Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

Must Do Experiences

• Explore the meticulously recreated wooden schoolhouse and sit at the vintage desks to feel the nostalgia of early 20th-century Japanese education.

• Stroll through the traditional village streets and browse the quaint local shops selling Shodoshima specialties like soy sauce and olive products.

• Visit the cinema museum to learn about the golden age of Japanese filmmaking and view rare exhibits from the classic movie Twenty-Four Eyes.

• Take in the panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea from the scenic coastal pathways surrounding the studio grounds.

Hidden Gems

• Look for the hidden bronze statues of the teacher and her twelve students scattered around the village, which make for poignant and unique photo opportunities.

• Visit the small, tranquil shrine located at the edge of the property, often missed by tour groups rushing through the main streets.

• Try the local olive soft-serve ice cream at the village cafe, a delicious and refreshing Shodoshima exclusive treat not widely known to foreign visitors.

What Makes it Special

• It is one of the few remaining authentic outdoor movie sets in Japan, preserved exactly as it was during the filming of the 1987 remake of Twenty-Four Eyes.

• The location offers a rare combination of cinematic nostalgia and spectacular natural beauty, with the sparkling Seto Inland Sea as a constant backdrop.

• The immersive Showa-era atmosphere is enhanced by the sounds of classic Japanese folk songs playing gently through hidden speakers across the village.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is during the spring cherry blossom season or the vibrant autumn months when the island's foliage contrasts beautifully with the blue sea. Arriving early in the morning around 9:00 AM ensures cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, allowing for a more serene and reflective experience. Summers can be quite hot and humid, so if you visit between June and August, bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the iconic wooden schoolhouse from the lower courtyard in the early morning light to avoid harsh shadows and crowds.

• Frame your shots of the traditional village streets using the overhanging eaves and vintage signboards to emphasize the Showa-era aesthetic.

• Head to the coastal viewing decks in the late afternoon to photograph the sparkling Seto Inland Sea with the distant mountains in the background.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When entering the recreated homes and the wooden schoolhouse, it is customary to remove your shoes if requested or if you see a shoe rack at the entrance. Speak in moderate tones while exploring the village and museum areas to maintain the peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere for all visitors. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, so simply offer a polite bow and a thank you to the shopkeepers and staff.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• During the autumn harvest season, the village often hosts traditional Shodoshima folk performances and local craft demonstrations.

• In spring, the surrounding areas bloom with cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers, creating a spectacular seasonal backdrop for the vintage village.

• Special anniversary screenings and commemorative events for the Twenty-Four Eyes film are occasionally held at the on-site cinema museum.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Watch your step on the vintage wooden boardwalks and stone paths, which can become slippery after rainfall or morning dew.

• Stay hydrated and utilize the shaded rest areas, especially during the hot and humid summer months on the island.

• Keep an eye on young children near the coastal pathways and the open water edges of the Seto Inland Sea.