Deeper Japan expands cultural tourism offerings in Seto Inland Sea

Travel startup Deeper Japan, operated by Deeper Travel Co., Ltd., has significantly expanded its experiential tourism offerings in the Seto Inland Sea region. The company has added 15 new cultural activities across the Shikoku and Hiroshima areas, bringing its total offerings in this region to over 40. These experiences are designed to connect international travelers with local artisans, artists, and nature guides.

New offerings include stone masonry workshops using Aji stone—a high-quality granite known as the ‘diamond of granite’—as well as traditional Sanuki udon making, Kumiko woodworking, and sea kayaking. The initiative aims to highlight local traditions and craftsmanship that might otherwise remain unseen by visitors.

The expansion also highlights the revitalization of the Aji stone industry. Following a decline in the traditional gravestone market, local artisans are collaborating with international designers to create lifestyle products such as bookends and coasters, targeting global markets and museum shops to preserve the region's specialized stone-working heritage.