Shodoshima (Angel Road)
Also written: 小豆島（エンジェルロード） · 小豆岛（天使之路）
A popular island known for Angel Road, a sandbar that appears only at low tide, and the Mediterranean-like scenery of Shodoshima Olive Park.
An Illustrated Japan / Kagawa / Townscape & Scenery
About this place
Angel Road on Shodoshima Island in Tonosho Town, Shodoshima County, Kagawa Prefecture, is a 500 meter sandbar composed of shelly sand connecting Benten Island to Yo-jima and Naka-Yo-shima and Ko-Yo-shima islets that appears from Seto Inland Sea only at low tide, roughly twice daily for about three hours before and after low water depending on lunar cycle. Known as Angel's Walk Tenshi no Sanpomichi, legend says couples who cross hand in hand while making a wish will have love fulfilled, making it certified Lover's Sanctuary recognized by NPO. At trailhead Nakayo Island houses Yakusoku no Oka Observatory observation hill where couples ring Bell of Happiness with Angel Road as backdrop, buy ema votive and tie shells to wish tree. Access is ten minutes by bus from Tonosho Port with parking for 25 regular cars first lot paid 300 yen up to 30 minutes and second lot free, and tide appearance timetable published online and at tourist information. The site doubled as locations for films Boku to Mama no Kimiiro Jitensha and Setouchi Kaizoku Story, while nearby Angel Road Park rest stop sells olive soft cream. Beyond sandbar, Shodoshima averages 16 degrees Celsius annually, serving as Japan's northern limit for olive cultivation since trial planting succeeded in 1908 by Ministry of Agriculture. Today about 2,000 olive trees grow in Shodoshima Olive Park Greek windmill area alongside soy sauce breweries with 400 year history, Kankakei Gorge ropeway claiming one of Japan's three most beautiful gorges, and Nijyushi no Hitomi movie village, which together form day-trip circuits for island hopping anchored by Angel Road's tidal miracle and sunset views. Tidal range of Angel Road is dictated by lunar phases, biggest drawdown during spring tides around new and full moons producing longest exposed sand. Yakusoku no Oka Bell of Happiness at Nakayoshima is said to grant lasting happiness when rung together as couple, serving also as love padlock spot where padlocks engraved with names are latched to fences. Shodoshima Olive Park offers olive wreath making and herb picking experiences, while many tourists eat olive soft cream waiting sunset on Angel Road. At low tide tiny crabs and shells appear, children collect them while adults photograph mirrored sand. Off season visitor numbers drop allowing serene walk. Nearby olive oil factory tasting flights compare early and late harvests. Tidal range of Angel Road is dictated by lunar phases, biggest drawdown during spring tides around new and full moons producing longest exposed sand. Yakusoku no Oka Bell of Happiness at Nakayoshima is said to grant lasting happiness when rung together as couple, serving also as love padlock spot where padlocks engraved with names are latched to fences. Shodoshima Olive Park offers olive wreath making and herb picking experiences, while many tourists eat olive soft cream waiting sunset on Angel Road. At low tide tiny crabs and shells appear, children collect them while adults photograph mirrored sand. Off season visitor numbers drop allowing serene walk. Nearby olive oil factory tasting flights compare early and late harvests.
