The area of Setouchi, also known as the legendary Seto Inland Sea, is famous around the globe for its luxurious nature, its numerous islands bursting with art, the tranquility of its sceneries, as well as many Japanese folklore stories. Facing the blue-green waters of the ‘Aegean Sea of the East’ on its eastern and southern part, lies the modern city of Setouchi founded in 2004 by the merger of the former towns of Oku, Osafune and Ushimado. Taking on such a name, full of history, art and beauty is no easy task, but Setouchi City has proven to not only live up to it but to also exceed it.

Towns of Setouchi

Oku

Oku is the hometown of the famous rebellious painter and precursor of the Taisho Romanticism art movement Yumeji Takehisa. Visitors can explore both his childhood home and his atelier and catch a glimpse of his fascinating life. It is also home to many hidden temples and shrines scattered in its numerous green hills.

Osafune

Osafune is rich of over a thousand years of Japanese Sword history and traditions and is the birthplace of around half the all the registered Japanese swords as well as around half of those designated as National Treasures. To this day, master swordsmiths and other artisans involved in the creation of the Japanese sword continue to work hard on their art there, keeping this thousand-year-old legacy alive.

Ushimado

Ushimado, once a busy seaside port, is today a gorgeous quiet town built right on the shores of the Seto Inland sea where freshly caught seafood can be savoured, blood-red awe-inspiring sunsets can be admired and where several marine sports can be enjoyed.

Come and enjoy a traditional Japanese countryside city with a Mediterranean flair, rolling hills and an outstanding national heritage!

Find Out More about Setouchi City

Osafune

The Home of the Japanese Sword

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Ushimado

A Pearl of the Seto Inland Sea

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Oku

The Beating Heart of the City

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