Shodoshima Island
Explore Japan's olive island with Mediterranean charm and natural wonders
Shodoshima, Japan's second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, has a history dating back over 1,000 years. The island's warm Mediterranean-like climate and limited rainfall created ideal conditions for salt production, which sustained the island's economy for centuries. In 1908, olive cultivation was introduced from Spain, and Shodoshima became Japan's first successful olive-growing region. Today, over 90% of Japan's domestic olive production comes from Shodoshima, earning it the nickname 'Olive Island.'
The island developed a thriving soy sauce brewing industry in the Edo period, taking advantage of high-quality local water and climate. The traditional wooden brewery buildings in Hishio-no-Sato (Soy Sauce Village) have been preserved, with some breweries operating for over 400 years using traditional methods. The island also became famous for Kankakei Gorge, designated one of Japan's Three Great Gorges alongside Yabakei and Kurobe Gorge, attracting hikers and autumn leaf viewers for over a century.
Today, Shodoshima attracts over 1 million visitors annually seeking its unique blend of Mediterranean atmosphere and traditional Japanese culture. The island's natural attractions include Angel Road, a 500-meter sandbar that appears at low tide connecting small islands, and Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village preserving 1950s Japan. The island's role in the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival has added modern art installations to its traditional charms, creating diverse appeal for different traveler interests.
Key Highlights
- Angel Road tidal sandbar appears twice daily at low tide
- Olive groves and Olive Park with Mediterranean atmosphere
- Kankakei Gorge - one of Japan's Three Great Gorges with ropeway
- Traditional soy sauce breweries in Hishio-no-Sato village
- Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village recreating 1950s Japan
- Spectacular autumn foliage in Kankakei Gorge (November)
- Contemporary art installations (Setouchi Triennale venues)
- Ferry access from Okayama and Takamatsu
Access Information
Location
Shodoshima-cho & Tonosho-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa
Nearest Stations
- • Takamatsu Port - 60-minute ferry to Tonosho Port
- • Uno Port (Okayama) - 70-minute ferry to Tonosho Port
Opening Hours
Island accessible 24 hours. Olive Park: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Kankakei Ropeway: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (March-October), 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (November-February). Soy sauce breweries: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (vary by brewery). Angel Road: Check tide times (best 2 hours before/after low tide).
Admission Fee
Most attractions free. Kankakei Ropeway: ¥1,980 round-trip. Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village: ¥890. Olive Park: Free. Soy sauce brewery tours: Free-¥300. Rental car: ¥5,000-¥8,000/day (recommended).
How to Get There
From Takamatsu
Ferry from Takamatsu Port to Tonosho Port (60 min, ¥700, hourly departures). Most convenient access point.
60 minutes
From Okayama
Take JR Uno Line to Uno Station (50 min), walk to Uno Port, ferry to Tonosho (70 min, ¥1,190)
2 hours
From Osaka
Take Shinkansen to Okayama (50 min), JR to Uno (50 min), ferry to island (70 min)
3 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Transportation on Island
Rental car highly recommended - attractions spread across island (buses infrequent). Car rental at Tonosho Port (¥5,000-¥8,000/day, reserve ahead). Alternatively, organized bus tours available (¥4,000-¥6,000, limited flexibility). E-bike rentals for adventurous cyclists. Island circumference 126km - car makes everything accessible.
Day Trip vs Overnight
Day trip possible but rushed (first ferry 7:00 AM, last return around 6:00 PM). Overnight stay recommended to see Angel Road at optimal tide time and enjoy relaxed pace. Minshuku and ryokan available (¥8,000-¥20,000 with meals). Two days ideal for full island exploration.
Angel Road Timing
500m sandbar appears at low tide twice daily connecting to small islands. Check tide table online before visit - best 2 hours before/after low tide. Legend says couples who cross holding hands will have wish granted. Can get crowded at optimal times. Sunset timing particularly romantic if tide cooperates.
Olive Park
Greece-inspired park with olive groves, windmill, Mediterranean gardens, and olive museum. Free entry. Shop sells olive oil, cosmetics, and souvenirs. Restaurant serves olive oil dishes (¥1,200-¥2,500). Best photo spot on island - Greek windmill with sea views. Olive harvest late October-November.
Kankakei Gorge
Spectacular gorge accessible by ropeway (¥1,980 round-trip, 5-min ride). Hiking trails at summit (30-120 minutes depending on route). Autumn foliage (mid-late November) is peak season - very crowded weekends. Summer greenery also beautiful. Views of Seto Inland Sea from summit observation points.
Soy Sauce Breweries
Hishio-no-Sato village has traditional wooden brewery buildings (some 400+ years old). Yamaroku Brewery offers tours showing traditional methods (free, English-speaking guide available by reservation). Buy artisanal soy sauce as souvenirs (¥800-¥2,000). Soy sauce ice cream available - surprisingly good!
Island Specialties
Fresh seafood, olive oil cuisine, somen noodles (island specialty), and soy sauce dishes. Try olive-fed Wagyu beef (premium, ¥3,000-¥8,000). Restaurants concentrated in Tonosho Port area. Reserve dinner ahead at popular restaurants. Limited convenience stores - stock up in main towns.
Practical Tips
Bring cash - limited ATMs. Summer very hot and humid - hydrate frequently. Autumn (October-November) ideal weather and foliage. Off-season (January-March) quiet but some attractions have reduced hours. Ferry schedules reduce in bad weather. Book accommodation and car rental ahead for weekends and holidays. English signage limited outside main attractions.
FAQ
How long should I spend on Shodoshima?
A full day allows you to see major sights like Angel Road, Kanka Gorge, olive groves, and soy sauce breweries. Two days provide a more relaxed pace with time for hiking, beaches, and thorough exploration. The island is larger than it initially appears, so don't underestimate travel times between attractions.
What is Angel Road?
Angel Road is a sandbar that appears at low tide connecting the main island to a small islet. Walking the 500-meter path during the limited tidal window is said to make wishes come true, especially for couples. Check tide schedules carefully as the sand road is only accessible for about 2 hours during low tide.
Do I need a rental car on Shodoshima?
Highly recommended. Public buses exist but are infrequent and limiting. A rental car provides flexibility to explore the island's spread-out attractions efficiently. Bicycles and e-bikes are options for the very fit, but distances are significant. Book rental cars in advance, especially during peak seasons.
What makes Shodoshima known for olives?
Shodoshima's Mediterranean-like climate makes it Japan's top olive-producing region. Olive groves, olive oil production facilities, and the iconic olive-tree-lined hill create a surprising Mediterranean atmosphere. Olive-related products including oil, cosmetics, and food make popular souvenirs. The Olive Park is a must-visit.
What is Kanka Gorge?
A stunning natural gorge with dramatic rock formations, best explored via the ropeway offering spectacular aerial views. The gorge walk includes unique red rock formations. Autumn foliage season (November) is peak beauty. Allow 2-3 hours including the ropeway ride and gorge exploration.
Can I visit soy sauce breweries?
Yes, Shodoshima is famous for traditional soy sauce production. The historic brewery district in Hishio no Sato features preserved wooden buildings, some offering tours and tastings. The atmospheric alley of old warehouses is photogenic. Soy sauce and related products make authentic local souvenirs.
Are there good beaches on the island?
Several beaches offer swimming during summer (July-August) with clear Seto Inland Sea waters. The island is more known for sightseeing than beach resort atmosphere, but beaches provide pleasant relaxation. Facilities vary by beach. Water is generally calm and suitable for families.
What is the best season to visit?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer comfortable weather for sightseeing. Summer is busy with beach visitors. Autumn brings beautiful foliage in Kanka Gorge. Winter is quietest. Olive harvest season in autumn is special. Each season has appeal, but spring and autumn provide the most pleasant conditions.
How do I get to Shodoshima?
Ferries depart from several ports including Takamatsu (60 minutes), Okayama (70 minutes), and Uno (90 minutes). Multiple ferry routes and companies exist. Some ferries carry vehicles if you want to bring a rental car from the mainland. Check schedules as frequency varies. Ferry is the only access.
Where should I stay on the island?
Accommodation options include hotels, ryokan, and guesthouses scattered across the island. Tonosho Port area has more options and convenience. Staying overnight allows you to see Angel Road at optimal tides and explore without rushing for the last ferry. Book ahead during peak seasons and holidays.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san)
Historic shrine requiring a 1,368-step climb, revered by sailors and maritime travelers for over 1,000 years with stunning mountain views.
Naoshima Art Island
Contemporary art island featuring museums by Tadao Ando, outdoor sculptures, and art installations transforming a small Seto Inland Sea island into an international art destination.
Ritsurin Garden
One of Japan's most celebrated Edo-period landscape gardens, featuring meticulously designed ponds, sculpted pine trees, tea houses, and Mount Shiun as borrowed scenery backdrop.