Voyage On Demand | Customisable holidays: Shodoshima

Shodoshima Japan

Shodoshima, a tranquil island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, blends Mediterranean charm with classic Japanese scenery. Known for its olive groves, terraced rice fields, and dramatic coastline, the island offers a slower pace that’s perfect for travelers looking to escape the bustle of Osaka, Kobe, or Okayama. Ferries connect Shodoshima to several mainland ports, and once you arrive, a network of buses and rental cars makes it easy to explore its winding coastal roads and hidden valleys. One of the island’s highlights is Kankakei Gorge, ranked among Japan’s most beautiful gorges. A ropeway glides over rugged cliffs and dense forest, offering panoramic views that are spectacular in autumn when the leaves turn vivid red and gold. At the top, short hiking trails lead to viewpoints where you can see the sea dotted with small islands. It’s an easy half-day trip that combines light adventure with truly memorable scenery. Shodoshima’s Mediterranean image comes from its thriving olive industry. The Olive Park, with its windmills, whitewashed buildings, and hillside groves, is both photogenic and educational. Visitors can sample local olive oil, soft-serve ice cream flavored with olives, and olive-infused cosmetics, or simply wander the grounds with views over the calm inland sea. Nearby, quiet beaches and small fishing ports show a more traditional side of island life, especially at sunset. Culture lovers will appreciate the island’s role in the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival that scatters installations and sculptures across Shodoshima and neighboring islands. Even outside festival years, many artworks remain on display, blending modern art with rural landscapes and abandoned schools or factories. Combined with local soy sauce breweries—some open for tours—temples, and rustic guesthouses, Shodoshima offers a rich, multifaceted experience that rewards those willing to slow down and explore.

Recommended airport

Kansai (KIX)

Nearby destinations

Shodoshima, Japan

Shodoshima Japan