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Things to do in Shodoshima-cho

Top Things to Do in Shodoshima-cho - Shodoshima-cho Attractions

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Things to Do in Shodoshima-cho

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Kankakei Gorge, Yamaroku Shoyu, Observation Decks & Towers, Sacred & Religious Sites. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Shodoshima-cho

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What travellers are saying

  • hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
    Vermont7,688 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took the ropeway up and walked down which like to do in places such as this. We get two different experiences and two different views of everything. There is a separate review of the ropeway experience with its rock formations and colorful trees. There are two trails down, we took the longer western trail because it ended up right at the bus stop below the ropeway station.

    We visited a few days before peak, though the Tourist Information Center told us the gorge was at peak. The colors were good, but by no means great. Some of the best color on the top was behind the toilet block which is worth a visit if only for its interesting design. The viewpoint east of the station also had some of the best color we saw on the summit. The view out to the coast was quite nice but we came for color not distant panoramas.

    The summit was rather disappointing. Its main purpose seemed to be accommodating loads of tourist buses whose passengers wanted to shop, buy souvenirs or plants, and eat. There were a few lookout viewpoints which we searched out. We arrived early in the morning. As the morning progressed the place got more and more crowded.

    The walk down was pretty exciting, with views of contorted and bizarre volcanic rock. There are many places where one could get mind blowing shots but some of the viewpoints looked very dangerous. We stuck to the path for most of the way down. There are signs, Japanese only, with photos of what can be seen in the rock formations if you look in the right direction. It took us a while to figure the signs out. The walk down was perhaps the best part of the visit. It took us an hour and 45 minutes to get to the bottom but we stopped for photography.

    Once you return to the bottom, check the posted bus schedule and get in line. The line formed quickly beginning about a half hour before the bus was scheduled to arrive. There is only so much room on each bus, even with people standing, those at the back of the line had to wait for the next bus. We took turns holding our place in line whilst the other wandered around and took more photos. There were some very nice colorful trees around the edge of the parking lot and a small stream with a bridge.

    Visitor's tips - go early, bring a snack, ropeway up and walk down.
    Written 21 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yamaroku Soy Sauce" is the most
    famous brewery, domestically and
    internationally, among traditional soy
    sauce breweries. It is highly respected
    both within Shodoshima and the soy sauce
    industry, and countless people say they
    follow "Yamaroku-san." This is due to
    the broad insight, strategic analysis, and
    resolute execution of the fifth-generation
    head of Yamaroku Soy Sauce, Yasuo
    Yamamoto.

    For instance, facing the reality that
    the traditional technique of making the
    wooden vats used for brewing soy sauce
    was about to die out, Mr. Yamamoto
    resolved to preserve authentic wooden vat
    brewed soy sauce for his grandchildren
    and great-grandchildren. He launched the
    "Wooden Vat Craftsman Revival Project,"
    learned the techniques from the last
    remaining cooper of large vats and shared
    the acquired skills to train new wooden vat
    craftsmen one after another. Additionally,
    he established the "Wooden Vat Brewed
    Soy Sauce Export Promotion Consortium,"
    working with breweries across Japan
    that use wooden vats to promote exports,
    thereby increasing the demand and value
    of wooden vat brewed soy sauce. As a
    result, the demand for wooden vat brewed
    soy sauce, which had declined to 1% of
    total soy sauce production and was on
    the verge of extinction, has increased
    both domestically and internationally. The
    reforestation for wooden vat materials,
    which had ceased for decades, was also
    resumed, creating a revolution.

    Mr. Yamamoto points out that the future
    of Shodoshima is on a path to destruction
    and that immediate changes are needed.
    Even with changes, it might be too late,
    but hope is not entirely lost. Shodoshima's
    primary industries are the food and
    tourism industries, both of which are in
    decline. The cooperation between the food
    and tourism industries and automationwere necessary but not achieved, resulting
    in low wage levels and a severe labor
    shortage. He has called for collaboration
    with people from outside the island
    and other industries, raising the level
    of work, and increasing wages through
    consolidation.
    Amid this situation, Mr. Yamamoto has
    been steadily realizing his next vision for
    over a decade.
    "My long-standing mission is to preserve
    authentic wooden vat brewed soy sauce
    for future generations. I will not do
    anything that does not lead to that.
    Additionally, I aim to elevate our flagship
    soy sauce, 'Tsurubishio,' to the same level
    as the finest wine, 'Romanée-Conti,' and
    elevate Shodoshima to the same status as
    major wine regions like 'Bordeaux' and
    'Burgundy.' This would increase the value
    of somen noodles eaten with wooden-vat
    brewed soy sauce and tsukudani simmered
    in soy sauce, improve logistics, raise
    wages, enhance the level of work, improve
    the reception of tourists, attract quality
    tourists who will become repeat visitors,
    and achieve sustainable management,
    passing it on to the next generation."
    Mr. Yamamoto, who continues to take
    strong actions to bring about a revolution
    throughout Shodoshima, emphasizes one
    last point:
    "Shodoshima's future is doomed if it's just
    me. If others also change immediately,
    there is hope."

    (from [shodoshima club]editorial room)
    Written 7 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Celyn T
    Luzon, Philippines88 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's a nice place, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes. While the pathways are smooth, there are some steep ones and if you're not careful, you might end of sliding accidentally.

    This place has the oldest olive tree in Japan, a giant windmill, and a pleasant atmosphere.
    Written 25 July 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Celyn T
    Luzon, Philippines88 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was said to be movie setting, but since I haven't watched the movie 24 Eyes, I didn't really have that connection for the place. However, this is nice to visit despite not knowing anything about the movie. It feels old-school Japan with a scenic view of the sea.
    Written 25 July 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dianefeng
    Sydney, Australia1,951 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Of cause you can walk up to the mountain top. Bus to here is lot frequent, some season no bus at all. We missed our bus has to wait for another 50 minutes. At ropeway station you can have free WiFi so waiting 50 more minutes was not unbearable.
    Written 24 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jason Leonide
    Taipei, Taiwan15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great view to see the grand waterway between significant Islands. Since Shodo Island been a Japanese site rather than int'l visitors's; there were least foreigners reaching the summit. But you can feel how touched deeply was when the locals stare at Seto Inland Sea there.

    The pass toward the peak took about one hour, and there were several routes accordingly leading to the top, which consumed longer/shorter time by distances. If you are not check-in hotel on the Island, the count of time for being the summit is necessary. The ferry schedule must be checked, or you may stay one night on Island for missing aboard the last one. (Time taking Kankakei Ropeway and going out of mountain until you reach the main road must consider as well.)

    Be careful of the monkeys walked around in all places! Don't underestimate the red face and rump creatures. They can be abnormally fierce and aggressive, especially in case that you have snacks on your hands.
    Written 15 May 2013
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 26waynew
    Melbourne, Australia160 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited here with a group of 15 and found it very interesting to see how soy sauce was made in the old days. We did not realise what a long and labour intensive process it was. The small shop on site offers the chance to buy some of the products that make good souveniers.
    Written 14 May 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peckish
    Vancouver334 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    While the rice paddies had been harvested, it was still a lovely site. We took a taxi from Kusakabe, splitting the fare between four of us, as the bus service was not reliable at the time. While the return taxi fare was not inexpensive, it was well worth the visit. If there had been fewer of us, I would probably have taken the bus. There was an exhibit at the site as part of the 2019 Setouchi Triennial and it was excellent.
    Written 5 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Experience the beauty of the olive trees, including the original olive tree, as well as the playful sculptures by Isamu Noguchi, all while taking a leisurely walk. A must-try here is the light green "Olive Leaf Soft Serve," made with powdered olive leaves. Enjoy it on the terrace, soaking in the sunshine and the peaceful ambiance of the olive trees. You can also create your own personalized olive oil by blending olive oils from around the world. As a keepsake from Shodoshima or a fun memory, why not create your one-of-a-kind olive oil with friends, family, or your partner?
    Written 1 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kayo T
    13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    As I visit Olive beach in Winter, there are no people. I enjoyed reading book there and had a relax time! I will visit in summer someday :)
    Written 7 January 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 賢治 伊
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    岩山と一体となったお寺。洞窟の奥では、かれることなく湧く泉がある。高い山の上で湧く水はどこからくるのかとても興味深い。
    神秘的な体験と、親切な住職さまと出会うことができるお寺です。

    Temple together with Iwashi. A mysterious fountain springs in the cave. There is a lot of mystery in the mechanism that water springs above the mountain.
    There is a mysterious experience and encounter with a kind monk.
    Written 23 July 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dianefeng
    Sydney, Australia1,951 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bought a set tickets include bus from Osaka to takamatsu and ferry from sakateko to Kobe, good value. Ferry arrived on time and sail out on time too. Boat is bit old but very clean. Has seat area designed for ladies only. Can charge phones near the seats if you got you cable. Vending machines sell drinks ice cream bread cakes. Small shop sell souvenirs. Small restaurant sell noodles from 300 to 1000 en. We had a smooth trip. arrive at Kobe on time. There is bus connection to Jr station cost 210 en, bus waiting for ferry passengers , so try to get out within 10 minutes, signs to bus stop are marked clearly or following the main people flock quite lots of passengers take this bus too.
    Written 25 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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