Island Hopping the Hidden Setouchi Islands

Prepare to be charmed by a beautifully preserved merchant district!

Spend your morning strolling past iconic willow-fringed canals, pristine white-walled storehouses, and denim boutiques that perfectly blend vintage Japan with modern elegance. Enjoy a delightful lunch of your choice at one of the stylish local cafes at your own expense.
In the afternoon, your private vehicle will escort you directly to the coastal port of Uno City. From here, you will board a local ferry to the world-famous art island, Naoshima. Your evening is completely free to immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Ignite your senses on a self-guided exploration of Naoshima!

Hop onto your reserved electric bicycle to best conquer the island in a day. Today, you gain access to an incredible collection of underground museums and architectural wonders designed by the legendary Tadao Ando. Marvel at the seamless harmony of nature and structural design at the Benesse House Museum, and stand in awe inside the Chichu Art Museum, which houses permanent masterpieces illuminated entirely by natural light. Pedal forward to a historic seaside village where empty traditional homes have been spectacularly transformed into living contemporary art installations. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the island's hidden culinary gems independently.

Another day of jaw-dropping creativity awaits on the neighboring island, Teshima!

After a short ferry ride payable in cash on site, you will step onto an island of sprawling, restored terraced rice fields. We suggest renting an electric bicycle or an advanced electric scooter at the port at your own expense to explore this scenic landscape easily. Prepare to be deeply moved by the Teshima Art Museum, an architectural marvel shaped like a massive concrete shell without a single pillar, where wind, light, and drops of water create an ever-changing organic spectacle. Seek out a poignant sound installation that archives human heartbeats from around the globe, and visit a mystical forest where thousands of wind chimes tinkle softly in the sea breeze.

Hidden gems of Japan: Takashima Island!
This is a rare tour collaborated with a special guide, Amy, who instantly fell in love with these islands and became a long-term expat resident. She will be welcoming you as her special guest for the next three days.

As a journalist, she has researched everything there is to know about these smaller islands and their communities, and will show you around the historic parts of Takashima Island. You'll break for a delicious lunch and take a guided trek through the untouched wilderness.
According to the Chronicles of Japan, written in the late 7th century, Takashima is where Japan's first emperor—Emperor Jimmu—established a temporary palace. A sculpture of Emperor Jimmu, created with recycled fishing gear, stands looking out to sea. If you are lucky, you might be able to meet the artist.
For thrill-seekers, an optional guided Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) tour is available via pre-booking for an additional fee.
Your rewarding day concludes with a wonderful dinner featuring fresh island ingredients at your hotel overlooking the Inland Sea.

Hidden gems of Japan: Shiraishi Island, Kitagi Island & Manabe Island. Dive headfirst into authentic island living!

The second day with Amy is where her passion reaches its peak. Today is a blend of cultural experience and hiking on three different islands.
After receiving a hand-made gift from your guide, you will hike up a portion of the mini-Shikoku Pilgrimage route on Shiraishi Island. This hiking route will introduce you to the pantheon of stone Buddhist deities found along the way, and you will discover why people dress the stone effigies in red bibs, what they symbolize, and how they reflect care, protection, and respect—creating a deeper connection to Japanese culture and spirituality.
Amy will introduce you to a local fisherman and seaweed farmer for an exclusive, hands-on experience, hands-on cooking experience where you will learn the Japanese way of filleting fresh fish to create exquisite sashimi for your lunch.
Next, board a swift sea taxi over sparkling waves to the neighboring island, Kitagi—filled with 300 years of unique folklore. There, your guide will introduce you to a local resident who will teach you how to craft traditional straw boats and origami figures used in a local sea festival to ward off illness.
Board your charter sea taxi again to voyage to the wonderfully peaceful Manabe Island, where a local post office worker will welcome you into her traditional Japanese home for a warm conversation over coffee and light snacks.
Your full-day guided immersion concludes at a unique island lodge on Manabe, where you will savor a beautiful dinner and sleep under the stars in a charming beach-side log cabin or traditional room.

Awake to the crisp sea air and set off via sea taxi toward the historic, nostalgic port town of Tomonoura on the main island of Honshu that is so picturesque, it looks like an old Japanese woodblock print.
Your guide will lead you aboard a ferry from Tomonoura to Sensui Island, just off the coast, where you will experience an invigorating hike past dramatic coastal cliffs, ancient spiritual sites, and native flora.
Back on the mainland, you will step inside a legendary cliffside temple that once hosted royal historic envoys. Here, clear your mind during a serene 45-minute Buddhist calligraphy experience, all while gazing through windows that frame a panoramic view of the sea so perfect it resembles a living painting. For those desiring a fitness challenge, we suggest climbing the 583 steps to a hidden hillside lookout for an even grander view at no additional cost. Your guide will bid farewell at your hotel.
As twilight falls, ensure you walk down to the harbor to see a giant, centuries-old stone lantern cast its magical glow over the water—a sight completely free to experience.

Step backward in time as you travel by private vehicle into a remarkably preserved historic town often celebrated as the "Little Kyoto" of the region. Your local expert will guide you through enchanting, atmospheric streets lined with grand timber merchant houses from the Edo period. Prepare to be dazzled by an exclusive, vibrant welcome performance of a traditional festival dance by local costumed dancers. After the show, feel free to join the circle and learn the steps yourself!
Following this, you will visit a historic wooden sake brewery building that has stood for over 150 years. Breathe in the rich, sweet aroma of fermenting rice and sample exquisite artisan sakes on site.

Prepare for one of the most exhilarating cycling experiences in Japan.

Today, you embark on the world-renowned Shimanami Kaido, a spectacular island-hopping highway designated by global media as a top-tier cycling paradise. After your high-performance electric bicycle fitment, pass your heavy luggage to our specialized courier service, which will safely deliver it straight to your next hotel. Your self-guided ride spans roughly 45 kilometers of dedicated bike paths over massive, engineering-marvel suspension bridges suspended high above the glittering blue inland sea. Pedal through whispering lemon groves—this region is famous as Japan's top citrus producer—and learn about the legendary medieval pirates who once ruled these waters.
Hiroshima is the largest producer of domestic lemons, and Ikuchijima is famous as a production area. Your active day concludes at a traditional seaside inn, where you can soothe your muscles in a specialty hot bath filled with floating, fragrant local lemons.

Conclude your epic cycling adventure with a grand finale!

Pedal across the last stretch of the breathtaking Shimanami Kaido, taking in sweeping panoramic vistas of rugged coastlines, quaint fishing villages, and the majestic expanse of the world's first triple suspension bridge. Take a break here at Hatajima Island for a local specialty: salt ice cream!
Return your bike at the nearby station.
Board a comfortable express train and local vintage streetcar to arrive at Dogo Onsen, legendary for being the oldest hot spring sanctuary in all of Japan. Check into your premium hotel and submerge yourself in the mineral-rich thermal waters that have rejuvenated emperors and poets for thousands of years.
After your bath, you are free to explore the vibrant, historic bathhouse streets for dining and drink in the stunning views of Matsuyama Castle lit up.

Journey across the sea to encounter one of Japan most iconic and spiritually powerful vistas, Miyajima Island!

Catch a high-speed ship directly across the Setouchi to the sacred island of Miyajima, where your expert guide awaits. Prepare to be spellbound by the magnificent Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its brilliant vermilion architecture that appears to float magically upon the rising tide.
Next, challenge yourself with an invigorating, mystical hike up the sacred slopes of Mt. Misen, passing through ancient primeval forests. At the summit, absorb a spectacular, unobstructed panoramic view of the entire island-studded sea before enjoying a relaxing, scenic ropeway ride back down the mountain. Your unforgettable full-day guided excursion finishes in the bustling metropolis of Hiroshima, where you will check into your centrally located hotel.

Experience the profound emotional depth and vibrant modern spirit of Hiroshima!

Awaken early for an exclusive shared morning excursion, hiking up a local mountain path hidden right behind the train station. At the summit, witness a breathtaking sunrise while participating in light yoga followed by a traditional outdoor tea ceremony surrounded by pristine nature.
Later in the day, You may choose to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and walk the tranquil paths of the Peace Memorial Park and view the Atomic Bomb Dome before a light bicycle ride.
After your lunch, gear up for a guided electric bicycle peace tour (shared-tour), uncovering hidden historical stories of resilience and restoration.
As darkness falls, your incredible day culminates in an epic, authentic Bar Hopping Tour. Mingle with welcoming locals, learn Japanese office workers' drinking etiquette, and feast on sizzling, savory Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki inside a hidden izakaya before finishing the night at a retro karaoke snack bar.

Savor your final morning at your own relaxed pace. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Your memorable tour formally concludes at Hiroshima Station, leaving you with timeless memories, newly made local friends, and a deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of old Japan. If you choose to extend your travels, the station serves as a perfect hub to board the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) to your next destination. Please note that no guide or additional transport is included on this final day, giving you ultimate freedom for your onward journey.