Shodoshima: An Olive Island Retreat for the Senses
Shodoshima, floating in the Seto Inland Sea, is truly “Japan’s Mediterranean.” It’s a captivating blend of serene nature, rich history, and innovative art.
Why not soothe your mind and body in olive groves with over a century of history? Explore historic, maze-like streets and encounter unexpected modern art. Be awestruck by the magnificent, ancient volcanic landscapes of Kankakei Gorge. And savor the island’s unique flavors: soy sauce, somen noodles, and tsukudani, all with over 400 years of tradition.
Come to Shodoshima for a deep, multifaceted Japanese experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Access to Shin-Okayama Port
From Okayama Station, Shin-Okayama Port is about a 30-minute drive. Please use a taxi or bus. We can also arrange private car tours of Shodoshima. Contact us for details.
The ferry from Shin-Okayama Port to Shodoshima’s Tonosho Port takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Enjoy the scenic Seto Inland Sea with its many beautiful islands during your journey. Here are four recommended ways to spend your time on Shodoshima!
Relax and Rejuvenate on Olive Island: A Shodoshima Retreat
Shodoshima, surrounded by a mild climate and calm seas, is truly Japan’s Mediterranean. Its iconic olives offer the ultimate retreat experience to soothe your mind and body.
Olive cultivation on Shodoshima began in 1908. As the first place in Japan to successfully grow olives, the island has, for over 100 years, nurtured its blessings as “Olive Island.”
Strolling through the olive groves that stretch across the island, you’ll be enveloped in a refreshing aroma, enjoying a purifying moment. At cafes, savor healthy meals generously prepared with freshly harvested olive oil, delighting in its rich flavor. In specialty shops, you can find high-quality olive oils, cosmetics, and goods, perfect for souvenir hunting.
A Fusion of History and Modern Art
Shodoshima boasts rich nature and a unique culture. Notably, the Setouchi Triennale, held once every three years, has transformed the entire island into an art stage, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad.
A symbol of Shodoshima’s art experience is the “Maze Town” near Tonosho Port. Its intricate alleys, built as a defensive measure during the Warring States period, still convey traditional Japanese lifestyles today. In this historic space, unique modern art pieces are scattered, inspired by the art festival. The fusion of old townscapes and innovative art creates a special experience found only here.
But art isn’t limited to the Maze Town. Across the island, diverse art spots are dotted among terraced rice fields, old school buildings, and integrated into nature, conveying themes rooted in the island’s history, nature, and people’s lives. Many of these permanent artworks can be viewed even outside the Setouchi Triennale period, allowing you to discover the island’s profound charm by exploring its art.
Natural Wonders and Scenic Treasures: Shodoshima Adventure
Shodoshima, blessed with diverse terrain and a mild climate, is a true natural wonderland. Soaring at the island’s heart, Kankakei Gorge is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful ravines, believed to have formed from volcanic activity around 13 million years ago. A scenic ropeway ride offers breathtaking aerial views of its magnificent rock formations and the Seto Inland Sea, especially stunning during the autumn foliage season.
The island also boasts many mystical natural sites tied to faith, showcasing its deep history. These include Sentara Falls, dotted with unique rock formations, and pilgrimage routes winding through the 88 sacred sites associated with Kobo Daishi. The “Angel Road,” a path that emerges and disappears with the tides, is another captivating natural phenomenon that draws many visitors.
Shodoshima is a place where dynamic ancient history merges with the tranquil nature of the Seto Inland Sea, promising an unforgettable adventure experience.
Soy Sauce, Tsukudani, Somen: A Taste of Japan’s Food Culture on Shodoshima
Shodoshima is a culinary treasure trove, boasting not only rich nature but also a unique food culture. Soy sauce production, in particular, has a history spanning over 400 years, thriving as a major producing region during the Edo period. The mild climate, high-quality water, and traditional wooden barrel brewing methods create Shodoshima’s distinctively deep and aromatic soy sauce. In “Hishio no Sato” (Soy Sauce Village), you can visit historic, still-operating soy sauce breweries and experience this rich tradition firsthand. Don’t miss trying unique treats like soy sauce ice cream!
Tsukudani (simmered seafood and vegetables) developed as a byproduct of soy sauce making. Made by simmering abundant seafood in soy sauce, tsukudani is an essential part of the island’s diet and a beloved souvenir, available in many varieties.
Furthermore, hand-stretched somen noodles are another traditional Shodoshima specialty. Said to have had their production method introduced from Koyasan about 400 years ago, these noodles are meticulously crafted using pure water from Kankakei Gorge and the island’s mild climate. These thin yet firm somen noodles are truly a masterpiece of artisan skill.
On Shodoshima, you can experience Japan’s profound food culture with all five senses through factory tours and tastings related to these traditional foods. Indulge in the island’s flavors, nurtured by its history and climate.
Shodoshima, a compact island offering diverse delights like history, scenery, art, and exquisite food, is truly worth a visit! We can arrange a private car for a day trip to Shodoshima from Okayama Station or your nearby hotel. Please contact us for details.