KAGAWA SETOUCHI ART TOURISM ZONE

Blessings of the Seto 〜 Journeying the Sanuki 〜
〜 A Heartfelt Welcome by the Seto, Art, and the People 〜

The Seto Inland Sea, praised as a world treasure, weaves islands and the sea together into one beautiful vista. As you head to the Seto Inland Sea, stretching out gently before you is the Sanuki plain, with its riceball-shaped mountain popping up like an island glimpsed among the waves, which further heightens the serene appearance.
Being raised in such an environment, the people of this area have cultivated the essence of Japanese culture. This traditional beauty can still be seen to this day. The epitome of Edo Period culture can be seen at Ritsurin Garden built by the feudal lords, as well as Kotohira-gu, and Zentsu-ji which have the architecture and important collections of typical shrines and temples. The traditional culture born in Setouchi is not just about historical relics, but infuses all aspects of the life of the people that live here and can be seen in the lacquerware and bonsai, folk arts and crafts, and the traditional five elements of seasoning food that are so important in Japanese cooking.
In recent years art has been added to the long list of cultures that have grown and flourished around the Seto Inland Sea. The Setouchi International Art Festival take place across the islands and sees a fusion of contemporary art with traditional culture, with special attention placed on the siting of the artworks, and another major theme being the interaction between visitors, the artists, and the locals.
In this tourism zone you can come into contact with all kinds of art from traditional beauty and skills that have been passed down through the ages, to the recently added contemporary kind. You can enjoy the captivating scenery and culture of Setouchi, food that will stimulate all five senses, and meeting the locals who make their home here. For those visitors looking for a journey to experience “Seto, People, Art” you will be welcomed with a spirit of hospitality that is the norm in an area used to taking in pilgrims.