Why is Japan a hidden gem for cultural and luxurious travel? Reveal Samurai tradition, Michelin star Ryokans and more!

Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

Surrounded along the Seto Inland Sea, Setouchi is more than a region. It’s like a dream of culture, cuisine and extraordinary experiences. Secluded islands, ancient castles and lands of old tradition, these seven reserve destinations rewrite travel rules.

Imagine eating a meal with the world’s most coveted wagyu beef, taking a bath in a hot spring once decorated with samurai, and finishing your day as the lord of a feudal castle.

This is a setouchi where luxury, history and credibility collide. Whether you’re a foodie, wellness seeker, history lover, or a traveler chasing the most unique experiences that Japan has to offer, this is your ultimate destination.

Hyogo Prefecture: The World’s Most Luxurious Steak – KOBE Beef has announced

Kobe beef is not just a meal, it is a culinary masterpiece, a global icon and a pilgrimage worthy experience. Known as one of Japan’s “three great wagyu beef,” this delicacy is extremely rare, grown with extreme care and melts very much like a tongue.

But what’s really special? Strict Certification Process – Only cows raised under accurate conditions and passed a strict rating system will win the coveted “Kobe Beef” title. This exclusiveness cements its reputation as the best beef in the world.

Step into the Kobe Beef Gallery: Museum for Meat Lovers

For true Kobe beef lovers, Kobe Beef Gallery offers an immersive experience in the secrets of the perfection of Wagyu beef.

Learn about the Tajima Cow Heritage. It is an exclusive variety behind Kobe beef.

It’s an unforgettable pilgrimage site for food, chefs and meat lovers too.

Yamaguchi Prefecture: Take a bath like Samurai at Nagato Yumoto Onsen

For centuries, Japanese elite warriors, aristocrats and intellectuals have sought healing in the country’s mineral-rich hot springs. Tradition continues at Nagato Yumoto Onsen.

With the legacy growing for over 600 years, this steamy sanctuary has long been a place of renewal and tranquility. This picturesque hot spring town once visited by a legendary samurai – named “Osototengoku” (outdoor heaven) – drives out spiritual retreats in nature.

Otanisanso bettertei otozure: Unparalleled gorgeous Ryokan

For those looking for the pinnacle of luxury, Otani Sanso Bettei Otuze offers:

18 super exclusive suites. Each features a private open-air hot spring with breathtaking mountain views. We present you with Michelin star dining experiences, seasonal delicacies prepared at the highest level of Japanese craftsmanship.

Soaking in naturally heated mineral-infused water when cherry blossoms float past or when snowflakes melt on their surfaces is nothing but pure bliss.

Matsushima Prefecture: Creating the heritage of Japanese indigo – AWA AI INDIGO dyeing experience

What would you do if you could wear a piece of Japanese history? In Matsushima Prefecture, you can create your own indigo masterpieces through AWA AI, a dyeing technology that has been around for centuries.

Within the Aizumicho History Museum: A Journey to the Deepest Blues

Visitors can be found at the Aizumicho History Museum in Ai-no-yakata.

To step into the past of Indigo in Tokushima, where artisans have completed Isomus (indigo dyeing) for generations.

Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, this is truly a personal memorial and a Japanese heritage you made with your own hands.

ehime Prefecture: Living the Legend – Night in the Castle of Oz

Sleeping in a real Japanese castle may sound like a dream, but in the prefectures, that’s the reality.

Stay at Ozu Castle: Fantasy of the Lord of Samurai

Imagine this:

You are dressed in a complete samurai regalia walking through the halls of a fully restored Edo period castle. A wooden floor creaks beneath his feet whispers from a bygone era.

At Ozoo Castle, you don’t just visit. You become part of that living history. Through the Castle of Oz Road Experience, guests will:

Recreates samurai traditions, including the wearing of traditional armor. Explore the preserved castle town with great care. Here, Edo period architecture transports visitors within time. Sleep in a real castle.

Setouchi: Japan’s Luxury and the Future of Culture and Tourism

With its rich cultural tapestry, luxurious experiences and authentic tradition, Setouchi has emerged as one of Asia’s most exciting travel destinations.

Here’s why Setouchi is poised to dominate global tourism trends:

Invertourthaly From here, there is a vibrant demand for tourists. Today, travelers are craving practical and immersive experiences.
✔️Gorgeous Travel Surge – High-end accommodations such as Otani Sanso Betteio Otuse and Castle Ozou are catered to discerning world travelers.
Gustronomic Excellence – Setouchi has some of the world’s most coveted dishes, including Kobe Beef and Michelin-Star Ryokan Dining.
Growing connectivity for airling airlines – more direct international routes make Setouchi more accessible than ever.

As Japan’s cultural and luxurious tourism sector flourishes, Setouchi is rapidly becoming a must-see area for travelers looking for something extraordinary.

Are you ready for the ultimate travel in Japan?

From the joys of the Epicureans to the traditions of samurai, to the gentle hot springs, to the retreat of the castle, Setouchi offers unforgettable moments that go against time and expectations.

Which experiences excite you the most? Please let me know in the comments! Start with a Kobe beef east feast, a dip in a samurai hot spring, or a legendary evening at a castle?