How was your trip on the Island Tour Sightseeing Bus? Before the bus returns to Tonosho Port, we’ll introduce a few more spots for you to check out on Shodoshima.

[Angel Road]
There’s a natural occurrence called the “Tombolo phenomenon,” which is when the tide is low and a landbridge rises out of the water, connecting islands that are normally separated by the sea. The phantom road that appears three hours before and after low tide on Shodoshima is called Angel Road. They say that if you visit with your loved one and hold hands on the road, an angel will appear and make your wishes come true. This legend has made it a popular site with tourists. This bus passes Angel Road on the way back to the port, so please tell the bus guide if you’d like to get off there.

[Tsuchibuchi Strait]
The land of Shodoshima has a complex shape and is made up of several connected islands. In fact, when we first drove from Tonosho Port we crossed a bridge between two islands, but you probably didn’t even notice. That’s because the width of Tsuchibuchi Strait is only 9.93 meters at its narrowest point, earning it the Guinness World Record for the narrowest strait. In fact, the length of the strait is shorter than this bus, so you won’t notice unless you’re paying attention. But don’t worry, you’ll get another chance to spot it on our way back to Tonosho Port.

[Meiro no Machi]
Meiro no Machi, or “Maze Town,” is located right next to Tsuchibuchi Strait. From here, you can see the iconic three-storied pagoda of Saiko-ji Temple towering from a distance. But if you try to walk there, you might get lost in the maze-like townscape, hence the name. It was intentionally constructed this way to protect island residents from pirates as well as strong ocean winds. While getting lost in the streets you might come across the Yokai Art Museum. Meiro no Machi is full of supernatural creatures called “Yokai,” but what exactly are they? We challenge you to try walking around without a map and see where the roads take you.

[Hosho-in no Shinpaku]
Have you heard the story of when Emperor Ōjin visited Shodoshima? In fact, this bus takes a route similar to the one taken by the emperor. The Shinpaku Juniper Tree at Hosho-in Temple is said to have been planted by Emperor Ōjin during his visit over 1,600 years ago. Now, the tremendous tree and nationally recognized natural monument has a trunk circumference of about 16.9 meters and a height of over 20 meters. Hosho-in is on a pilgrimage route that visits 88 temples on Shodoshima, said to have been completed by the people in the Edo Period after Buddhist Monk Kūkai walked these mountains following ascetic practices. The journey is said to span about 150 kilometers and takes about six days on foot or three days by car.

[Noson Kabuki and Mushi Okuri]
On the way to Choshikei Monkey Park, you’ll find Hachiman Shrine, a nationally designated important cultural property with a Noson Kabuki stage on the premises. Noson Kabuki is a folk art that started about 300 years ago during the Edo Period and you can still see remnants of the time with graffiti engraved on the building pillars depicting rain plays. There’s another tradition symbolizing the beginning of summer called “Mushi Okuri.” The head monk chants sutras praying that pests will not harm the crops and a torch is lit with sunlight concentrated through a magnifying glass. Afterward, participants gather to light their torches from the original flame and walk through rice and vegetable field pathways, saying “Don’t come, insects” as they head towards the river to dip their torches in the water. We don’t know exactly why these traditions remain, but some people say it’s because television reception was poor in the area. Who knows?

[Stone Quarry Site]
For those planning to go around the island, we recommend an old stone quarrying site called Tengu Iwachoba. The stone from Shodoshima was used to build Osaka Castle and to renovate Edo Castle. It was highly valued because of its durable qualities. And through the troops who came to cut stone, soy sauce was introduced to the island. Afterward, take a drive around the north side of the island to see the stone quarrying. There are as many as 47 quarry sites on Shodoshima.

[Ferries and Taxis]
One last thing. There’s a manga by a local artist called “Teasing Master Takagi-san”, and it has been adapted into an anime and a movie. If you watch the film, you’ll be amazed to find many scenes pulled straight out of Shodoshima, including Angel Road, Tsuchibuchi Strait, and Meiro no Machi. Watching the scenes might make you feel nostalgic for your trip and eager to come back. Local ferries and taxis also advertise the anime, but you can find more details at the information center at Tonosho Port called Tonosho BASE.

The area has a special collaboration with Pokémon, particularly the pink Pokemon, Slowpoke. The town is filled with all things Slowpoke: there’s a Slowpoke Park, Slowpoke manhole covers around town, Slowpoke udon for sale -- truly a Pokemon paradise.

So, how was your tour? Well then, everyone, please take care and enjoy your journey. We look forward to seeing you again on Shodoshima, the island of peace and happiness.