*Trip starts at 9AM on March 1 Japan time in Tokyo. If flying in from another country, be sure to be in Japan by that time.
Highlights
🌊 Seto Sea Sights: A 9-day, slower-paced trip focusing on the scenic Seto Inland Sea, exploring the unique and iconic cities of Matsuyama, Kurashiki, and Kobe.
🖼️ Culture and Art: Visit Matsuyama Castle, the Bikan Historical Quarter, Korakuen Garden, and see the famous Yayoi Kusama pumpkins on Naoshima Art Island.
🥩 Gourmet and Relaxation: Indulge in Kobe Beef on a scenic cruise, savor local specialties on a panoramic train, and unwind at the historic Dogo Onsen hot springs.
🚢 Premium Travel: Enjoy 8 nights in four-star lodging, most meals included, all in-country transport, and professional bilingual guides for a hassle-free journey.
Treat yourself to the coolest views you’ll ever sea.
Designed as a slower-paced trip that’s all about taking in the view, Seto Seasider is our mini-love letter to the Seto Inland Sea region and the unique neighborhoods that make it special. Centered on three of Japan’s most unique and iconic cities – Matsuyama, Kurashiki, and Kobe – this is a journey for travelers who like to explore, take in cool views, but also get pampered a little bit when the day is done! You’ll have a Kobe Beef steak on a cruise, enjoy a meal of local specialities on a panoramic train car, and have the chance to dip your feet (and the rest of you) into a hot spring or two.
Starting in Matsuyama, you’ll visit the iconic Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen hot spring, sample some of the cuisine that our guests rave about, and check out tiny neighborhoods both urban and rural. From there, we go to Kurashiki and its Bikan Historical Quarter, where old converted storehouses now offer trinkets, peach desserts, denim fashions, and more. We’ll also see the Korakuen Garden in Okayama, say hello to the cat lord of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, and marvel at the famous giant pumpkins designed by Yayoi Kusama on Naoshima Art Island. Finally, we head to Kobe, long one of our most popular destinations, for high tea, a chance to visit a few sake breweries, a stroll through Chinatown and the old foreign resident neighborhood, mountain views, waterfalls, and so much more.
If you’re looking for some of Japan’s most iconic views, or just want a unique way to unwind after running around Tokyo for a week, this is the journey for you! Sign up today and get ready to see why this region is regularly cited as one of Japan’s best undiscovered gems!
Trip itinerary
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After boarding a plane in Tokyo, you’ll land in Matsuyama and the fun begins! We begin with a cruise along the seaside on a deluxe train ride that comes with a special lunch of local delicacies. Savor the flavors (and the view) before we disembark to visit the cute fishing town of Yawatahama. After a little exploring, we’ll return to the city to check in at our hotel.
Lodging: Hotel Tsubakikan or similar
Meals: Lunch included -
We’ll begin with a flight of delicious juices (really) and spend the morning exploring the Okaido area in the center of the city. After a break for lunch, we’ll ride a chair lift up to the majestic Matsuyama Castle. View the castle grounds before we head into town for a dinner at our favorite local spot!
Lodging: Hotel Tsubakikan or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner included -
Time to explore a little bit more of where we are: Dogo Onsen! You’ll see the legendary hot spring building cited as an inspiration for Spirited Away, and also get in the water (if you like). We’ll also check out old samurai homes, explore an old Showa-era shopping plaza, and explore some of the city’s other kitschy haunts.
Lodging: Hotel Tsubakikan or similar
Meals: Breakfast included -
Hop a train and cross the sea! We’re off to Kurashiki, where we’ll explore the city’s unique Bikan Historical Quarter, marvel at the old merchant storehouses, and settle in for the evening.
Lodging: Kurashiki Ivy Square or similar
Meals: Breakfast included -
We’ll head into the mountains to start today; visit the mountaintop “castle above the clouds” - Bitchu Matsuyama - where we’ll try to curry favor with the local cat lord. From there, we descend into Okayama to visit their iconic Korakuen Garden before returning to Kurashiki for the night.
Lodging: Kurashiki Ivy Square or similar
Meals: Breakfast included -
We’re back out on the water today: we’re sailing over to the famous Naoshima Art Island, where we’ll wander the picturesque local alleys and marvel at the iconic art and sculptures that have made the island a renowned destination.
Lodging: Kurashiki Ivy Square or similar
Meals: Breakfast included -
We’re off to Kobe! When we arrive, we’ll be getting the royal tour of the city (for our stomachs): one of Japan’s most famous Afternoon Teas and a dinner cruise! Between the eating, we’ll get the chance to take in the views of the city’s Harborland and Chinatown areas.
Lodging: Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (high tea) and Dinner included -
Our second day in the big city takes us up to the Kobe Herb Garden, which features panoramic views of the entire Kansai area! From there, we’ll check out the bustling Sannomiya neighborhood, poke through the Sake district of Nada, and finish the day with a chef-omakase dinner of the region’s legendary fried skewers.
Lodging: Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner included -
Transfer to Kobe or Osaka Itami Airport to return to Tokyo, or continue your trip in Kansai or from Tokyo!
Meals: Breakfast included
This trip includes…
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Trip Status |
Open for signups |
Deadline |
Jan. 15, 2027 |
Minimum guest #: |
8 guests |
Fly → JP On*: |
Feb. 26, 2027 |
Starts in JP On: |
February 28 (9AM), 2027 |
TRIP PACE |
Medium. Light if you stick to exploring small neighborhoods where you'll have lots of places to take breaks, but the mountain walk on Day 5 does involve about 30 minutes of stairs. |
Extras |
Single (All lodging): +$800 |
*This is the date you should leave your home country.
Click for more info about:
FLIGHTS • REFUND POLICY
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🛌 8 nights four-star accommodations
🥢 Includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners
🚅 All scheduled rail, sea, and air transport within Japan.**
🧳 Baggage shipping (up to 3 complimentary luggage transfers for one suitcase per trip)
😀 Professional, bilingual guides there to help with anything you might need
🎟️ Admission to all scheduled activities
📗 Customized Trip Guidebook and Pre-Trip Orientation Materials, mailed to you before the trip so you can prepare for the journey before leaving home!
🍫 Nightly turndown service with local sweets
❤️ Complimentary concierge service: we can help plan extra stops, pre-and-post-trip extensions, and more.
🗾 Much, much more!
NOT INCLUDED:
❌ Flights to Japan from your home country
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Meals not listed above
NOTES:
ADVANCE DEPOSIT: The trip does not have a final price yet. Final price to be announced later; anyone who signs up early gets a $50 discount and may get a fee-free refund of the deposit if they do not approve of the final price when it is announced.
*All initial payments are a $300 deposit. The balance for the trip is due at the deadline for the trip.
**If a guest decides to go long distances on rail during free times, extra charges may apply.
