| Ticket type | E-ticket (direct entry) |
| Attraction type | Zoos |
| Tour types | None |
Kindly comply with the following COVID-19 protocols:
Business hours may vary from time to time. Kindly confirm the updated business hours and holidays before visiting
Children ages 6 and below can enter the zoo for free
Monday 08:20–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Tuesday 08:20–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Wednesday 08:20–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Thursday 08:20–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Friday 08:20–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Saturday 08:20–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Sunday 08:20–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Shodoshima Island is located in the eastern part of Japan's Seto Inland Sea and belongs to Kagawa Prefecture. It is the second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and is famous for its unique olive industry and artistic atmosphere. On a map, it lies between Honshu and Shikoku, and transportation relies mainly on ferries.
The main way to get to Shodoshima Island is by ferry. You can take a ferry from Okayama Prefecture (Shin-Okayama Port) or Hyogo Prefecture (Kobe Port) on Honshu, or from Kagawa Prefecture (Takamatsu Port) in the Shikoku region. Among these, ferries from Takamatsu Port are the most frequent, with a journey time of about one hour, offering diverse options.
On Shodoshima Island, there is a round-island sightseeing bus that goes to major attractions, but its service is somewhat limited. You might also consider renting an electric bicycle, which is suitable for exploring certain areas. Additionally, taxis are an option and can be more convenient for larger groups or for reaching specific destinations.
The best seasons for visiting Shodoshima Island are typically spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. You can enjoy flowers in spring and autumn foliage and art festivals in the fall. While winter (December-February) has colder temperatures, there are fewer tourists, making it ideal for leisurely exploration. You can still experience olive harvesting or enjoy winter-exclusive delicacies in some areas.
Shodoshima Island has many other attractions worth visiting. For instance, the Greek-style windmill at 'Olive Park' is a popular photo spot; in 'Soy Sauce Village,' you can learn about the history and production of soy sauce; 'Kankakei Gorge' is one of Japan's three great valleys where you can ride a cable car to admire the autumn leaves; and 'Angel Road' is a sandbar that only appears during low tide, exuding a romantic atmosphere.
It is recommended to allocate about 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit to the Monkey Park Iwatayama. This duration is sufficient for observing the monkeys' ecology, experiencing feeding interactions, and enjoying the magnificent surrounding views from the Sentokoh Peak Observatory. If you wish to delve deeper into the experience, you can adjust the time flexibly based on your personal preferences.
At the Monkey Park Iwatayama, visitors can observe the natural ecology of over 500 wild monkeys up close. The park offers opportunities for visitors to personally feed the monkeys, allowing you to directly experience their energy and intelligence. Through these interactions, you can gain a deeper understanding of their living habits and social structures, making it suitable for the whole family.
From the Sentokoh Peak Observatory above the Monkey Park Iwatayama, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. Here, you can overlook the azure sea of the Seto Inland Sea, the verdant mountains surrounding Shodoshima Island, and the distant island scenery. When the weather is clear, the magnificent vista of the sea and sky blending together is truly breathtaking and a perfect spot for photography.