The Best Attractions In Tadotsu-cho

Shorinji Kempo 70 Years. Trailer by Empty MInd Films

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Shorinji Kempo, we travel from the small Japanese fishing town of Tadotsu, where the founder, Doshin So established the headquarters, to present day Northern California for a World Taikai and international study session lasting almost one week.
The theme of the World Taikai is “Be the Bridge and make the world better, one person at a time”. The seminars are guided by many of Shorinji Kempo’s top instructors, including Kawashima sensei and Arai sensei. Compressing so much learning in a few days may be overwhelming for some younger students but for everyone attending this once in a lifetime event, it is an exhilarating experience to be taught by the very best.

Lasting 60 minutes in length, Shorinji Kempo 70 Years is scheduled for release on July 1st 2018. More information and movies at

Japan Trip: People and Cats living in Harmony on Takamijima Island, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku

Japan Trip: People and Cats living in Harmony on Takamijima Island, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku
【★041★Kagawa Takamijima Island】
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Takamijima Island, a part of Shiwaku Island Chain in the Seto Inland Sea, is a small beautiful island with deep historic roots. The name Takamijima literally translates to “high view island.” This may be explained by Mount Ryouzan which lies in the center of the island.

Visitors may wish to visit the southern part of the island where the Hama District is. Here is the Takami Hachiman Shrine. Visitors will find a unique graveyard here as well. The graves on this island have a dual burial system. There is one grave which holds the remains of the deceased. The other grave is for family members to visit and pay their respects to the deceased.

On the north end of the island was the Itamochi District. However, due to the depopulation crisis affecting rural areas of Japan, no one lives in the Itamochi District anymore. Most of the island residents, less than 100 people, live primarily in the small fishing village located on southeastern shore. Visitors will find homes and fish factories north of the port with many friendly cats prowling nearby hoping for a sample or scrap.

Visitors wandering through the Ura District located 50 meters into the mountains will encounter the maze of narrow stone walled alleys reflecting a time when foot traffic was all a village encountered. The homes built during the Edo period are preserved here as well. This traditional island scenery has earned this area a few appearances on the big screen. However, most of the homes do not any people living there, making this district a ghost town as well.

Being one of the venues of the Setouchi Triennale, a modern art festival with multiple locations among the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Takamijima is working hard to revive its population and economy. Hoping to rebrand itself as a home to contemporary art, two of the art pieces from the festivals have a permanent home on the island. It is unfortunate, however, that the public viewing of the pieces is rare.

Access Information:
1. Access to Tadotsu Station (nearest train station to Takamijima)
*from Marugame Station—Board the local JR train to Tadotsu Station. The one way journey is 5 minutes with a cost of 210 yen.
**from Takamatsu Station—Board the local or limited express JR train to Tadotsu Station. The one way journey is 30-55 minutes with a cost of 660 to 1930 yen.
**from Okayama Station—Board the local or limited express JR train to Tadotsu Station. The one way journey is 45-60 minutes with a cost of 1110 to 2810 yen.
2. From Tadotsu Train Station to Tadotsu Port
**By foot—15-20 walk
**Taxi—Short Taxi Ride
3. Tadotsu Port to Takamijima
By Ferry—There are 4 ferries daily to the Takamijima. The one way journey will take 25 minutes with a cost of 480 yen.