The town of Setouchi, a rural town of about 40,000 inhabitants, consists of the cities of Ushimado, Oku and Osafune and is bordered by both Okama and the city of Osafune.Bizen. Known as the “East Aegean Sea”, Seto’s inner sea is a place of unspeakable beauty that has attracted travellers for centuries with its constellation of preserved islands and tranquil coves. Nestled on the shores of this mystical sea is the peaceful port town of Ushimado, located in the southeast part of Setouchi. Although today Ushimado is a peaceful leisure town, you can still feel the bustle of a once bustling city by walking its historic streets. With its urban landscape and its many ancient shrines and temples overlooking the sea, it is not difficult to feel like you are going back in time by imagining this city at its peak as a vital center of the local feudal estate.
Shiomachi Karakoto
Originally, this street was animated by merchants and sailors from all over Japan, Ushimando was an important port city of the inland sea of Seto at the time. days when ships were the main transportation system.
While walking around the street, you will see ancient merchant houses transformed into cafes, small art galleries or simply communal resting places. There are also a handful of small local restaurants run by Oba-san (grandmother) and Oji-san (grandfathers) where you can enjoy deliciously fresh home cooking.
History lovers will be able to visit the former bank today turned into an exhibition hall filled with photos of the region dating from the early twentieth century, or the museum dedicated to the Korean delegation which stopped in Ushimado on their way to Edo (Tokyo) in the XVII and XVIII centuries.
Honrenji Temple
Nestled in the trees, Honrenji Temple has been overlooking Ushimado Bay since the 15th century. The three-storey pagoda, added in the 17th century, is one of Japan’s few pagodas directly overlooking the sea.
This Buddhist temple played an important role in welcoming illustrious guests. When the Korean delegation stopped at Ushimado during the Edo period (XVII-XIXth century), the most distinguished personalities stayed in the main building of the temple compound. With its peaceful atmosphere and panoramic sea views, it is not surprising that the temple was chosen as the main residence.
Ushimado Shrine
Right next to one of the main beaches of Ushimado, at the foot of a hill, stands a stone torii that marks the entrance to the sanctuary. As you climb the stairs and enter the lush forest, the noises of the sea slowly fade and the silence of the forest takes its place.
It is believed that the sanctuary was established about a thousand years ago and is at the heart of many local legends. Today, many seasonal festivals take place, but its beauty and spirituality can be felt throughout the year. Inside the sanctuary is decorated with numerous paper lanterns and numerous historical paintings, giving it a very light and ceremonial atmosphere.
Maejima
Sea kayaking, cycling, fishing, swimming, camping, star watching through giant telescopes, hiking are activities that you can practice on the island of Maejima.
Plan a two-day autumn stay during the full moon and discover Tsukimi (Monoon Observation), one of Japan’s oldest traditions. There are many hostels and minshukus (guesthouse) and campsites scattered all around the island where you are sure to enjoy not only delicious fresh dishes, but also the magnificent sunset for which the bay of Ushimado is famous.
The round trip ferry costs 240 yen.
Getting to Ushimado
Ushimado is accessible by train from the station of Okama in about 30 minutes on the line Banshu Ako, with trains starting about every 30 minutes.
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