A Journey Designed for You
[Short Stay] Stay in a Renovated Historic Residence and Relax by the Seto Inland Sea
Overview
The calm, sheltered waters of the Seto Inland Sea were long a major seaway for ships ferrying precious commodities like silk, salt, sugar, and rice. Successful merchant families built grand homes amidst groves of yuzu, lemons, and mikans on the sea’s many islands. You will spend the night on the island of Ikuchijima at Azumi Setoda, a boutique ryokan that was once the residence of a family of merchants who prospered through shipping and the salt trade. With premium on-site dining and attractive, comfortable modern rooms fitted with private baths, Azumi Setoda is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the laidback hospitality of the region.
location_on Hiroshima/Onomichi | schedule 1 night |
account_balance_wallet from ¥145,000 / group | group 1 - 3 participants |
record_voice_over Available in English | event_available Cancel free up to 11 days prior |
*The indicated price is a reference estimate based on the selection of all listed content. Each component can be arranged individually. The price represents the lowest available rate. Please note that prices are subject to change based on the season and room availability.
*The itinerary and prices depicted are a model plan. Itineraries can be customized at guest request, so please feel free to enquire.
*For groups of three, an additional fee applies. Please contact us for more information.
Itinerary Highlights
Azumi Setoda | Opened in 2021, Azumi Setoda is a boutique ryokan on the island of Ikuchijima housed in the renovated former residence of the wealthy Horiuchi family. Much of the original structure of the building, which was constructed in the nineteenth century, has been preserved, with the interior thoughtfully renovated to provide guests with modern comforts and a style that suits the warmth of the Setouchi region. Fine dining featuring local seasonal ingredients is available in the on-site restaurant. |
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Soy Sauce Making Experience and Tasting | Visit the historic Okamoto Soy Sauce Brewery on Osaki-Kamijima Island, founded in 1932, for a private tour with head brewer Yasufumi Okamoto as your guide. |
* The itinerary depicted is a model itinerary – transportation arrangements, schedule, and length of stay can all be modified to suit guest needs. Please enquire for itinerary details.
*Additional fees apply for optional features.
Details
Day 1 | 3:00 PM
Setoda, a Tranquil Port Town Near the Shimanami Kaido
Ikuchijima is one of the six main islands along the Shimanami Kaido, a network of roads and bridges that connects Honshu and Shikoku. This route is famed for its stunning sea views and delicious local food, as well as the warmth of the islands’ friendly residents. In recent years, the Shimanami Kaido has become well-known as a cycling destination, with separate bicycle paths offering a safe and leisurely way to explore the islands. The small port town of Setoda lies off this main thoroughfare on the tranquil west coast of Ikuchijima, where you can relax and feel your body and mind slow down to island time.
Day 1 | 4:00 PM
A Boutique Island Ryokan That Makes You Feel like an Honored Guest
The wealthy Horiuchi family built this residence in the late nineteenth century not only as a home, but to entertain and impress their many guests. By that time, the Horiuchi had been active in the salt trade for over two centuries, gradually expanding their influence until they branched out into the shipping trade and eventually also into coal. In constructing their residence on Ikuchijima, the family spared no expense, hiring craftsmen from Kyoto so skilled that the 140-year-old structure has endured intact to this day.
When Kyoto-based architect Shiro Miura was hired to renovate the former Horiuchi residence, he was careful to preserve the original building’s architecture as well as its essential character. Inspired by the craftsmen who built the original structure (who, like him, came from Kyoto) and understanding the quality, durability, and adaptability of their work, Miura was able to transform the building into Azumi Setoda, a ryokan for the modern world that preserves a sense of its past as a welcoming family home.
Settle Into a Guest Room that Blends Modern Style with Traditional Ryokan Influences
Rooms at Azumi Setoda are airy and bright, designed to allow just enough natural sunlight to illuminate the interior without overwhelming. Beds are set low to the floor to resemble the futons of a traditional ryokan, as does the washi paper on the windows as it filters the incoming light. The abundant use of cypress and cedar adds warmth and comfort to the space, while granite flooring near the windows feels cool underfoot in the summer and warm in the colder months.
Guests staying at Azumi Setoda can also make use of Yubune, a lovingly-restored community bathhouse across the street from the ryokan. Decorated with cheerful maritime-themed murals and deep blue tiles reminiscent of the surrounding sea, Yubune contains an indoor bath, sauna, and cold plunge pool. Entrance for ryokan customers is free.
Day 1 | 6:00 PM
Enjoy Fine Cuisine Featuring Local Ingredients Served on Antique Tableware
Meals at Azumi Setoda feature local ingredients from around the Setouchi region, which is known for producing some of the finest seafood, fruit, and vegetables in Japan. The ryokan’s on-site restaurant provides a stylish space where you can relax and enjoy each delicious dish surrounded by windows looking out onto the garden. Antique tableware inherited from the Horiuchi family is used during meals, just as it was when this was the family’s private residence.
Please note that while breakfast is included with your stay, dinner can be reserved as an optional extra (additional fees apply). With dinner, there is also the additional option of including pairings featuring fine Setouchi wine and Hiroshima sake that offer the perfect complement to your evening meal.
Day 2 | 10:00 AM
Visit a Historic Soy Sauce Brewery on Osaki-Kamijima Island and Taste Natural Soy Sauce Aged in Wooden Barrels
To deepen your understanding of the Setouchi region, you can also take a tour of the historic Okamoto Soy Sauce Brewery on the nearby island of Osakikamijima. Founded in 1932, this family-owned soy sauce brewery still uses traditional brewing implements and all-natural brewing methods handed down through the generations. Your guide on a private tour of the brewery will be third-generation master brewer Yasufumi Okamoto, who will show you around the facility as he explains the brewing process.
Okamoto’s own story is a compelling one. He actually left his island home as a young man to attend university, but decided to return to continue his family legacy. He has remained committed to continuing the traditional brewing methods of his predecessors, with natural environmental fluctuations in temperature inducing the necessary fermentation and aging of the soybeans inside old cedar barrels to create the unfiltered mash known as moromi. This moromi is stirred using long wooden paddles, a process that you can try yourself with Okamoto’s guidance.
Your tour will conclude with the opportunity to taste the three varieties of soy sauce brewed by Okamoto. Usukuchi (light soy sauce) is the mildest, best for soups and vegetables, while koikuchi (dark soy sauce) possesses a richness suited to teriyaki and stewed dishes. The uniquely robust flavor of saishikomi (double-brewed soy sauce) make it a popular choice for dipping sashimi, sushi, and gyoza.
After your tasting experience, you will take home a mini-bottle of special drip-extracted soy sauce as a souvenir that is available only to brewery visitors. Okamoto will provide you with recommendations on the best ways to use it.
Make Yourself at Home at this Welcoming Retreat on the Seto Inland Sea
The ryokan is located on a quiet backstreet in Setoda, just a few minutes’ walk from the edge of the sea. This makes it easy to take a leisurely stroll through this small port town at any time of day. From the waterfront, you can look out across a narrow strait to the verdant hills of nearby Takaneshima Island. Boats come and go from time to time, just as they have for centuries here, a reminder of the region’s long history of fishing, trade, and sea travel.
Much has changed in Japan in the 140 years since the Horiuchi family built their grand residence on Ikuchijima. But as you watch the sunset transform the sky, the sea and its islands into a watercolor painting of endless shades and hues, the past won’t feel so distant and you may begin to understand why they chose this special place.
Azumi Setoda
location_on269 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-2412
near_meIf you are traveling by Shinkansen to Fukuyama Station: take a train to Onomichi and then a ferry from Onomichi Port to Setoda Port (approximately 60 minutes total). The ryokan is a 1-minute walk from Setoda Port.
near_meIf you are traveling by Shinkansen to Mihara Station: take a ferry from Mihara Port to Setoda Port (approximately 40 minutes total). The ryokan is a 1-minute walk from Setoda Port.
near_meIf you are traveling by plane to Hiroshima Airport: take a bus from Hiroshima Airport to Mihara Port, then take a ferry to Setoda Port (approximately 90 minutes total). The ryokan is a 1-minute walk from Setoda Port.
near_meIf you are traveling by car from Hiroshima Airport: take the Sanyo Expressway and Shimanami Kaido to Ikuchijima Kita IC (approximately 60 minutes). From Ikuchijima Kita IC, it takes approximately 15 minutes to reach your destination.
Okamoto Soy Sauce Brewery
location_on2577 Higashino, Osakikamijima, Toyota District, Hiroshima 725-0231
near_meApproximately 30 minutes by ferry from Takehara Port: disembark at Shiromizu Port and walk 5 minutes
near_meApproximately 25 minutes by ferry from Takehara Port: disembark at Tarumi Port and take a taxi approximately 3 minutes
near_meApproximately 35 minutes from Akitsu Port: disembark at Onishi Port and take a taxi approximately 12 minutes
Things to know
Check-in and Check-out Times | Check-in: From 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Check-out: Until 12:00 PM |
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Experience Start Time | Day 1 or Day 2 Soy Sauce Making Experience and Tasting: 10:00 AM / 11:00AM / 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM / 3:00 PM |
Operation Hours | Dinner: 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Breakfast: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM *Dinner times are confirmed at the time of your reservation. |
Hotel Facilities | Onsen |
Room Information |
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Amenities | |
Price | The price covers accommodation, curated experiences, breakfast, and relevant taxes for two adult guests. The following items are available for an additional fee:
Please note that accommodation tax may apply on-site. Thank you for your understanding. (The accommodation tax is approximately a few hundred yen.) *Additional fees apply for optional features. |
Maximum number | Up to 3 people per booking <Experience> All experiences are private for your group. We do not arrange mixed sessions. |
Experience itinerary | Day 1
Day 2
*Private car pickup and transfer to and/or from your accommodation can be arranged from major train stations if requested in advance (additional fees apply). *This plan can also be booked as accommodation-only. If you would like this option, please let us know when booking. *Please note that travel time between Azumi Setoda and Okamoto Soy Sauce Brewery is approximately 2 hours by car. *The itinerary depicted is a model itinerary – transportation arrangements, schedule, and length of stay can all be modified to suit guest needs. Please enquire for itinerary details. |
Payment | Payment in advance (Credit card (JPY) only) |
Booking deadline | If you wish to arrange the following services, please contact us no later than the deadlines below: At least 5 days before the check-in date We may not be able to accommodate your request after the above deadlines, and we appreciate your understanding. |
Cancellation policy | Refunds are available according to the following cancellation schedule: <Accommodation> 11 or more days before the check-in date: 100% refund 10 days or less before (including same-day cancellation or No-show ): 100% cancellation fee If you cancel within 17 days of the experience date, a 100% cancellation fee will apply for bookings scheduled during the following peak periods: <Experience> 7 or more days before the check-in date: 100% refund 6 days or less before (including same-day cancellation or No-show) ): 100% cancellation fee Cancellations are calculated based on the check-in date. Please contact us by 5:00 PM (JST) on the day you wish to cancel. Important Notes: Changes to the reservation (including number of guests or schedule) are not permitted after the cancellation policy takes effect. If you wish to make changes, please contact us before the cancellation policy applies. |
Guest Requirements | <Accommodation> Adult rate applies to 6 years old and over. Children 5 years old and under are free of charge when sleeping together with parents (separate bed and meals not included). Meals are available to order for an additional fee. Guests under 18 years of age must check in with an adult aged 18 or older. <Experience> Adult rate applies to 15 years old and over. Minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian over 18 years of age. A child rate is available for children between the age of 6 and 14. Please select the number of child participants in the option. Children under 5 may accompany adults at no extra cost. |
Clothes | <Experience> The experience in the venue is conducted with shoes removed. Guests are asked to wear socks or stockings to avoid going barefoot. Please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Clothing and footwear that are easy to walk around in are recommended. (e.g. pants and sneakers) |
Further Remarks | <Accommodation> The room assigned may vary depending on availability. Please note that the room facilities may differ from those listed. This plan falls under price category A. <Experience> This experience is conducted privately. Due to unavoidable circumstances, programs or workshops are subject to last-minute changes and cancellations. Please refrain from eating natto (fermented soybeans) on the day of the experience. Yubune is a public community bathhouse open to local residents and Azumi Setoda guests. |
Itinerary Request
[Short Stay] Stay in a Renovated Historic Residence and Relax by the Seto Inland Sea
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