Travellers are increasingly looking for something beyond tourist-trap destinations.
In a bid to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of the destination they are visiting, immersive experiences are becoming a popular choice for a memorable trip.
Home to traditional artisans and some of the country’s finest local produce, Japan’s Setouchi region is a top place to visit for those keen to roll up their sleeves.
Stay overnight in a working sake brewery
In Tamba city, Hyogo Prefecture, whether you are a sake enthusiast or simply curious about the uniquely Japanese tipple, you can immersive yourself right in the heart of the sake brewing process at Nishiyama Brewery.
In a scenic rural setting and with the brewery’s history dating back around 170 years, Nishiyama Brewery offers an authentic glimpse into this time-honoured local craft which makes use of locally grown rice and pure spring water from the surrounding mountains – sourced from the nearby well, Chinjutensen.
During an experience at the brewery, you can expect to be taken on a tour of the traditional rustic wooden buildings and learn all about the brewing process from skilled brewers including the art of rice polishing and fermentation. Enjoy the delicate aromas of sake production in the aging room and sample the fine flavours of the six different types of sake – including the brewery’s signature Kotsuzumi (Little Drum) sake – during a dedicated tasting session where you’ll also learn about food pairings.
Nishiyama Brewery also offers visitors the chance to experience fermentation workshops where you can create your own sake seasonings using Ako salt, Adachi Brewery soy sauce and Nishiyama Brewery’s brewing water from the spring.
For a more relaxed and in-depth way to experience this rare brewery, you can also stay overnight in the Sake Brewery Inn Nishiyama Koden and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. Sake Brewery Inn Nishiyama Koden is one of the few sake breweries in Japan that offers overnight stays to guests.
Master the art of indigo dyeing
Aizome (indigo dyeing) is a traditional craft in Tokushima Prefecture where centuries-old fabric dyeing techniques have been passed down the generations and are still in practice today.
At the Aizumicho Historical Museum (Ai-no-yakata) in Tokushima Prefecture, you can experience the techniques and learn about the history of Aizome by creating your very own piece of fabric artwork showcasing the distinctive blue pigment – typically a handkerchief, scarf or towel.
With sessions lasting around 40 minutes, you’ll learn about the sukumo, the fermented leaves of the indigo plant used to create the dye, and the meticulous cultivation process that brings out the signature indigo colouration. Instructors will guide you through the various folding and binding techniques to create unique patterns, from traditional Japanese motifs to more contemporary designs. Watch your very own handmade souvenir come together as you submerge your fabric into the indigo dye. Advance reservations are required and you can also bring your own fabric to be dyed.
Make your own traditional Japanese paper
At the Tenjin Sanshi Japanese Paper Factory in Uchiko town, Ehime Prefecture, visitors can participate in a hands-on experience making traditional Japanese washi paper. Carefully produced by hand and uniquely made with pure water from the Oda River, Japanese paper (Ozu washi), is known for its superior quality.
During the workshop experience, guests can observe each step from the master craftspeople, from handling raw fibres to crafting the beautiful sheets of paper which are typically used for art and calligraphy. The on-site Ozu Washi Museum also showcases a range of items made from washi paper, providing a special opportunity to learn more about the history of washi paper making in the region and its cultural significance.
Indulge your senses at Karato Market
Beginning as a street market in 1933, Karato Market in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is lined with stalls and the market offers a wide variety of fresh and processed marine products, including Yamaguchi Prefecture’s famous fugu (blowfish) and other seasonal fish. Shimonoseki is the birthplace of fugu eating in Japan and its flavour has become synonymous with Shimonoseki.
Karato Market is also known as a market where visitors can enjoy shopping while conversing with the market workers and feeling the bustle and excitement from their laughter and shouting.
Weekends, from Friday to Sunday, are a great time for visitors to experience the vibrant atmosphere of these bustling markets for its food stall event known as Iki-iki Bakangai. During the event, you’ll choose your dishes with your eyes as you discover many stalls selling sashimi, sushi, and other ready-to-eat seafood delicacies you can try on the spot including the local speciality, fugu sashimi. Many customers will order their food ‘to-go’ and leave Karato Market to enjoy their tasty treats in front of stunning ocean views.
Get hands-on with Japan’s renowned Hagi pottery
Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you can experience what it’s like to make the traditional Japanese tea ware used in tea ceremonies all over the country, known as Hagi pottery.
Originating from the town of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Hagi pottery is renowned for its earthy colours and unique cracked glaze which develops over time. One characteristic of Hagi pottery is that many pieces have a chipped base. While the chips once had historical significance, today they are intentionally incorporated as a design element.
To round out your visit, explore one of the pre-made three-to five-night itineraries for the Setouchi region taking in more of what the stunning area has to offer.
