Seto Inland Sea: Japan Art & Culture Tour 2026
Where Japan’s modern art and rich tradition come together in perfect harmony.
Set sail on an inspiring journey through Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, where art, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together in harmony. The Seto Inland Sea: Japan Art & Culture Tour invites you to explore contemporary masterpieces, stroll through historic gardens and Edo-period architecture, and experience local traditions firsthand. Step away from the beaten path, and experience this region’s artistic soul, natural beauty, and rich heritage — all while enjoying the natural beauty of Japan’s stunning Seto Inland Sea.
Destination Highlights for the Seto Inland Sea: Japan Art & Culture Tour
Kobe – Awaji Island – Tokushima – Kotohira Onsen – Takamatsu – Naoshima – Shodoshima – Okayama – Osaka
What’s included on the Seto Inland Sea: Japan Art & Culture Tour:
- Comfortable round-trip flights with Japan Airlines (Full Package only)
- Expert English-speaking local guides and a professional tour escort from Honolulu
- A private professional driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Authentic cultural activities like making aizome indigo dyeing, uchiwa fan making, a ningyo-joruri Japanese puppet show, an Awaodori dance performance, and more!
- Exclusive tours of Seto Inland Sea’s “Art Islands”, including Naoshima and Shodoshima
- Relaxing stays at exceptional hotels and onsen (hot springs) resorts
- 26 fantastic meals, featuring regional and seasonal delicacies, including multiple kaiseki dinners!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Key Highlights:
- Experience the heart of Japan’s modern art exhibitions on Naoshima, the world-famous “art island.” Visit the Benesse Museum, explore the Art House Project’s imaginative installations inside traditional homes, and see Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Yellow Pumpkin overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
- Immerse yourself in local traditions with hands-on cultural experiences. Make your own Japanese uchiwa fan, try indigo dyeing, and learn the art of handmade udon noodles before enjoying your delicious creation.
- Celebrate the lively atmosphere of Kotohira’s Konpira Shrine Grand Festival, or stroll the charming Omotesando approach filled with traditional shops and local specialties.
- Discover the tranquil beauty of traditional Japanese gardens at Ritsurin Garden and Korakuen Garden, considered two of Japan’s finest landscapes.
- Witness the power of nature on an exciting Uzushio whirlpool cruise in the Naruto Strait. These massive tidal whirlpools are among the largest in the world!
- Cross the legendary Kazurabashi Vine Bridge in the remote Iya Valley. Suspended high above a rushing river and woven entirely from vines, this thrilling bridge offers both incredible scenery and a memorable adventure.
- Take in sweeping island scenery from the Kankakei Ropeway, soaring above dramatic cliffs and forested valleys on Shodoshima, followed by a picturesque walk along the tidal sandbar known as Angel Road.
- Step back in time in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, where beautifully preserved Edo-period merchant houses line willow-fringed canals. Later, take a picture at the famous Himeji Castle.
- Relax with a full free day in Osaka to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy certain foods you’ve always wanted to try, all at your own pace! You can also add an optional day tour if you’d prefer. Ask us for suggestions!
Tour Itinerary
9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS IN JAPAN
Click here to see the full tour schedule!
**Hotels subject to change in case of unexpected circumstances
Day 0 – October 7 (Wednesday): Departure from Honolulu
- Begin your journey meeting your tour escort and fellow travelers at Honolulu Airport. Relax before your flight to Japan with Japan Airlines (JAL), known for their outstanding in-flight service.
Day 1 – October 8 (Thursday): Arrival in Japan
- After arriving at Kansai International Airport, rest with a delicious bento box at our hotel in Kobe. Our cultural journey awaits!
- Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe
- Meals included: Two meals served onboard the international flight, plus a bento box dinner upon arrival to Japan
Day 2 – October 9 (Friday): Awaji & Cultural Tradition
- Start your adventure with an exciting Uzushio cruise, where you’ll witness the incredible natural phenomenon of whirlpools! Next, try your hand at indigo dyeing before enjoying a traditional Japanese puppet show. End the evening with a festive Awaodori dance performance.
- Hotel: Aoawo Naruto Resort
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 – October 10 (Saturday): Shikoku Scenic Wonders
- Venture through the breathtaking Oboke and Koboke Gorges on a scenic river cruise. Next, cross the iconic Kazurabashi Bridge, a thrilling vine suspension bridge, and take in the beauty of Biwa Waterfall. Later, snap some photos at Chichibugahama Beach. In the evening, relax in the hotel onsen!
- Hotel: Shikishimikan ♨
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4 – October 11 (Sunday): Kotohira Fans & Festivals
- Get inspired at the Uchiwa (Japanese Fan) Museum, then make your own in an Uchiwa craft activity. For lunch, make your own udon! In the afternoon, enjoy free time and celebrate at the lively Konpira Shrine Grand Festival or go shopping at Omotesando. Don’t forget to loosen up after a full day of activities in the hotel onsen!
- Shikishimikan ♨
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 – October 12 (Monday): Naoshima Art Island
- Set out on a scenic ferry ride to Naoshima, Japan’s famous “art island” where you’ll start with a visit to the Valley Gallery. After lunch visit the Benesse Museum and see Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Yellow Pumpkin sculpture. Later, check out the island’s Art House Project, a collection of converted abandoned homes, then return back to Takamatsu by ferry. In the evening, enjoy the hotel onsen.
- Hotel: JR Clement Inn Takamatsu ♨
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 – October 13 (Tuesday): Takamatsu Gardens & Art
- Begin the day at the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, a showcase of the masterpieces by the renowned sculptor. Next, take in stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea from the Yashima Observatory Deck. In the afternoon, visit Ritsurin Garden and go shopping at Takamatsu Central Shopping Street, Japan’s longest shopping arcade! Later, oak away the day in the hotel onsen.
- Hotel: JR Clement Inn Takamatsu ♨
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 – October 14 (Wednesday): Flavors of Shodoshima
- Take a morning ferry to Shodoshima and explore its vibrant art scene at Tonosho Port. Taste the island’s rich flavors at Shodoshima Olive Park and Marukin Soy Sauce Museum. Enjoy panoramic views from the Kankakei Ropeway and a picturesque stroll along Angel Road. Get your last dip in at the hotel onsen before heading to the mainland Japan!
- Hotel: Resort Hotel Olivean ♨
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 – October 15 (Thursday): Historical Okayama
- Take a morning ferry to Okayama and step into the tranquility of Korakuen, known as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Spend the afternoon exploring the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, filled with Edo-period architecture blended with Western influences.
- Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9 – October 16 (Friday): Akashi Delights
- Head east and take a photo stop at Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, explore the lively Akashi Uonotana Shopping Street, featuring seafood, local delicacies, and shops and enjoy a free lunch on your own. Relax at the end of the day with sake tasting at Akashi Brewery.
- Hotel: Miyako City Hotel Tennoji
- Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 10 – October 17 (Saturday): Osaka Morning and Return to Hawaii
- Full free day to explore Osaka at your own pace. Shop, dine, or just enjoy the sights. Need suggestions? Just ask!
- Hotel: Miyako City Hotel Tennoji
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11 – October 18 (Sunday): Osaka Morning and Return to Hawaii
- Explore the city at your own pace this morning and afternoon. Late check out included: use your room all the way up until departure! Move to Kansai International Airport and board your flight back to Honolulu on JAL. Welcome home!
- Hotel: None
- Meals included: Breakfast, plus two meals served onboard the flight
This serene autumn journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and immerse yourself in Japan’s modern art and cultural tradition — plus hands-on experiences, gourmet cuisine, and comforting onsen (hot spring) retreats.
Pricing
Early-booking Special Offer:
SAVE $100 by being one of the first ten participants!
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$5,490.00*
$4,590.00**
$1,500.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Here are just a few of the sights and activities you’ll enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Mid-October in this region is generally comfortable, mild, and ideal for sightseeing. Expect highs of ~70–74°F (21–23°C) during the day and lows of ~55–60°F (13–16°C) at night. Although this is not the rainy season in Japan, there is a possibility of light showers.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: There are portions of this tour that take place in the mountainous regions of Shikoku or the hilly islands in the Seto Inland Sea. For that reason, guests should feel comfortable walking up stairs or slopes for short distances. Those not comfortable with an incline on any given day are also more than welcome to remain at the facilities at the entrance of these highlights, where there are often shops or cafes to enjoy.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a full free day in Osaka.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 26 exceptional meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 9 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international tickets between Honolulu to Japan are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
