Buddhist Prayer, Sake & Beer Tasting on Shodoshima (Shikoku)
Embark on a spiritual and gastronomic pilgrimage to Shodoshima, an island in the Shikoku region of the Seto Inland Sea: pray with monks, explore temples, and taste local sake, beer, and food!
Highlights
Dress in traditional prayer attire and attend several rituals, including a wood-burning prayer in a cave with Buddhist monks.
Taste sake and beer brewed on the island, and enjoy a lunch made using locally sourced ingredients.
Your guide will pick you up and drop you off at your preferred location on the island, and will take care of transportation between venues!
This experience is the perfect way to explore one of Japan’s hidden gems, with easy access from nearby Okayama, Teshima, or Takamatsu!
10 meals
Experience Details
Kagawa might be Japan’s smallest prefecture, but it has plenty of exciting things to do. Here you'll find the artsy island of Teshima, and a larger but lesser-known island, Shodoshima. Often dubbed the Mediterranean of Japan because of its turquoise sea views and budding olive production, Shodoshima, mountainous and lush, is also an ancient destination for pilgrims, as it is home to several temples, shrines, and other sacred sites.
This experience is a journey to the spiritual and gastronomic depths of Shodoshima. Your first stop will be a Buddhist temple, where you will change into prayer clothes and join monks in their ritual. See how monks live and strive to preserve their ancient traditions as you visit two other temples from the island’s 88 sacred sites and participate in a wood-burning prayer in a cave.
For lunch, your guide will take you to the island's sake brewery, where you will enjoy a tasty meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients and taste the local sake. You’ll finish the tour with yet another clinking of glasses at the only beer brewery in Shodoshima. Sit back and take in the views while sipping beer at this charming hub on a hill overviewing the coast.
You can easily reach Shodoshima by ferry from Okayama, Himeji, Takamatsu, Kobe, and Teshima. While it is possible to go on a day trip from these nearby destinations, it is worth spending a few days exploring Shodoshima in depth. When on the island, you cannot miss seeing the famous Angel Road. Located on the Southwest, this sand path to nearby islets only appears a few times a day (when the tides are low) and is one of the most romantic locations in the Seto Inland Sea — legend has it that couples who cross it hand in hand will have eternal love!
Inclusions
Guide fee
Pick-up and drop-off at your preferred location in Shodoshima
Transportation by car between each venue (except for between two of the temples, which are 10 minutes apart on foot)
Lunch prepared using local ingredients, sake and beer tastings (3 types of beer)
Rental of a hakui (white vest) and other items used for prayer
Exclusions
Additional food and drinks
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
The guide will pick you up at Tonosho Port, the hotel where you’re staying, or at another location on Shodoshima island. Please indicate your preferred pick-up location upon booking.
Remarks
There is a 10-minute walk between two of the temples, so please wear comfortable shoes.
Please note that the minimum drinking age in Japan is 20 years old.
Upon booking, please inform the host if you have any allergies.
This experience involves Buddhist and Shinto rituals, but anyone is welcome to participate regardless of their faith.
This experience will become canceled in case of heavy rain. In case of light rain, the experience will still take place, but the itinerary may change.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
In Kagawa, natural beauty and manmade arts and crafts coexist, with the Ritsurin Koen showcasing classic architecture and well-kept gardens, and Naoshima featuring sculptural works that work in harmony with the island.
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10 meals
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