Shodoshima Landscape Photo Contest

Of all the Setouchi islands, Shodoshima is the one with the most stunning scenery, or at least that’s what I think. It has mountain views, sea views, olive groves… In short, it has so many picturesque spots that old-school camera film gets used up in no time. Thank goodness for digital cameras! Indeed, thanks to technology and social media, photographers can’t seem to get enough of the island!

Actually, right now a photo contest is underway on Shodoshima that anyone can join. Some 24 spots across the island have been designated as places to be photographed during the contest period.

While most designated spots have signs like this one, some do not!

Participating is easy and there are extravagant prizes for the winners: Follow the official account of the contest organizer on Instagram, hashtag your photos of the designated spots and upload. As one has its own hashtag, so be sure to tag your photos correctly.

In this Setouchi Finder article, we visit some of the 24 spots: フォトスポット紹介記事一覧はこちら

The ones that don’t appear in the article are introduced below:

Shodoshima Landscape Photo Contest 24 Spots

Contest Period: 2016-07-16 〜 2017-03-31
http://www.visit-shodoshima.jp/

Emonnofudo

After you pass through a brightly colored gate, which resembles that of a Chinese temple, a great rocky hillside greets you. Emonnofudo lies nestled between giant boulders, and the deity Fudo Myoo sits patiently inside the cave.

Emonnofudo
Address: 2159 Kobe, Tonosho, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture
Tel: 0879-67-2874
Photo contest hashtag: #01emonnofudo

Geshi Kannon

Dounzan, Sakate, is the 1st fudasho (temple where amulets are collected) of the Shodoshima Kannon pilgrimage.

Thanks to a rare natural phenomenon that occasionally occurs around summer solstice, visitors may be able to see Kannon herself. At 3 o’clock on clear days, but only for a few minutes at a time, the sunlight hits a particular spot on the rock surface and Kannon appears!

This might be difficult to experience, but please come and try for yourself!

Dounzan

Address: Sakate, Shodoshima, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture
Photo contest hashtag: #10sunlightkannon

Goishizan

Goishizan is the 2nd fudasho of the Shodoshima Kannon pilgrimage.

From the top of the cliff, the deity Namikiri Fudo Myoo silently watches over the Seto Inland Sea and Shodoshima as a stone statue.

Goishizan
Address: Ko 1529 Noma, Shodoshima, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture
Hours: 8:00〜16:00
Tel: 0879-82-2181
Parking: Available

http://goishizan.com/
Photo contest hashtag: #11goishizan

Senmaida

Senmaida lies almost right in the middle of Shodoshima, and its beautiful terraced rice fields are in Japan’s top 100. Consisting of more than 1000 paddy fields both large and small, together they offer a variety of views depending on the season.

Senmaida
Address: Nakayama, Shogoshima, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture
Photo contest hashtag: #16senmaida

Nomura Kabuki

With a history of more than 300 years, the Nomura Kabuki began in the Edo period. This traditional art-form, which takes place in a thatched-roofed house, is one of Japan’s Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties.

Nomura Kabuki

Address: Kasuga Shrine, Nakayama, Shodoshima, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture
Photo contest hashtag: #19nosonkabuki

Hanasuwajima

Hanasuwajima lies out in the waters just off Kamano on the Mito Peninsula, and its sunrise is a true gem. The moment when the sun shows its face between the two tiny islands is truly moving.

Hanasuwajima
Address: Kamano, Shodoshima, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture
Photo contest hashtag: #20hanasuwajima

Yuhigaoka

Located in the north of Shodoshima, Yuhigaoka is a great spot to see a wonderful sunset. Watching the sun set between Setouchi islands is something that really takes your breath away.

Yuhigaoka

Address: Ko 63-1, Yakatazaki, Tonosho, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture
Photo contest hashtag: #23yuhigaoka

Shodoshima is filled with spots that awaken the cameraman in all of us! Come see for yourself, but don’t forget your camera!

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Daisuke Chiba