From Kagawa we crossed to Shodoshima by ferry from Takamatsu Port. Our destination was Tonosho Port, the island’s western gateway, and we drove our rental car straight onto the boat.
Driving on board
Once the car is parked, you just take the stairs up to the cabin or the deck. That day’s boat had the characters of Teasing Master Takagi-san painted on its walls.
How is this different from the ferry across Tokyo Bay?
I have taken the ferry from Yokosuka across to Chiba a few times. But the view from this ferry was something else.
What makes the difference?
The view from the Yokosuka–Chiba ferry is fairly rural too. Here, though, you see islands of every size covered in green, the occasional beautiful beach, and cliffs as well.
Everything together made a view that cleared my head. I forgot the noise of the city entirely, and felt the kind of excitement I had as a child.
So this is what the Seto Inland Sea is about, I thought.
Before you board
- Route: Takamatsu Port to Tonosho Port (operated by Shodoshima Ferry)
- Crossing time: about 60 minutes. 15 sailings a day in each direction
- Passenger fare (one way): adults ¥700, children ¥350
- Vehicle fare (one way, includes one passenger): under 4 m ¥5,030, under 5 m ¥6,330, under 6 m ¥7,120
- There is also a passenger-only high-speed boat, but if you are taking a car, you need the ferry
Fares and sailings were checked on the Shodoshima Ferry official website in September 2026. They may change, so please check the official timetable and fares before you travel.
📖 A companion guide from Private Wisdom
Going beyond the usual route? Off the Beaten Path in Japan — the islands, small towns and quiet corners most visitors never reach, and how to get to them, from a long-time local. Free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
▶ Read on Amazon (Kindle Unlimited)
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