Seto Inland Sea Japan Art + Culture Tour 2025
Experience a one-of-a-kind art festival that spreads across the breathtaking islands of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. Includes renowned Naoshima “Art Island”!
Stunning works of art plus rich cultural history blended together to create an inspiring journey just for you
New for 2025! 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 castles, and experience local traditions firsthand. Highlighted by the Setouchi Art Triennale, which takes place only once every three years, come experience this region’s artistic soul, natural beauty, and rich heritage.
You’ll discover Shikoku, Japan’s least-visited main island and escape the crowds of the mainland. Remote wonders like the Iya Valley, said to be a last refuge for Heian-era warriors, await you, plus Ritsurin Koen, one of the country’s most splendid Japanese gardens, first created in the 17th century. As befits an Art and Culture Tour, you’ll enjoy plenty of hands-on activities, including aizome indigo dyeing, a specialty of Tokushima Prefecture.
A central highlight of this tour is the unique Seto Inland Sea Triennale Art Festival. First organized in 2010 and taking place only once every three years, this art festival spreads out across multiple islands, with each venue showcasing its own relationship between contemporary art and the surrounding natural landscape. Featuring works from some of Japan’s most well-known artists, such as Yayoi Kusama and Isamu Noguchi, it is truly an opportunity not to be missed!
Enjoy specialty cuisine each evening, soak away your stress at one of many soothing hot springs, or just stroll around and browse for fascinating omiyage gifts. If you’re ready to explore off the beaten path of Japan and embark on a real once-in-a-lifetime cultural adventure, our Japan Art + Culture Tour is waiting for you!
Destination Highlights
Kobe – Awaji Island – Iya Valley – Takamatsu – Naoshima “Art Island” – Utazu – Megijima Island – Shodoshima Island – Okayama – Kurashiki- Himeji – Osaka – and more!
Tour Includes
10 nights premium accommodations – 27 exceptional meals – Onsen (Hot Springs) – WiFi router – HNL Airport Lounge – Unique activities & experiences – and much more!
Price
Full Package $4,990 (Adult) / Land Package $4,190 (Adult)
Japan Art + Culture Tour 2025
Tour Details
10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS IN JAPAN
For an in-depth look at the many activities and destinations you’ll visit, please see our itinerary flyer here (PDF file): Seto Inland Sea Japan Art + Culture Tour
Short on time? Check out the schedule summary below!
Itinerary Summary
| Day | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 03-OCT | HNL Airport departure on Japan Airlines (nonstop flight) |
| 2 | 04-OCT | Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX), bento box dinner handed out, rest at hotel |
| 3 | 05-OCT | Uzushio Whirlpools ocean cruise, traditional indigo dyeing experience, Japanese puppet show, Awaodori dance performance, enjoy hot springs! |
| 4 | 06-OCT | Iya Valley Oboke/Koboke Gorge river cruise, famous “Kazurabashi” Vine Bridge, Biwa Waterfall, Chichibugahama Beach, enjoy hot springs! |
| 5 | 07-OCT | Ritsurin Japanese Garden, Yashima Observatory Deck, Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (renowned sculptor), enjoy hot springs! |
| 6 | 08-OCT | Ferry ride to Nạoshima, Japan’s famous “art island”, unique Valley Gallery exhibit, renowned Benesse Museum plus Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Yellow Pumpkin sculpture. |
| 7 | 09-OCT | Utazu Town sightseeing, sanuki udon making hands-on activity, ferry ride to Megijima “Ogre Island” (associated with the legend of Momotaro), sightseeing on the island. |
| 8 | 10-OCT | Ferry to Shodoshima Island to see the art scene around Tonosho Port, Shodoshima Olive Harvest Festival, Marukin Soy Sauce Museum, Kankakei Ropeway sightseeing, stay overnight on the island, enjoy hot springs! |
| 9 | 11-OCT | Morning ferry from Shodoshima to Okayama City, Korakuen Japanese Garden, Kurashiki Bikan Quarter (Edo-period architecture). |
| 10 | 12-OCT | Himeji Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Akashi Uonotana Shopping Street and seafood market, sake tasting at Akashi Brewery, deluxe farewell dinner in Osaka |
| 11 | 13-OCT | Full free day to explore Osaka at your own pace |
| 12 | 14-OCT | Free time in the morning and afternoon to wander Osaka, head to the airport, fly home |
