Popular 半日・1日ツアー in 小豆島

Combining an art itinerary for Shodoshima and Teshima in a single day would be very rushed. It's recommended to focus on one island or plan for a two-day trip. If time is limited, focusing on Teshima allows you to concentrate on core art pieces like the Teshima Art Museum. Shodoshima, on the other hand, is characterized by its natural landscapes and scattered art installations. You'll need to carefully check ferry schedules between the islands and consider travel time. To fully experience the artistic atmosphere, dedicating two separate days for in-depth exploration would be a better choice, allowing you to enjoy the unique artistic charm of each island.

For a one-day trip to Shodoshima, we recommend planning a visit to 'Angel Road.' This is a romantic sand path that only appears during low tide, so be sure to check the daily tide times. Afterward, you can visit 'Shodoshima Olive Park' to experience the Mediterranean atmosphere and sample olive oil products. If you're interested in literature and film, don't miss '24 Eyes Movie Village' for a nostalgic experience. Additionally, the magnificent 'Kankakei Gorge' is a must-see; taking the cable car offers panoramic views of the gorge. These spots will allow you to fully appreciate the diverse charm of Shodoshima within a single day.

The choice between Shodoshima and Naoshima depends on your preferences. Naoshima is renowned for its concentrated modern art, such as Yayoi Kusama's pumpkins and the Benesse House Museum, and its internal transportation is relatively convenient, making it ideal for travelers who love pure contemporary art for an in-depth one-day experience. Shodoshima, however, boasts rich natural landscapes, traditional culture, and art pieces scattered throughout the island, like the olive groves, soy sauce villages, and Angel Road. It's suitable for travelers who enjoy a blend of natural scenery, cultural experiences, and art exploration, but transportation time between locations on the island can be longer.

Shodoshima offers charm in all four seasons, but the most suitable times for a half-day or full-day trip are spring (approximately March-May) and autumn (approximately September-November). Spring boasts pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying flowers. Autumn offers cool temperatures, with the autumn foliage in Kankakei Gorge being particularly famous, allowing you to explore to your heart's content in comfortable weather. While summer is suitable for water activities, the weather can be quite hot. Winter is relatively quiet, and some facilities may be closed, so be mindful of warmth and transportation schedules.

There are numerous ferry routes to Shodoshima, mainly departing from Takamatsu, Okayama, and Himeji. Ferries from Takamatsu Port are the most frequent, offering both high-speed and regular ferry options. High-speed ferries take about 35 minutes, while regular ferries take about an hour. Passengers on regular ferries usually do not need to reserve in advance and can purchase tickets on-site. However, if you plan to bring a vehicle on board, it is recommended to check schedules and book in advance on the respective ferry company's official website, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure a smooth journey.

If you only have half a day, it's recommended to focus on one key area for an in-depth experience. For instance, if you arrive at Tonosho Port, you could focus on 'Angel Road' and the surrounding shopping streets, enjoy the romantic atmosphere, and savor local delicacies. Alternatively, if you choose to go near Sakate Port, you can visit '24 Eyes Movie Village' to relive movie scenes and also explore the Soy Sauce Village to learn about traditional soy sauce brewing culture. Concentrating on one to two attractions will make your half-day trip more fulfilling and less rushed.

Angel Road is located in Tonosho Town, Shodoshima, near Tonosho Port. You can take a local bus from Tonosho Port for about 10 minutes, or opt for renting a bicycle or motorcycle, as transportation is quite convenient. Angel Road only emerges during low tide, so mastering the tide times is crucial. You can check the daily tide forecasts for Shodoshima at local tourist information centers or online. It is recommended to visit about two hours before or after low tide to personally walk this sand path connecting the islands.

Self-driving on Shodoshima is an excellent way to explore the island and offers more flexibility in your itinerary. You can rent a car near Takamatsu or at Tonosho Port on Shodoshima. Make sure to have your international driving permit ready before your trip. Some roads on the island are quite narrow, so drive carefully. Parking spaces might be limited at popular attractions, so arriving early is advised. Driving yourself allows easy access to spots less accessible by public transport, such as Kankakei Gorge, the deeper parts of the Olive Park, or scattered art installations, maximizing your travel experience.

For a half-day trip to Shodoshima to experience local specialties, it is recommended to plan around an 'olive theme' or 'soy sauce culture.' For the olive theme, visit 'Shodoshima Olive Park' to enjoy the Greek atmosphere, taste olive oil products, and buy souvenirs. For soy sauce culture, explore the 'Marukin Soy Sauce Museum' and the 'Soy Sauce Village' to learn about traditional soy sauce brewing history and craftsmanship, and try unique soy sauce ice cream. Choosing one theme and delving into its cultural essence will make your half-day trip full of local flavor.

Shodoshima is famous for its abundant olive products and is a great place to buy local specialties and souvenirs. The most recommended are, of course, 'Shodoshima olive oil' in various grades, suitable for both culinary and beauty purposes. Additionally, 'olive tea' made from olive leaves and 'olive beauty and skincare products' (such as hand cream, soap) rich in olive essence are also very popular. You can also find unique 'olive snacks' (like olive cookies, olive ice cream) and 'olive jam.' These are all highly characteristic local souvenir options, perfect for sharing with friends and family.