A day trip to Shodoshima island from Kotohira is one of those easy escapes that feels like you’ve changed countries without going far. You get sea air, olive groves, mountain viewpoints, and quiet coastal scenery that makes the whole day feel slower. If you’re staying at Kotori Coworking & Hostels and you want a full day of nature and local culture (with a few very photogenic stops), Shodoshima is a perfect pick.

This guide is made for digital nomads and slow travellers: what makes the island special, the main activities worth your time, a realistic one-day itinerary from Kotohira, and practical ferry and car tips so the day runs smoothly.

Table of Contents

Presentation of Shodoshima island

Shodoshima Island main activities

Shodoshima in 1 day: itinerary

Practical information

Conclusion

FAQ

Presentation of Shodoshima island

Shodoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, part of Kagawa Prefecture. From Takamatsu Port, you can reach it by ferry in about an hour, which makes it very doable as a day trip from Kotohira. Shodoshima island is best known for Seto Inland Sea scenery, olive farming, and traditional food production, along with several iconic viewpoints and photo spots.

Olive Island

Olives are the island’s signature, and it’s not just a cute nickname. Shodoshima became Japan’s first successful place for olive cultivation, with early success dating back to 1908, helped by a climate often compared to the Mediterranean.

Olives are a big part of Shodoshima’s identity, and you’ll see them in local products like olive oil, olive foods, and even olive cosmetics in many shops around the island.

Soy sauce, noodles, and others specialties

Shodoshima also has a deep fermentation and food-making culture. Soy sauce production here is known for its long history (often described as around 400 years). Shodoshima has a well-known soy sauce brewing district, and visiting it is part of the experience.

Shodoshima is also known for somen, thin hand-stretched noodles that have been made here for centuries. It looks simple on the plate, but when you try a good local version, you get why people talk about it. You’ll also notice tsukudani, usually kelp or other ingredients simmered slowly in soy sauce until it turns rich and savoury. It’s one of those classic island flavours that shows up everywhere, from small souvenir packs to serious food shops.

All of that explains why Shodoshima feels like a “taste” destination as much as a scenery destination. You can do viewpoints and beaches, then finish the day with soy sauce ice cream and a bag full of edible souvenirs.

Shodoshima Island main activities

Angel Road

Angel Road is a sandbar path that appears at low tide and links small islands just off the coast. When the tide is up, it disappears, so timing is everything. It’s famous for its romantic legend, but even if you’re not here for that, it’s simply a beautiful seaside walk with a very “Setouchi” calm mood.

What to do there:

• Walk the sandbar and take your time with photos
• Climb up to viewpoints nearby for a wider look over the bay

Nakayama Terrace fields

The Nakayama Senmaida area is Shodoshima’s best-known terraced rice field landscape. The paddies climb the slopes in layered steps, and there are about 800 rice terraces spread across the hills. It’s one of the most peaceful places to slow down in the island, stretch your legs, and just look around. 

What to do there:

• Walk following the path between fields. Keep in mind, you enter private properties, stay in the path, close gates when you leave and respect the area.
• Have a look down the valley, on of the Setouchi festival art work is there.
• A great spot for photos

Kankakei National Park

Kankakei Gorge is the big “wow” scenery on Shodoshima. It’s all steep valley views, dramatic rock shapes, and wide lookouts over the island and the sea. The ropeway (funicular style gondola) is a highlight, especially if you want big views without committing to a long hike.

What to do there:

• Drive the scenic roads and stop at viewpoints
• Take the ropeway up for panoramic views (and snacks at the top) 
• Walk short trails near the summit for extra angles and quieter spots

Shodoshima Olive Park

This is the island’s most iconic olive stop. It’s an olive themed park with a Mediterranean vibe, sea views, and plenty of space to wander. It’s also famous as a photo spot connected with Kiki’s Delivery Service, and you can borrow a broom to recreate the classic “flying” shot near the white windmill area. 

What to do and expect:

• Easy walks with ocean views and olive trees
• Photo spots (yes, the broom shot is as fun as it sounds) 
• A good place for a light break if you’re driving a lot that day

Practical information

Shodoshima Olive Park is open year-round from 8:30 to 17:00, and admission to the park is free.

Marukin soy sauce museum

If you only do one “food culture” stop, I’d pick this one. The Marukin Soy Sauce Museum is an easy visit that teaches you what makes Shodoshima soy sauce a big deal, with old barrels, brewing stories, and that amazing smell of fermentation in the air. 

What to see and do:

• Museum route through traditional brewing spaces
• Quick souvenir stop for bottles and local seasonings
• Enjoy a soy sauce ice cream at the shop next to the museum entrance. It sounds weird until you taste it, and then it suddenly makes sense.

Practical information

Marukin Soy Sauce Museum welcomes visitors from 9:00 to 16:00, with extended hours until 16:30 from July 20 to August 31 and from October 16 to November 30.
Entry is ¥500 for adults. You can visit freely during opening hours, and no reservation is needed for a standard visit.

24 Eyes movies studio

The 24 Eyes Movie Studio (sometimes called movie village) is a really fun, nostalgic stop. It recreates an old seaside town atmosphere with film sets, a classroom you can walk into, and spots that feel like you’ve stepped into another era. Even if you’re not a film person, it’s playful and surprisingly photogenic, especially with the sea right nearby.

What to do there:

• Explore the old-style buildings and movie sets
• Check out the retro classroom and small exhibits
• Enjoy the beachside setting for a slower pace after driving

Practical information

Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00, so it’s easy to fit into a one-day drive.
Admission is set by season: ¥900 (Mar 15–Jul 20), ¥1,000 (Jul 21–Nov 30), or ¥850 (Dec 1–Mar 14).
You can also choose a combo ticket with the nearby Misaki Branch School, which is a great way to see both places in one stop.

Hishio no sato Museum of contemporary art

Hishio no Sato Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as MOCA HISHIO, brings contemporary art into the heart of Shodoshima’s soy sauce area in Umaki. Inside, you can enjoy paintings and three-dimensional works selected from a rich collection. The museum showcases original works created for the space, plus rotating collection pieces.

Right next to the museum, MOCA HISHIO ANNEX adds a different vibe in a brick warehouse building (a former tsukudani factory), where special exhibitions and events run regularly.

Practical information

It’s open every day from 10:00 to 16:30, with last entry at 16:00. A combined ticket for MOCA HISHIO and the ANNEX costs ¥1,800. If you only want the ANNEX, entry is ¥500.

Shodoshima in 1 day: itinerary

Here’s a realistic day trip to Shodoshima island plan that works well from Kotori Coworking & Hostel in Kotohira, especially if you want to see a lot without feeling rushed.

Morning (start early)

Book your car in advance at Kotori so you can leave early.
Drive to Takamatsu Port and grab the earliest boat you can. The crossing to Tonosho is about 60 minutes by ferry.

From Shodoshima port (Tonosho area)

• Angel Road: Quick drive there, then a break for photos and a walk (check tide timing). 
• Nakayama terrace fields: Drive inland through quiet roads and stop for a short walk and viewpoints.

Midday options (choose your style)

Option 1: Scenic drive through Kankakei National Park

Drive the mountain roads and stop at viewpoints.

Option 2: Shodoshima Olive Park first

If you want an easier walk, sea views, and the classic broom photo spot, do Olive Park before the gorge.

Then continue with Kankakei ropeway (high impact, low effort)

• Park near the lower station and take the ropeway up to the summit for the big valley views. 
• Have a cafe break and small snacks at the top, then walk a short path for a couple more viewpoints.

Afternoon food culture and fun

Marukin soy sauce museum

Do a quick visit, or just stop for the soy sauce ice cream and shop browsing if you’re short on time. 

24 Eyes movies studio

Plan around 1h to 1h30. It’s one of the most fun places to explore at an easy pace. 

Evening

• Drive back toward Tonosho Port.
• If timing works, stop for sunset views or an early dinner somewhere on the island.
• Do not miss the last ferry back.
• Return to Takamatsu, then drive back to Kotori, Kotohira.

Practical information

Ferry from Takamatsu to Shodoshima

Most day trippers use the Takamatsu to Tonosho route. You’ve got two common options:

• Regular ferry: about 60 minutes (good if you’re bringing a car). 
• High-speed boat: about 35 minutes (passengers only)

For the Takamatsu ⇔ Tonosho (Shodoshima) route, the passenger fare is ¥700 one-way for adults and the round-trip fare is ¥1,330 for adults. For the high-speed boat, the passenger fare is ¥1,400 one-way for adults and the round-trip fare is ¥2,660.

First departure is usually at 06:25 from Takamatsu and last departure from at 20:10 from Tonosho for regular ferry. For the high-speed boat, the first departure at 07:40 from Takamatsu and the last departure at 17:50 from Tonosho.

Timetables can change by season and weather, so I always treat ferry schedules as something to confirm the day before, especially if your whole plan depends on the first boat and the last boat. 

You can book your ferry online.

Rent a car

 Yes, you can rent on the island, but for a one-day plan with multiple stops, it’s usually easier (and often cheaper overall) to rent from Kotori, then bring the car onto the ferry. It also means you can leave early without waiting on island rental opening hours.

A car is what makes this day trip smooth. Public transport exists, but you’ll spend a lot of time matching bus schedules, and you’ll likely need to cut several stops.

Conclusion

Shodoshima is one of my favourite day trips from Kotohira. I really enjoy my day on the island full of beauty, nature, and quiet vibes. Each location gives a different landscape, from beachside to mountain views and rice fields. I really enjoyed the 24 Eyes movie location, it’s a very nice place to explore with amazing views over the sea, and it genuinely feels like stepping back in time. If you’re staying at Kotori and you want a totally different atmosphere of Japan for a day, Shodoshima is a place you shouldn’t miss.

You want to explore more islands in Seto Inland sea and you like art ? Visit Naoshima island!

FAQ for a day tip to Shodoshima island

Is a day trip to Shodoshima island from Kotohira realistic?

Yes, if you start early and plan around the ferry. The crossing from Takamatsu to Tonosho is about an hour by regular ferry, so it’s very doable as a full day out.

Do I need a car on Shodoshima for a one-day itinerary?

If you want to hit multiple spots like Angel Road, Nakayama terraces, Kankakei, and 24 Eyes in one day, a car makes it easier. Without a car, you’ll likely need to pick just two or three areas and move slower.

When is the best time to visit Angel Road?

Low tide. The sandbar appears and disappears with the tide, so check the tide table for your exact date and aim to arrive around that window.

What’s the most “only on Shodoshima” food to try?

Soy sauce related snacks are everywhere, and Marukin is an easy stop. Also keep an eye out for Shodoshima somen and kelp tsukudani souvenirs if you like bringing edible gifts back to Kotohira.

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