Setouchi (region)
The Setouchi region (瀬 戸 内 地方Setouchi Chiho ) is located on the Seto Inland Sea in Japan and includes the seven prefectures of Hyogo , Okayama , Hiroshima , Yamaguchi , Tokushima , Kagawa and Ehime .
The Setouchi region is deeply interwoven with the history and culture shaped by the sea, which has produced a variety of attractions. The Setouchi Tourism Authority was founded in 2013 as a joint venture to promote Setouchi and The Inland Sea, and was then called the Setouchi Branding Promotion Association. In 2016 it was renamed the Setouchi Tourism Authority. The Setouchi Brand Association continues to exist, an amalgamation of 46 different institutions and companies, which from now on works closely with the Setouchi Tourism Authority to increase international awareness of the Setouchi region.
The seven prefectures
Hyogo
The prefecture Hyogo forms the center of the Japanese archipelago . The port city of Kobe is probably the most important gateway to Japan and is also home to attractions such as Himeji Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage Site , but also many hot springs. The best known is probably the beef from this area, the so-called " Kobe Beef ", a very special delicacy and valued all over the world as one of the best types of meat.
Okayama
Okayama Prefecture has developed into a very lively cultural region . Crafts such as swordsmithing and Bizen ceramics are represented in this area . Thanks to the warm climate, fruits such as peaches and nutmeg grapes are grown in this region.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is the central city of the Chūgoku region . The famous Itsukushima Shrine is located in Hiroshima Prefecture . This is especially famous for its elegant torii shrine gate in the sea. There is also another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the atomic bomb dome , which stands for the importance of peace. The world-famous Kumano brushes also come from this region.
Yamaguchi
The Yamaguchi Prefecture is surrounded by sea, mountains and rivers and therefore enjoys all year round of a mild climate. One of the three most famous bridges in Japan, the Kintai Bridge is located there.
Tokushima
The Naruto Strait is home to the largest eddy currents in the world, the Naruto vortices . The traditional Awa Odori dance festival is attended by 1.3 million tourists.
Kagawa
Many islands belong to this region. a. are known for their art exhibitions, such as the islands of Naoshima and Teshima. One of the most famous gardens in Japan is located in Kagawa , Ritsurin Park . This region is particularly famous for the Sanuki Udon (type of noodle), which attracts visitors from all over the world, including Japan - which is therefore often referred to as the “Udon Prefecture”.
Ehime
In Ehime there is the Nishiseto Expressway , one of the best Japanese bicycle paths. But this prefecture also offers many historical attractions, such as the Dōgo Onsen , one of the oldest hot spring locations, the history of which goes back 3000 years, or the city of Uchiko , where the streets look almost like they did during the Edo and Meiji periods .