{"id":75380,"date":"2021-01-29T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=75380"},"modified":"2021-02-02T08:55:44","modified_gmt":"2021-02-01T23:55:44","slug":"shikoku-shodoshima-setouchi-islands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/shikoku-shodoshima-setouchi-islands\/","title":{"rendered":"Shikoku\u2019s Shodoshima: Explore the Beauty and Culinary Quality of the Setouchi Islands"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Recently gaining popularity as an art-centric, culture-rich destination, Kagawa\u2019s Seto Islands are not short of attractions. The Setouchi Islands, or \u2018Seto Islands\u2019, refers to a collection of islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea between Shikoku and mainland Honshu. Home to pristine beaches<\/strong>, spirituality<\/a>, incredible food, <\/strong>and modern art attractions<\/a><\/strong>, hopping across the Seto islands is a great way to see a multi-faceted side of Shikoku. On my first visit to the area, I enjoyed exploring Shodoshima<\/strong>, but while the visit was brief, it was sweet and left me hungry to come back very soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Konpira San: A Shrine Climb Marathon Up Stone Steps to Kotohiragu Shrine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before I hopped on a ferry at Takamatsu port for Shodoshima island, I had to first stop at the spiritual centerpiece of Kagawa and the head shrine of a Japan-wide collection of Kotohira shrines and Konpira shrines dedicated to sailors and seafaring, Konpira san<\/strong> (also known as Kotohiragu shrine<\/strong>). It\u2019s said that the Kotohiragu shrine was settled here about 3,000 years ago, and ever since the Muromachi period, it\u2019s become an incredibly popular pilgrimage destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The hike up to Kotohiragu shrine is worth it to see the head shrine dedicated to sailors and seafaring. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Located in the middle of Mount Zozu overlooking Kotohira Town, visitors must make the arduous but worthwhile 785 stone <\/span>step climb to reach the head shrine<\/strong>. This journey will take most around 30 minutes to three-quarters of an hour, but once you get to the terrace, it\u2019s worth it for the views of Kotohira Town alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A 30-minute hike up Mount Zozu will give you spectacular views of Kotohira Town.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

For a little local tip, before, or maybe after as a treat, make your way to Kaohken<\/strong>, a cute bustling bistro-style diner <\/strong>that\u2019s locally famous for its stylish take on the yoshoku<\/em> (Western-influenced Japanese food) classic hamburger steak. It\u2019s a scenic destination for a leisurely lunch, facing out onto the Kanakura River. T<\/span>he menu features a roster of Japanese-western classics like curry and omurice <\/em>(Japanese omelet rice). But the star is the soft, succulent hamburger steaks \u2014 which for western folks, is a hamburger patty topped with sauce and vegetables \u2014 and it\u2019s the ultimate in comfort food craving satisfaction with a fun local twist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check out the large torii gate at Kotohira Town.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Shodoshima: The Olive Island With So Much to Offer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once I\u2019d clocked Konpira san, it was off to the busy Takamatsu port to take a casual cruise to Shodoshima (aka Shodoshima Island) for the night. A popular day trip spot from Kagawa Prefecture, Okayama Prefecture,<\/strong><\/span> and even Osaka<\/strong>, Shodoshima is the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and, according to legends, one of the first islands born to the gods in Japan\u2019s creation myth<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its Mediterranean appeal, excellent culinary options, and long-reaching spiritual significance, it\u2019s still a fascinating pocket of Shikoku, that while may be growing in popularity, still feels delightfully untouched by foreign tourism influence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shodoshima Island has a climate that’s perfect for<\/span> olive growing. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mito no Sato: Stylishly Classic Japanese Accommodation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

My home for the night was Mito no Sato<\/a>, a unique modern Japanese accommodation<\/strong> that balances stylish contemporary features with classic Japanese design. It\u2019s an old home turned modern guest-house<\/strong>, and a Mito no Sato is a \u2018farmhouse,\u2019 also called nouka minshuku<\/em> (farmer’s inn.) Still<\/span>, its hospitality, stylish design, and contemporary living features feel more like a ryokan-homestay hybrid than anything else. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stop for the night at traditional Japanese home-turned-modern guest house of Mito no Sato.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rather than one large facility, Mito no Sato\u2019s layout is like a network of buildings that house various slightly different Japanese style rooms, suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. Within the facility, there\u2019s also an on-site communal bath that can be used privately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was fast to learn that when it comes to culinary offerings, Mito no Sato truly shines. The hotel\u2019s kitchen offers classic Japanese style cuisine featuring plenty of delicious local produce from the Shodoshima area \u2014 think abundant spreads of fresh sashimi, crisp, delicious nori (seaweed). But the decedent olive-fed Yellowtail <\/span>and olive-fed pork was a real highlight, soft, deep, and rich in flavor; it\u2019s no question Shodoshima locals take their food seriously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n