Shodoshima 3.5-Hour Walking Tour: Marukin Soy Sauce Museum and Sacred Sites

Join us on a captivating 3.5-hour town walking tour, where history and tradition blend seamlessly with nature's beauty. Our first stop is the Soy Village Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Museum, a historic factory transformed into a cultural haven. Here, you'll witness the rich history of soy sauce making in a remarkable gassho-style building, now a tangible cultural property. Dive into the intriguing process of soy sauce production and don't miss the chance to try our unique soy sauce soft-serve ice cream at the product center, where you can also find exclusive local products.

Our journey continues to the mystical Shodoshima Sacred Sites. At Dounzan (Sacred Site No. 1), be amazed by the natural phenomenon of the 'Summer Solstice Kannon,' a Kannon statue that magically appears on the rock face for about 50 days following the summer solstice, visible after 3 pm on clear days.

Then, we'll explore Go Ishiyama (Sacred Site No. 2), a revered mountain site known for its unique landscape resembling Go stones, blending white and black rocks. Here, amidst remnants of historical training grounds and a torii gate symbolizing the unity of Shinto and Buddhism, stands the protector Nakiri Fudo Myoo, ensuring maritime safety.

Tour Highlights

• Visit the Soy Village Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Museum

• Learn the history and process of soy sauce making

• Try unique soy sauce soft-serve ice cream

• See the 'Summer Solstice Kannon' at Shodoshima Sacred Site No. 1 Dounzan

• Explore Go Ishiyama, Shodoshima Sacred Site No. 2

• Discover the blend of Shinto and Buddhism at historical sites

What’s Covered

• Tour guide services

What’s Extra

• Food and drinks

• Souvenir purchases

• Transport to start point

• Extra activities outside tour

Tour Itinerary

Morning Meet-Up at Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Hall

• 9:00 AM: Our adventure begins at the Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Hall. Here, we gather and prepare for an enlightening tour. Discover the fascinating world of soy sauce making in this historic setting.

Journey to Shodoshima Sacred Sites

• 9:45 AM: We leave the Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Museum to explore further. The journey towards the sacred sites of Shodoshima brings us closer to the island's spiritual heritage.

Exploring Dounzan and Goishiyama

• 10:45 AM: We arrive at Shodoshima Sacred Site No. 1 Dounzan, followed by Sacred Site No. 2 Goishiyama. These sites offer a serene and mystical experience, connecting us with the island's ancient traditions and natural beauty.

Return to Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Museum

• 11:30 AM: Departing from Goishiyama, we head back towards our starting point.

• 12:30 PM: Our journey concludes at the Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Museum. Reflect on the morning's experiences as our memorable tour comes to an end.

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Group size is limited from 1 to 5 people

• Bookings are non-refundable

• Book at least 1 day in advance

• The total tour duration is 3.5 hours

• The tour difficulty level is easy

Tour Starting Point

• Meet us at the Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Museum, 1850 Naehako, Shodoshima. This iconic spot in Shodoshima marks the beginning of our cultural exploration.

• 1850 Naehako, Shodoshima-cho, Shodoshima-gun, Kagawa Prefecture, 761-4421 Shodoshima, JP

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any food or drinks included?

No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. However, you'll have the opportunity to purchase unique items, like soy sauce ice cream, at the museum.

What if it rains on the day of our tour?

The tour will go ahead in light rain, so please bring an umbrella or raincoat. In case of severe weather, we may reschedule or cancel the tour.

How much walking is involved in the tour?

The tour is easy and suitable for most fitness levels, involving about 3.5 hours of leisurely walking with breaks.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair on the tour?

The tour route is generally stroller and wheelchair friendly, but please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary accommodations.

What are the main highlights of the tour?

The tour's highlights include the Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Museum, the Shodoshima Sacred Sites, and the unique blend of cultural and natural sights.

Is photography allowed during the tour?

Absolutely! Photography is encouraged to capture the memories of your experience. However, please be respectful of any no-photography signs in certain areas.

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