Angel Road in Shodoshima: A Dreamy Path with Stunning Seto Inland Sea Views

10 Days, 9 Nights Self-Drive Trip in Shikoku, Japan – A Must-Visit Stop in Shodoshima

A self-drive trip to Shikoku, Japan, wouldn’t be complete without visiting Shodoshima. In addition to the must-see Angel Road, the island is home to other famous attractions such as Olive Park and the Kankakei Ropeway.

Day 8: Journey to Shodoshima
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Toyoko Inn Takamatsu Hyogomachi, we left our unnecessary luggage at the hotel before heading to Takamatsu Port. Since we had a free round-trip ferry pass between Takamatsu and Shodoshima, we were all set for the trip.

The breakfast at Toyoko Inn Takamatsu Hyogomachi was as plentiful as ever. After eating, we walked to the port, pulling our small suitcases along. The sky was overcast with thick clouds, likely due to an approaching typhoon.

Ferry Ride to Shodoshima
Boarding the ferry, we noticed that there weren’t many passengers at first. However, as time passed, more and more people filled the seats. We soon realized that many travelers drove their cars onto the ferry rather than renting one on Shodoshima.

We stepped outside to take in the view of Takamatsu Port. The harbor was vast, with numerous ships coming and going. After about an hour-long ferry ride, we arrived at Shodoshima.

xploring Angel Road
Upon arrival, we walked to the car rental company, picked up our vehicle, and headed straight for Angel Road. We parked at Shodoshima International Hotel, where we were staying for the night, and checked in before setting off to explore.

The sky was still cloudy, but sunlight managed to pierce through, making the weather pleasantly warm rather than too hot. A gentle sea breeze swept over us, making the summer heat more bearable.

Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, we walked to the end of Angel Road. However, due to access restrictions, we couldn’t proceed further to Nakayori Island or Koyori Island. There were signs indicating that entry was prohibited, and another path was blocked by fallen branches, preventing us from going any further.

Yakusoku-no-Oka (Promise Hill) Observation Point
We turned back and headed toward the Yakusoku-no-Oka (Promise Hill) Observation Point, which was just a one-minute climb uphill. This spot featured numerous shell-shaped Ema (wooden plaques for wishes) and offered a fantastic view of the port.

urning around, we noticed many couples lining up for photos. It turned out that this was a designated Lover’s Sanctuary—a common theme among many scenic spots in Japan. If you’re visiting with your significant other, why not ring the bell for good luck?

From Yakusoku-no-Oka (Promise Hill) Observation Point, we enjoyed a stunning aerial view of Angel Road. This breathtaking sight is often featured in magazines, websites, and social media. If you’re visiting Shodoshima, you simply can’t miss this iconic scene!