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🌊 Introduction to the Seto Inland Sea

• Location: Located between Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, spanning seven prefectures: Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Ehime, and Tokushima.
• Features: With over 700 islands, the region boasts a mild climate and calm seas, making it suitable for year-round travel.
• Transportation: Accessible by Shinkansen or ferry from Osaka, Hiroshima, and Okayama.

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🎨 Art and Culture Highlights

• Naoshima: Home to Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin sculptures and the Chichu Art Museum designed by Tadao Ando, it's a mecca for art lovers.
• Toshima, Inujima, and Shodoshima: Art islands participating in the Setouchi Triennale, blending nature and contemporary art.
• Setouchi Triennale: Held every three years, the next edition will be in 2025. It features multi-island exhibitions showcasing installations, architecture, and performances.

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🏝️ Recommended Island Hopping Itinerary (5 Days)

| Number of Days | Suggested Itinerary 9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1 | |——|––––––––––– 9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1–––––––––––| | Day 1 | Depart from Okayama → Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter → Overnight in Naoshima | | Day 2 | Naoshima Art Tour (Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House) | | Day 3 | Day Trip to Teshima (Teshima Art Museum, Kakei) → Return to Takamatsu | | Day 4 | Explore Shodoshima (Kankagawa River, Olive Park) → Stay overnight | | Day 5 | Return to Takamatsu by ferry → Take the JR to Osaka or Hiroshima |

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🍜 Must-Try Foods

• Sanuki Udon (Kagawa): Chewy and chewy, recommended for a self-drive udon tour

• Setouchi Lemon Desserts: Lemon cake, soda, ice cream
• Seafood Donburi and Takoyaki: Fresh catch is a local specialty, especially the octopus dishes from Shodoshima

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🎫 Transportation and Ticket Recommendations

• JR Setouchi Area Rail Pass: Valid for Okayama, Hiroshima, Kagawa, and other destinations, covering Shinkansen and conventional lines

• Ferry Pass: One-day or multi-day ferry tickets are available between some islands, so it's recommended to check timetables and make reservations in advance