Step Into Showa-Era Japan at Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio|Scenic Views, Retro Streets, and Local Food on Shodoshima

Step Into Showa-Era Japan at Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio|Scenic Views, Retro Streets, and Local Food on Shodoshima

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Written by :  GOOD LUCK TRIP

Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio is one of Shodoshima’s representative sightseeing spots.
It is a place where visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and retro townscapes that preserve the atmosphere of Japan’s early Showa period, around 1926 to 1930.
A wide range of attractions come together here, including exhibits where visitors can experience Japanese cinema and art, as well as local food unique to Shodoshima.
This article introduces the highlights, cultural and art experiences, and popular local food at Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio in detail.
Enjoy a special moment surrounded by nostalgic scenery and the original landscapes of Japan while feeling the world of the film.

What Is Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio Like?

Located in the southeastern part of Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture, Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio is a sightseeing spot spread across a cape overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
It was developed using the film set of the classic 1954 film “Twenty-Four Eyes,” based on the novel by Sakae Tsuboi.
The site preserves good old Japanese scenery, including a wooden schoolhouse and Showa-era townscapes.
Photo spots, museums, cafes, and shops are scattered throughout the grounds, and visitors can also enjoy the nature, art, and food of the Setouchi area.
If you stroll around at a relaxed pace, the visit takes about 1 to 2 hours.
In the morning and evening, you can explore the grounds in a relatively calm atmosphere.
It is popular not only with film fans, but also with people who want to photograph Japanese scenery or experience a Showa-retro atmosphere.

A wooden schoolhouse that symbolizes Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio
A wooden schoolhouse that symbolizes Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

3 Attractions of Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio makes use of the filming location for the film “Twenty-Four Eyes.”
It offers a wide range of attractions, including beautiful scenery overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, townscapes that preserve the atmosphere of the Showa era, and local food unique to Shodoshima.
First, let’s introduce three attractions to know before visiting.

1. Photogenic Scenery Created by the Seto Inland Sea and Showa-Era Landscapes

From the wooden schoolhouse that symbolizes Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio, visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of the calm Seto Inland Sea.
Picturesque scenery spreads throughout the area, from Nostalgia Road lined with Showa-era signs to retro townscapes.

The Seto Inland Sea stretching across the classroom windows
The Seto Inland Sea stretching across the classroom windows
Showa-retro movie posters lined up along the street
Showa-retro movie posters lined up along the street

2. Experience Good Old Japanese Culture and Everyday Life

Another appeal is the chance to feel the atmosphere of Showa-era Japan through old-fashioned wooden buildings and streets lined with movie posters.
There is also Kaiyodo Figure Gallery, as well as exhibits introducing Japanese cinema, allowing visitors to become familiar with Japanese film culture.

Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio, with a recreated early Showa-period townscape
Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio, with a recreated early Showa-period townscape
Kaiyodo Gallery, where a world of finely crafted figures unfolds
Kaiyodo Gallery, where a world of finely crafted figures unfolds

3. Enjoy Local Food and Seasonal Nature Unique to Shodoshima

At the movie studio, visitors can enjoy unique menu items such as the famous premium soy sauce soft-serve ice cream and the school lunch set.
In addition, seasonal flower fields and views of the Seto Inland Sea can be enjoyed, allowing visitors to spend a relaxing time while strolling around.

In summer, sunflowers bloom across the entire field.
In summer, sunflowers bloom across the entire field.
A school lunch set with a nostalgic flavor
A school lunch set with a nostalgic flavor

Popular Highlights of Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

An essential part of the movie studio’s appeal is its beautiful scenery in harmony with the Seto Inland Sea.
Inside the grounds, which were developed using the film set of the film “Twenty-Four Eyes,” picturesque scenery spreads wherever you look.
Here are three highlights that are also popular as photo spots.

Views of the Seto Inland Sea from the Wooden Schoolhouse

The wooden schoolhouse built as the film set for “Twenty-Four Eyes” is a symbolic spot of the movie studio.
From the classroom windows, the calm Seto Inland Sea stretches out before you, making you feel as if you have stepped into a scene from the film.
It is also recommended for those who want to spend relaxing island time surrounded by nostalgic Japanese scenery.

A wooden schoolhouse with an impressive tiled roof
A wooden schoolhouse with an impressive tiled roof
A classroom with traces of the Showa period, where you can feel the world of the film
A classroom with traces of the Showa period, where you can feel the world of the film
The warmth of a Japanese classroom from the early Showa period
The warmth of a Japanese classroom from the early Showa period
A beautiful photo spot with the Seto Inland Sea visible through the windows
A beautiful photo spot with the Seto Inland Sea visible through the windows

Nostalgia Road, Filled with a Showa-Retro Atmosphere

Nostalgia Road, lined with old-fashioned shops and movie posters, is a popular spot that recreates a Showa-era townscape.
As you walk through the retro atmosphere, you can imagine the everyday life and culture of the time.
Picturesque scenery spreads wherever you look, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy photography.

Picturesque scenery spreads wherever you look.
Picturesque scenery spreads wherever you look.
A townscape that evokes everyday life in the Showa era
A townscape that evokes everyday life in the Showa era

3 Popular Cultural and Art Experience Spots at Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio has spots where visitors can experience Japanese pop culture and film culture through figures and film-related materials.
While enjoying the precise sculptural beauty and the worlds of nostalgic classics, visitors can experience entertainment culture unique to Japan.

1. Kaiyodo Gallery

Kaiyodo figures based on popular anime, tokusatsu special-effects works, and other themes are on display. Visitors can view the detailed sculpting and rich expressiveness up close and experience the appeal of Japan’s world-renowned figure culture.

Kaiyodo Gallery, where you can enjoy finely crafted sculptural beauty up close
Kaiyodo Gallery, where you can enjoy finely crafted sculptural beauty up close

2. Gallery Shochikuza

This museum displays posters and materials from the golden age of Japanese cinema.
While experiencing the worlds of classic films, including “Twenty-Four Eyes,” visitors can deepen their understanding of the history and culture of Japanese cinema.

Posters and materials from the golden age of Japanese cinema on display
Posters and materials from the golden age of Japanese cinema on display
A retro and calm space to immerse yourself in
A retro and calm space to immerse yourself in
Relax at the stylish book cafe on the 2nd floor.
Relax at the stylish book cafe on the 2nd floor.

3. Setouchi Triennale Artworks

Setouchi Triennale artworks are also displayed inside Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio, creating a unique space where retro scenery and contemporary art come together.
The time spent looking for artworks while strolling around is also part of the appeal.
While experiencing the artistic culture unique to Setouchi, visitors can spend a moment that stimulates the senses.

The Setouchi Triennale artwork “Yazaimon Octopus” by Daisuke Omi
The Setouchi Triennale artwork “Yazaimon Octopus” by Daisuke Omi
The artwork “Bollard of Love” by Hisakazu Shimizu, blending into the retro scenery
The artwork “Bollard of Love” by Hisakazu Shimizu, blending into the retro scenery
The artwork “Fisherman’s Dream” by Saya Irie, displayed inside the fisherman’s house
The artwork “Fisherman’s Dream” by Saya Irie, displayed inside the fisherman’s house

4 Must-Try Popular Foods at Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

Between strolls, be sure to try the food unique to Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio.
There are sweets made with Shodoshima’s famous soy sauce, as well as menu items that recreate nostalgic school lunches.
Cafes and shops are also available, so visitors can enjoy taking a break or shopping between strolls.
Here are must-try foods to enjoy along with the Showa-era atmosphere.

1. A Specialty of Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio|Premium Soy Sauce Soft-Serve Ice Cream

Premium soy sauce soft-serve ice cream, made with soy sauce, a specialty of Shodoshima, is one of the movie studio’s signature popular foods.
A gentle sweetness spreads together with a subtle saltiness and umami, making it perfect for a break while strolling. It is an easy way to enjoy a flavor unique to Shodoshima.

A subtle saltiness and the umami of soy sauce spread through each bite.
A subtle saltiness and the umami of soy sauce spread through each bite.

2. A Taste of Nostalgia|School Lunch Set

The school lunch set, which includes items such as fried bread and Milk Make, a flavored powder mixed into milk, is a popular menu item that recalls school life in the Showa era.
Enjoying it while surrounded by the retro atmosphere lets you savor a nostalgic feeling.
It is also recommended for those who want to experience Japanese school culture.

A set that includes fried bread, milk, and frozen mandarin orange
A set that includes fried bread, milk, and frozen mandarin orange

3. Shodoshima Local Food|Hishio-don Rice Bowl

Hishio-don Rice Bowl is a popular casual local dish born on Shodoshima.
At Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio, an original bowl is served with crispy grilled pork and moromi, a fermented mash used in soy sauce making.
It is characterized by the aroma of moromi that fills the mouth and a sweet-and-savory flavor.
Visitors can casually enjoy food culture unique to Shodoshima.

The aroma of moromi and the sweet-and-savory seasoning whet the appetite.
The aroma of moromi and the sweet-and-savory seasoning whet the appetite.

4. Born from an Artwork|Takotto-don Octopus Rice Bowl

Takotto-don Octopus Rice Bowl was created in connection with the Setouchi Triennale artwork “Yazaimon Octopus.”
It is a luxurious rice bowl that lets you enjoy three types of octopus dishes at once, allowing you to fully savor the seafood of Setouchi.
If you enjoy it together with art viewing, you can fully experience a food experience unique to Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio.

Enjoy the different flavors of octopus prepared in different ways.
Enjoy the different flavors of octopus prepared in different ways.

Discover Different Scenery in Each Season at Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

Various flowers bloom throughout the grounds in each season, creating beautiful scenery together with the blue sea and sky.
Another appeal is that visitors can encounter different scenery depending on the time of year, such as rapeseed blossoms in spring and sunflowers in summer.
In scenery where flowers and the Seto Inland Sea blend beautifully, visitors can fully enjoy nature unique to Shodoshima.

In spring, rapeseed blossoms and carp streamers color the Setouchi sky.
In spring, rapeseed blossoms and carp streamers color the Setouchi sky.
In summer, you can see scenery created by sunflower fields and the wooden schoolhouse.
In summer, you can see scenery created by sunflower fields and the wooden schoolhouse.
In autumn, cosmos flowers bloom in full glory, adding vivid color to the scenery.
In autumn, cosmos flowers bloom in full glory, adding vivid color to the scenery.

Access to Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio is located about 15 minutes by car from Sakate Port.
Access from Honshu or the Shikoku side is smooth via Kobe or Takamatsu.

From Kobe

It takes about 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes from Kobe Port (Kobe Sannomiya Ferry Terminal) to Sakate Port.

From Takamatsu

It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Takamatsu Higashi Port to Sakate Port.

Other access routes to Shodoshima include about 1 hour from Takamatsu Port to Tonosho Port or Ikeda Port, and about 1 hour 40 minutes from Himeji Port to Fukuda Port.
From each port, Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio can be reached in about 35 to 40 minutes by car.
Choose the best access method according to your travel schedule before and after your visit.

FAQ about Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

Q

Can people who have not seen the film “Twenty-Four Eyes” still enjoy it?

A

Yes, they can. The movie studio offers spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea, Showa-retro townscapes, food spots, and more, so even those unfamiliar with the film can fully enjoy it.

Q

Are there photogenic spots for taking pictures?

A

The wooden schoolhouse, Nostalgia Road, and seasonal flower fields are especially recommended. The scenery with the Seto Inland Sea in the background is popular as one of the movie studio’s signature photo spots.

Q

What popular foods can visitors enjoy at Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio?

A

Visitors can enjoy the movie studio’s famous premium soy sauce soft-serve ice cream and the school lunch set, which recreates a nostalgic Japanese school lunch. These are popular menu items that can be enjoyed casually between strolls.

Summary

Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio is popular as a classic sightseeing spot on Shodoshima.
One of its appeals is that a wide variety of highlights are scattered throughout the movie studio, including spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea, Showa-retro townscapes, cultural experiences, and local food unique to Shodoshima.
It is a recommended sightseeing spot not only for film fans, but also for those who want to enjoy Japanese scenery and a nostalgic atmosphere.