As slow travel gains momentum, Byway Travel has cited a rise in people looking for holidays that keep them active without being too intense, moving at a slower pace with activities like hiking and cycling along the way, turning the journey itself into part of the experience.

Japan’s Setouchi region abounds with gorgeous landscapes and seascapes formed by the rich topography of the Seto Inland Sea. From dramatic coastlines, dense forests and towering peaks to mountainside shrines, historical landmarks and bridges connecting islands.

Whether on foot or on two wheels, immersed in local lifestyles, following sea routes that seem to travel back in time or simply taking the time to sit in silence and savour the surroundings, these recommended experiences offer slow, sensory journeys toward personal wellness, deeper understanding and quiet bliss. Setouchi welcomes visitors to explore its natural and cultural environments – mindfully and in motion.

A Morning of Ritual – Matcha Tea Ceremony and Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing)  

ABTA’s Travel Trends 2026 revealed that 80% of holidaymakers consider travel important for their mental health and few destinations have well-being so deeply ingrained in their DNA as Japan. In Hiroshima, the gentle morning ascent up Mt. Futaba, home to a sacred forest, offers a moving meditation leading guests past Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine, through a vermilion tunnel of over 100 torii gates to the natural sanctuary of Kinko Inari Shrine. The Peace Pagoda at the summit, also known as the “forest of guardians”, invites travellers to mindfully bathe in these sacred surroundings. Guests then have the rare privilege of enjoying an authentic Japanese tea ceremony held in Okumiya shrine’s open-air setting with a sweeping sunlit view of Hiroshima City, the Ota River Delta and the Seto Inland Sea beyond. Unlike rushing out for a quick coffee while checking emails, the practice of a tea ritual creates a deliberate and intentional pause and presence, dating back to Buddhism in the year 815.

Setouchi Alps Trekking

Spending time in mountain landscapes acts as a natural reset for body and mind. Research confirms that alpine walking reduces stress hormones and quietens anxious thoughts, giving mind and body a deep, restorative break from screen time and busy daily routines. In the Seto Inland Sea National Park, visitors can circle the four peaks – Mt. Monju, Mt. Kano, Mt. Genmei, and Mt. Dake – in Suo-Oshima town. The ridgeline formed by these mountains, at an elevation of around 600 meters, is affectionately known as the Setouchi Alps. Each mountain preserves historical sites that have long been objects of religious veneration, set among lush vegetation and seasonal blossoms. The Mt. Dake Observation Terrace offers a sweeping view of the surrounding archipelago stretching out to the Shikoku

Cycling in Setouchi 

Persistence Market Research reveals that holidaymakers are increasingly viewing cycling not as an endurance sport, but as an intentional way to experience local food cultures, UNESCO heritage sites, and scenic island routes at a human pace. At the heart of Asia Pacific, the world’s fastest-growing cycle tourism region, Setouchi is ideally suited to this trend, offering diverse routes and dedicated facilities designed for two-wheeled exploration.

sokoiko! Peace Tour of Hiroshima

sokoiko!’s signature Peace Tour guides visitors on a historical journey by bicycle through downtown Hiroshima that begins and ends at the landmark Peace Memorial Park. Riding electric-assist bicycles, riders experience at ground-level the pulse of the city past and present – from the chilling ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome to the timeless streetcars that resumed service just days after the explosion on 6 August 1945, and that continue to be part of everyday life in Hiroshima today. Through engaging conversations with the local guides, participants can gain a deeper understanding of both Hiroshima’s unspeakable tragedy and its remarkable post-war recovery.

Kamijima Tours – Winner of the Cycling category in the 2026 Setouchi DMO Awards

The ‘Athleisure’ holiday movement blends movement with relaxation which aligns with Kamijima Tours’ in-depth, unrushed and bespoke journeys through the Kamijima islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Just east of the more famous Shimanami Kaido, the islands are home to the “dreamier” Yumeshima Kaido; a more low-key cycling sea route across bridges and islands, with light traffic and tranquil coastal scenery. Visitors can pedal leisurely past quiet seaside shrines and experience local lifestyles in fishing villages and citrus farms.

Michi-no-eki SAZANSETO TOWA

Suo-Oshima has become a favourite with cyclists thanks to a 100km loop trail around the island’s outer edge that can be tackled as a whole or in part as a shorter course. The scenery alternates between calm island seascapes and beaches, quiet fishing hamlets, the mountainous interior, and terraced groves that make the island famous for its mikan oranges. Stop off at SAZANSETO TOWA which has a wide selection of local souvenirs and produce, including local oranges, while upstairs the restaurant serves fresh seafood dishes. There is also a tourist information desk and bicycle rentals, making it a central hub for exploring Suo-Oshima by bike.

Tobishima Cycling

This beginner-friendly electric-assist bicycle tour follows the Akinada Tobishima Kaido sea route, which begins in the city of Kure and connects seven islands via seven bridges in the Seto Inland Sea. Participants cycle along coastal and quiet island roads, experiencing local lifestyles in distinct settlement structures and port townscapes that are unique to each island. As featured in the 2021 Japanese film “Drive My Car” which won ‘Best Screen Play at the Cannes Film Festival, the route culminates in Mitarai, a diligently preserved Edo-period townscape of merchant houses on the island of Osaki-Shimojima.

For more information on any of these experiences, please visit Setouchi Travel.