Discovering the hidden charms of Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Tokushima and more
Photos: Weekender
I never seem to tire of Japan, no matter how often I step foot into its maze of skyscrapers, shrines and pop cultural hangouts.
This time round, I found myself discovering the Setouchi area in the heart of autumn, where we luxuriated in a poetic dreamscape of fall foliage.
The region consists of a national park, calm inland seas and beautiful islands, in addition to historical buildings and cultural sites.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, we plunged into the quieter gems of the country — exploring the likes of Miyajima, Hiroshima, Imabari and more.
To explore Setouchi like a local, be sure to tick these 14 activities off your checklist:
10. Enjoy an Awa Odori dance performance
To truly experience Tokushima City, make time for their famed Awa Odori dance performance, which is backed by a proud 400-year tradition.
At the Awa Odori Kaikan, a museum dedicated to the dance form, visitors can enjoy the performances as well as shop for local delicacies.
Midway through the performance, you might find yourselves invited onto the dance floor, where you’ll be taught to move gracefully to a two-beat rhythm.
2-20 Shinmachibashi, Tokushima, Tokushima Prefecture 770-0904, Japan
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