Shodoshima International Hotel
小豆島国際ホテル
A relaxed base on Shodoshima, right opposite Angel Road.
Shodoshima
Shodoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, known for its olive groves, shoyu breweries and the tidal sandbar Angel Road. It makes a good base for island hopping — Teshima, one of the Seto Inland Sea art islands, is the closest neighbour. Between the hiking, coastline, food culture and day trips, there's easily a week's worth of things to do if you want to take it slowly.
Location and access
The Shodoshima International Hotel is a large property that frequently hosts bus tour groups, but it delivers a genuinely pleasant stay. It sits directly opposite Angel Road, the famous tidal sandbar that connects the mainland to three smaller islands and appears only at low tide — rooms on the upper floors of the west wing face it directly, with unobstructed sea views.
The hotel is within walking distance of a handful of small eateries, a ramen shop and a large supermarket. A free shuttle bus runs to and from Tonosho Port, driven by a notably friendly driver. Service throughout is attentive and warm.
Complimentary coffee and tea are available in the lobby all day. In the evening, leftover rice is shaped into onigiri for guests to take, and free popsicles are handed out after the onsen.
Onsen
The women's onsen has a beautiful view over Angel Road and the sea. It's worth going early — before 17:00 — as the water gets less fresh as the evening goes on. The men's onsen doesn't have a view.
Room
Our standard Japanese-Western twin room felt like a proper holiday from the moment we arrived. No terrace, but large windows with a clear view of Angel Road and the sea. The room had a small Japanese seating area and everything we needed. The beds were comfortable and we slept well.
Breakfast
The breakfast buffet is generous and worth waking up for. It's Japanese-style, with curry, tofu, fish, fruit and vegetables prepared several ways. Chefs make onigiri to order with your choice of filling, mostly nori or dried fish.
Good to know
- Activities
In the 3 nights we spent there we hiked the Kankakei Gorge, went on a day trip to Teshima, took a walk from the hotel to the Mt. Takami Observation Deck (高見山展望台) — a former castle site with excellent views
- Getting there
Free shuttle bus to and from Tonosho Port. Through the island there are different frequent Olive bus routes.
- Stay
We paid ¥23,000 for two people including breakfast. Book through the hotel's own website and register as a member for a 5% discount. Request a twin room with Angel Road view on a high floor — the west wing is quieter, as bus tours tend to stay in the Japanese-style rooms.
- Onsen
The women's onsen has sea and Angel Road views and is well worth using. The men's onsen has no view — if you want a proper onsen experience with outdoor baths and a sauna, the nearby Olive Onsen Manten no Yu public bath is a good alternative.
- Location
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Shodoshima Open in maps
- Details
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