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:
13. Indulge in Kobe beef
Flavourful and evenly marbled, Kobe beef is worth every hype there is about it.
The beef, which comes from the Tajima strain of Wagyu cattle, is best savoured at a steakhouse like the famed Kobe Plaisir.
A must-try is the Seiro-mushi (Bamboo Steamer Dish), where thinly sliced beef is slowly steamed over a bed of caramelised onions.
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