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Angel Road is a sand path that appears twice a day at low tide, linking Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture to the small island of Yoshima. It’s also known as the “Path of Angels,” and there’s a local belief that wishes come true if you cross it hand in hand with someone special.
This article is a first-hand field report from our visit to Angel Road. With plenty of photos, we hope it conveys the atmosphere of Angel Road itself and the surrounding spots.
For highlights, the best times to see it, and other practical details, see the guide below.
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Whether you arrive from the parking lot or the bus stop, you’ll head through the same entrance. Follow the signs and enter through the gate indicated by the arrow.
Once you pass through the corridor, Angel Road comes right into view. We had also visited at high tide earlier, and just a few hours later—where there had been nothing—there was a path!
Because the path emerges from the sea itself, the sense of openness is incredible.
Parts of the sand path are damp, so flat-soled sneakers or other comfortable shoes are recommended. Some sections are dry, others wet, and some are quite pebbly. Heels can twist your ankle—think of it like walking on a beach.
After walking Angel Road to Nakayojima, you’ll find countless wooden ema (wish plaques) fluttering in the breeze.
This airy scene with ema swaying in the wind is soothing just to watch.
Here’s the view from Nakayojima at the far end of Angel Road. The wind-swept ema are lovely, but the sweeping Seto Inland Sea panorama from here is just as refreshing.
Angel Road isn’t only about walking the sand path. On the Bentenjima side—the starting point of Angel Road—you’ll find the best viewpoint: the Yakusoku-no-Oka Observatory (Promise Hill).
As the name “hill” suggests, there’s a short climb, but it isn’t difficult and is well worth it. You’ll take stairs up to the top.
In about 3–4 minutes you’ll reach the summit, where the view suddenly opens up.
An even better view awaits just ahead.
We’ve arrived at the observatory, which also features a “Bell of Happiness.”
The open sky and sea here are truly beautiful.
From the observatory you can take in the entire length of Angel Road.
People walking along the sandbar look tiny from up here—proof that you’ve climbed quite high.
Many visitors leave satisfied after walking Angel Road and unintentionally skip this observatory.
Since the scenery is this wonderful, don’t forget to add Yakusoku-no-Oka to your Angel Road visit.
Appearing only twice a day, Angel Road is a scene that feels almost miraculous. The path slowly rises from beneath the water until, at last, it’s walkable—no matter how many times you see it, the moment is thrilling.
Crossing the sand path hand in hand, watching ema sway in the breeze, and gazing at the Seto Inland Sea from the Yakusoku-no-Oka Observatory—all of these combine to make Angel Road deeply moving.
Because it’s visible only at low tide, the experience feels even more special. Taking slow steps with the scent of the sea in the air is a simple luxury you don’t find in everyday life.
An unforgettable time awaits, where you can feel both the power and beauty of nature.
When you visit Shodoshima, be sure to include Angel Road on your itinerary.
For more highlights and detailed information about Angel Road, check out the guide below.
