Japan’s Creative Coast: A Curated Setouchi Art Journey

From July 2025
7 days
Setouchi Islands

Explore Setouchi's world-renowned art installations and tranquil coastal villages in this week-long escape blending creativity, architecture and island life.

An Art Adventure

Days 1–3: Naoshima Island

Begin your journey on Naoshima, Japan’s legendary art island, where architecture, nature, and contemporary works combine. Stay at Benesse House, a minimalist retreat where exhibits and guest rooms blur into one, offering rare proximity to world-class art. Explore Tadao Ando’s architectural landmarks with a local guide, from the underground stillness of Chichu Art Museum to the forest-set Valley Gallery. Visit installations by Yayoi Kusama and James Turrell, with discreet access and expert insight into the island’s ongoing transformation into a living, open-air cultural project.

Days 3–5: Shimanami Kaido

Travel through the island-scattered Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaido, where design, nature, and slow coastal life intersect. Your base is Azumi Setoda, a carefully restored 140-year-old residence reimagined as a contemporary ryokan. Cycle the route’s most scenic stretches with a private guide, crossing between islands on elegant suspension bridges and passing through fishing hamlets. Set out by private boat to explore the surrounding islands, drifting past remote beaches, quiet inlets and fishing villages.

Days 5–7: Iwakuni, Hiroshima

Conclude your journey with a stay at Simose Art Garden Villa, an architectural masterpiece recently recognised as the world’s most beautiful museum. Explore the unique grounds, where minimal pavilions and outdoor installations blur the line between built and natural landscapes. With a private guide, spend a day exploring the UNESCO-listed island of Miyajima, home to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, sacred mountain trails, and quiet temple enclaves tucked into forested hills.

Destination Highlights

**Valley Gallery, Naoshima** – Built into a forested valley, the gallery preserves the surrounding landscape while offering a minimal, void-like interior where the light shifts with the seasons. Along the approach, discover outdoor works by Yayoi Kusama and Tsuyoshi Ozawa, seamlessly woven into the island’s terrain.

**Private Cycling Tour, Shimanami Kaido** – Cycle one of Japan’s most scenic coastal routes with a private guide, crossing a chain of islands that stretch across the Seto Inland Sea. Stop in fishing villages, explore hidden shrines, and take in sweeping sea views at your own pace.

**Simose Art Museum, Iwakuni** – Winding pathways, contemporary art installations, and sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea – Simose Art Museum is a designer’s paradise. Designed by legendary Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, mirrored exhibition spaces blur the line between indoors and out.

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Experience Highlights

Reviews

Ben’s knowledge of Japan’s workings and lesser known experiences is vast. He has a wonderful understanding of flow, which is essential to plan a bespoke trip.

Lauren Born, California, USA

Ben was instrumental in helping us navigate our trip to Japan. He was able to thoughtfully listen and arranged everything from places to stay, eat, see.

Kim Dunham, New York, USA

It was extremely helpful to get Ben‘s insights to plan our first trip to Japan. The session saved us so much time and helped avoid any problems with our itinerary.

Julian Grau, Zürich, Switzerland

The consultation with Ben was amazing. He especially had great suggestions when it comes to amazing accommodation.

Kevin Maschke, London, UK

Ben’s knowledge of Japan is unparalleled, and the personalised service helped us avoid tourist traps and discover authentic experiences.

Brettley Clark, California, USA

Where you'll stay

**Benesse House, Naoshima** – An art museum and hotel in one, Benesse House offers exclusive access to installations by world-renowned artists in a peaceful coastal setting. Stay among the works of Kusama, Ando, and Walter De Maria — with museum spaces open only to guests after dark.

**Azumi Setoda, Onomichi** – Located on Ikuchijima Island, Azumi Setoda blends heritage and modern design in a 140-year-old residence. With a hinoki bathhouse, design-rich interiors, and locally rooted cuisine, it’s a serene and stylish base for exploring Setouchi’s islands and artisan communities.

**Simose Art Garden Villa** – A tranquil retreat on the Seto coast, this new design hotel is part of the striking Simose Art Museum complex. With architecture by Shigeru Ban, minimalist suites, and curated art throughout, the villa offers a rare blend of privacy, luxury, and creative inspiration.

Feeling inspired?

Let’s plan your bespoke journey today

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