The Yakatazaki Sunset Hill, selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Sunsets, and The Time of the Beginning

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Shodoshima: A Blend of Natural Beauty and Art

Shodoshima is not only home to Nakayama Senmaida, one of Japan’s top 100 terraced rice fields, but also Yakatazaki Sunset Hill, selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Sunsets. On a small hillside nearby, you can find an art piece from the Setouchi Triennale 2022—“The Time of the Beginning” (SD43). Shodoshima truly offers more than just breathtaking landscapes; it is also filled with various art installations, making it impossible to explore everything in just one day.

o fully enjoy Shodoshima, it’s best to stay for at least three days and two nights. After admiring the beautiful Nakayama Senmaida, we drove to Yakatazaki Sunset Hill. Conveniently, there was a free parking lot on a sloped roadside across from the hill, ensuring a safe parking experience. Upon getting out of the car and crossing to the pedestrian area by the guardrail, we immediately spotted a sign reading “Yakatazaki Sunset Hill”, with the stunning sunset as its backdrop. Although an approaching typhoon covered the sky with dark clouds, the moments when sunlight pierced through them and reflected off the ocean were truly mesmerizing.

Beside the pedestrian path, there is a pavilion with tables and chairs, offering a perfect spot for families to sit, chat, and appreciate the scenery. Nearby, two large stones with inscriptions face the sea. If you climb up the slope behind the pavilion, where the parking lot is, you will even find a swing seat, an ideal spot to unwind. The cool temperatures in the evening made the place feel incredibly peaceful and relaxing.

Exploring “The Time of the Beginning” (SD43)

Not far from the sunset hill is the art installation SD43: “The Time of the Beginning”, created for the Setouchi Triennale 2022. To reach it, you need to walk up a small 2-minute trail, where we also noticed a camper van with travelers staying overnight.

From a distance, the installation looked like a large white egg. As we got closer, we realized just how massive it was—nearly 4 meters tall. According to the information board, this cracked ceramic egg represents “The Time of the Beginning”, symbolizing the cycle of life. The piece illustrates a plant sprouting from the egg, signifying birth, growth, and decay—a metaphor for the human journey from birth to death.

At that moment, I didn’t dwell on the deeper philosophical meanings; instead, my thoughts drifted to memories of my departed loved ones. With an approaching typhoon creating uncertainty in our journey, I felt a mix of emotions—although we followed our itinerary, unexpected events always arise without warning.

The artist, Shiko Miyake, has shared the creation process of this artwork on Instagram. Standing there by the sea, contemplating this piece, one can truly reflect on the value of life and the meaning of existence.