Shodoshima is an island found in the Japan's Seto Inland Sea – a relatively little-known but well worth exploring part of the Japanese archipelago.
There are around 30,000 people living here.
Exploring The Island of Shodoshima And Kankakei Gorge
by Rob Dyer
Well off the tourist trail
Although a holiday destination for some within Japan, this is well off the tourist trail for many foreign visitors and, as ever, all the more enjoyable for it.
When planning a trip to or tour of Japan you might want to include exploring the island of Shodoshima and Kankakei Gorge in your itinerary.
The island of small beans
Readily accessible by ferry (there is no airport) from the main island of Honshu, Shodoshima lies a few miles south-west off the coast of Hyogo prefecture.
Its name literally means “Island of small beans”, referring to the native (and yummy) Azuki beans. Indeed, it used to be known as Azuki Island.
I have to confess a particular soft spot for Shodoshima. I've been several times and liked it so much on our first visit that my wife and I chose it as the location for our honeymoon when we married in Japan.
Wild Japanese macaque monkeys
Around its coastline it has some noteworthy beaches (including Dobuchi Strait, the world's narrowest strait) but it is the beautiful Kankakei gorge in the middle of the island, from where there are some stunning ocean views, that is perhaps the major natural attraction.
The journey up the mountain (typically by bus or taxi) can be a mini-adventure in its own right, as there are wild Japanese macaque monkeys en route who will stop at nothing to get a good look in your bags for any edible goodies you might be carrying.
The monkeys are entertaining enough when seen from inside of, and running alongside, your vehicle but, beware, once you are outside on foot they can be a bit intimidating to the unprepared.
Exploring Kankakei Gorge
You should disembark part way up the mountain, transferring to the Kankakei ropeway – a cable car that will take you up through the gorge itself, to a park at the top of the island - where there are some impressive 360º views over the island.
The gorge is one of the country's nationally-designated Places of Scenic Beauty and one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan.
The mountains here are densely covered by Japanese maples, meaning if you are here in the autumn you'll have some stunning views down the gorge of a patchwork of blazing red, amber and golden leaves running from the top of the island, all the way down to the ocean in the distance below.
Related: 6 Great Spots to See Spectacular Autumn Leaves in Japan
Panoramic views of The Seto Inland Sea
It's said there are Twenty Views that are especially noteworthy from the Kankakei gorge.
I've not yet managed to tick off all twenty, but those I have seen are impressive, and there's a viewing platform from which there is an unforgettable panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea.
In keeping with the rest of the island, there are few man-made attractions once you reach the top of Kankakei; this is all about the natural beauty. Grab an ice-cream, have a picnic, play ball, relax, sunbathe, walk among the trees. Generally, just chill.
Oh, and take photos of the stunning views.
1-Day Tour of Shodoshima by Ferry from Okayama
Shodoshima is an island floating in the Seto Inland Sea with many superb viewing spots, unique cultures, traditions and a nostalgic atmosphere. Why not join the one-day island tour from Okayama by ferry and experience the true beauty of nature...
Highlights
A cheeky, chubby demon with big fangs
In Japan, every destination of note has to have it's own mascot, and Kankakei is no exception. Carved out of stone and looking down the gorge towards the ocean is a cheeky, chubby demon with big fangs. A cheery, big-faced fella, and a modest but worthwhile photo opportunity for those who like their cute Japanese mascots. 😉
If you don't mind seeing animals in captivity there are also modest peacock and monkey parks on the island.
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Twenty-Four Eyes Film Village
If you're a Japanese literature or film fan then you must check out the Twenty-Four Eyes (Nijûshi no hitomi) film village.
A popular novel by Sakae Tsuboi, set on the island, that has been filmed twice, once in 1954 and again in 1987. Tsuboi herself lived on the island. It was the second version that used this location for filming.
The Farming Village Kabuki Stage
If your cultural tastes extend to Kabuki then the Farming Village Kabuki Stage is worth adding to your 'to do' list. There are also several walking/hiking routes to be found across the island.
Otherwise, there's not too much in the way of tourist trappings on Shodoshima – which is all part of its appeal.
There are seven ports scattered around the island with connecting ferry or high speed catamaran services to various other ports of Japan – although I've only ever arrived (from Kobe) at Sakate Port.
Remembering our favourite local restaurant
When arriving at Sakate we always used to eat, like the local fishermen did, in the Osaka-ya restaurant overlooking the harbour.
They offered staple rather than fancy fare, and their single bowl dishes (eg rice and chicken oyakudon) were good examples of everyday Japanese family and working people's meals.
The walls of the (traditional style, shoes-off, sit on floor cushions) dining room are covered in a riot of colourful vintage promotional beer posters - almost an attraction in their own right.
Sadly, a reader of this post reported (in April 2024 - see comments below) that they spoke to a local who told them the co-owner husband had passed away and that they are no longer operating.
All things olive (including Hello Kitty)
The island was the first place in Japan where olives were successfully cultivated (in 1908) and to this day its manufacture contributes to the economy through the sale of olive oil and related goods (and is one of the drivers for Japanese tourists).
If you're really into your olive oil - I know some foodie/cookery types (such as my wife) are - then the Olive Park should sate your interest. This also means that, should you be looking for gifts, you'll find all things olive oil related. Everything from the usual soap to the less usual ice cream!
Hello Kitty fans will want to pick up official souvenirs of Kitty (often depicted squeezed inside an olive!) which are sold only on the island and nowhere else. (If you're a Hello Kitty fan but can't get to Shodoshima, then there's always Sanrio Puroland aka the Hello Kitty Theme Park in Tokyo.)
1-Day Tour of Scenic Shodoshima
Home to mountains and spectacular coastlines, Japan’s largest olive plantations, and much more, Shodoshima is a must-visit island for those near Shikoku. Get on a ferry from Okayama to Shodoshima for a one-day tour of the stunning island!
Highlights
How to get to Shodoshima
There is no airport on the island.
There are though a number of regular ferry services from the mainland to Shodo-shima throughout the year. There are currently connections to the island from Himeji, Okayama, Takamatsu and Teshima.
Ferries, including faster (but sometimes challengingly bumpy) catamarans, run less frequently to Kōbe and Osaka as well. These links are a good place to start:
Ryobi Ferry:
www.ryobi-ferry.com/011timetable_english.html
Shodoshima Town Guide:
www.town.shodoshima.lg.jp/en/map_access.html
Shodoshima Travel Navi-Information:
www.shodoshima.or.jp/ml/access/timetable
Where to stay
I can recommend staying at ryokan Mari in the Nouma area. It's the one we used for our honeymoon and with friends since.
It comes with an onsen and separate male/female baths - both within a courtyard garden to the rear, where there is also a small rotemburo. There are just 7 rooms here and the small number means the personal attention and service is about as good as it gets.
Décor is traditionally influenced but with modern benefits and the food is first class. There's also a small gift shop for island souvenirs and locally sourced products.
It's not very far from the main harbour, but you should be able to arrange in advance to just give the owners a call when you want collecting from the ferry and they'll gladly pop down in their car and pick you up for free (and drop you off for your return journey too).
There are English-speaking staff, and they'll do whatever they can to understand and accommodate you.
Mari website:
http://www.mari.co.jp/ (Japanese only – but call them) Address: 2011 Ko Nouma, Shozu-gun, Shodoshima-cho, 760-4421, Kagawa Prefecture
Telephone: 0879-82-0086
Trip Advisor customer reviews of ryokan Mari:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g1121426-d1195508-r185678851-Mari-Shodoshima_cho_Shozu_gun_Kagawa_Prefecture_Shikoku.html
If you want to stay elsewhere on the island then this page on Booking.com will do the trick:
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?region=15447
When to visit Shodoshima
The two best times of the year to go are spring when the weather is warm and sunny (but avoids the exhausting humidity of the summer) or, my personal recommendation, if you want to catch the stunning blazing red leaves, the autumn.
About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
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Resources
The attractive and very helpful Shodoshima Town Guide website includes lots of user-friendly practical information, including downloadable maps in English:
http://www.town.shodoshima.lg.jp/en
The 100 Landscapes of Japan:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_Landscapes_of_Japan_%28Shōwa_era%29
Official Twenty-Four Eyes Film Village website (Japanese only):
http://www.24hitomi.or.jp
Twenty-Four Eyes at IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047281/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
All photos: By 663highland - Own work, CC BY 2.5
Was this article surprising/useful/or just colourful 😉 ? Maybe you've explored other parts of the island not mentioned here? If so, please share your thoughts, feedback and questions by leaving a comment below...
Hi. Thanks for the labor of love and creating this site. I lived in Japan for 15 years and it’s always nice to see someone who shares their appreciation of Japan with others.
We went to Shoudoshima yesterday, and I was looking for recommendations for a place to eat. Just wanted you to know that we tried going to Osaka-Ya, But couldn’t find it listed in Google maps. We spoke to a local and they said that the husband had passed away and that they are no longer operating. I thought you might want to notice
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for sharing your experience John. Sad to hear about the husband’s death, and a shame that the place is no longer operating. I have fond memories of it (having taken friends from the UK there as well when they visited). I will that information to update my post.
Wonderful blog! I also really, really love Shodoshima and its nature. Very cool that you chose it as your honeymoon spot. Didn’t go to the gorge but enjoyed some local kabuki. Hope you don’t mind but I linked your blog on my own about the best islands in Japan. Thanks again!
Tam @http://freshcoffeestains.com/japanese-islands/
Hi Tam – thanks for the compliment – glad you like The Real Japan!
If you return to Shodoshima KanKaKei Gorge is well worth seeing.
Link away 😉
I enjoyed your article – there’s a few islands in there I’ve yet to explore – so good to read your thoughts on those. Was impressed by all your hitchhiking around Yonaguni and Ishigaki!
I really love Sado. I’m a big fan of the (older style) Kodo – so that helps too. The Kodo Cultural Foundation’s Taiko Center there is well worth a visit (have you been?). I mention it in this (rather scathing) review of the last time I saw Kodo: https://www.therealjapan.com/what-the-hell-happened-to-kodo/
Maybe see you on a remote island sometime!
Dear Editor,
Congratulations on such a lovely place chosen for Your Honeymoon!!!
Very Best Wishes for a Lifetime of Bliss and Joy in togetherness !!!!!!!!
What an unique place for a visit with Family and Friends !
DomoArigatôGuzaimasu !
Keep up such increadible posts that inspire us for visiting the Best of Japan
in affordable Ryokan places, sacred waters in Onsen, placid beaches and wonderful people :
#Cheers !
Sayonara!
Regina Rianelli
Hello Regina – thanks for your kind comments.
I’ll keep writing about the topics and places in Japan you are interested in.
Stay tuned! 🙂