Shōdoshima is an island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. The name literally means “small bean island”, which technically refers to the azuki bean but today could more fittingly refer to the soybean or olive as the island has traditionally been a producer of soy sauce and now is even better known for its olive plantations. It is the home of one of Japan’s most celebrated gorges, the Kankakei Gorge and also is famous as one of Japan’s three great Somen noodle producers. 
We were welcomed to Shōdoshima by an enthusiastic band of tiny drummers. One of the nice things about being a bit off the main tourist track is that the locals seem happy to see us and appreciate our interest.

SOMEN NOODLES

Somen noodles are very thin, delicate Japanese wheat flour noodles. They can be served hot or cold, usually plain, with a dipping sauce. We visited a small factory where noodles are made and had a tour where we learned just how much goes into making a deceptively simple noodle. After drying in the sun, long strands of noodles are separated manually ready for packaging, and we got to have a turn at the delicate separation process. Then we sat in the little attached cafe and were served a delicious bowl of noodles.

Soy Sauce Ice-Cream?

Yamaroku Brewery crafts its soy sauce using the traditional method of brewing in hundred-year-old wooden barrels. Unlike modern plastic vats, these wooden barrels create a living environment for the microorganisms – lactobacillus and yeast fungi – that drive fermentation. The barrel walls are a living ecosystem. We had a tasting of some different soy sauces, and then a bowl of ice-cream with soy sauce – it tasted better than we expected, but I don’t think we were converted.

Kankakei Ropeway

The Kankakei Ropeway claims to be the only ropeway in Japan that offers views of the sky, sea, and gorge simultaneously. We rode the ropeway through the stunning Kankakei Gorge, and we did enjoy the views of the gorge, the sea and the sky, and particularly the autumn colours in the tree-blanketed hills.

Luncheon is served

At the top of the ropeway is a shop and restaurant, and we were taken there for lunch. I’m not sure what we were expecting, especially since we’d been snacking on noodles and ice-cream already, but we certainly didn’t expect the amazing feast we were served! The soy-simmered broad beans may be an acquired taste, but everything else was amazing.

KANKAKEI GORGE

After lunch we certainly needed to move! We went for a short hike to explore the area, taking in the autumn colours, the sea views, and a few sculptures created for a triennial art festival held here.

Finally, we caught the ropeway back down to the bottom of the gorge, enjoying the views once again, and headed back to the Coral Geographer for dinner. Shōdoshima was one of two ports where we could not dock directly but used the Xplorer tenders to reach the shore. As we arrived back to the ship we asked if we could do a spin around, as we noticed the perfect light for some photos.