Unveiling Shodoshima's KAWAZUZAKURA X MIMOSA
- MaiRie
- Mar 19, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 20, 2024
When you hear the words 'kawazuzakura and mimosa,' the first thing that might come to mind is the beautiful collaboration at Kuramae Shrine in Tokyo. I had the pleasure of seeing it during my trip in 2022, and the vibrant pink and golden-yellow colors left me in awe.
Today, I'll share a little-known Kawazuzakura destination that will surely give you a magical experience during the season in Japan's smallest prefecture, Kagawa. I searched in Japanese and English, but couldn't find any locations with a stunning combination of these flowers. It's possible that there are only two in Japan!
This blog post will provide information on planning your Shodoshima Island (Olive Island) trip in (mid-March) to see the Kawazuzakura and other exciting things to do around.
KAGAWA: A brief introduction
Kagawa, also known as "Sanuki," is the smallest of Japan's 47 prefectures on the Shikoku island in Japan's Inland Sea. It is a beautiful place filled with traditional villages, great nature, excellent sake, and quality udon noodles.s In fact, it is often referred to as "Udon-ken" or "Udon Prefecture" due to the high-quality flour and rich supply of iriko-dried sardines used to make the distinctive Kagawa udon broth. I've been living in Kagawa since I moved to Japan in 2009, and I'm excited to share this wonderful place with you.
Crossing to the Olive Island, Shodoshima
Facts about Shodoshima
Shodoshima is a beautiful island that offers a Mediterranean atmosphere. The island is known for its stunning coastal resorts and breathtaking mountain scenery, which may remind you of Greece. The climate of Shodoshima is perfect for growing olives, and it is considered the birthplace of olive cultivation in Japan. The island successfully managed to grow olives for the first time in 1908.
Getting there
From Kagawa (Takamatsu to Tonosho)
Shodoshima is an hour ferry ride from Takamatsu City. Multiple ferry companies operate, but you can ride a Yadon Pokemon Ferry to the island if you're lucky.
Inside, the ferry is full of Yadon (Slowpoke) faces and Pokemon decorations. It also offers various Yadon souvenirs and snacks, which you can enjoy on your journey to the island. I'm sure every Pokemon lover would love it!
There are ferries from Okayama, Himeji, Kobe, and Kobe to Shodoshima.
Going around
The most convenient means to get around Shodoshima is renting a car. I recommend booking ahead and coming as early as possible to maximize your visit to the island. We took the earliest ferry to rent a car around 8:30 am. You can also take the bus or rent a bicycle if preferred.
Exploring the island
Mimosa X Kawazuzakura
Takesan Noen Farm is a 30-minute drive from the port. It is one of the places where you can see Kawazuzakura and mimosa blooming together in Japan.
The short hike from the parking lot was a little bit steep. But once you reach the top, you'll be greeted by the beautiful sight of sweet pink cherry blossoms and yellow mimosa. This location is a great spot for photo enthusiasts looking to capture the stunning combination of these two flowers. It is also the perfect place to wander and see some olive trees.
Access:
car: 30min
bus: Tonosho - Yasudakami 1h (¥300)
Hishio no Sato
Hishio no Sato, or "soy sauce village", on Shodoshima Island has over 20 soy sauce and tsukudani manufacturers. Shodoshima has been making soy sauce since the late Edo and Meiji periods. Although the number of soy sauce factories has declined, you can still visit some of them for educational tours. At Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial, you can learn about the history of soy sauce production on the island.
Access:
From Takesan Nouen Farm:
5min by car from the park
no bus available
25min on foot
From Tonosho Port:
car: 30 min
bus: 50 min(¥300)
Regent in Olives
An egg or a penguin? This sculpture, created by Hisakazu Shimizu, is stands in front of the olive orchard. It was first installed here as part of the Setouchi Triennale Art Festival in 2013. The sculpture is black and white and shiny in the bright sunshine. Interestingly, the word for the pompadour hairstyle is "regent" in Japanese.
Access:
From Hishio no Sato
5min on foot
Olive Park
Visiting Shodoshima Island means experiencing stunning coastal resorts and breathtaking mountain scenery like you're in Greece. This spot has been a known destination for "Kiki's Delivery Service." People usually come to take photos with the Greek windmill while 'riding' a broom, just like Kiki.
Access
From Regent in Olives/ Hishio no Sato
car: 12min
bus: 30 min (¥250)
From Tonosho Port
by bus 30min (\300)
by car 25 min
Shodoshima is a place full of hidden gems and beauty that can be appreciated throughout the year. Just a few weeks after the Kawazuzakura season, the somei-yoshino cherry blossoms bloom around the island, providing visitors with many stunning places to explore. The island is also a great destination to visit during warmer temperatures, and in the fall, visitors are sure to fall in love with the island's magical colors.
Other things to see:
Angel road
Kankakei Ropeway
Kankakei National Park
Nakayama Terraced Rice fields
Comments