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Shodoshima is a popular sightseeing destination known for its beautiful landscapes and attractions like Angel Road, the Olive Park, Kankakei Gorge, and the Dobuchi Strait.
As the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea after Awaji Island, traveling around the island naturally involves a fair amount of transportation time.
And since the island is only accessible by ferry, you may be wondering: Is it really possible to enjoy a trip to Shodoshima without a driver’s license, a rental car reservation, or confidence in driving?
This article documents a real one-day trip to Shodoshima using only public transportation to test just how much sightseeing is possible in a day.
If you’re planning a day trip to Shodoshima or wondering how far you can go using only public transport, how much time transportation takes, or how many places you can visit, this guide is for you.
Using only public transportation, we were able to visit six major sightseeing spots in about 7.5 hours on the island.
Despite limiting ourselves to buses and walking, we traveled efficiently and enjoyed a very fulfilling day trip.
Here is the chronological list of the route we took using only public transportation.
We used just the high-speed ferry and Olive Bus, yet managed to balance our itinerary well within the limited time.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:40 am | Departed Takamatsu Port (high - speed boat) |
| 8:14 am | Arrived at Tonosho Port, Shodoshima |
| 9:10 am | Kankakei Gorge |
| 12:28 pm | Shodoshima Olive Park |
| 2:15 pm | Dobuchi Strait |
| 2:20 pm | Maze Town |
| 2:35 pm | Angel Road |
| 3:30 pm | Shopping at Tonosho Port |
| 3:50 pm | Departed Shodoshima by high - speed boat |
| 4:25 pm | Returned to Takamatsu Port |
Even with limited time, we were able to efficiently tour the island’s main attractions using only buses.
Here is a breakdown of the travel data based on actual travel time and visited spots.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Spent on Shodoshima | Approx. 7 hours 36 minutes (8:14 am–3:50 pm) |
| Estimated Time at Sightseeing Spots | Approx. 4 hours 40 minutes |
| Time Spent Traveling (Bus/Walking) | Approx. 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Number of Spots Visited | 6 spots (Kankakei, Olive Park, Dobuchi Strait, Maze Town, Angel Road, Tonosho Port) |
| Number of Buses Used | 6 rides (4 routes + free shuttle) |
| Main Bus Routes | Sakate Line, South Loop Fukuda Line, Free Shuttle to Kankakei Ropeway |
| Approx. Distance by Bus | About 40 km |
| Transport Used | Ferry, high - speed boat, route bus, and walking only |
Even by the numbers, it’s clear how much can be done in a single day.
With a solid understanding of bus schedules and routes in advance, public transit alone can let you explore Shodoshima efficiently.
Even with transportation limitations, you can visit many of the island’s top attractions in just one day.
Here’s a breakdown of the total transportation cost for the trip.
Even using only public transit, we were able to enjoy a full day on Shodoshima for just over ¥6,000.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Takamatsu–Tonosho Port (high - speed boat round trip) | ¥2,660 (includes round - trip discount) |
| Olive Bus 1 - Day Pass | ¥1,600 |
| Kankakei Ropeway (round trip) | ¥2,340 |
| Total | ¥6,600 |
This cost includes paid attractions like the ropeway, yet still falls within a reasonable range.
Using free passes or round-trip discounts can make a day trip even more cost-effective.
*All prices are current as of August 2025. For the latest fares, check the Shodoshima Ferry Official Website or Kankakei Ropeway Official Website.
With a well-planned schedule and an understanding of the bus system, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the best of Shodoshima in a single day.
From here, we’ll take you step-by-step through the journey using only public transportation.
🕛 6:38 am
Our journey to Shodoshima begins early in the morning in Takamatsu City.
We took the Kotoden (Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad) Kotohira Line from Kawaramachi Station to Takamatsu-Chikkō Station.
It was a weekday morning, so the train had a few commuters and students. The peaceful atmosphere of the waking city set a gentle tone for the start of the trip.
🕛 6:43 am
Upon arriving at Takamatsu-Chikkō Station, we walked to the ferry terminal at Takamatsu Port.
Just a straight path from the station exit toward the port—no worries about getting lost. It’s about a 3-minute walk, making it very accessible.
Ahead, you’ll spot a brown building near the intersection—that’s the high-speed boat terminal. The crisp sea breeze in the port town gently nudges your adventure forward.
🕛 6:38 am
Just a few minutes’ walk from Takamatsu-Chikkō Station brings you to the high-speed boat terminal.
Shodoshima is served by both ferries and high-speed boats. We chose the faster high-speed boat to maximize time on the island.
For a detailed comparison between ferries and high-speed boats, including ticket info, check the article below.
🕛 7:40 am
We boarded the “Olive Marine” high-speed boat bound for Shodoshima.
Leaving Takamatsu Port behind, we began our breezy 35-minute sea journey.
🕛 8:14 am
We arrived at Tonosho Port, the main gateway to Shodoshima.
From here, we continued our journey using Olive Bus—the island’s main public transportation system.
Let the true Shodoshima adventure begin!
🕛 8:20 am
Our first destination was the popular scenic spot, Kankakei Gorge.
Famous for its autumn foliage, dramatic rock formations, and panoramic ropeway views, it’s a year-round attraction. We headed for the summit station, Kōuntei, using only public transport.
The first bus departs from the stop “Heiwa no Gunzō-mae,” located just steps from the port.
🕛 8:21 am
We took the Sakate Line (bound for Sakate East) to the Kusakabe Port stop.
This time of day, many local students were also on board, blending daily life with our journey.
The seats were relatively spacious, making for a comfortable ride.
The Sakate Line runs along the coast. Sit on the right-hand side for gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea.
The sight of a solitary bench against the ocean backdrop was especially memorable.
🕛 8:56 am
We arrived at the Kusakabe Port bus stop.
From here, we transferred to the bus heading to Kōuntei, the base station of the Kankakei Ropeway.
🕛 8:58 am
The Kōuntei-bound bus arrived.
The bus in the photo is from the Kankakei Express Line. Note that this line operates only about 10 days a year on a seasonal basis. Normally, this section is served by a free shuttle bus. More details are available in the article below.
The wooden-style interior added a nostalgic touch and heightened the sense of adventure.
The bus climbed steadily up into the mountains, passing by the “Uchiumi Dam.”
To photograph the dam clearly, choose a seat on the left side.
Even the journey to Kōuntei felt like a highlight in itself.
🕛 9:10 am
We arrived at the Kankakei Ropeway base station, Kōuntei.
This area offers breathtaking valley views in all seasons.
To learn more about Kankakei, explore these in-depth articles:
🕛 11:50 am
After enjoying the stunning views of Kankakei, we returned to Kōuntei Station via the ropeway and prepared to head toward Shodoshima Olive Park.
🕛 11:55 am
We boarded the bus bound for Kusakabe Port from Kōuntei.
The mountain scenery of Kankakei looked a bit different on the return trip, offering new views through the windows.
🕛 12:05 pm
We arrived back at the Kusakabe Port bus stop.
With a little time before the next bus, we relaxed and observed the quiet surroundings.
There’s a waiting area where you can take a comfortable break.
On the opposite side of the road, we spotted the stop for buses heading toward Tonosho Port.
🕛 12:17 pm
The bus on the South Loop Fukuda Line (bound for Tonosho Port) arrived.
We boarded and headed for the Olive Park Entrance.
This route runs along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, offering beautiful ocean views from the bus window.
Experiencing such natural beauty mid-journey is one of the unique pleasures of visiting Shodoshima.
🕛 12:20 pm
We arrived at the Olive Park Entrance bus stop, the closest stop to Shodoshima Olive Park.
🕛 12:28 pm
After a short uphill walk from the bus stop, we reached Shodoshima Olive Park.
The park features the filming set from the movie Kiki’s Delivery Service, a Greek-style windmill where you can pretend to fly on a broom, expansive olive groves, and restaurants offering olive-based dishes and sweets.
Time flies by as you take photos and stroll through the park.
If you want to dive deeper into enjoying this location, check out the following articles.
🕛 1:35 pm
After a relaxing time at the Olive Park and Olive Beach, we headed for our next stop, the Dobuchi Strait.
While waiting for the next bus, we looked up at the vast blue sky in awe.
🕛 1:40 pm
We boarded the South Loop Fukuda Line bound for Tonosho.
🕛 2:06 pm
We arrived at the Tonosho Honmachi bus stop.
Right near the bus stop is the Yokai Museum, just a one-minute walk away.
The streets in this area have a nostalgic feel and are pleasant to walk through.
🕛 2:15 pm
A 5-minute walk from Tonosho Honmachi brings you to Dobuchi Strait—one of Shodoshima’s iconic attractions.
This strait is certified by Guinness as the narrowest in the world and is a classic stop for Shodoshima visitors.
Learn more about the charm and fun ways to enjoy Dobuchi Strait in the article below.
🕛 2:20 pm
After visiting Dobuchi Strait, we walked toward Angel Road through an area known as “Maze Town.”
This area is famous for its labyrinth-like alleys, often featured in the anime Teasing Master Takagi-san.
As we walked, the narrow, twisting alleys really did make us feel like we were on a mini adventure.
Along the way, we passed an atmospheric alley leading to Saikōji Temple—also featured in the anime.
Eventually, the view opened up to reveal the sea once again.
Just ahead lies the entrance to Angel Road.
🕛 2:35 pm
We arrived at Angel Road.
The stunning sight of a sandy path that appears only at low tide stopped us in our tracks.
It was a moment so breathtaking that we stood there in silence.
For detailed info on Angel Road and the best times to walk it, check out these articles:
🕛 3:00 pm
Reluctantly leaving Angel Road’s beauty behind, we made our way back toward Tonosho Port.
Right next to the “Kokusai Hotel (Angel Road-mae)” bus stop is the famous “hishio” ramen shop.
If time allows, this is a great place to stop and enjoy the island’s signature ramen.
Behind the shop, this beautiful view greeted us—Angel Road, the blue sea, and the wide sky. It made us want to stay even longer.
🕛 3:19 pm
We boarded the bus back to Tonosho Port.
🕛 3:28 pm
We arrived at Tonosho Port!
If you’re taking the high-speed boat, get off at the “Heiwa no Gunzō-mae” bus stop.
If you’re taking the ferry, stay on one more stop and get off at the “Tonosho Port” terminal (final stop).
Make sure to check your return method in advance and choose the correct stop.
🕛 3:30 pm
To wrap up the trip, we visited the “Tonosho Port Tourist Center” next to the high-speed boat terminal.
It’s packed with Shodoshima-themed souvenirs—so much so, we couldn’t decide what to buy.
The space was more open than expected, offering everything from local gourmet snacks to olive skincare products.
There’s also a snack stand—perfect for a light break before heading home.
With some final moments of reflection, we made our way to the high-speed boat terminal bound for Takamatsu.
We picked up our high-speed boat tickets and waited for boarding.
Looking out over the port, we felt a deep sense of reluctance to leave.
At Tonosho Port, the “Gift of the Sun” monument stands as a symbol of the area.
🕛 3:45 pm
At last, the high-speed boat docked. It was time to board.
As the island slowly receded from view, I whispered quietly in my heart, “I’ll be back.”
🕛 4:25 pm
After about half a day, we returned safely to Takamatsu Port.
Unlike the excitement of departure, the return was filled with a touch of melancholy.
With just a 35-minute ride from Takamatsu by high-speed boat and a well-connected Olive Bus system on the island, you can easily tour Shodoshima without a car.
From scenic spots like Kankakei Gorge and Olive Park to the romantic Angel Road, we visited all the major attractions using only public transit.
Of course, you’ll need to check the bus schedules and plan ahead, but with proper preparation, even a one-day trip can be immensely rewarding. This guide to bus routes and schedules will come in handy:
Shodoshima, with its gentle atmosphere, is perfect for exploring by bus.
Whether you’re traveling solo or planning a weekend getaway with friends or family, this island offers a warm and beautiful escape.
