Floating in the Seto Inland Sea, "Shodoshima" is an island where you can enjoy not only the sea views but also the mountainous scenery, including "Mount Hoshigajo," the highest peak in the Seto Inland Sea islands at an elevation of 817 meters. This time, we introduce the charming attractions of Shodoshima.
Transportation to Shodoshima
The Seto Inland Sea is dotted with many islands connected by bridges to Honshu, Shikoku, and other regions, but Shodoshima can only be accessed by sea (ferry or high-speed boat).
Shodoshima has five ports, accessible from Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture, Kobe and Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, Okayama in Okayama Prefecture, and Hinase.
The island is quite large and hilly, so renting a car for a self-driving tour is recommended. However, you can also start from Tonosho Port, the largest port on the island, and take a boat from Takamatsu to explore the island's tourist spots. There are also tourist buses from the Okayama ferry terminal.
Tourist Attractions in Shodoshima
Kasaneiwa Rock
This massive rock is enshrined as a sacred object at Takase Ishi Shrine and is located atop a mountain on the western end of Shodoshima. It is a huge rock, precariously balanced as if it might tumble off the cliff at any moment.
There is a parking lot that can accommodate around 10 cars, but the road leading to the parking lot is narrow, making it difficult for cars to pass each other, so extra caution is required when driving. Additionally, the climb from the parking lot to the mountaintop is challenging due to the heavy rocks, so be mindful of your footing and physical condition. However, once you reach the top, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Ruiwa.
- Kasaneiwa Rock
- Address: 3745 Kose, Tonosho-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
- Website: http://www.dogo.or.jp/
Angel Road
Angel Road is a sandbar connecting Shodoshima and Nakayoshima, a representative tourist spot of Shodoshima. It appears once or twice a day at low tide, allowing visitors to walk to Nakayoshima.
It is said that if you walk across the bridge hand in hand with your beloved, your wish will come true. This location has been certified as a "Lovers' Sanctuary."
- Angel Road
- Address: Ginpaura, Tonosho-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
Dofuchi Strait
Shodoshima actually consists of two islands: Maejima and the main island. The Dofuchi Strait, which separates them, is 2.5 km long and only 9.93 meters at its narrowest point.
This "Dofuchi Strait" has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's narrowest strait.
Shodoshima Olive Park
Shodoshima Olive Park is a roadside station located on a hillside, featuring a restaurant and various other facilities. The park, filled with olive trees, offers numerous picturesque spots, such as the white Greek windmill, which stands out beautifully against the greenery and blue sky, making it a popular spot for photos.
- Shodoshima Olive Park
- Address: 1941-1 Konishi Village, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
- Website: http://www.olive-pk.jp/
Yakatasaki Sunset Hill
Yakatasaki Sunset Hill is a renowned spot on Shodoshima for watching the sunset. There is a wooden deck from which you can enjoy the view of the Seto Inland Sea as the sun sets.
The sight of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and the sunset painting the sea in shades of red is truly breathtaking.
Shihoyubi Observatory
This observatory is located on the Mihara Highlands, in the center of the island. From the observatory at an altitude of 777 meters, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Kanro Gorge, the Seto Inland Sea, and the islands dotting the sea.
- Shihoyubi Observatory
- Address: Otsu 1117, Kamigata Yama, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
Kanro Gorge (Kankakei)
Kanro Gorge is considered one of Japan's three most beautiful valleys and is a prime location for enjoying the scenic beauty of the Shodoshima mountain range, from the fresh greenery of early summer to the vibrant autumn foliage. You can reach it by car or take a ropeway from the base, enjoying the breathtaking views of the gorge as you ascend.
- Kanro Gorge (Kankakei)
- Address: 168 Otsu, Kamigata Yama, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
- Website: http://www.kankakei.co.jp/
More Attractions on Shodoshima
In addition to the aforementioned spots, there are other attractions such as the "Shodoshima Daikannon," a towering statue approximately 60 meters tall, the "Saiko-ji Temple" with its striking vermilion three-storied pagoda, the "Nakayama Senmaida" with around 800 terraced rice fields, and the picturesque Fukuda Coast, among many others.
- Shodoshima Daikannon
- Address: 1 Omagoe Otsu, Tonosho-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
- Website: http://www.shiawasemeguri-shodoshima.jp/daikannon/
- Saiko-ji Temple
- Address: 200 Ko, Tonosho-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
- Website: https://bewave.jp/shodoshima/ohenro/saikoji.html
- Nakayama Senmaida
- Address: Nakayama, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
Specialties of Shodoshima
Shodoshima is renowned for its olives, known as the birthplace of olive cultivation in Japan. Beyond olives, the island produces "Somen" noodles made using techniques passed down for about 400 years and wooden barrels known as "Koga." Many other specialties, such as aged soy sauce, can be purchased as souvenirs at stores in Tonosho Port and roadside stations around the island. Visitors can also tour factories and purchase products directly from factory-owned stores.
All items are locally sourced and available for purchase during your visit to Shodoshima.
- Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Museum (マルキン醤油記念館)
- Address: 1850 Naeura Ko, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
- Website: https://marukin.moritakk.com/kinenkan/
