that characterize Setouchi’s collective culture. Be sure to visit Onomichi. An important port town on the Seto Inland Sea for centuries, Onomichi is also home to a picturesque temple walk with breathtaking views such as the vista from Senko-ji. Additionally, Onomichi is the jumping-off point for the Shimanami
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Although it has been years since I’ve traveled in mesmerizing Tokyo, my memories are as vivid as though they had been sparked yesterday—pleasures aswirl in unique flavors and noises, creativity and ingenuity. So when luxury publisher Assouline released the new book Tokyo Chic, I dove into its 312 lush-paper-stock pages, with more than 200 photographs and illustrations, which are bound in an outsize (10-by-13-inches, 6.4-pound) format—a hefty hardcover wrapped in silk. The brainchild of Andrea Fazzari, whose deft imagery and words are love letters to the inimitable capital, Tokyo Chic showcases a massively enthralling—yet strikingly intimate—city. Currently based in Tokyo, Fazzari is a James Beard Award-winning photographer, author and restaurant maven with notable backgrounds in fashion and film. Born in New York City, she has lived in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain and Thailand—and speaks four languages. What a sophisticated guide to have at your armchair traveler’s fingertips! Indeed, this coffee table tome would make a treasured holiday gift for those who have already vacationed in Japan or simply dream of doing so.
Hot springs are thermal wonders that promise not only warmth but also breathtaking scenery that captivates the soul, and adds some magic to your feed. From the picturesque landscapes of Iceland to the serene valleys of Japan, here are some of the world’s most beautiful hot springs.
Dad shoes may be the ultimate cool-girl travel shoe, but dad boots—you know, those serious and heavy-looking, bordering on workman, boots—are yet to have their moment. In fact, practical walking boots as a whole are in desperate need of a modern makeover—the closest cool options that come to mind are the chunky Ganni Chelsea boots. That is until I recently discovered and tested some boots by French brand Palladium. What caught my eye were the chunky rubber soles teamed with a slick sneaker-like silhouette; like a Converse high-top but much more sturdier. Plus there’s even a dedicated travel collection designed to be ultra-lightweight—ideal for those carry-on-only trips.
Over the centuries, the Indigenous Shinto religion and Buddhism, imported from India by way of China, gained prominence in Japan at different times. From the beginning, beliefs intermingled, creating what’s now called shinbutsu shugo. Then, from the end of the 19th century through the first half of the 20th, government policy sought to split the two in an effort to elevate Shinto.
After a long pandemic pause, interest was very high as Japan welcomed back tourists this year. 2024 promises to be even stronger for this unique destination, but North Americans have an advantage with earlier seasonal starts and expanded seat capacity from Air Canada.
What a thrill to journey by train to St Moritz in the snowy Swiss Alps to see the work of Gerhard Richter (born in 1932), the German painter who critics describe as our “greatest living artist.” His works can be found in international collections and have been exhibited in numerous museums and galleries in Europe and the United States. He’s also the most expensive European living artist (his abstract painting Abstraktes Bild (599) sold for a record $46.3 million at Sotheby's in London). While Richter’s paintings are highly covetable, collectors visiting his new three-venue exhibition in the Swiss Alps must be content with simply viewing the works as none are for sale.
Japan has a reputation as an etiquette-bound place that can be intimidating for first-time visitors. Don’t buy it. The traditions here are no more formal or constricting than in many other destinations around the world. Moreover, most locals are more than willing to help out or give foreign travelers a pass for any perceived faux pas.
Most first-time visits to Japan entail some variation of the Golden Route, the well-trodden circuit of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. As much as these awe-inspiring metropolises deserve their reputation among travelers, Japan’s quieter prefectures are equally fascinating and often overlooked. In the Japanese countryside, urban frenzy yields to village serenity; warm, rural hospitality wins the day; and whispers of Basho’s bucolic odes still echo through misty rice terraces. Plus, a quick sojourn in the hinterland to unwind in the steamy waters of an onsen refreshes the soul. And it’s not hard to get to whether you want to take a trip solely focused on the quieter areas of Japan or you simply want a quick break from the city.
Spread across 7,000 islands and dotted with megacities, mountain ranges and mighty national parks, Japan can be a little overwhelming to first-time visitors keen to pack their vacation with major attractions.
Japan may be small, but with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, and its bustling cities and stunning countryside, it offers a mighty experience to visitors. No matter when you choose to visit, a wealth of experiences await you.
About three-quarters of Japan is mountains, so it’s no surprise that hiking is a popular pursuit for locals and travelers alike. There are monumental peaks (hello Mt Fuji!) and gentle hills, sublime landscapes and historic trails.