Setouchi Elegy Autumn 2026 | 38 Hands-On Experiences Across Tomonoura & Fukuyama's Numakuma Peninsula

Hello from the staff at Hotel Ofutei.
Facing the calm Seto Inland Sea, the Numakuma Peninsula in southern Fukuyama City is blessed with rich nature and historic streetscapes. Areas such as Tomonoura, Tajiri, Utsumi, Numakuma, Kumano, Kanae, and Fujie preserve cultural traditions passed down through generations in daily life.

The hands-on event "Setouchi Elegy - Fukuyama Numakuma Peninsula Experience Expo," which allows visitors to enjoy the charms of the Numakuma Peninsula through interactions with local residents, will be held again in Autumn 2026.
The event runs from Saturday, September 19, 2026, to Monday (national holiday), November 23, 2026. A total of 38 unique local programs featuring the sea, history, food, nature, and craftsmanship are prepared.

Today, we introduce the highlights of "Setouchi Elegy," perfect for an autumn trip, along with staff-recommended experiences.

What is "Setouchi Elegy"?

"Setouchi Elegy" is a limited-time experience exposition set across the Numakuma Peninsula in southern Fukuyama City.
Beyond each experience lies an encounter with people working at sea or in fields, artisans dedicated to handcrafts, and locals safeguarding regional culture. Discover the ocean's shifting expressions known only to fishermen, stories embedded in historic buildings and alleys, and seasonal bounties savored while listening to producers' passion――.

Stepping closer to the authentic daily life of this region--unreachable simply by reading guidebooks--is the greatest charm of "Setouchi Elegy."

[Recommendation 1] "Tomonoura from the Sea" Guided by a Fisherman

Among the diverse offerings, a must-see program for visitors to Tomonoura is the "Wooden Boat Cruise on the Oldest Vessel Guided by Tomonoura's Youngest Fisherman."

Your guide is Yuki Okazaki, a young fisherman raised alongside Tomonoura's waters. Boarding a traditional wooden boat, you will cruise past Tomonoura's streetscapes from the sea--a view usually seen only from land.
Relaxing while feeling the ocean breeze feels like lounging in a floating tatami reception room. Alongside breathtaking views visible only from the water, touch upon the profound depth of Tomo's seas known best by fishermen.

After the cruise, return to the port to savor a full-course meal prepared with fresh local fish caught by Mr. Okazaki that very morning. Heading out to sea, listening to a fisherman's stories, and tasting fish caught from those very waters――a special experience allowing you to savor Tomonoura's nature, cuisine, and human heritage all at once.

• 🗓️ Event Dates: Friday, September 25 & Friday, October 9, 2026
• 🕥️ Time: 10:30 - 13:00 on each date
• 🎫 Price: ¥8,000 per person
  
  

[Recommendation 2] "Tomonoura at Night": Discovering After-Dusk Expressions

Programs enjoyed from dusk into the night also hold captivating charms unique to Tomonoura.

Night Sea Kayaking & Sea Fireflies: Blue Nights at Sensui Island

Departing Tomo Port before sunset, paddle by kayak to Sensui Island. Observing bluish luminescence emitted by sea sparkles (Noctiluca) and sea fireflies, encounter the enchanting ocean beauty distinctly different from daytime.

Former Red-Light District Ariso-ro: Evening Tomo Tour with Lanterns & Edo Literature Readings

After enjoying modern Japanese recitations of Miyajima Sānkei Hizakurige inside the former red-light building "Ariso-ro," stroll quietly through nighttime streets such as Teramachi-suji and around the Joyato lantern carrying paper lanterns. Walking along softly lit cobblestones makes you feel as if you have slipped back in time as an Edo-period traveler.

[Recommendation 3] Experiencing Autumn Harvests & Local Crafts

Visiting the Numakuma Peninsula in autumn, harvest experiences highlighting seasonal flavors are highly recommended.
Starting with grape harvesting at the birthplace of New Bailey A grapes, enjoy seasonal and Italian vegetable picking, or visit oyster farming rafts for ocean experiences tailored to the autumn season.

Furthermore, hands-on craft workshops led by local artisans--such as Japanese confectionery (Nerikiri) crafting, stained glass, Mizuhiki cord accessories, and ink painting--are abundant. Finished works made with your own hands become special keepsakes that vividly recall fond travel memories.

Connecting with Locals Makes Warm Travel Memories

The charm of "Setouchi Elegy" goes beyond the activities themselves. Listening directly to fishermen, farmers, artisans, monks, and guides who love this land is a delight in itself.

Browsing the program lineup reminds even our staff that Tomonoura and the Numakuma Peninsula hold so many undiscovered charms. Meeting local residents and understanding the land through their words creates a heartwarming experience unique to hands-on travel.

A Luxurious Journey Across Numakuma Peninsula Based at Hotel Ofutei

Programs take place in various locations across the Numakuma Peninsula, including Tomonoura. After fully enjoying your activities, return to Hotel Ofutei.

In guest rooms and hot springs overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, relax comfortably while reflecting on the sights and stories encountered during the day.
Staying overnight grants leisure to your itinerary, making it easy to venture out to nearby areas such as Numakuma, Utsumi, and Tajiri alongside Tomonoura.

*Meeting locations and times vary by program. Please check travel times and transportation options when reserving.

Setouchi Elegy 2026 Autumn Basic Information

• 🗓️ Event Period: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - Monday (National Holiday), November 23, 2026
• 📍 Event Areas: Southern Fukuyama City & Numakuma Peninsula (Tomonoura, Tajiri, Utsumi, Numakuma, Kumano, Kanae, Fujie, etc.)
• 📕 Total Programs: 38 Programs
• 🔔 Reservations Open: Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 10:00 AM-
• 🚩 How to Apply: Apply via the "Setouchi Elegy" official website or designated application methods for each program.
  🌐 Official Website: Setouchi Elegy - Fukuyama Numakuma Peninsula Experience Expo

*Event schedules, prices, capacities, target ages, required items, and availability vary by program. Please verify latest information on the official website before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can anyone participate?

A. Most programs are open to the general public.
However, age limits or minimum participant numbers may apply. Please review details for each program.

Q. Are advance reservations required?

A. Advance reservations are required as a general rule.
Because some programs have limited capacities, early application for popular activities is recommended.

Q. Can children participate together?

A. Yes, family-friendly programs such as fruit harvesting and craft workshops are available.
Target ages and adult accompaniment conditions vary by program.

Q. Can guests staying at Hotel Ofutei participate easily?

A. Yes. Besides experiences around Tomonoura, programs in Numakuma, Tajiri, Utsumi, and Fujie are easily accessible by car or bus.
Please verify meeting places and times before setting out. Our front desk staff will gladly assist with access information, so feel free to ask.

Discovering Another Side of Numakuma Peninsula Through Experiences

Simply admiring beautiful scenery conveys the charm of Tomonoura and the Numakuma Peninsula. Yet boarding a boat, stepping into fields, conversing with locals, and crafting with your own hands makes this land feel far closer and dearer to your heart.

This autumn, why not make Hotel Ofutei your base for a memorable journey discovering nature, history, food, and warm-hearted people across the Numakuma Peninsula?
All of us on staff look forward to welcoming you warmly.

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