Shodoshima Island
Shodo Island, nestled in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, offers a picturesque cycling experience with its diverse landscapes and serene atmosphere. Known for its olive groves and dramatic coastlines, the island boasts routes that wind through terraced hills, peaceful fishing villages, and along pristine beaches. Cyclists can enjoy sweeping views of the sea, visit olive farms and soy sauce factories, and explore natural wonders like Kankakei Gorge. Shodo Island’s blend of cultural landmarks, local delicacies, and stunning vistas creates an ideal setting for both leisurely rides and more challenging cycling adventures.
Route
Short Loop
The main road loop around the island starting and ending at the Tonosho Port
Longer Loop
Extra Riding
Shiotani-hana Point
At it’s an out-and-back, it’s not part of the loop, but Okayama Prefecturial Route 249 runs 6km along the coast towards Shiotani-hana Point with many sections hugging the coast!
Kankakei National Park
The mountains in the middle of the mountain peak around 750m and there a few enjoyable climbs among them. For those who might want to skip part, there is a gondola that one can take their bike on for an additional Charge
Rental Bikes
There are many bicycles available for rent around Shodoshima. See here for a list.
Hello Cycling
“Hello Cycling” bicycles are available across the island makes hop on and hop off cycling easily. Hello Cycling bicycles are easily rented with the app of the same name (Map of Hello Cycling points on the island)
Things to do and see
Kankakei National Park
The mountains in the middle of the mountain peak around 750m and there a few enjoyable climbs among them. For those who might want to skip part, there is a gondola that one can take their bike on for an additional charge. If the bike is in a bag, a charge of 100yen, if it’s taken in as is the charge is the amount for an extra person. (Note that when things are busy, they may refuse to take bicycles). Website (Japanese only)
Chōshi valley Monkey Kingdom Natural Zoo
Shodoshima Island has a monkey park that is worth visiting. It’s on the descent from Kankakei valley
Nakayama Terraced Rice Fields
The Nakayama Rice paddies on Shodoshima Island are also worth a visit and are some of the more easily accessed terraced rice paddies in Japan located on the West side of the island (Google Location)
Angel Road
Angel Road on Shodoshima is a captivating destination for cyclists exploring Kagawa Prefecture. This unique 500-meter sandbar emerges twice daily during low tide, connecting the mainland to several small islands.
Located just 2km from the main port, Angel Road is very easy to get to.
Getting there and away
Shodoshima Island does not have a land connection so the only way to get there is by ferry and there are a variety of different ways to get to Shodoshima from both Honshu and Shikoku. As there are no direct ferries from Shikoku to Honshu in the area (and there are no ferries from Awajishima to Tokushima) going via Shodoshima can be a way to travel between Honshu and Shikoku without having to take one’s bike apart to take the train.
Shin-Okayama (Tonosho Port)
Takes about an hour from Shin-Okayama Port (be aware it’s a bit of a ride from Okayama Station). 8 ferries a day (schedule, Japanese only)
Uno (Tonosho Port)
Uno Port is very close to Uno train station which has good service from Okayama. Only 4 ferries a day (and 4 more passenger boats which may be able to take a bike in a Rinko Bag, check ahead) (Schedule, Japanese Only)
Takamatsu (Tonosho Port)
Takamatsu Port is also right next to Takamatsu train station and service is frequent with 15 ferries a day (schedule, Japanese only). If arriving to the area by train, it might be a longer train ride that to go via Uno but the train service to Takamatsu is very good, as is the ferry service so this is likely to be the easier option
Takamatsu (Ikeda Port)
There is also service to a second, Ikeda port from Takamatusu with 11 ferries a day (schedule, japanese only)
Himeji (Fukuda Port)
From the East side of the island, Fukuda Port, there are 7 days to Himeji (schedule, Japanese only). Himeji port is a ride from Himeji station, this can also be an easy way to get to Shodoshima from Osaka and Eastern Japan.
Kobe (Sakate Port)
Arriving at the Sakate Port on the south side of the island and generally only operating on weekends (there are some times of the year when it runs on weekdays as well) there is ferry service all the way from Kobe which can take bicycles which has 3 ferries a day (including one overhight option). Round trip is about 4000 yen. (details, Japanese only)
Kobe Port is right in the center of Kobe near Sannomiya so the Kobe side access is very easy!
