If you want to create some unforgetable memories as a couple, head to the Seto Inland Sea area!

This time we will introduce some impressive light art, a lit up white-plaster-walled townscape and other romantic spots loved by our local photo-writers!

1. Art of Light "Kobe Luminarie" (Kobe city, Hyogo Prefecture)

Decorating Kobe and the former foreign settlement area, the impressive light art is very popular and has become an intrinsic part of winter.

The arches overlap one another, and the three‑dimensional pattern drawn within the darkness is the biggest highlight.

When the lights were first lit in the city with empty lots and construction sites everywhere, there were many people who could not believe that there was something so beautiful in this world. Many people who saw the lights had tears in their eyes.

Kobe Luminarie was first arranged in December 1995 after the Great Kobe Earthquake, with wishes for the city's reconstruction and for peace for the souls of those who lost their lives in the disaster. The light art isn't just dazzling; it will move you. Do come visit with that special someone.

( Dedicated article: https://setouchifinder.com/en/detail/374 )

Kobe Luminarie Organizing Committee Official HP:

神戸ルミナリエ組織委員会オフィシャルHP (Japanese)

2. Yashima: The Best Night Views in the Setouchi Area (Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture)

From Yashima, not only do you have a view over Seto Inland Sea, but the small mountain range is also beautiful when seen in the dimming light.

This photograph shows the spectacular view from Yashima to Mt. Goken.

Famous for being the Genpei War’s battlefield at the end of the Heian period. While the views from Yashima are spectacular during the day, the romantic night views are wonderful, too. We recommend the night view from Shishi no Reigan, the famous observation area.

( Dedicated article: https://setouchifinder.com/en/detail/436 )

Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Site:

香川県公式観光サイト (Japanese)
http://www.my-kagawa.jp/eg/point/point.php?id=17 (English)

3. Washuzan Hill: Night Views of the Great Seto Bridge & Factory Area (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)

This shot of the lit up Great Seto Bridge was taken at the top of Washuzan Hill. The whole view seems to glisten in the night…

This photograph was also taken from Washuzan Hill. The night view over the Mizushima industrial area that spread before my eyes on this clear night was beautiful like a work of art.

Caution: The views are so incredible that couples may be so dazzled that they ignore one another…!

( Dedicated article: https://setouchifinder.com/en/detail/408 )

Kurashiki City Official Sightseeing Site:

倉敷市公式観光サイト (Japanese)
http://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/for/en/kojima.html (English)

4. Mt. Taika: Views Over Shikoku & Even Kyushu (Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Mt. Taika is located 362 meters above sea level on the Oshima peninsula in Shunan city, Yamaguchi prefecture.

Noted for its night views, a 7-km scenic highway takes visitors quite close to the peak by car. After sunset, many couples visit the location on dates.

It’s a mountaintop spot in Yamaguchi prefecture with scenic views of Shikoku and distant views of Kyushu. Plants looking as if they are wrapped around the harbor area color the night beautifully…

( Dedicated article: https://setouchifinder.com/en/detail/398 )

Shunan City Official HP:

周南市公式HP (Japanese)

5. The world’s most beautiful wooden arched bridge : Kintai Bridge

Iwakuni City: The Gateway to Yamaguchi Prefecture. Here you can see the wooden, five-arched “Kintai Bridge”, a rare gem anywhere in the world.

Kintai Bridge’s natural arches fit well with the natural scenery of mountains and rivers. With cherry blossoms in spring, cormorant fishing (Ukai) on summer nights, autumn colors, and a superb winter snow-scape, it’s always beautiful and you won't grow tired of it no matter how many times you visit.

Kintai Bridge is one of Yamaguchi prefecture's representative sightseeing spots. When lit up at night, it appears slightly different to the daytime. Do come and see the night views of this famed structure that many people would like to see added to the list of World Heritage sites!

( Dedicated article: https://setouchifinder.com/en/detail/328 )

Iwakuni City Official HP:

岩国市公式HP (Japanese)
http://kintaikyo.iwakuni-city.net/en/ (English)

6. Night Cruise at Miyajima! Hotel Miyarikyu (Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture)

The ambience surrounding the beautifully lit up gate has a divine ambience different to that of the daytime.

Some of the guest rooms, and the large public bathing area offer views of Itsukushima Shrine’s famous large torii gate.

It almost feels as if you are monopolizing one of Japan's 3 great views!

Hotel Miyarikyu, located on the World Heritage site of Miyajima, provides night cruises on pleasure boats that tour the surroundings of Itsukushima Shrine's famed torii gate. It’s a site to be seen at least once in your lifetime!

( Dedicated article: https://setouchifinder.com/en/detail/630 )

Hotel Miyarikyu Official HP:

ホテルみや離宮公式HP (Japanese)

7. Fun, Relaxing Night Strolls in Kurashiki City’s Bikan Historical Quarter (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)

Everyday, from sunset until 22:00, the area around Kurashiki River including the Ōhara Museum of Art and retro-looking western buildings are lit-up.

*Times vary according to season.

Browsing shops, wondering around, and making small discoveries around town…

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is famous for its retro-styled, white-plaster-walled townscape. It's the perfect travel destination not only for young couples, but also for more mature travellers such as married couples who finally have time for each other after the children have flown the nest.

( Dedicated article: https://setouchifinder.com/en/detail/276 )

Kurashiki City Official Visitor's Guide:

倉敷市公式観光サイト (Japanese)
http://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/for/en/bikan.html (English information on the Bikan Historical Quarter)

8. A World First! Setoshirube: The Glass Lighthouse

I visited Sun Port Takamatsu in the Takamatsu port area one evening – it’s the location of the world's first glass lighthouse!

The lamp on top of the lighthouse flashes slowly, almost like a pulse.

Setoshirube was created by laying 1,600 square glass blocks on top of one another. Seen together with passing ships and the moon, it has a charm all of its own. Just by walking along the wharf you are sure to start feeling romantic…

( Dedicated article: https://setouchifinder.com/en/detail/416 )

Sunport Takamatsu HP:

サンポート高松HP (Japanese)

9. Okuda Genso Sayume Art Museum: The Most Beautiful View of the Moon in Japan (Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture)

The Moon appears in the top left corner of the painting, a recurring theme in Okada’s work. It’s also an important aspect of the Okuda Genso Sayume Art Museum…

Apparently illustrating scenery from Miyoshi, the inspiration for the design using a large pond came from Genso Okuda's work "Machizuki". The front faces east, the direction in which the Moon rises.

In order for visitors to experience the magical view, on Full Moon evenings the art museum's opening hours are extended to 9pm.

The slogan of Okuda Genso Sayume Art Museum is "The art museum with the most beautiful view of the moon in Japan". Be carried away by the beautiful night with the literature-style combination of art and the moon.

( Dedicated article: https://setouchifinder.com/en/detail/699 )

Okuda Genso Sayume Art Museum HP:

奥田元宋・小由女美術館公式HP (Japanese)

How did you like the selection? If you're thinking about a trip with that special someone, wonder no more and come visit the Seto Inland Sea area. Your ties are sure to be deepened even further.

By,

The Setouchi Finder Editors

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