What Is Shodoshima?
Shodoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea located in Kagawa Prefecture, with an area of about 153 square kilometers.
It is an attractive travel destination known for rich nature, beautiful coastlines, and a unique local culture.
It is also famous as the “Olive Island,” and is known as the place where olive cultivation began on Shodoshima in 1908 (Meiji 41).
It is also well known as the setting of the film “Twenty-Four Eyes,” and its nostalgic scenery and mild Setouchi climate offer a relaxing experience for visitors.
Top Highlights of Shodoshima
1. The History of Olive Cultivation
Shodoshima is widely known as an island with a long history of olive cultivation.
At the roadside station “Shodoshima Olive Park,” you can enjoy Mediterranean-like scenery, including a white Greek-style windmill and olive groves.
There are also many souvenirs such as olive oil, cosmetics, and foods made with olives, and the seasonal “fresh-pickled olives” are especially popular.
2. The World of the Film “Twenty-Four Eyes”
At the “Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village” in Shodoshima Town, you can enjoy school buildings and streetscapes recreated to reflect the atmosphere of the Shōwa era.
Even if you are not a film fan, it is a spot where you can experience nostalgic old Japanese scenery.
The Tsuboi Sakae Literature Museum is also located here, where you can explore the world of the original story.
3. Natural Scenic Spots
- Angel Road (Path of Angels)
- A sandbar path that appears only at low tide, making it one of Shodoshima’s most popular scenic spots.
- Low tide times vary by day, so be sure to check in advance.
- Kankakei Gorge
- A gorge famous for the views from its ropeway, with dramatic rock formations as a highlight.
- Autumn leaves are typically best from early to late November, and you can also enjoy fresh greenery in spring and beautiful winter scenery.
4. Local Specialties and Gourmet Food
Shodoshima is known not only for olives, but also for soy sauce, sōmen noodles, and tsukudani.
- Shodoshima hand-stretched sōmen: Known for its flavor created by using sesame oil.
- Olive sōmen: A flavorful local specialty made with olives kneaded into the noodles.
- Shodoshima soy sauce: Soy sauce brewed in wooden barrels is also a popular souvenir.
There are also restaurants and cafés around the island where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, and meals featuring “Olive Beef” are also popular.
5. An Island with Living History and Culture
Shodoshima has many temples and shrines scattered across the island, making it a great place to experience local history and culture.
The Shodoshima 88-Temple Pilgrimage is also popular as an ohenro (pilgrimage) experience.
In addition, the “Senmaida” terraced rice fields in the Nakayama area of Shodoshima Town and the “Rural Kabuki” performed in autumn are symbolic of the island’s traditional culture.
How to Get to Shodoshima
Access by Ferry
- About 60 minutes from Takamatsu Port
- Ferries operate from Takamatsu Port to Tonoshō Port, Ikeda Port, and Kusakabe Port.
- About 70 minutes from Shin-Okayama Port
- Take a ferry from Shin-Okayama Port to Tonoshō Port.
- Ferries also operate from the Kobe area
- There are ferry routes from the Kobe area to Shodoshima.
- About 100 minutes from Himeji Port
- Ferries operate from Himeji Port to Fukuda Port.
Getting Around the Island
- Rental car or rental bicycle
- To sightsee efficiently around the island, a rental car is recommended.
- There are rental car offices around the major ports.
- Local bus
- Shodoshima Olive Bus connects major sightseeing spots, so traveling by public transportation is also possible.
Best Things to Do on Shodoshima
1. Relaxing Walk at Olive Park
Enjoy a stroll while looking at olive groves and Mediterranean-style buildings.
Taking a jump photo with a borrowed “magic broom” is a classic activity here.
Admission is free, and you can also enjoy the facilities inside the park.
2. Walk Along Angel Road
Walk along the sand path that appears only at low tide and spend a special moment with someone important to you.
Checking the low tide time in advance is the key to your visit.
From the nearby “Yakusoku no Oka Observatory,” you can view Angel Road in its entirety.
3. Enjoy Spectacular Nature at Kankakei Gorge
Ride the ropeway to enjoy the gorge’s scenery and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
The ropeway ride takes about 5 minutes one way, and fares vary by season, with round-trip fares set at about 2,160 to 2,700 yen (adults and junior high school students and older).
There are also hiking courses, so you can walk the mountain trails and fully enjoy nature.
4. Visit Traditional Soy Sauce Breweries
On Shodoshima, soy sauce breweries are concentrated in an area called “Hishio no Sato.”
You can enjoy tours and soy sauce tastings, and the scenery of storehouses lined with wooden barrels has a distinctive atmosphere.
The Marukin Soy Sauce Museum is a representative sightseeing spot, and soy sauce soft serve ice cream is also popular.
5. Nostalgic Experience at the Movie Village
At the movie village, which recreates the atmosphere of early Shōwa-era Japan, you can enjoy heartwarming nostalgic scenery.
It is a spot that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Useful Travel Information for Visitors
- Ferry Operating Hours
- Timetables vary by season, so we recommend checking each ferry company’s official website in advance.
- Recommended Length of Stay
- You can visit the main spots on a day trip, but a relaxed 1-night, 2-day trip is recommended.
- What to Wear
- Please prepare clothing suitable for the season and comfortable walking shoes.
- In summer, the sunlight is strong, so bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Notes
- To help protect the natural environment, please cooperate by taking your trash home.
- There are many slopes on the island, so using a rental car is convenient.
Summary
Shodoshima is an attractive travel destination where the beautiful nature of the Seto Inland Sea blends with a unique local culture.
It offers a wide range of activities and scenic spots, including Olive Park, Angel Road, and Kankakei Gorge.
Island-specific gourmet foods such as soy sauce brewery products and hand-stretched sōmen are also part of the appeal.
Enjoy a relaxing Setouchi resort trip on this island filled with history, local food, and spectacular scenery!
