6 Spots to Fully Enjoy Shodoshima — Birthplace of Olive Cultivation in Japan

Shodoshima, widely known as the setting for the novel Twenty-Four Eyes, is a nature-rich island floating in the Seto Inland Sea. Famous local products of Kagawa Prefecture such as tsukudani (preserved food boiled in soy sauce), somen noodles, and soy sauce are all actively produced on Shodoshima. It also boasts the highest domestic production volume of olives, which were first successfully cultivated in Japan here. This time, we will focus on Shodoshima Town, established in 2006, and introduce its many charms.

1. Kankakei Gorge

Shodoshima’s famous autumn foliage spot, Kankakei Gorge, is one of Japan’s Three Great Scenic Gorges. Formed about 13 million years ago by volcanic activity, its group of strangely shaped rocks creates a rugged and majestic landscape that seems worlds apart from the calm Seto Inland Sea.
The most popular season is autumn, when the fall foliage is at its peak, but spring with its colorful flowers, summer with its fresh greenery, and winter with its snow-covered scenery are all highly recommended. Showing different expressions throughout the year, Kankakei attracts many repeat visitors. The view of the Seto Inland Sea from the summit is also exceptional.
The ropeway to the top operates year-round and allows bicycles and pets. You can ride up and hike down for a more active experience. Service may be suspended depending on the weather, so it’s best to check the official website in advance.

2. Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village

Twice adapted into film, Twenty-Four Eyes is the representative work of Shodoshima-born author Sakae Tsuboi. The Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village is a facility created from the renovated set used in filming. This nostalgic village, reminiscent of the early Showa period, features not only actual film sets but also many attractions related to the movie.
At the Gallery Shochikuza, the original 1954 movie is shown three times a day—an excellent chance to watch this classic. The Sakae Tsuboi Literature Museum exhibits manuscripts and personal belongings of the author, and a reproduction of her former Tokyo home provides a glimpse into her life at the time.
Other highlights include the Twenty-Four Eyes Tenmangu Shrine, known as a spiritual “power spot,” and a café serving nostalgic school lunches. Visitors of all ages, from children to the elderly, are sure to enjoy it.

3. Shodoshima Olive Park

On a hill of fresh greenery stands a white windmill overlooking the deep blue Seto Inland Sea—a stunning contrast that can make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a foreign country. Shodoshima Olive Park is a popular spot where visitors can fully enjoy both the sea and olives, symbols of the island.
The park offers camping, hot springs, dining, shopping, activities, and sightseeing. Facilities include a museum on olive cultivation history, an olive oil press observation area, and a walking path lined with olive trees from around the world.
Shodoshima Olive Park was also used as a filming location for the 2014 live-action adaptation of Kiki’s Delivery Service. The film’s shop set now operates as a real store selling goods, where you can enjoy herbal tea and purchase charming accessories. Ghibli fans won’t want to miss it.

4. Yubune Water and Nakayama Senmaida Rice Terraces

The Yubune Water, springing from Mount Yubune at 400 meters above sea level, is a source of pride for Shodoshima. Flowing through irrigation channels into the village, this water is used for daily life and nourishes the Nakayama Senmaida—over 700 terraced rice fields. Rice grown with Yubune Water is said to be especially delicious.
Although Shodoshima is known for its low rainfall, the Yubune Water yields 400 tons per day, blessing the Nakayama area with good harvests every year. The terraced fields create a breathtaking rural landscape unique to Japan—whether in the vibrant green of early summer or the golden hues of autumn, the view is unforgettable.

5. Marukin Soy Sauce Museum

Alongside somen and olives, soy sauce is one of Shodoshima’s signature products—an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. The Marukin Soy Sauce Museum is housed in a former factory of Marukin Soy Sauce Co., Ltd., a long-established soy sauce manufacturer founded in 1907.
Visitors can learn about the history and production of soy sauce through exhibits, tour the pressing factory and brewing storehouse, and taste unique foods such as soft-serve ice cream flavored with raw soy sauce. The shop offers a wide variety of rare soy sauces and seasonings, perfect for souvenirs. The building itself, with over a century of history, is registered as a tangible cultural property.

6. Cape Branch School

Unlike the reconstructed sets of the Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village, the Cape Branch School is an actual school building once used on Shodoshima. Loved for about 70 years from 1902, the building still retains its original blackboards, desks, organ, and student works.
Located only about 700 meters from the movie village, it’s recommended to visit both. Learning about the story beforehand at the movie village will make exploring the branch school even more enjoyable.

◎ Summary

This time, we focused on sightseeing in Shodoshima Town, but other areas of the island are also full of famous spots such as Angel Road, Kose Ishi-zuchi Shrine, and Dobuchi Strait. With plenty of car and bicycle rentals available, you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Seto Inland Sea while exploring all corners of the island.