Journeys of Ocean Inspiration

Seto Inland Sea
6 days

Tour Highlights

Across the serene Seto Inland Sea, this itinerary weaves through scenic islands and charming coastal prefectures. The experience begins on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture with an exclusive Zen-inspired retreat, continuing to Tokushima on Shikoku Island for the spirited Awa Odori dance. Okayama Prefecture and Himeji City offer craft-making and a UNESCO World Heritage castle, while Kobe City introduces refined dining with world-famous wagyu beef. The finale in Osaka features vibrant city lights and an exclusive farewell in a banquet hall of a historic shrine.

Route Map

Day 1

Wellness and cultural rhythms

Osaka

Awajishima

Tokushima

Arrival at Kansai International Airport; transfer to Awaji Island by private coach
Exclusive wellness retreat: Guests experience a sophisticated wellness program at Zenbo Seinei, a Zen-inspired retreat designed by globally renowned architect Shigeru Ban. Set amid panoramic natural scenery, the program combines mindfulness practices with a healthy vegetarian lunch, offering both relaxation and inspiration.
Travel to Tokushima by private coach
Traditional dance performance at cultural theater: Guests are introduced to the vibrant culture of Awa Odori in Tokushima, one of Japan's most dynamic traditional dance festivals. A private performance at the Awa Odori Kaikan provides an energetic and celebratory conclusion to the first day.
Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Tokushima

Day 2

Art, gardens and island reception

Tokushima

Takamatsu

Visit to world art museum; lunch: Guests explore the Otsuka Museum of Art, Japan's largest exhibition space featuring full-scale reproductions of masterpieces from around the world. The visit includes lunch at the on-site restaurant, where dining amid serene garden views enhances the appreciation of art and scenery.
Stroll in a traditional landscape garden and wasanbon workshop: Guests stroll through Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design with seasonal foliage, ponds and teahouses. They then move to a nearby workshop to make wasanbon, a traditional fine-grained sugar that reflects the region's heritage of confectionery making.
Private boat journey and reception at a folklore-inspired venue: A special 20-minute chartered boat ride from the Port of Takamatsu takes guests across the calm Seto Inland Sea to Megijima, known in folklore as Ogre Island. At the pier, a lighthouse in the shape of an oni (ogre) sets the tone for the visit, while playful sculptures and contemporary artworks from the Setouchi Triennale dot the island. The reception is held at the red Oni no Yakata (Ogre House), a seaside facility that also serves as a visitor center, where legend, art, and the island's relaxed charm create a memorable setting.
Overnight in Takamatsu

Day 3

Scenic drive, denim craftsmanship and heritage townscape

Takamatsu

Kurashiki

Himeji

Scenic bridge crossing by private coach: The journey continues with a private coach drive across the Seto Ohashi Bridge, offering sweeping views of the Inland Sea and its islands.
Denim craftsmanship experience: Guests visit a jeans manufacturer for a hands-on workshop to craft small denim accessories, connecting global fashion to Japanese craftsmanship.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Heritage townscape exploration: Guests explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a district where white-walled storehouses, willow-lined canals, and merchant residences from the Edo period (1603-1867) are preserved in a picturesque setting.
Transfer to Himeji by Shinkansen (bullet train)
Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Himeji

Day 4

Temple heritage, samurai castle and gourmet dining

Himeji

Kobe

Temple heritage experience by private coach: Guests visit Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, a mountaintop temple complex with over 1,000 years of history and renowned as one of the filming locations for the movie The Last Samurai. The visit includes exploration of its historic halls and a temple-style lunch, immersing guests in both spiritual heritage and cinematic atmosphere.
Samurai castle sightseeing: Guests tour Himeji Castle, Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle and one of the finest surviving examples of Japanese feudal architecture. The experience is enhanced by an appearance from costumed samurai hosts, who bring the site's history to life through engaging storytelling.
Gourmet dinner featuring Kobe beef: The day concludes with an exquisite dinner centered around the world-renowned wagyu beef of Kobe, celebrated for its marbling, tenderness and flavor.
Overnight in Kobe

Day 5

Urban icons and a farewell celebration

Kobe

Osaka

Sightseeing of urban icons in Osaka: Guests visit Osaka Castle, a symbol of samurai heritage, Tsutenkaku Tower, a retro landmark of downtown, and the lively Dotonbori district, with free time for shopping, exploration, and sampling local specialties such as okonomiyaki (a savory, pancake-shaped dish) and takoyaki (chopped octopus and other ingredients, mixed with dough and shaped into balls on a griddle).
Farewell dinner at a cultural venue: The farewell evening takes place at a banquet hall within the historic Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. The venue combines traditional Japanese aesthetics, such as seasonal motifs and elegant artwork, with modern design and lighting. Its refined atmosphere provides a memorable setting for the program's conclusion.
Overnight in Osaka