Tonosho: A Culturally Rich Shodoshima Town
Tonosho, Japan is a town in Kagawa best known in pop culture as the setting of the manga “Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san”. It is part of Shodoshima, a name which literally means “island of small beans”. As the first place in Japan to grow olives successfully, it is sometimes referred to as “Olive Island”.
Best Time to Visit
The perfect time to visit Tonosho is during the months of April through June, for the best weather. Peak tourist season is usually during the months of February, March, and July. Tourists are least likely to visit in October. Every August, the highly anticipated Shodoshima is held. It features a fancy dress contest, fireworks display, group dances, mini concerts, and many more.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Kankakei Gorge is one of the most sought-after attractions in the area. Boasting with the abundance of Japanese maple trees, it is a designated Place of Scenic Beauty. The 812-meter gorge is part of Setonaikai National Park. Another must-see attraction in the area is Teshima Art Museum, which features only 1 piece of artwork, the Matrix. It is a sculpture created by Rei Naito. The building is composed of freestanding concrete shell. Tourists should also visit Inujima Island, which literally means “dog island”. It is home to the famous Inujima Art Project, which features a copper refinery that closed down in 1919. A lot of Tonosho hotels provide exceptional accommodation services at affordable rates. Some of these are the 4-star Ohkido Hotel, the Shodoshima Grand Hotel Suimei and the charming Hotel Green Plaza Shodoshima.