Buddhist Prayer, Sake & Beer Tasting on Shodoshima (Shikoku)

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!