The picturesque Setouchi region, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, also beckons food lovers.
Whether you’re a foodie or a culture enthusiast, Setouchi is the perfect destination for travellers seeking to experience the essence of Japan. With its memorable culinary offerings, visitors can savour Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki, embark on a personalised udon taxi tour in Kagawa, or indulge during a stay in Takamatsu as part of an immersive gastronomic adventure.
Okonomimura: Hiroshima’s Iconic Okonomiyaki Village
Located in the heart of Hiroshima’s Naka-ku district, Okonomimura is a multi-storey ‘okonomiyaki village’ that’s home to 23 different restaurants, each offering its own take on this beloved dish. The savoury pancake, usually made with cabbage, meat, seafood, and noodles, is a local speciality born in the aftermath of World War II. Its history can be traced back to the food stalls in Shintenchi Square, a plaza not far from the hypocentre of the atomic bomb, which helped revive the community post-war. The sight of numerous okonomiyaki stalls in one area inspired the name “Okonomimura” – meaning ‘okonomiyaki village’. Today, the area’s transformation into a high-rise building allows travellers to experience this nostalgic dish, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Hiroshima’s food culture. Visitors can even learn to make their own, which requires some skill to build the various layers of batter, vegetables, noodles, and toppings. In Tetsu, one of the Okonomimura stores, popular fillings include tetsu yaki (squid and green onions), and buchi nikutama which comes with double pork and double egg. A visit to Hiroshima is not complete without a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum, seeing the shrines on Miyajima island and trying the infamous oysters – the area accounts for 60% of Japan’s oyster production – but trying okonomiyaki at Okonomimura is a must. Okonomiyaki Village opening hours vary from store to store, so please check the Okonomimura website in advance.
Udon Taxi: Explore Kagawa’s Udon Culture
For those eager to dive deeper into Japan’s food scene, Kagawa Prefecture is a sacred place for udon and offers the renowned Udon Taxi experience. This unique service, operated by specially trained drivers who double as udon experts, takes visitors on a personalised tour of Sanuki udon restaurants, from well-known favourites to hidden local gems not included in guidebooks. Sanuki udon is famous for its firm texture and subtle flavours, and Kagawa is the best place to try it. The Udon Taxi offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to not only enjoy udon but also learn about its cultural history, which dates back to the 9th century when it was first introduced Kukai, one of the monks who made Buddhism accessible to the Japanese. With tours ranging from 60 to 120 minutes, guests can sample up to three different udon dishes at various stops. Along the way drivers share anecdotes, cooking tips, and local insights, making this a truly immersive and memorable culinary journey. Visitors can book 60, 90, 120 or 120-minute experiences, visiting between 1 and 3 udon restaurants. It is recommended to visit 2-3 establishments and therefore book a 90 minute or longer experience. Prices start from 5,400 yen (£27.90) for 60 minutes, 8,100 yen (£42) for 90 minutes, 10,800 yen (£55.75) for 120 minutes and 16,200 yen (£83.65) for 180 minutes. All prices are correct as of October 2024.
Gastronomical Stays in Takamatsu
For travellers looking for an indulgent escape, Takamatsu offers a trio of luxurious options:
● The newly restored Anabukitei offers a private rental that combines modern comfort with
traditional Japanese architecture. Originally built in 1970, Anabukitei was recently transformed
into a luxury mansion residence that welcomes just one group of guests per day to enjoy its
beautiful Japanese garden, private open-air bath, sauna and a breakfast and optional dinner that
showcase the rich flavours of local Japanese produce and traditions.
● Auberge de Oishi is an intimate 5-room Mediterranean-style hotel located in a spectacular
location at the foot of Mt Yashima and overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Offering a ‘hidden
Setouchi restaurant’ the menu celebrates local ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea and its
islands that you might not immediately associate with Japan, like Sanuki olives.
● Hanajukai, also known as ‘Hana no Yado’ (Flower Inn) was created around a revived hot spring
and boasts a vast hot spring bath room that offers a 200 degree view of the Seto Inland Sea and
Takamatsu City skyline. Guests here are treated to exquisite Sanuki cuisine made from local
ingredients bought fresh from the market daily, with dishes that offer a delicate fusion of
Japanese and international flavours – Chef Hiroshi Tada respects the formalities of Japanese
cuisine while Chef Mitihisa Saito entertains with French influences. Prices starting from 380,000
yen for a single occupancy room including consumption tax and breakfast, correct as of October
2025.
Gastronomical Stays in Onomichi
Onomichi is home to LOG, a stunning boutique hotel that artfully combines architectural heritage with
modern design. It was opened in 2018 after renovating an apartment building and was revitalised in
cooperation with the Indian architectural collective STUDIO MUMBAI. The collaboration explores
universal values which stretch across borders such as countries, cultures, and languages. Located near the famous Senkoji Temple, LOG offers guests a dining experience that blends traditional Japanese cuisine with European and Asian influences. This is thanks to Ms Ai Hosokawa, a Japanese food creative who is renowned for nourishing and clean flavours apparent in her range of cookbooks which focus on the concept that if an ingredient tastes good in itself there’s no reason to hide that with excessive other flavours. Her early training in Italy and inspiration from regular travel through Europe and Asia has shaped her cooking and gained her notoriety in the Japanese food scene. The food reflects the interiors at LOG with soft, muted tones and natural materials creating a relaxing space for both dining and rest. The rooms are thoughtfully wrapped in stretched Japanese paper creating a cocoon feel, bringing a softness that provides a feeling of peace and quiet.