If there is only one outlying island that you can visit when you come to Takamatsu in Shikoku, Japan, Shodoshima is one of the top choices year round. The island is big (the second largest island in Seto Inland Sea), offering a variety of places to go, things to do, and local food to taste. In terms of transportation, it is very accessible particularly from Takamatsu. There is either a slow or fast ferry every 30 minutes from early morning to around 7pm. 

Make a plan before you go

As mentioned above, Shodoshima is a big island. While driving is the best way to go around, you may also take the regular buses or join the bus tour that takes you around key sightseeing spots within one day. Of course you can hire a taxi (taxi tour) or rent a bicycle at Tonosho ferry pier. I have tried both the bus tour and go on my own by taking buses. 

If you choose to go by bus, get a bus schedule and/or buy bus passes at Tonosho Port. I would recommend the bus line "T" that runs between Tonosho Port and 24 Eyes Movie Village that covers some key sightseeing destinations. 

Stop 1 — Angel Road

Locating about 10 minutes drive from Tonosho Port, the famous Angel Road is the 500-meter long sandbar that connects Shodoshima and a small island during low tide near Shodoshima International Hotel. The tranquil beautiful seaside view and the limited time of the emergence of the sandbar make it special.  The viewpoint is the best location to take in the beautiful view when the angel road appears. If you have, take a walk to the small island to experience the romantic precious moment and there is a small shrine on the small island where many lovers and visitors make wishes.

Tips for Angel Road

Please check the tidal schedule in advance to see if you can put this destination in your itinerary. It's great if the low tide happens to be early in the morning or late afternoon so that this can be your first or last stop. So do check the tidal schedule. Angel Road is only around 5 minutes by car/10minutes by bus from Tonosho port, but it takes another 10~15 minutes to walk from the bus stop to the view point.  Time management is key if you are taking the bus because it is not frequent!

Stop 2 — Olive Garden 

I am sure you have seen many photos with people riding on witches broomsticks flying in front of a white windmill.  Well, this greek windmill is the iconic structure of Olive Garden. Shodoshima is the first place in Japan where olive trees were cultivated successfully due to its mediterranean climate. The Olive Garden is a vast area on a small hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The garden looks like Greece with white buildings and lush olive groves. There is a hot spring, herb garden, restaurant, cafe, souvenir shop, and a "Kiki Delivery Service" themed shop. 

Tips for Olive Garden

The witches broomsticks are free to use. You may borrow from the roadside station where you can buy some drinks, have lunch and use the toilet. It is also a good place to buy some olive made souvenirs. 

Stop 3 — Soy Sauce Museum

Shodoshima soy sauce has 400 years of history.  There were more than 400 factories on the island at its peak in the Meiji period. Today, soy sauce remains one of the famous local produces. You may see large soy sauce making barrels in the soy sauce area. There is a 100-year-old factory converted museum where you can see some ancient soy sauce making equipments, and buy some soy sauce products. 

Tips for Soy Sauce Area

If you drive or join the bus tour, this will be a good stop to see some history. If you are travelling around by local bus, stopping over this area is never a quick stop because the buses are very infrequent.

Stop 4: 24 Eyes Movie Studio

24 Eyes Movie Studio is a movie set where a war time movie was filmed. The story was about a teacher and 12 students who experienced the rise and fall of the Japanese nationalism during the Showa Period, covering pre- and post-world war II. 

Tips for 24 Eyes Movie Village

24 Eyes Movie Village is one hour away on bus from Tonosho Port. So beware of the commute time if you are taking public buses to make sure that you go back to Tonosho Port before the last ferry.