18% Gradiant Hardclimb for 10km Distance / Second Day Explore the Island of Shodoshima

Shodoshima is the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, with a population of 28,500 and an area of 170 km2 (as of April 1, 2017).
The island is known as the Mediterranean of Japan, both for its year-round temperate climate and as the birthplace of olive production in the country. Traditional food production, such as soy sauce slowly fermented in wooden barrels or sun-dried somen noodles, continues to thrive after 400 years. Cuisine using these time-tested methods is found in abundance.

Shodoshima is also blessed with plentiful nature. At the Kankakei Gorge, considered one of the three most spectacular gorges in Japan, see all in one place the Seto Inland Sea, unusual rock formations patiently carved by fierce wind and rain, and the canyon itself. Another popular spot is Angel Road, which appears only twice a day at low tide to connect four small islands. Couples that walk hand in hand as they cross these white sands are said to one day find happiness.

Shodoshima is one of the venues for the Setouchi Triennale art festival, so make sure to see Gift of the Sun, Regent in Olives, and other outdoor art installations remaining from the festival.

From Takamatsu, take a ferry to the ports of Tonosho, Ikeda, Kusakabe, or Sakate, each only one hour away.

■ Getting around the island
・It may be an island, but do not underestimate its size. Use buses or a rental car to get around. All-day bus passes are sold at Tonosho Port.
・Active types will enjoy renting a bicycle to visit the sights. Each port (except Obe and Fukuda on the north side) has bikes to rent. Or, rent a road bike at Giant Store in front of Takamatsu Station and take it on the ferry. Try an 82-km loop of the whole island!

■ Main sights
Shodoshima Olive Park, Kankakei Gorge, Dofuchi Strait, Angel Road, Nakayama Senmaida (Terraced Rice Fields), Meiro no Machi (Maze Town), Choshikei Gorge, Soy Sauce Village, Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio
Shōdoshima is an island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. On the south coast, olives grow in the hillside groves at Shōdoshima Olive Garden. At low tide, Angel Road sandbar links 3 tiny islets to the main island. Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village has the preserved set of a popular Japanese film, plus a cinema museum. In the center of the island, trails and a cable car cross Kankakei Gorge, known for its vibrant fall foliage.

Shodoshima (小豆島, Shōdoshima) is the second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and one of the first islands born to the gods in the creation myth of Japan. The name literally means “small bean island”, which technically refers to the azuki bean but today could more fittingly refer to the soy bean or olive as the island has traditionally been a producer of soy sauce and now is even better known for its olive plantations.

Shodoshima attracts visitors with its Mediterranean atmosphere, offering beaches, resorts, coastal sceneries and a mountainous interior with one of Japan’s most celebrated gorges, the Kankakei Gorge. The island is also known as the filming location of a popular movie.

Shodoshima serves as one of the venues for the Setouchi Triennale art festival. Some permanent art installations from past festivals, including several outdoor installations, can also be viewed outside of the festival periods. They are spread across the island, with most of them concentrated around the port towns along the southern coast.