Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village is a themed facility centered around a film set and museum in Tonosho Town, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture. It was created to commemorate Tsuboi Sakae's novel "Twenty-Four Eyes" and the film based on it (particularly the 1954 version directed by Kinoshita Keisuke). Exhibits include the "Cape Branch School" used in the film, a set that recreates the townscape of the time, filming props, photo panels, and video materials, allowing you to nostalgically experience the rural life and educational scenes of the early Showa period.
Its distinctive features include the ability to take photos freely on a life-size set, reproductions of old classrooms and houses, a movie screening corner, a souvenir shop and cafe space, etc. Another major attraction is the nostalgic atmosphere you can enjoy against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea's lush nature and the olive trees and seascape typical of Shodoshima.
Highlights
- Cape Branch School (Reproduced Classroom) - A classroom set that has been preserved to recreate the atmosphere of a classroom. You can get a close-up look at the school scenery of the time, including blackboards, desks, chairs, and textbooks.
- The townscape and residential buildings of the time - The houses and shops that recreate scenes from the film are lined up, and there are many photo spots.
- Museum and Exhibition Room — Film posters, stills, costumes, props, and materials related to the film are on display, allowing you to learn about the background to the production and the history of the film.
- Video Corner - Screenings of the main film, digests, making-of footage, etc. (Please check the schedule and screening times.)
- Experiences/Photo Services - There may be services that allow you to dress up in Showa-era clothing and props and take photos (fees apply/please check in advance).
- Souvenirs and Cafe — You can purchase original goods from the movie village and Shodoshima specialties (olive products, somen noodles, etc.), and take a break with a light meal or coffee.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village is located on Shodoshima Island, so you will first need to take a ferry to Shodoshima from either Honshu or Shikoku. Below is an example of a typical access route.
- Main routes
- Takamatsu Port (Kagawa Prefecture) → Tonosho Port (Shodoshima): Ferry/high-speed boat available. Journey times vary depending on the ferry and type, so please check the operating company's timetable in advance.
- Okayama (Uno/Hinase) → Ferry to Shodoshima: Departure and arrival ports vary depending on the ferry (Ikeda Port, Fukuda Port, Tonosho Port, etc.).
- Traveling around Shodoshima
- From Tonosho Port: Access by bus or taxi. Travel time varies depending on the route, but as a rough guide it is usually around 15 to 30 minutes by car. There are not many buses (routed buses) on the island, so please check the timetable in advance.
- Car rental/bicycle rental: Renting a car is convenient for sightseeing on Shodoshima. Parking is often available at the movie park, but it may be full during busy times.
- Note: The ferry schedule, travel time, and fare may vary depending on the season and type of ferry. Tickets may be crowded on holidays and during peak tourist seasons, so we recommend making a reservation and arriving early.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Viewing only: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (enough to look around the exhibits and take photos)
- Thorough tour + video viewing + souvenir shopping: 2 to 3 hours
- Combining with sightseeing in the surrounding area: Half a day to a full day (It is good to combine with other spots on Shodoshima)
Nearby spots
- Shodoshima Olive Park — A popular tourist spot where you can enjoy olive trees and views of the Seto Inland Sea. Accessible by car from the movie village.
- Angel Road — A sandy road that appears at low tide, popular for its romantic scenery.
- Kankakei Gorge - One of the three most beautiful gorges in Japan. The view from the ropeway is spectacular.
- Soy sauce breweries and somen noodle roads — Shodoshima is also a producer of soy sauce and hand-pulled somen noodles, and there are factory tours and direct sales outlets.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The number of visitors increases during Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, and weekends. Ferries and parking lots can be crowded, so please plan ahead and allow plenty of time.
- Opening hours and admission fees: Facility opening hours, admission fees, event and screening schedules are subject to change. Please check the official website or call us for the latest information before visiting.
- Transportation: The island's bus service is limited. If you plan to use the bus, please check the timetable in advance, or consider using a taxi or rental car.
- Clothing/Walking: There are some unstable areas on the set, such as dirt and cobblestones. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
- Photography and exhibits: Some exhibits prohibit photography or flash photography. Please follow the signs and instructions of staff in the park.
- Weather: The sun can be strong in the Setouchi area. Please take precautions against heatstroke in the summer and against the cold sea breeze in the winter.
- Manners: The Studio Park is also a place where you must be considerate of cultural assets and other visitors. Please avoid noise and littering, and behave in a way that does not cause inconvenience to other visitors.
Lastly, please note that exhibits, experiences, and opening hours may change periodically. We recommend checking the official website of Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village and Tonosho Town Tourism Information for the latest information before your visit.
