🗺️ Hidajima Kaido San-no-se Stone Path Walking Area三之瀬石畳散策エリア

The San no Seki area of Shimo-Kamagari Island served as a maritime transportation stronghold during the Edo period (1603-1868), thriving as a stopover for the Korean envoys and the daimyōs participating in the sankin-kōtai system. Today, the area is lined with wooden buildings housing museums and art galleries along the stone-paved roads. The tranquil island scenery and the historically rich streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Among these, the four museums within "Shōtōen" are all relocated or restored historical buildings, showcasing precious materials such as scrolls depicting the Korean envoys' ships that came to Japan. In 2017, it was registered as part of UNESCO's "Memory of the World." The strolling garden, set against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea, is also very beautiful and a great spot for photography. For a view of "Shōtōen" from above, head to the "Randōkaku Art Museum Annex," located on a high platform. In addition to the permanent exhibition of works by Western painter Terauchi Manjirō, the view of the Seto Inland islands and bridges from Shōtōen is not to be missed. Other attractions include the "San no Seki Gohonjin Art and Culture Museum," which has been converted into an art museum after restoring the exterior of the "honjin" where Edo period daimyōs stayed, and the striking wooden structure of the "Randōkaku Art Museum." There’s also "Shirayuki-tō," where you can enjoy matcha while admiring the beauty of the garden, and "Insect House," which showcases insects residing in Shimo-Kamagari. Visitors can enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of the Seto Inland Sea while relishing the pleasure of walking.

The San-no-se area located on Shimo-Kamigari Island thrived during the Edo period as a maritime transportation hub. Along the stone-paved roads, there are numerous museums and art galleries. The "Shotoen" preserves valuable materials registered in UNESCO's "Memory of the World." The view from the "Randokaku Art Museum Annex," situated on a high platform, is not to be missed.