Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture Stroll Through a Seaside Town Proud of Its Sunrises and Sunsets

Setouchi City in Okayama Prefecture, which looks out over Shodoshima Island, is a town with breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, as its name suggests. In particular, the former Ushimado Town area is a popular tourist destination often referred to as the “Aegean Sea of Japan.” Throughout the city, there are many scenic spots where you can view magnificent sunrises and sunsets, and quite a few of them have been selected among Japan’s Top 100 Sunrises and Sunsets.
Setouchi City is also famous nationwide as a town of swords, making it a great destination for sword enthusiasts. Especially notable is Bizen Osafune, a celebrated sword loved by many samurai warlords during the Sengoku period. Today, you can see its historical form at the Sword Museum. Furthermore, the city is the birthplace of one of Japan’s most renowned painters, Yumeji Takehisa. Rich in history and culture, these are key features of sightseeing in Setouchi City.
This time, we will introduce recommended sightseeing spots in Setouchi City.

1. The “Aegean Sea of Japan” in Setouchi City / The Popular Ushimado Area for Tourists

When it comes to the most popular sightseeing spot in Setouchi City, it has to be the Ushimado area, also known as the “Aegean Sea of Japan.” The view of the Seto Inland Sea from Ushimado is simply breathtaking. The harmony of the entire surrounding area is remarkable, making it a must-visit destination in Setouchi. The yachts and cruisers moored in Ushimado Port, along with stylish pensions and resort hotels lining the coast, create an atmosphere reminiscent of the Aegean Sea.
On the hillside area, olive groves spread out, offering a view of the islands and deep blue sea of Setouchi that delight the eyes of visiting tourists. The olive garden is also famous as a “Lover’s Sanctuary,” where it is said that ringing the “Bell of Happiness” three times at the observatory will bring you happiness. After ringing the bell, head to Yamamoto Farm! The rich gelato made from fresh farm milk is exquisite.

2. Witness the Dawn of Seto at Mushiake, Selected in the “Top 100 Sunrises in Japan”

The sunset over the Seto Inland Sea as seen from Ushimado has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Sunsets in Japan,” but the sunrise from the sea of Mushiake is also a stunning view not to be missed when visiting Setouchi City.
The port town of Mushiake, located in the Oku area of Setouchi City, is known for its flourishing oyster farming. Countless oyster rafts float in Mushiake Bay. The sunrise rising beyond Nagashima, illuminating these rafts, was so moving that Tadamori, father of the famous Taira no Kiyomori, once composed a poem saying, “I even forgot about the capital.” This shows that this scenic spot has been admired since the Heian period.
The sunrise at Mushiake is called “Dawn of Seto (Sekomon no Akebono)” and has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Sunrises in Japan.” The best viewing time is around September 1st each year, and the sight of the sun rising between the islands and coloring the horizon is truly worth seeing. If you’re lucky, you may even witness the rare “Daruma Sunrise,” considered a sign of good fortune.

3. The Birthplace and Museum of Famous Nihonga Painter Takehisa Yumeji in Setouchi City

Takehisa Yumeji, a painter who was active from the Meiji to early Showa era and a representative artist of the Taisho period, was born in Setouchi City. He was born in Honjo Village, Oku County (now Honjo, Oku Town), where he lived until the age of 16. His birthplace is still preserved today in its original state.
The works that blossomed his talent as a painter of bijin-ga (portraits of beautiful women) are displayed at both the main museum in Okayama City and his preserved birthplace in Setouchi, which serves as a branch of the Yumeji Art Museum. The building, which is over 250 years old, has its garden and structure preserved as it was, and visitors can see various items related to Takehisa Yumeji, including hanging scrolls and folding screens.
Nearby is a reproduction of Yumeji’s Tokyo atelier, “Shonen Sanso,” which he designed and built. This can be visited with a combination ticket along with his birthplace. Be sure to stop by this branch of the local art museum and immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era.

4. A Must-Visit Spot for Sword Enthusiasts! “Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum”

Famous warlords often carried with them what were considered “master swords.” These include “Masamune” by the Kamakura swordsmith Okazaki Gorō Nyūdō Masamune, “Muramasa” by a swordsmith from Kuwana in Ise Province, feared by the Tokugawa clan as a cursed sword, and “Teppekiri Kanemitsu,” used by Uesugi Kenshin to reportedly cut down gunners along with their firearms in the Battle of Kawanakajima. The maker of this Teppekiri masterpiece was Bizen Osafune Kanemitsu, a swordsmith from what is now Osafune Town in Setouchi City.
Setouchi City was rich in iron sand, the material for swords, and had an abundance of Kunugi-type oak trees used in the tatara smelting method to produce tamahagane steel. This environment helped the sword-making industry flourish. The “Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum” allows visitors to immerse themselves in this history. Not only can you view many famous swords, but you can also observe the actual sword-making process still in practice today—a rare and valuable experience.

◎ Summary

Setouchi City was formed by the merger of Oku Town and Ushimado Town, which face the scenic Seto Inland Sea, and the inland Osafune Town. Each area has inherited and blended the traditions and histories of the former towns, offering a rich variety of tourist attractions. In Oku Town, known for its ceramics like Bizen ware and Mushiake ware, you can also enjoy locally grown mandarin oranges and oyster dishes from Mushiake Bay thanks to the mild climate.
For seaside leisure like sea kayaking, sailing, and fishing, Ushimado Town is the go-to destination. It has many stylish accommodations, and Maejima Island, just a five-minute ferry ride away, also offers camping grounds. In Ushimado, you won’t want to miss trying the local specialty, conger eel rice bowls, along with locally brewed craft beer. In Osafune Town, the town of swords, you’ll also find historic spots like ancient temples and burial mounds. From scenery and gourmet food to historical exploration, you can fully enjoy sightseeing in Setouchi.