Welcome to our world of art, Setouchi!
Located in western Japan, surrounded by the main islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, this was Japan’s first inland sea to be designated as a national park in 1934. The inland sea we speak of is of course... ‘Setouchi’
Setouchi is known for its scenic beauty made up of its many islands (approx. 700 islands of various sizes), its wonderful nature, its rich history and culture, and the fact that it is one of Japan’s leading art meccas, where art incorporates Setouchi’s natural beauty, local history and culture.
Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway (HSBE), the company that protects the lengthy bridges and expressways that connect Setouchi, has created a network of 6 unique and attractive art and other museums scattered throughout the Setouchi area called the ‘Setouchi Museum Network’ in October 2008.
This network was established to promote regional revitalization and to allow more people to learn about art appreciation and as of June 2024, the number of participating facilities has grown from the original 6 to 86, connecting areas as far as Hyogo Prefecture in the east and Oita Prefecture in the west.
Art and other museums of various genres are speckled around Setouchi, and this brochure introduces all the facilities that are part of the ‘Setouchi Museum Network’.
Take this brochure with you to have our knowledge on hand as you tour the art museums and other facilities of Setouchi, and perhaps even find your favorite spot!