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:
12. Visit the Ikuta Shrine
When in Kobe, be sure to visit the Ikuta Shrine, said to be among the oldest in the country.
Worshipped as a guardian of health, the shrine attracts both the young and old, who believe it to be a symbol of resurrection due to the damages it survived in the past.
Young couples also frequent the shrine to get hold of its amulets, which are said to bring love and happiness.
1 Chome-2-1 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0011, Japan
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