Shōdo Island

Overview

Shōdo Island lies in the Inland Sea of Japan, in the Harima-nada. Administratively it belongs to Shozu District in Kagawa Prefecture and comprises the two towns of Tonoshō and Shōdoshima, covering roughly 153 square kilometers. It is a noted production center for somen noodles, soy sauce, tsukudani, sesame oil, and olives, all of which rank among Japan's leading producers.

Highlights

• ●Known as the first place in Japan to grow olives
• ●A varied local craft of somen, soy sauce, tsukudani, and sesame oil
• ●The setting of the novel Twenty-Four Eyes
• ●The mild island environment of the Inland Sea

History

In ancient times the island was called "Azukishima," and through the medieval period it was known as "Shōzushima." It falls within Shozu District of Kagawa Prefecture and today consists of the two towns of Tonoshō and Shōdoshima. On 24 June 2013, together with the neighboring Okinoshima, it was designated under the Remote Islands Development Act by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Map

34.5136, 134.2856 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive by ferry and take in the harbor surroundings
2. 2Tour the island scenery closely tied to olive cultivation
3. 3Walk the local area where somen and soy sauce production endures
4. 4Sense the atmosphere of the land that inspired Twenty-Four Eyes

Did you know?

💡 The name Shōdoshima is said to mean "Island of Small Beans."

Nearby spots