Major city · Japan
Shodoshima小豆島
Give Shodoshima two nights with a rental car, or one long day from Takamatsu if you only want Kankakei and the Angel Road.
Shodoshima is the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, reached by ferry from Takamatsu, Uno, Shin-Okayama, Himeji or Kobe. Sights ring the coast and buses run a few times a day, so a car changes the trip completely. Olive groves, soy sauce breweries, the Kankakei gorge and the Twenty-Four Eyes film set are the anchors.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and typhoon season), Golden Week
- Airports
- TAK · OKJ
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Shodoshima110 ▾
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
- Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO, 24 h, English)050-3816-2787
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Shodoshima, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance · 050-3816-2787 Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO, 24 h, English) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTAK Takamatsu Airport (Bus to Takamatsu port, then ferry to Tonosho or Ikeda; about 2 h 30 min door to door).
- Getting aroundcheckOlive Bus routes cover the coast but some lines run only every 1–2 hours and stop early; check the timetable before you commit.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealSoy sauce ramen or udon¥800–1,300 (≈ US$6–9)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 5 km (3.1 mi)Taxi, 3.1 mi (5 km)¥2,000–2,800 (≈ US$14–19)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person¥3,400 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room¥16,000 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room¥32,000 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥7,000 (≈ US$50) · Mid ¥13,000 (≈ US$90) · High ¥25,000 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TAK Takamatsu Airport (Bus to Takamatsu port, then ferry to Tonosho or Ikeda; about 2 h 30 min door to door) · OKJ Okayama Airport (Bus to Okayama station, then train to Shin-Okayama port and ferry; about 3 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jun (11 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Shodoshima: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
5 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
7 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Olive Bus routes cover the coast but some lines run only every 1–2 hours and stop early; check the timetable before you commit. A rental car (book ahead, especially in spring and autumn) is the practical way to see four or five sights in a day. Bicycles are rented near the ports but the island is hilly.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Ferry from Tonosho or Ikeda, about 60 min
Ritsurin Garden and the udon shops; the easiest mainland base for the island.
Door to door: 2–3 h
Ferry via Takamatsu or Uno, then the Naoshima line
Art museums close on Mondays; a long day, better as its own stop.
Teshima
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Ferry from Tonosho or Ikeda, about 30–45 min
Smaller art island; check which ferries run on your date.
Kotohira
overnightDoor to door: 2 h 30 min
Ferry to Takamatsu, then JR to Kotohira
The 785-step shrine stair is a half day on its own; sleep in Kotohira.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Tonosho
Main port, Angel Road and the Dobuchi Strait; ferries to Takamatsu and Uno. Best for a car-free first night.
Ikeda
East-coast port for ferries from Himeji and Kobe; closest to Olive Park and the soy sauce quarter.
Kusakabe and Kankakei
Quiet coast under the gorge; the shortest morning run to the ropeway.
Sakate
North-coast port; start of the island's 88-temple pilgrimage route.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥7,000–11,000 (≈ US$50–75) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥11,000–18,000 (≈ US$75–130) excl. bed
- High
- ¥18,000 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × ¥16,000 | ¥32,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ¥13,000 | ¥52,000 |
| Ferry Takamatsu → Tonosho, one way2 × ¥690 | ¥1,380 |
| Rental car, one day, compact1 × ¥7,000 · fuel and insurance extra | ¥7,000 |
| Olive Bus one-day pass2 × ¥1,500 | ¥3,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ¥2,500 | ¥5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥10,040 |
| Trip total≈ ¥27,610 per person per day, bed included | ¥110,420≈ US$750 |
2026 estimate in yen; ferry fares and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Soy sauce ramen or udon | ¥800–1,300 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Olive oil soft cream | ¥400–600 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Kankakei ropeway, one way / return | ¥750 (≈ US$6) / ¥1,350 (≈ US$10) |
| Taxi, 5 km | ¥2,000–2,800 (≈ US$14–19) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bus frequency is the trip's main constraint: a missed last bus means a ¥3,000 (≈ US$25)+ taxi.
- Angel Road is only walkable around low tide; check the tide table for your date.
- Kankakei ropeway closes in strong wind; have a road or hike plan B.
- Few ATMs outside the ports: the convenience stores are the reliable ones.
- Ferries sell out on holiday weekends with cars; reserve the vehicle slot.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
- Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO, 24 h, English)
- 050-3816-2787
Pocket card
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Shodoshima小豆島
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ここまでお願いしますTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
- Japan Visitor Hotline (24 h, English)050-3816-2787
Embassy
No embassies on the island; most are in Tokyo, with consulates-general in Osaka and Kobe. US citizens: consulate-general in Osaka.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Takamatsu → Tonosho, ferry: about ¥690 (≈ US$5), 60 min
- Takamatsu → Tonosho, speedboat: about ¥1,170 (≈ US$8), 30 min
- Uno → Tonosho, ferry: about ¥1,230 (≈ US$9), 90 min
- Shin-Okayama → Tonosho, ferry: about ¥1,050 (≈ US$8), 70 min
Say or show
- すみません — Excuse me / Sorry (sumimasen)
- ありがとうございます — Thank you (arigatō gozaimasu)
- フェリーターミナルはどこですか？ — Where is the ferry terminal? (ferī tāminaru wa doko desu ka)
- いくらですか？ — How much is it? (ikura desu ka)
- カードで払えますか？ — Can I pay by card? (kādo de haraemasu ka)
- トイレはどこですか？ — Where is the toilet? (toire wa doko desu ka)
Ferry timetables change by season: confirm the last sailing back before you book a bed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Shodoshima. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and typhoon season), Golden Week · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry-to-bed contracts for all five ports with last-sailing checks and taxi fallbacks.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Tonosho and Angel Road, Ikeda and the soy sauce quarter, Kankakei and Kusakabe, Olive Park and the film set.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Kankakei ropeway, Marukin soy sauce museum, Twenty-Four Eyes film village, Choshikei monkey park) and eat pages with last orders.
- Tide and wind fixtures so the Angel Road and ropeway gates can go green.
Sources
- officialShodoshima Tourism Association
- officialShodoshima Olive Bus
- officialKankakei Ropeway
- secondaryWikivoyage: Shodoshima, revision 4970844 (CC BY-SA 4.0)