Shodoshima - Discovering Japan

Travelling to Shodoshima

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Shodoshima, a pretty good destination in Japan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Shodoshima and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Shodoshima, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Japan, here's everything to know about Shodoshima for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Shodoshima

Shodoshima is a small, scenic island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and forests. The island is famous for its production of olives and soy sauce, and visitors can enjoy various local dishes featuring these ingredients. Shodoshima is also a popular destination for art lovers, with many contemporary art installations scattered throughout the island. Additionally, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sea kayaking.

What to visit in Shodoshima

Shodoshima is a beautiful island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. The island is known for its stunning landscapes, cultural sites, and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Shodoshima and some information about each of them: 1. Olive Park - A beautiful park with over 2,000 olive trees. Visitors can enjoy activities like olive oil tasting, olive picking, and olive tree pruning.
2. Kankakei Gorge - A breathtaking gorge with hiking trails that offer sweeping views of the island. It is especially popular during the autumn season when the leaves change color.
3. Angel Road - A sandbar that appears during low tide, forming a pathway to three islets offshore. It is considered a romantic spot and couples often visit to express their love.
4. Teshima Art Museum - A unique museum featuring "art without boundaries". The museum's roof is designed to resemble a water droplet which creates a natural flow of water inside the building.
5. Twenty-four Eyes Movie Village - A village that was used as a filming location for the popular movie "Twenty-four Eyes". Visitors can walk around the village and see the buildings and scenery featured in the film.
6. Soy Sauce Factory - Shodoshima is known for producing some of Japan's best soy sauce and there are several factories on the island that offer tours and tastings.
7. Michi-no-Eki Shodoshima - A roadside station that offers local food, crafts, and souvenirs. It also has a beautiful view of the ocean.
8. Kose-cho Village - A traditional Japanese village that is over 300 years old. Visitors can stroll around the village, see traditional houses, and learn about the area's history and culture.
Overall, Shodoshima is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Japan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Shodoshima.

When to go on holiday to Shodoshima

The best time to visit Shodoshima is during the spring months of March, April, and May when temperatures are mild, and the island's famous olive groves are in bloom. The summer months of June, July, and August can be hot and humid, with occasional typhoons. The fall months of September, October, and November are also a good time to visit, with cooler temperatures and colorful autumn foliage. December through February can be quite cold, but visitors can enjoy hot springs and winter festivities during this time.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Shodoshima

Shodoshima is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. Here are the ways to get there: 1. By Ferry - You can take a ferry from Takamatsu Port or Kobe Port to Shodoshima. The ferry ride from Takamatsu takes about 45 minutes, while the ferry from Kobe takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
2. By Bus and Ferry - You can take a bus from Kyoto or Osaka to Takamatsu Port, and then take a ferry to Shodoshima.
3. By Plane and Ferry - The nearest airport to Shodoshima is Takamatsu Airport. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Takamatsu Port and then take a ferry to Shodoshima.
I recommend checking the ferry schedules ahead of time to plan your trip accordingly.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Shodoshima, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Shodoshima

Shodoshima is an island in Japan known for its delicious local cuisine. Here are some typical foods of Shodoshima with a short description for each of them: 1. Olive Oil: Shodoshima is famous for its olive orchards, and the island produces one of the finest olive oils in Japan.
2. Sanuki Udon: This is a famous noodle dish that originated in Shodoshima. It is made with a special type of wheat flour and is served in a savory broth with toppings like tempura, green onions, and grated ginger.
3. Konpira Udon: This is another famous noodle dish that originated on Shodoshima. Konpira Udon is thicker than Sanuki Udon and is served in a warm, rich broth with a variety of toppings.
4. Salted Mackerel: Shodoshima is surrounded by the sea, and salted mackerel is one of the most popular seafood dishes on the island. The fish is dried, salted, and then eaten with rice and other side dishes.
5. Soy Sauce: Shodoshima produces high-quality soy sauce made from locally grown soybeans. The soy sauce is used in a variety of dishes and is also popular as a condiment.
6. Fruit: Shodoshima is also famous for its fruit, especially its citrus fruits like mandarins and lemons. These fruits are used in a variety of dishes and desserts, including Shodoshima's famous citrus-flavored ice cream.
7. Oyster: Shodoshima is also known for its oysters, which are harvested from the island's pristine waters. These oysters are usually served raw or grilled.
You can find general info about typical foods in Japan here.

Is Shodoshima an expensive destination for tourists?

Shodoshima is considered to be a moderately priced tourist destination in Japan. The cost of living is slightly higher than other parts of the country, but it is not as expensive as some of the major cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. The prices for accommodations, food, and activities on the island are generally reasonable and affordable, especially during the off-season. However, it is important to budget accordingly and compare prices before making any bookings. Overall, Shodoshima is a stunning and unique destination that offers a great value for your money.

Where to find accomodation in Shodoshima

There are several areas on Shodoshima Island in Japan where you can find accommodation if you want to visit the island. Here are some of the popular areas: 1. Tonosho - This is the largest city on the island, and it is a popular place for tourists to stay. There are several hotels and guesthouses in the area, as well as restaurants and shops.
2. Kusakabe - This is a small town on the western coast of the island, and it is known for its traditional Japanese architecture. There are some minshuku (traditional Japanese inns) in the area where you can stay.
3. Sakate - This is another small town on the eastern coast of the island, and it is known for its beautiful beaches. There are some beachside resorts and hotels in the area.
4. Furutani - This is a rural area on the southern part of the island, and it is known for its terraced rice paddies. There are some guesthouses in the area where you can stay and experience rural life on the island.
Ultimately, the best area to stay will depend on your preferences and what you plan to do on the island.
You can check hotel prices at Shodoshima here:
Booking.com

Is Shodoshima a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Shodoshima is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Japan as a whole is known for its low crime rates and generally safe environment. However, as with any destination, visitors should always take precautions and be aware of their surroundings. It's also a good idea to check for any specific safety concerns or warnings that might apply to the area you plan to visit.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Japan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Shodoshima.

What type of travelers will enjoy Shodoshima the most?

Shodoshima in Japan is a beautiful travel destination that caters to a wide range of travelers. This island is best suited for the following types of travelers: 1. Nature lovers: Shodoshima is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, such as the Olive Park and the Kankakei Gorge. Many hiking trails are available to explore the stunning scenery.
2. Foodies: As the birthplace of Japanese olive oil, Shodoshima is famous for its olive plantations and various olive products such as olive oil soft serve ice cream and olive-fed wagyu beef.
3. Couples: Shodoshima has several romantic spots to visit, such as Angel Road, a sandbar that only appears during low tide, and the Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village, where the renowned love story movie of the same name was shot. 4. Families: The island offers many family-friendly outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, kayaking and boat tours.
5. History buffs: Being one of the oldest parts of Japan, Shodoshima has many cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Kodo Temple and the Fukuda Archaeological Museum. Overall, Shodoshima Island is perfect for people of all ages, particularly those who love nature, history, and food.

How to get around Shodoshima

There are several transportation options available on Shodoshima Island in Japan. The most common ones are: 1. Rental car - You can rent a car at the ferry terminal or at several car rental agencies on the island.
2. Bus - There are a few bus lines operating on Shodoshima which are convenient to move around the island.
3. Bicycle - Renting a bicycle is a popular way to explore the island and cost-effective. 4. Ferry - You can hop on the ferries to visit the smaller islands surrounding Shodoshima. Overall, the most efficient and convenient way to explore the island is by a rental car. However, if you don't have a driving license or want to enjoy the scenery while having a bike ride, renting a bicycle is also a great option.

What to see around Shodoshima

Of course! Here are some suggestions for nice places to visit in a day trip from Shodoshima: 1. Takamatsu - This city on the coast of Shikoku is known for its gardens and udon noodles. Take a stroll through Ritsurin Garden or visit the Sanuki Museum of Soy Sauce for a taste of local cuisine.
2. Kotohira - Located on the slopes of Mount Zozu, Kotohira is home to the famous Kotohira-gu Shrine. Climb the 785 steps of the shrine's approach to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Okayama - Just a ferry ride away from Shodoshima, Okayama is known for its castle, gardens, and museums. Head to Korakuen Garden or the Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art for a taste of Japan's rich cultural heritage.
4. Naoshima - Art lovers will want to visit Naoshima, an island known for its contemporary art museums and installations. Be sure to visit the Benesse House Museum, which features art displayed in harmony with the surrounding natural landscape.
5. Teshima - Another nearby island, Teshima is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Explore the Teshima Art Museum or visit the island's many beaches and forested areas.
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