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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Shodoshima sharing quite a few of those!
Shodoshima is a hidden treasure trove of adventures waiting to be explored, where winding roads lead to olive groves and breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea await at every turn.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Shodoshima:
1. Kankakei Gorge
Kankakei Gorge is a stunning natural attraction located on the island of Shodoshima in Japan.
What to see or do: The gorge is characterized by towering cliffs and vibrant foliage, making it particularly popular during autumn when the leaves change color.
Visitors can hike along the gorge to take in the breathtaking scenery, or ride a cable car for an aerial view of the gorge.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take the cable car to the top of Mt. Myoken for panoramic views of the island and its surrounding sea.
The hiking trails along the gorge are also not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning or in the off-season. Visitors should also wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Additionally, there are several souvenir shops and restaurants in the area for those looking to take home some mementos or enjoy a meal.
2. Angel Road
Angel Road is a natural sandbar that appears twice a day during low tide, connecting the island of Shodoshima to two small uninhabited islands.
What to see or do: Walk along the sandbar during low tide and take in the picturesque view of the surrounding sea and islands.
You can also bring a bucket of water and write a wish on the sand, as it is believed that wishes made on Angel Road come true.
Don’t miss: Make sure to time your visit with the low tide schedule – you can find the schedule online or ask the locals.
Also, visit during sunrise or sunset for a truly breathtaking view.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the sand can be a bit rough, and be careful of the incoming tide. If possible, bring a camera with you to capture the stunning scenery.
Finally, stop by the nearby Angel Road Cafe for some refreshments before or after your walk on the sandbar.
3. Olive Park
Olive Park is a beautiful park on the island of Shodoshima in Japan, featuring olive trees and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
What to see or do: Take a walk through the park’s olive groves, relax on the green lawns, and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding islands.
Visit the Olive Tree Market, where you can purchase olive-related products such as olive oil, soaps, and even ice cream.
Don’t miss: The Olive Garden, a terrace that offers a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and the nearby islands. Also, make sure to try the olive-flavored soft serve ice cream!
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting in the spring when the park’s 2,000 cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. The park tends to get crowded during peak season (summer months and certain holidays), so plan accordingly.
Additionally, plan a visit to the nearby Kankakei Gorge, a stunning natural attraction known for its vibrant autumn colors.
4. Twenty-four Eyes Movie Village
A film set and open-air museum located on the island of Shodoshima, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can see the film set that was used to shoot the classic Japanese film “Twenty-four Eyes,” which was adapted from a novel by Sakae Tsuboi.
The film set provides an insight into the traditional lifestyle of Japan in the pre-war era.
In addition to the film set, there is an open-air museum that displays the tools and implements used for making salt, a traditional industry on the island.
Don’t miss: The famous classroom scene from “Twenty-four Eyes,” which features a stunning view of the ocean in the background. Visitors can also take part in various workshops such as traditional paper-making and salt making.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit the village during weekdays, as it can get crowded on weekends. Visitors should also wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there is a lot of walking and climbing involved.
The gift shop at the entrance of the village sells souvenirs and local products, including specialty salt from the island.
5. Marukin Soy Sauce Museum
Marukin Soy Sauce Museum is a small but informative museum in Shodoshima, Japan, dedicated to the making of soy sauce.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the history and process of soy sauce production through interactive exhibits and displays. There are also tasting tables where you can sample different types of soy sauce and try making your own.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the outdoor fermentation tanks where soy sauce is traditionally brewed. They have a pleasant aroma and are perfect for photo opportunities.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in a quiet residential neighborhood, so it’s best to use GPS or ask for directions to find it.
6. Shodoshima Furusato Taiken Center
A cultural center dedicated to promoting and preserving the traditional lifestyle and crafts of Shodoshima Island.
What to see or do: Visitors can participate in various hands-on experiences such as making pottery, weaving, vine rope making, and soy sauce brewing. There is also a display area showcasing local crafts and products.
Don’t miss: The soy sauce brewery tour, where you can learn about the traditional process of making soy sauce and even sample some of the finished product.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to try the local specialty of olive oil ice cream, made using the island’s famous olives. The center also offers local cuisine cooking classes, so book in advance if interested.
7. Shodoshima Olive Garden
Shodoshima Olive Garden is a beautiful olive grove spread across the hilly terrains of Shodoshima Island in Japan.
What to see or do: Here, you can stroll through the grove, enjoy the serene ocean views, and learn about the history of olive cultivation in Japan.
You can also try some delicious olive-based dishes at the various outdoor cafes.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take the walking path that leads you to the highest point of the garden from where you can relish awe-inspiring views of the emerald green forest and the shimmering ocean.
Insider travel tips: You can take a bus from the Shodoshima ferry terminal to reach the olive garden, or you can simply rent a bicycle or car to explore the island.
If you’re visiting during summer, keep in mind that it can get quite hot, so be sure to carry ample water and sunscreen.
Also, the best time to visit the garden is in the morning when the crowds are thinner, and the air is cooler.
8. Nakayama Senmaida Rice Terraces
Nakayama Senmaida Rice Terraces is a UNESCO recognized site consisting of over 1,000 small rice paddies on a hillside in Shodoshima, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the terraces to see how the rice fields are still manually maintained and harvested by the locals.
In summer, visitors can watch the planting and harvesting of the rice crops.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking view of the sunset over the terraces is not to be missed. It’s a picturesque spot for photography and getting in touch with nature.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit is in late spring when the rice fields are filled with water, creating a beautiful mirror-like reflection.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the trail can be steep and slippery in some places. Also, check out the local restaurants nearby to try some authentic Japanese cuisine.
9. Meiro no Machi (Maze Village)
Meiro no Machi is a maze village located on Shodoshima, Japan’s second largest island and part of Kagawa Prefecture.
What to see or do: Get lost in the mazes that wind through the village and test your navigation skills. There are several different mazes to choose from, including wooden and hedge mazes.
Don’t miss: The observation tower, which overlooks the entire village and provides stunning views of the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is in the fall when the surrounding mountains are covered in beautiful autumn foliage.
10. Sakate Port
Sakate Port is a charming little harbor located on the northwestern coast of Shodoshima Island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.
What to see or do: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and crystal clear waters from the port. Take a leisurely stroll along the pier and explore the quaint shops selling locally made goods and souvenirs.
You can also rent a bicycle and explore further afield.
Don’t miss: The sunset!
Sakate Port is known for its stunning sunsets, which can be enjoyed from the port or one of the nearby restaurants.
Insider travel tips: Take a tour of the historic salt fields, or visit the nearby olive park to learn about Shodoshima’s thriving olive industry.
Don’t forget to try the island’s famous soy sauce ice cream!
11. Yamaroku Soy Sauce Factory
Artisanal soy sauce factory on the island of Shodoshima in Japan.
What to see or do: – Take a tour of the factory to learn about the traditional techniques used to make soy sauce.
Don’t miss: – The aging room where soy sauce is stored in large cedar barrels.
Insider travel tips: – The factory is closed on weekends and Japanese holidays, so plan accordingly.
12. Shodoshima’s Kankakei Ropeway
Shodoshima’s Kankakei Ropeway is a scenic cable car ride that takes you high above the stunning landscapes of Shodoshima Island.
What to see or do: The 5-minute ropeway ride offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, as well as the greenery and rock formations of Kankakei Gorge.
Once you reach the top, you can enjoy several hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by the verdant beauty of forested slopes, rocky cliffs, and vibrant foliage.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the panoramic view from the ropeway’s observation deck, which provides a 360-degree view of the island’s beauty.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is during autumn, when the foliage is at its most vibrant.
13. Shodoshima Olive Oil Cultural Property Center
The Shodoshima Olive Oil Cultural Property Center is a museum dedicated to the history of olive cultivation on the Japanese island of Shodoshima.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the history of olive cultivation on the island, as well as the various olive oil products that are made locally.
There are also exhibits on the manufacturing of olive oil, including the pressing process and methods for storing and aging the oil.
The center also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase local olive oil products.
Don’t miss: The museum has a tasting room where visitors can sample a variety of olive oils from different producers on the island.
There are also cooking demonstrations and workshops where visitors can learn how to cook with olive oil.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check out the view from the museum’s observation deck, which offers stunning views of the surrounding olive groves and the Seto Inland Sea beyond.
Visitors should also consider taking a tour of a local olive farm to learn more about the cultivation process and see the trees up close.
14. Yokai (Monster) Street
A quirky street on the island of Shodoshima, Japan, dedicated to yokai, or traditional Japanese monsters.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll down the street and appreciate the colorful and sometimes spooky yokai statues and storefronts.
Fans of Japanese folklore can learn about a variety of yokai and their unique features through the labeled displays and interactive exhibits.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the street is the Yokai Hall, where visitors can see large and intricate yokai models, paintings, and books.
Be sure to also keep an eye out for the local specialty yokai-themed treats and souvenirs.
Insider travel tips: The street tends to get quieter later in the day, so early morning or midday visits may ensure a more lively atmosphere.
Consider pairing this attraction with a visit to the nearby Twenty-four Eyes Movie Village or the Angel Road beach.
15. Shodoshima Olive Beach
A beautiful beach located on the island of Shodoshima in Japan.
What to see or do: Lounge on the sandy beach, swim in the clear waters, and take in the picturesque views of the surrounding olive groves and hills.
Don’t miss: The chance to try olive ice cream, a local specialty made with olive oil.
Insider travel tips: Shodoshima is a popular destination, so be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach. Also, wear water shoes as the beach can be rocky in some areas.
And if you’re looking for a unique souvenir, pick up some locally produced olive oil to take home.