Setouchi City and Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture

This Japanese guesthouse, located in the scenic port town of Ushimado, was built entirely as a DIY project and was designed as a cozy place where guests can eat, sleep, play and live. Create precious memories and immerse yourself in Japanese tradition in this nostalgic house, which offers a wonderful view of the pretty port town from its second floor.

• Address :

  2974 Ushimado, Ushimado-cho, Setouchi-shi, Okayama Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)90-4108-1056

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese

• Access :

  25-minute drive from JR Oku Station

• Check-in :

  5:00 p.m.

• Check-out :

  10:00 a.m.

• Rates :

  From ¥5,000 per night per room plus ¥4,000 per person

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

• Bedroom :

  Two guest rooms available (with lock) for up to a total of 8 people (9 or more upon request); Japanese futons

• Bathroom :

  Bathroom available (with lock); bathtub available from check-in to checkout

• Toilet :

  Western style

• Meals :

  Not available (food and drinks may be brought in)

• Wi-Fi :

  Available

This inn is located on Kashira Island in the Seto Inland Sea. Part of the building is in the style of a traditional samurai residence, and part is in a Western style reminiscent of Taisho-era (1912-1926) architecture. Guests can enjoy a sauna, karaoke, and movies projected on a 100-inch screen, as well as various hands-on activities related to local landmarks and Japanese culture. Special guided tours of Bizen and Setouchi are also available.

• Address :

  2937 Hinase, Hinase-cho, Bizen-shi, Okayama Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)70-8937-4752

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese, English, and French

• Access :

  10 minutes by Bizen City bus from JR Hinase Station; pickup and drop-off available (marine-taxi service can be booked at the port in front of Hinase Station)

• Check-in :

  3:00–10:00 p.m.

• Check-out :

  10:30 a.m.

• Rates :

  From ¥60,000 per night for 2 people plus ¥8,000 for each additional person (children: ¥5,000; preschool children: Free)

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB/China UnionPay (CUP)/Discover/Diners Club/eftpos Australia (prepayment required)

• Bedroom :

  Available for up to 8 people in a building with lock; 6 futons and a king-size bed

• Bathroom :

  Bathrooms available (with lock); bathtubs available; sauna available from check-in to checkout

• Toilet :

  Western style

• Meals :

  Full-course Setouchi-seafood dinner at partner inn Oyaji-no-Umi (with pickup and drop-off); catering also available

• Wi-Fi :

  Available

This reservation-only restaurant, located at Tamatsu Port, serves fish from tanks set up in front of the restaurant. In addition to its fresh seafood, caught by local fishers in nearby waters, the restaurant is popular for its excellent oyster dishes, prepared by the families of local oyster fishers. Lunch is from ¥2,500, and a meal can be tailored to any budget or preference. The restaurant opens only during prime fishing season, so call ahead or check social media. Certain ingredients can be left out of dishes upon request.

• Address :

  4393 Shirimi, Oku-cho, Setouchi-shi, Okayama Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)80-6241-0440

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese

• Access :

  20-minute drive from Oku Station

• Opening Hours :

  11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

• Closed :

  Open irregular days (by reservation only); groups can be accommodated (please inquire)

• Cuisine :

  Japanese cuisine, seafood

• Foreign Language Menu :

  Not available

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  None

This restaurant serves dishes made with fresh fish caught in Ushimado and wheat grown on the restaurant’s farm. An original pane (bread) is served at the end of every omakase (chef’s choice) meal, which includes fresh, carefully selected ingredients. Located at Ushimado Port, the restaurant offers diners a delightful meal along with a view of the sea dotted with pretty islands. Courses cost around ¥10,000 per person for a minimum of two people. Reservations must be made at least three weeks (but not more than three months) in advance, and children aged thirteen years or older are accepted. The restaurant interior may not be photographed, recorded, or mentioned in online posts (including on social media and restaurant/food sites).

• Address :

  3023 Ushimado, Ushimado-cho, Setouchi-shi, Okayama Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  None (For reservations, contact the adjacent Setouchi City Tourism Association at +81 (0)869-34-9500)

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese and English (Languages spoken in the restaurant: Japanese, English, and Italian)

• Access :

  20-minute drive from JR Oku Station; 10-minute drive from the Oku Interchange on the Okayama Blue Line highway

• Opening Hours :

  From 1:00 p.m. (lunch) and from 6:00 p.m.(dinner); Sundays from 1:00 p.m. (lunch only)

• Closed :

  Wednesdays and Thursdays (irregular holidays)

• Cuisine :

  Italian cuisine

• Foreign Language Menu :

  Not available (omakase course only)

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  None

Experience Bushido (the way of the warrior), the ancient samurai code of conduct reflecting the Japanese spirit. Learn about the particular Japanese values embodied in Japanese swords, which are at the same time weapons and works of art. Hold one of these swords, feeling its weight and observing its beauty, then use it to cut straw, green bamboo, and other materials with the instruction of a professional. A sword master will be present to ensure the safety of participants, who will be handling real weapons. Please obtain insurance beforehand and wear protective gear during the exercise.

• Address :

  Bizen Osafune Sword Museum and the Sword Village, 966 Osafune, Osafune-cho, Setouchi-shi, Okayama Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)869-34-9500 (Reservations: Setouchi City Tourism Association)

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese and English

• Access :

  7-to-10-minute drive from JR Osafune Station

• Duration :

  1 hour and 30 minutes

• Fee :

  Approximately ¥60,000 per person, depending on the number of people per session (maximum of 5 people)

• Languages Supported :

  Japanese and English

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  None

During and after the war, the Zenzai kabocha squash was eaten in every household in Ushimado as a substitute for rice and wheat. The flavor of that squash has since been re-created in the Bizen Kurokawa, a treasured squash variety from Ushimado, for which the town has become famous. Visitors can explore the area’s rich food culture, which has been passed down since the early 19th century, and study the history of this kabocha squash, which was narrowly saved from extinction. Enjoy making Zenzai kabocha and listening to a lecture on how to make Shiratama mochi balls.

• Address (Meeting Place) :

  Cafe CLOVER, 4923-4 Ushimado, Setouchi-shi, Okayama Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)86-924-7825

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese

• Access :

  15-minute drive from JR Oku Station

• Duration :

  1 hour (available between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.)

• Fee :

  ¥2,000 per person (adults and children)

• Languages Supported :

  Japanese

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  None