Oku: tranquility & art in the countryside
Oku: tranquility & art in the countryside
Oku: tranquility & art in the countryside
A natural scenery of ever changing colors
A natural scenery of ever changing colors
Once a tiny village, Oku is now the center of Setouchi City, home to Oku Station, Setouchi City Hall, and the award-winning modern library.
The beauty of Oku lies in its lush nature and countless acres of fertile rice fields. As the seasons come and go, watch them change color — transforming from the emerald greens of summer, as the mountains that surround the city turn numerous hues of yellow and red in autumn, and replaced within a few weeks by the earthy browns and whites of winter.
Awarded as one of the 100 best sunrises in Japan, Mushiage Bay in Oku is known as one of the leading oyster-producing areas in the prefecture. Come admire the moonlight and stars, the light sparkling over the floating oyster rafts.
Once a tiny village, Oku is now the center of Setouchi City, home to Oku Station, Setouchi City Hall, and the award-winning modern library.
The beauty of Oku lies in its lush nature and countless acres of fertile rice fields. As the seasons come and go, watch them change color — transforming from the emerald greens of summer, as the mountains that surround the city turn numerous hues of yellow and red in autumn, and replaced within a few weeks by the earthy browns and whites of winter.
Awarded as one of the 100 best sunrises in Japan, Mushiage Bay in Oku is known as one of the leading oyster-producing areas in the prefecture. Come admire the moonlight and stars, the light sparkling over the floating oyster rafts.
A natural scenery of ever changing colors
Once a tiny village, Oku is now the center of Setouchi City, home to Oku Station, Setouchi City Hall, and the award-winning modern library.
The beauty of Oku lies in its lush nature and countless acres of fertile rice fields. As the seasons come and go, watch them change color — transforming from the emerald greens of summer, as the mountains that surround the city turn numerous hues of yellow and red in autumn, and replaced within a few weeks by the earthy browns and whites of winter.
Awarded as one of the 100 best sunrises in Japan, Mushiage Bay in Oku is known as one of the leading oyster-producing areas in the prefecture. Come admire the moonlight and stars, the light sparkling over the floating oyster rafts.
Uncovering the hidden temples and artistry
Uncovering the hidden temples and artistry
Hidden up in the many hills of Oku are several ancient places of worship where important local festivals are held throughout the year. One of these hills shelters the beautiful Yokeiji Temple and its pagoda, which comes to life with the pink of cherry blossoms during hanami picnic season, or with festive illuminations at New Year. It is also one of the major pilgrimage routes in Japan and they are many lovely local hiking trails to explore.
Oku is not only home to spiritual places, it is also the birthplace of puppet master Kinosuke Takeda, as well as one of Japan’s most famous and rebellious painters: Yumeji Takehisa. You can step back in time and visit his childhood home, tucked away at the foot of a hill, and imagine what life must have been like during the Taisho period in rural Japan.
Hidden up in the many hills of Oku are several ancient places of worship where important local festivals are held throughout the year. One of these hills shelters the beautiful Yokeiji Temple and its pagoda, which comes to life with the pink of cherry blossoms during hanami picnic season, or with festive illuminations at New Year. It is also one of the major pilgrimage routes in Japan and they are many lovely local hiking trails to explore.
Oku is not only home to spiritual places, it is also the birthplace of puppet master Kinosuke Takeda, as well as one of Japan’s most famous and rebellious painters: Yumeji Takehisa. You can step back in time and visit his childhood home, tucked away at the foot of a hill, and imagine what life must have been like during the Taisho period in rural Japan.
Uncovering the hidden temples and artistry
Hidden up in the many hills of Oku are several ancient places of worship where important local festivals are held throughout the year. One of these hills shelters the beautiful Yokeiji Temple and its pagoda, which comes to life with the pink of cherry blossoms during hanami picnic season, or with festive illuminations at New Year. It is also one of the major pilgrimage routes in Japan and they are many lovely local hiking trails to explore.
Oku is not only home to spiritual places, it is also the birthplace of puppet master Kinosuke Takeda, as well as one of Japan’s most famous and rebellious painters: Yumeji Takehisa. You can step back in time and visit his childhood home, tucked away at the foot of a hill, and imagine what life must have been like during the Taisho period in rural Japan.
See more of the charms of the Oku area
See more of the charms of the Oku area
See more of the charms of the Oku area
ART MUSEUM
The Yumeji Local Art Museum’s souvenir shop has exclusive items you won’t find anywhere else.
OKU TEMPLE
SUNSET
The stunning Japanese countryside.
LIBRARY
With its warm climate, agricultural production takes place year-round.
The Yumeji Museum’s shop has exclusive souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
After an easy hike, you’ll reach Kifune Shrine, beautiful during sakura season.
Watch the rising sun over Mushiage Bay.
Take a walk through history: the Kadota Shell Mound, a National Historic Site, is just 5 minutes from Oku Station.
Marionettes of Takeda Kinosuke during the Kinosuke festival.