Shodoshima Pilgrimage Highlights Journey 4 Days

Recommended Program

Mountain Pilgrimage Route ❷ Site No.41 Busshokokuzan, Site No.42 Nishi-no-taki (600m, 15 minutes walking)

Alongside Mountain Pilgrimage Route ❶, the pilgrimage path connecting Busshokokuzan and Nishi-no-taki offers easy walking whilst conveying the atmosphere of mountain sacred sites. Both feature halls within rock caves on mountainsides, allowing you to witness the mystical sacred site appearance where countless monks undertook training. Nishi-no-taki, positioned on elevated ground, is also renowned as a scenic spot offering distant views to Shikoku.

Village Pilgrimage Route ❶ Site No.7 Kouan, Site No.8 Jokoji (1km, 20 minutes walking)

Village Pilgrimage Route ❶ guides you to sacred sites in the Noba district village at the foot of Goishiyama. A characteristic of Shodoshima’s temple sites is that alongside sacred sites used as training grounds, hermitages (iori) where people gathered are also registered as pilgrimage sites. Site No.7 Kouan represents such a humble gathering place for local people. From here, we explore the Noba district’s continuing alleyways. Walking the main street from Jokoji leads to Shoyu-no-sato, where soy sauce breweries line the way. We also enjoy the atmospheric townscape of continuing warehouses.

Village Pilgrimage Route ❷ Site No.44 Yufuneyama, Nakayama Stage (1.5km, approximately 30 minutes)

The mountainous Nakayama district in central Shodoshima preserves the island’s original landscape. Here, terraced rice field agricultural scenery remains. We slowly descend the path along terraced fields continuing from Site No.44 Yufuneyama towards Nakayama district centre. At the district’s heart stands a stage for Shodoshima’s traditional performing art, rural kabuki, serving as a community gathering place. We also visit this rural stage, which completed renovation work in 2024.

Coastal Pilgrimage Route Site No.53 Hongakuji, Site No.60 Edokutsu

Whilst Shodoshima features many mountain sacred sites, several coastal sacred sites reflect the island character. Site No.53 Hongakuji is visible from Tonosho port, Shodoshima’s gateway, where an Ashoka pillar—erected at Buddhist sacred sites throughout India—catches the eye. Site No.60 Edokutsu represents a true seaside sacred site. The statue of Kobo Daishi walking along the shore creates a striking impression. We also pay respects at Saikoji in Tonosho town, which manages Edokutsu and several other coastal sacred sites. We include exploration of the surrounding maze-like town.

Visiting Kankakei—One of Japan’s Three Great Scenic Gorges—and Olive Park

Alongside pilgrimage touring, we visit Shodoshima’s tourist attractions. Kankakei unfolds as a great gorge extending from sea level to 800 metres elevation. Standing atop reveals breathtaking vistas of Shodoshima’s dramatic topography and the Seto Inland Sea’s beauty that draw you in. Additionally, Olive Park in the island’s central area, known as a film location, represents a popular spot visited by many tourists.

3 Consecutive Nights at “Olivean Shodoshima Yuhigaoka Hotel”—Enjoying Shodoshima’s Rich Cuisine and Nature

“Olivean Shodoshima Yuhigaoka Hotel” is positioned atop hills overlooking the Seto Inland Sea in northern Shodoshima. True to its name, the sunset views over the Seto Inland Sea boast unparalleled beauty. For this tour, we have arranged sunset-side rooms with balconies overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Dinner features cuisine abundantly utilising Shodoshima ingredients, prepared by Takahashi Tetsujiro, former head chef at Hotel Okura Tokyo’s “Nouvelle Époque.” You will enjoy both Japanese and French cuisine with delightful variation. The hotel also houses “Shodoshima Onsen Olivean-no-yu,” featuring spacious indoor baths and open-air baths that receive excellent reviews. (Depending on reservation availability at the time of enquiry, alternative hotel arrangements may be necessary)