If you follow my Instagram StephanieTTAND and my facebook page Stephanie The Travel Agent Next Door you will have noticed that I have had a dozen posts about the Setouchi Region of Japan over the last month. Setouchi includes the Seto Inland Sea and the coastal area of Honshi, Shikoku, and Kyushu, three of the four main islands of Japan. I have several great suppliers who I can use to put together some great bucket list travel itineraries. This area is great for either a specialized group or even family travel.
The first item I talked about was the Shimanami Cycling Route. For those of you who have a passion for cycling either as an amateur racer or as a hobby this experience is a once in a lifetime and who better to share it with than your team mates or fellow hobbyists. This network of roads runs 37 miles and links six islands with paths for cyclists. They hold an international cycling event that has 7000 participants that come from both inside and outside of Japan. It is a considered a Mecca for cyclists.
This area is also renowned for their terraced rice fields. The Nakayama Terraced Rice Fields are located in the heart of the island, and have been chosen as one of the top 100 locations for terraced rice field in Japan. They are prepared, planted, maintained, and harvested by hand using traditional methods. This scenic location not is not only a great place for photography but it is also representative of Japanese agricultural history and culture. This area would be great for photography groups as well as those into exploring agriculture, something even a 4H club might consider doing with their members and families.
Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay, western Japan. It is known for its forest and ancient temples. Just offshore, the giant, orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th Century. The shrines in Japan are perfect for groups who are looking for spiritual enlightenment.
Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle complex situated in the city of Himeji which located in Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. The castle is considered a UNESCO world heritage site. I think the reason Japan appeals to me show much is my history background. There is just so much history to experience here. I have always been fascinated for that reason and often have overlooked what Asia has to offer.
Ruriko-Ji Temple is a national treasure it is a five-storied pagoda. A pagoda is a tiered building that rises to a point. Most pagodas have some religious significance and are found in Asia. One particular type of Buddhist or Taoist temple rises in the shape of a pyramid.
Japan also so much for the nature lovers to experience as well. There is so much biking, hiking, exploring that can be done in this country. Getting around by high speed trains is rather easy.
Iya No Kazurabashi is a suspension bridge constructed of vines that is supported on each end by giant cedar trees and in these modern times, also by concealed steel cables. Of course the change in seasons will heavily influence your experience here.
Kankakei Ropeway is the only rop way in Japan that allows visitors to enjoy the panorama views of the SKY, the SEA and the GORGE at the same time. Again this view is differing with the seasons.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. A particularly popular destination for tourists is the traditional boat tour of Kurashiki Canal. Thsi boat tour offers visistors a chance to admire the town's white walls from a small boat along the river that flows through the centre of town.
Kikugestu-tei teahouse is one of the largest tea house in Ritsurin Garden. It is open every day and they serve the famous Matcha tea. This area is a popular place for wedding photography. I love when you are able to get outdoor shots of your special day. I think this would be a spectacular area to get them done.
Motonosumi Inari Shrine is best know for its red shrine gates. It is also well know for its special oratory box which sits at the top of the gates. This shrine houses the sacred spirits that were split about 60 years ago from Taikodani Inari Shrine in neighbouring Shimae Prefecture. I wonder what I would wish for if I was to do an offering. Do you know what you would wish for.
Uzushio Kisen are magnificent whirlpools in the Naruto Straits that can be enjoyed from several vantages. You can observe from a bridge up above or you can get up close and personal on a boat. I think with my fear of heights I would actually vote for up close and personal.
So as you can see there is so much to do see and learn in the Setouchi region of Japan and I believe this region has definitely been added to my bucket list.
Where you can find me:
The first item I talked about was the Shimanami Cycling Route. For those of you who have a passion for cycling either as an amateur racer or as a hobby this experience is a once in a lifetime and who better to share it with than your team mates or fellow hobbyists. This network of roads runs 37 miles and links six islands with paths for cyclists. They hold an international cycling event that has 7000 participants that come from both inside and outside of Japan. It is a considered a Mecca for cyclists.
This area is also renowned for their terraced rice fields. The Nakayama Terraced Rice Fields are located in the heart of the island, and have been chosen as one of the top 100 locations for terraced rice field in Japan. They are prepared, planted, maintained, and harvested by hand using traditional methods. This scenic location not is not only a great place for photography but it is also representative of Japanese agricultural history and culture. This area would be great for photography groups as well as those into exploring agriculture, something even a 4H club might consider doing with their members and families.
Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay, western Japan. It is known for its forest and ancient temples. Just offshore, the giant, orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th Century. The shrines in Japan are perfect for groups who are looking for spiritual enlightenment.
Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle complex situated in the city of Himeji which located in Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. The castle is considered a UNESCO world heritage site. I think the reason Japan appeals to me show much is my history background. There is just so much history to experience here. I have always been fascinated for that reason and often have overlooked what Asia has to offer.
Ruriko-Ji Temple is a national treasure it is a five-storied pagoda. A pagoda is a tiered building that rises to a point. Most pagodas have some religious significance and are found in Asia. One particular type of Buddhist or Taoist temple rises in the shape of a pyramid.
Japan also so much for the nature lovers to experience as well. There is so much biking, hiking, exploring that can be done in this country. Getting around by high speed trains is rather easy.
Iya No Kazurabashi is a suspension bridge constructed of vines that is supported on each end by giant cedar trees and in these modern times, also by concealed steel cables. Of course the change in seasons will heavily influence your experience here.
Kankakei Ropeway is the only rop way in Japan that allows visitors to enjoy the panorama views of the SKY, the SEA and the GORGE at the same time. Again this view is differing with the seasons.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. A particularly popular destination for tourists is the traditional boat tour of Kurashiki Canal. Thsi boat tour offers visistors a chance to admire the town's white walls from a small boat along the river that flows through the centre of town.
Kikugestu-tei teahouse is one of the largest tea house in Ritsurin Garden. It is open every day and they serve the famous Matcha tea. This area is a popular place for wedding photography. I love when you are able to get outdoor shots of your special day. I think this would be a spectacular area to get them done.
Motonosumi Inari Shrine is best know for its red shrine gates. It is also well know for its special oratory box which sits at the top of the gates. This shrine houses the sacred spirits that were split about 60 years ago from Taikodani Inari Shrine in neighbouring Shimae Prefecture. I wonder what I would wish for if I was to do an offering. Do you know what you would wish for.
Uzushio Kisen are magnificent whirlpools in the Naruto Straits that can be enjoyed from several vantages. You can observe from a bridge up above or you can get up close and personal on a boat. I think with my fear of heights I would actually vote for up close and personal.
So as you can see there is so much to do see and learn in the Setouchi region of Japan and I believe this region has definitely been added to my bucket list.
Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
TICO 500212282
55 York Street, Suite 803
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area
Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area
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