Family Adventure to the Artistic Wonders of Naoshima Island

A Day of Discovery on Shodoshima

Today, I traded the contemporary art of Naoshima for the natural beauty and culinary delights of Shodoshima. It was a day filled with stunning views, fragrant olive groves, and charming local experiences. Ana and Luka joined me, and we were all eager to explore another gem of the Seto Inland Sea. It’s amazing how much variety these islands offer, each with its own unique character.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Café Ippo. This guesthouse and café, run by a friendly couple, is near the Art House Project's Minamidera. The café has a traditional Japanese home vibe, and the limited menu included delicious coffee. I opted for the breakfast set, while Ana enjoyed a homemade cake. Luka, of course, went straight for the pastries. Fuelled up, we headed to Tonosho Port to catch the ferry to Shodoshima. I made sure to pack my camera and walking shoes, ready for a day of exploration.

Discover Café Ippo in Naoshima: A delightful fusion of authentic Japanese cuisine and warm hospitality awaits you in this charming café.

The ferry ride itself was a treat, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands. As we approached Tonosho Port, the Tonosho port Tourist centre stood out with its modern design. Our first stop was the Tonosho port Tourist centre. The Tourist Centre has local products and souvenirs, and a bus stop, which made it easy to start our island adventure. We grabbed some maps and brochures, eager to discover the best of Shodoshima.

Experience the essence of Shodoshima Island at Tonosho Port Tourist Centre, your gateway to local crafts, culinary delights, and stunning coastal views.

From the port, we hopped on a bus to the Kankakei Ropeway Kountei Station. The journey itself was scenic, winding through lush landscapes and offering glimpses of the coastline. As we ascended via the Kankakei Ropeway, the views became increasingly breathtaking. The Kankakei Gorge unfolded beneath us, revealing a panorama of verdant valleys, jagged cliffs, and the sparkling Seto Inland Sea. It was truly mesmerizing. The Kountei Station itself was a bit old but functional. We took some time to enjoy the view and capture some photos.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kagawa, Japan, with a scenic ride on the Kankakei Ropeway, where adventure meets stunning vistas.

Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need to gain a fresh perspective.

After soaking in the views from above, we descended and made our way to the Shodoshima Olive Garden. This was perhaps the place I was most excited to visit. As we approached, the landscape transformed into a Mediterranean-esque paradise, with rows of olive trees stretching across the hillsides. The air was filled with the fragrant scent of olives and herbs. The garden is divided into different areas, each offering a unique experience. We explored the olive groves, learning about the history of olive cultivation on the island. Luka was fascinated by the Greek windmill, which looked like something straight out of a storybook. Ana, with her love for all things botanical, was captivated by the herb gardens.

Experience the enchanting Shodoshima Olive Garden, where lush olive groves meet Mediterranean flavors in the heart of Kagawa, Japan.

We also participated in the olive oil blending experience, where we created our own unique blend of olive oil. It was fascinating to taste the different oils and discover their distinct flavors. Of course, we couldn't resist trying some olive-flavored soft serve ice cream. It was a surprisingly delightful treat, the creamy sweetness perfectly complementing the subtle olive notes.

For lunch, we stopped at Raumen Tsumu. This local ramen place is popular, and I was excited to try it. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere. I had a bowl of their signature ramen, while Ana opted for the vegan curry udon. Luka enjoyed a simple bowl of udon. The ramen was delicious, the broth rich and flavorful, and the noodles perfectly cooked. It was a comforting and satisfying meal, a perfect way to recharge after our morning adventures.

Discover the authentic taste of Japan with delicious ramen at Raumen Tsumu on Naoshima Island.

After lunch, we did a bit of shopping at Benesse House Museum Cafe. The Benesse House Museum Cafe provides a great view of the Seto Sea. I bought a book about the Benesse House Museum. Ana found some art-inspired souvenirs, while Luka picked out a few Naoshima-themed trinkets. We then had dinner at Issen. The Kaiseki menu was sublime. The beef set was tasty. The view was beautiful.

Discover the exquisite blend of art and cuisine at Benesse House Museum Cafe, Naoshima's artistic culinary haven.

Discover exquisite Japanese cuisine at Issen on Naoshima Island—where art meets culinary excellence in every bite.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Tonosho Port, catching the ferry back to Naoshima. The sky was ablaze with color, painting a breathtaking backdrop to our island adventure. Reflecting on the day, I realized how much Shodoshima had to offer. From the panoramic views of Kankakei Gorge to the fragrant olive groves and the delicious local cuisine, it was a day of discovery and delight. It's amazing how these islands, each with its unique character, can offer such diverse experiences.

Tomorrow, we’ll be exploring more of Naoshima’s artistic side, with visits to the Shihōzashi Sightseeing Tower, Walking Ark, and Ando Museum. I’m particularly excited about the Ando Museum, dedicated to the work of the renowned architect Tadao Ando. But for now, I’m content to savor the memories of today’s Shodoshima adventure, a perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights. It’s experiences like these that make travel so rewarding, offering a glimpse into the soul of a place and creating memories that will last a lifetime.