photo:(c) Shodoshima Tourism Association

Shodoshima is the second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, after Awaji Island. With an area of approx. 154 km² and a population of around 25,000 it is the most populous of Japan’s remote islands that are not connected via bridges or tunnels.

Shodoshima is blessed with beautiful natural scenery of the sea and mountains, and Kankakei valley is one of Japan’s three most beautiful valleys, with a wide variety of peculiarly shaped rocks and cliffs that create stunning views. Angel Road is another popular spot, famous for a phenomenon where a sandy road appears due to the ebb and flow of the tides. Shodoshima is also one of the venues for the Setouchi Triennale, and works of art are scattered throughout the area.

photo:(c) Shodoshima Tourism Association

Shodoshima is renowned for its many local delicacies, including soy sauce and hand-pulled somen noodles, which have a 400-year history, but it is also known for its olive production. In the early 20th century, Shodoshima was the first place in Japan to successfully cultivate olives, and there are olive orchards all over the island.

Shodoshima Olive Park, a roadside station located on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, is a spot with a Mediterranean coastal atmosphere. Shodoshima also has a sister island relationship with the Greek island of Milos, and is famous for its Greek windmills, which were built as a symbol of friendship. About 2,000 olive trees are cultivated in the park, and there are a variety of facilities available, such as the Olive Memorial Hall and the Sun Olive Hot Springs. While you are here, you can also of course enjoy shopping and gourmet food using olives.