Last updated：
Located in central Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture, Dofuchi Strait is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s narrowest strait. You can cross it on foot. It’s a popular stop for travelers from Japan and abroad and also functions as a local thoroughfare.
This guide covers what the strait is, the best viewpoints, how to get a Crossing Certificate, and easy access information—everything you need for a smooth visit.
Dofuchi Strait is in Tonosho Town, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture. It runs between Shodoshima’s main island (Fuchizaki area) and Mae Island (Tonosho area) and stretches for about 2.5 km in total length.
Its narrowest point is 9.93 m wide. In 1996, it was certified by Guinness World Records as the “world’s narrowest strait.” Flowing right through the center of town, it serves not only visitors but also residents as part of daily life.
Visitors watch the tidal flow from the bridges and take photos with the strait in the background. Being able to cross in just a few steps is a quirky experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Address: 559-2 Ko, Tonosho-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa
A strait is a narrow body of seawater between two landmasses. Although Shodoshima looks like one island, it is actually formed by two landmasses.
On the island’s west side, the main island (Fuchizaki area) and Mae Island (Tonosho area) are separated by a slim waterway—that waterway is Dofuchi Strait. This is the spot recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s narrowest strait.
If you’re sightseeing at Dofuchi Strait, head straight to Eitaibashi Bridge. You can also view the strait from Furetopia Bridge and Olive Bridge, but the narrowest Guinness-certified point is at Eitaibashi.
At Eitaibashi you’ll also find multilingual signs and a marker that reads “World’s Narrowest Dofuchi Strait — Certified by Guinness,” making it obvious you’re at a world-record spot.
The classic shot is a straight-on photo from Eitaibashi. With the sign, the arch, and the water all in one frame, the essence of Dofuchi Strait comes across instantly.
Please remember that these bridges are everyday roads. Be considerate of vehicles and pedestrians while you enjoy the strait.
After you walk across, pick up a Crossing Certificate as a memento. It’s a 4-minute walk from Eitaibashi to Tonosho Town Hall, where it’s issued. (100 JPY per certificate)
On weekdays, go to the Commerce and Tourism Division on the 1st floor of the main building. On weekends and holidays, the night-duty room on the town-hall premises handles certificates.
From Tonosho Port, take the Shodoshima Olive Bus for about 5 minutes. Get off at Tonosho-Hommachi bus stop; Eitaibashi is about a 1-minute walk.
The Olive Bus has several routes, but if you’re boarding at Tonosho Port, the following routes always stop at Tonosho-Hommachi:
If you miss Tonosho-Hommachi, get off at the next stop, Olive Town-mae. It’s a 2-minute walk to Eitaibashi, so you can easily recover.
For timetables, see Timetables – Shodoshima Olive Bus.
For generations, Dofuchi Strait has been the natural waterway between Shodoshima’s main island and Mae Island, supporting everyday movement in the area.
One widely held view is that the name “Dofuchi” combines the first characters of “Do” from Tonosho and “Fuchi” from Fuchizaki.
The path to world-record status had twists and turns. An application was first filed in 1990, but it was rejected because proof from a national authority was required. After the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) marked it on official topographic maps, a new application succeeded, and in 1996 it was certified by Guinness World Records as “the world’s narrowest strait.”
Today, signboards stand near Eitaibashi, Crossing Certificates are issued at the town hall, and the strait has become one of the town’s signature attractions.
The area around Eitaibashi also serves as the starting point for the Seto Inland Sea Turtle Marathon held every November.
As the world’s narrowest strait, Dofuchi offers a unique walk-across experience at a free, open spot. Crossing in only a few steps makes a far stronger memory than just reading the number.
Start at Eitaibashi. Take a head-on photo, then stroll across. Follow the promenade along the strait toward Furetopia Bridge—that’s the typical walking range. Finally, stop by the town hall for your Crossing Certificate.
Since it’s close to Tonosho Port, Dofuchi Strait is a great first stop after you arrive on Shodoshima. By bus it’s about 5 minutes from the port.
Please be mindful that these bridges are part of daily traffic, and pair your visit with a relaxed stroll around town. Add Dofuchi Strait to your route.
