Japan
Shodoshima
Olive groves and soy sauce breweries on a Mediterranean mirage in the Inland Sea.
The olives are a century old. Shodoshima in Japan's Kagawa Prefecture successfully cultivated olive trees in 1908 — the first in Japan — and the groves now produce award-winning oil that rivals Mediterranean producers. An island in the Seto Inland Sea that makes olive oil, soy sauce, and sesame oil should not work as a travel destination. It works precisely because it shouldn't.
Shodoshima's olive industry began as a government experiment and now produces olive oil that has won gold at international competitions. Soy sauce has been brewed in the island's wooden kura warehouses for over 400 years, and tours include tasting rooms where the difference between industrially and traditionally brewed soy sauce becomes immediately apparent. The Angel Road sandbar appears at low tide to connect the main island with a tiny uninhabited islet — a phenomenon that draws couples who believe crossing it together guarantees lasting love. The Kankakei Gorge, one of Japan's '100 Views,' is crossed by a ropeway offering views of 300 rock formations backed by autumn maples.
Couple
Crossing the Angel Road at low tide, tasting olive oil from century-old groves, and the Kankakei Gorge in autumn — Shodoshima is a romantic day designed by the tides.
Family
Olive picking, soy sauce factory tours, and the sandbar crossing keep children engaged while the island's food and scenery satisfy adults.
- Olive trees have grown here since 1908 — Japan's first successful cultivation, now producing award-winning oil.
- The Angel Road sandbar appears only at low tide, connecting the main island to a tiny uninhabited islet.
- Soy sauce production has operated in wooden kura warehouses here for 400 years — tours include tasting rooms.
- The Kankakei Gorge ropeway crosses a valley of 300 rock formations backed by autumn maples in November.
Somen noodles hand-stretched with sesame oil — Shodoshima makes the finest in Japan.
Olive beef — cattle fed on olive pulp — buttery, with a faintly herbal finish.
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