Teasing Master Takagi-san³ (Season 3) Complete Pilgrimage Guide to Holy Sites | Thorough Explanation of Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture as the Setting
Introduction: “Teasing Master Takagi-san³” and Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture
The anime “Teasing Master Takagi-san³” (Season 3) is a youth romantic comedy based on the popular manga by Takao Yamamoto. This work depicts the bittersweet daily life of middle schooler Nishikata and Takagi-san, with Shodoshima (小豆島) in Kagawa Prefecture as its setting model. Many fans visit as pilgrims to holy sites because the beautiful landscapes, schools, shopping streets, and other locations appearing in the work are real places.
Shodoshima is the second-largest island in Kagawa Prefecture floating in the Seto Inland Sea, known for olive cultivation and soy sauce production. The warm climate, rich nature, and peaceful island atmosphere support the work’s worldview, and actually visiting after watching the anime allows viewers to re-experience the daily life that Nishikata and Takagi-san spent. It has become an attractive holy site.
This article comprehensively introduces pilgrimage spots for “Teasing Master Takagi-san³,” providing detailed explanations of access methods, pilgrimage tips, and recommended routes.
Access Methods to Shodoshima
Access by Ferry
Since Shodoshima is an island, boat travel is necessary for access. The main routes are as follows.
From Takamatsu Port
- Takamatsu Port~Tonosho Port: Ferry approximately 60 minutes, high-speed boat approximately 35 minutes
- Takamatsu Port~Ikeda Port: Ferry approximately 60 minutes
- Most frequent service, easiest access route
From Okayama Prefecture
- Shin-Okayama Port~Tonosho Port: Ferry approximately 70 minutes
- Hisui Port~Oobe Port: Ferry approximately 60 minutes
From Kobe
- Kobe Port~Sakate Port: Jumbo ferry approximately 3 hours 20 minutes
- Night service available, convenient for visits from distant locations
Transportation Within the Island
The following transportation methods are recommended for pilgrimage.
Rental Car
- Highest degree of freedom, most efficient pilgrimage
- Multiple rental car shops around Tonosho Port and Ikeda Port
- Advance reservation recommended
Rental Bicycle/Electric Bicycle
- Experience the work’s atmosphere while on pilgrimage
- Electric bicycles make steep hills easy
- Rentals available at multiple tourist information centers and hotels
Route Bus
- Shodoshima Olive Bus operates island-wide
- Limited service frequency, must check timetable in advance
- All-day pass (1,000 yen) offers good value
Taxi
- Convenient for efficient sightseeing
- Tourist taxi plans also available
Detailed Description of Major Pilgrimage Spots
Tonosho Town Tonosho Middle School (Model: The Middle School the Main Characters Attend)
The actual school that served as the model for the middle school that Nishikata and Takagi-san attend. The school building’s exterior, gates, and surrounding scenery are faithfully recreated in the work.
Precautions for Visits
- As an active school facility, entry onto school grounds is strictly prohibited
- View the exterior only from the school gate and surrounding public roads
- Special care needed during class hours and student commute times
- Avoid loud voices and prolonged stays
- Photography from public roads should be done with discretion
Access
- Approximately 5 minutes by car from Tonosho Port, approximately 20 minutes on foot
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Tonosho Honcho bus stop
Angel Road (The Angel’s Promenade)
A sandy path that appears with the tide’s ebb and flow, one of Shodoshima’s representative tourist attractions. It also appears as the setting for important scenes in the work.
Features
- A mystical path that appears only twice daily at low tide for approximately 4 hours
- Famous as a lovers’ holy site, with legend that wishes come true when couples walk across it
- One of the spots where the work’s atmosphere is most keenly felt
Tips for Visiting
- Check low tide times in advance (confirmable on Shodoshima Tourism Association website)
- Approximately 2 hours before and after low tide is the best time to cross
- Sunset times are particularly beautiful for photography
- Slippery surface, so wear shoes with good grip
Access
- Approximately 5 minutes by car from Tonosho Port, approximately 15 minutes on foot
- Right near International Hotel bus stop
Shodoshima Olive Park
A Mediterranean-style park with a windmill and olive fields, a beautiful location also appearing in the work.
Highlights
- Greek windmill: An iconic symbol of Shodoshima
- Olive Museum: Exhibits on olive history and products
- Herb Garden: Seasonal flowers enjoyable year-round
- Kiki’s Delivery Service location set: Free witch’s broom rental available
Appearances in the Work
- Appears in scenes where Takagi-san and Nishikata visit
- Impressive shots with the windmill as background
Access
- Approximately 25 minutes by car from Tonosho Port
- Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Olive Park Exit bus stop
Operating Hours
- Park open 24 hours
- Olive Museum: 8:30~17:00
- Admission: Free
Twenty-Four Eyes Film Village
A facility preserving the film location set of “Twenty-Four Eyes,” a novel by Sakae Tsuboi, with an atmosphere from the early Showa period.
Features
- Recreates wooden schoolhouse and residences from the Taisho and early Showa periods
- Retro atmosphere matches the work’s worldview
- Also appears in the work as background scenery
Facility Contents
- Film set for “Twenty-Four Eyes”
- Recreation of Showa-era classroom
- Kinema no Iori (film-related exhibitions)
- Restaurant and café also available
Access
- Approximately 30 minutes by car from Tonosho Port
- Right at Taura Film Village bus stop
Operating Hours and Admission
- 9:00~17:00 (last admission 16:30)
- Admission: Adults 890 yen, Children 450 yen
Maze Town (Tonosho Honcho)
The old downtown area around Tonosho Port called “Maze Town,” characterized by unique townscape with intricate narrow alleys.
Features
- Built intricately as a pirate defense measure
- Showa retro shopping street atmosphere
- Appears in scenes of Nishikata and Takagi-san walking
Highlights
- Yokai Art Museum: Collaboration exhibition with Shigeru Mizuki Road
- Renovated house cafés and antique shops
- Photogenic back alleys
Strolling Tips
- Easy to get lost even with a map, allow plenty of time
- Residents’ living space, so wander quietly
- Early morning or evening has particularly good atmosphere
Access
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Tonosho Port
Shodoshima Town Public Library
The model for the library where Nishikata and Takagi-san study and meet in the work.
Features
- Publicly used library
- Reading room atmosphere similar to depictions in the work
- Quiet, calm space
Precautions for Visits
- As an active library, be considerate of other patrons
- Photography inside the library is generally prohibited
- Maintain quiet
- Strictly follow library manners even when visiting for pilgrimage purposes
Access
- Approximately 5 minutes by car from Ikeda Port
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Kusukabe Honcho bus stop
Kankakei (寒霞渓)
A scenic spot counted among Japan’s three greatest gorge vistas, also appearing as beautiful natural scenery in the work.
Features
- Rocky crags and gorge created by volcanic activity approximately 130 million years ago
- Accessible to mountain-top observation platform via ropeway
- Spring foliage and autumn leaves particularly beautiful
Ropeway Information
- Operating Hours: 8:30~17:00 (varies by season)
- Fares: Round-trip adults 1,890 yen, children 950 yen
- Travel time: Approximately 5 minutes each way
Access
- Approximately 25 minutes by car from Tonosho Port
- Right at ropeway entrance from Kooun-tei bus stop
Soy Sauce Village (Hisio no Sato)
An area preserving townscape of Shodoshima’s traditional soy sauce brewing industry.
Features
- Black-walled soy sauce storehouses lined up creating retro scenery
- Appears as background in the work
- Also enjoy soy sauce soft-serve ice cream and other gourmet offerings
Main Viewing Spots
- Markin Soy Sauce Museum: Exhibition on soy sauce-making history
- Yamaroku Soy Sauce: Traditional wooden barrel fermentation viewable
- Direct sales at various soy sauce storehouses
Access
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from Tonosho Port
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Naware/Maki bus stop
Shodoshima Coastline and Beaches
Coastal scenery appearing in scenes where Nishikata and Takagi-san view the sea, as well as summer episodes in the work.
Main Beaches
- Olive Beach: Calm beach near Olive Park
- Yoshida Coast: Quiet beach beloved by locals
- Taii Beach: High transparency, beautiful beach
Ways to Enjoy
- Ocean swimming possible in summer season
- Sunset strolls recommended
- Enjoy the work’s atmosphere while gazing at the sea
Shopping Streets and Candy Stores
Model locations for shopping streets and candy stores where Nishikata and friends stop in the work.
Features
- Shopping street with Showa retro atmosphere
- Actually operating candy stores and shops
- Local interaction also appealing
Visiting Precautions
- Operating shops, so be considerate of customers
- Get shop owner permission before photographing
- Even small purchases contribute to community support
Recommended Pilgrimage Model Courses
One-Day Course (Using Rental Car)
Morning
- Arrive at Tonosho Port (9:00)
- View area around Tonosho Middle School (9:15~9:45)
- Stroll through Maze Town (9:50~10:30)
- Angel Road (coordinated with low tide) (10:45~11:30)
- Shodoshima Olive Park (11:45~13:00, including lunch)
Afternoon
- Kankakei Ropeway (13:30~15:00)
- Soy Sauce Village storehouse viewing and souvenir shopping (15:30~16:30)
- View sunset from coastline (17:00~17:30)
- Return from Tonosho Port (18:00 ferry departure)
One-Night Two-Day Course (Leisurely Pilgrimage)
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive at Tonosho Port → Angel Road → Maze Town
- Afternoon: Shodoshima Olive Park → Twenty-Four Eyes Film Village
- Evening: Sunset viewing from coastline
- Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse on island
Day 2
- Morning: Area around Tonosho Middle School → Library → Shopping street stroll
- Afternoon: Kankakei → Soy Sauce Village → Souvenir shopping
- Evening: Return from Tonosho Port
Half-Day Course (When Time is Limited)
- Arrive at Tonosho Port
- Area around Tonosho Middle School (30 minutes)
- Angel Road (45 minutes)
- Shodoshima Olive Park (1 hour)
- Return to Tonosho Port
What to Bring and How to Prepare for Pilgrimage
Essential Items
- Work materials: Anime screenshots or pilgrimage maps
- Camera/Smartphone: For recording memories
- Map/Guidebook: Paper maps effective as radio signal is weak in some areas
- Drinks/Sunscreen: Especially necessary in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes: Many slopes and stairs
- Mobile battery: Quick battery drain from photography
Convenient Items
- Picnic sheet: For relaxing at beaches or parks
- Hat/Parasol: During strong sunlight
- Rain gear: Prepare for weather changes
- Eco-bag: For souvenir purchases
Pilgrimage Etiquette and Rules
Basic Manners
- No Entry to Private Property/School Facilities
- Educational facilities like Tonosho Middle School viewed from outside grounds
- Never enter private homes or private land
- Consider Noise
- Move quietly in residential areas and near schools
- Avoid loud conversations or shouting
- Photography Manners
- Be considerate so residents and other tourists don’t appear in photos
- Get permission before photographing inside shops
- Photograph from locations that don’t obstruct traffic
- Always Take Trash Home
- To protect the island’s beautiful environment
- Few trash bins, so prepare to take trash with you
- Contribute to Local Economy
- Use local restaurants and shops
- Support the community through souvenir purchases
Time Period Considerations
- School areas: Avoid school commute times (7:30~8:30, 15:00~17:00)
- Residential areas: Avoid early morning or night visits
- Shops: Visit during business hours, avoid break times
Shodoshima Gourmet and Souvenirs
Must-Try Gourmet
Olive-Related
- Olive somen: Shodoshima specialty
- Olive oil cuisine: Offered at many island restaurants
- Olive soft-serve ice cream: Available at Olive Park and elsewhere
Soy Sauce-Related
- Soy sauce soft-serve ice cream: Surprisingly delicious
- Soy sauce cuisine: Tsukudani, simmered dishes
- Soy sauce ramen: Available at island ramen shops
Seafood
- Fresh Seto Inland Sea fish and shellfish
- Seafood bowl: At dockside eateries
- Conger eel dishes: Shodoshima specialty
Other
- Hishio bowl: Specialty dish of Soy Sauce Village area
- Tsukudani: Shodoshima is one origin location for tsukudani
Recommended Souvenirs
- Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil produced in Shodoshima
- Olive Cosmetics: Soaps and creams made with olives
- Soy Sauce: Traditional wooden barrel fermented soy sauce
- Somen: Shodoshima hand-pulled somen noodles
- Tsukudani: Assorted tsukudani sets
- Olive Chocolate: Popular souvenir
- Work-Related Goods: Available at some tourist facilities and shops
Accommodation Information
Hotels/Resorts
- Shodoshima International Hotel: Close to Angel Road, with hot springs
- Resort Hotel Olivian Shodoshima: Near Olive Park, full resort feeling
- Shodoshima Grand Hotel Suimei: Near Tonosho Port, convenient access
Guesthouses/Private Lodgings
- Guesthouses: Found throughout island, homey atmosphere and reasonable prices
- Guest Houses: Popular with young travelers, good for socializing
- Farm Guesthouses: Accommodation with farm experience opportunities
Campgrounds
- Shodoshima Furusato Village Campground: Seaside camping facility
- Auto Campground: Facilities with vehicle entry possible
Booking Tips
- Early booking essential for high season (Golden Week, summer vacation, fall foliage season)
- Prioritize convenient location for pilgrimage
- Compare all-inclusive and room-only plans
- Select based on reviews
Attractions by Season
Spring (March~May)
- Cherry blossoms: Enjoyed at various island locations
- Fresh greenery of Kankakei: Vivid green beautiful
- Mild, comfortable weather
- Olive flowers: Small white flowers bloom late May~early June
Summer (June~August)
- Ocean swimming season: July~August best
- Summer festivals: Traditional festivals held in various districts
- Blue sea and sky: Recreate work’s summer scenes
- Strong sunlight requires heat stroke precautions
Autumn (September~November)
- Kankakei autumn foliage: Best viewing mid~late November
- Olive harvest: October~November
- Comfortable weather ideal for pilgrimage
- Fall festivals: Traditional performing arts enjoyed
Winter (December~February)
- Warm climate: Relatively warm under Seto Inland Sea climate
- Fewer tourists, quiet pilgrimage possible
- Clear air, beautiful scenery
- Winter delicacies like oysters enjoyable
- Some facilities may have shortened hours or be closed
Background Knowledge to Further Enjoy the Work
About “Teasing Master Takagi-san”
The original is a manga by Takao Yamamoto serialized in “Gessan” (Shogakukan) since 2013. It depicts the bittersweet daily life of Nishikata, who is teased every day by his neighboring seat-mate Takagi-san, and Takagi-san who loves teasing him.
The anime aired Season 1 in 2018, Season 2 in 2019, and Season 3 in 2022, with a theatrical film also released in 2022. In Season 3, the relationship between the two deepens further, becoming a major topic among fans.
Why Shodoshima Was Chosen as the Setting
Author Takao Yamamoto is from Kagawa Prefecture, and the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful nature of Shodoshima perfectly matched the work’s worldview, which is said to be why it was chosen as the setting model. Places actually researched for the work are depicted faithfully in the work, and the realistic background artwork is one of the work’s attractions.
History of Pilgrimage to Holy Sites
Following the broadcast of anime Season 1, the number of fans visiting Shodoshima increased, and the local area came to recognize “Teasing Master Takagi-san” as a holy site. The tourism association even created pilgrimage maps, establishing a system welcoming fans.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Naoshima
An island of contemporary art accessible by boat from Shodoshima. Widely known as Benesse Art Site Naoshima.
- From Shodoshima: Tonosho Port~Naoshima (Miyaura Port) approximately 20 minutes
- Yayoi Kusama’s “Red Pumpkin” and “Yellow Pumpkin” and other art works
- Underground Museum, Benesse House Museum, and more
Teshima
An island with art works scattered throughout, particularly famous for “Teshima Museum of Art.”
- From Shodoshima: Tonosho Port~Teshima (Ieura Port) approximately 25 minutes
- Calm island atmosphere
- Island touring by rental bicycle recommended
Takamatsu City Area
Kagawa Prefecture’s prefectural capital, gateway to Shodoshima.
- Ritsurin Garden: Garden designated as Special Place of Scenic Beauty
- Takamatsu Castle Ruins (Tamamo Park)
- Udon touring: The heart of Sanuki udon
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: Can I complete a pilgrimage in one day?
A: It’s possible for major spots only, but one night and two days are recommended for leisurely enjoyment. Consider island travel times and plan with sufficient buffer.
Q: Can I do a pilgrimage without a driver’s license?
A: Possible. Combining rental bicycles (electric bicycles), route buses, and taxis allows visiting major spots. However, bus frequency is limited, so check timetables in advance.
Q: What season is best for pilgrimage?
A: Spring (April~May) and fall (October~November) are recommended for comfortable weather. Summer allows ocean swimming but requires heat precautions; winter has fewer tourists for quiet pilgrimage.
Q: Can I tour Tonosho Middle School?
A: As an active school facility, entry into the grounds is not permitted. Only view the exterior from the school gate and surrounding public roads. Be considerate of school staff and students.
Q: When can I walk Angel Road?
A: Approximately 2 hours before and after low tide. Check low tide times on the Shodoshima Tourism Association website or at local tourist information centers.
Q: Are there souvenirs only available in Shodoshima?
A: Representative items include Shodoshima-produced olive oil, hand-pulled somen noodles, and traditionally wooden barrel fermented soy sauce. Some shops sell “Teasing Master Takagi-san” related goods.
Q: Do I need to reserve accommodation?
A: Essential for high season (Golden Week, summer vacation, fall foliage). Even off-season weekends can be crowded, so advance reservation recommended.
Q: Can I use Wi-Fi on the island?
A: Free Wi-Fi available at major tourist facilities, hotels, and cafés, but not island-wide coverage. Prepare offline-usable map apps for peace of mind.
Conclusion: Points to Successfully Complete Your Pilgrimage
Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture, the holy site of “Teasing Master Takagi-san³,” is a wonderful place to fully experience the work’s worldview. Here are points for successful pilgrimage.
Advance Preparation is Important
- Confirm ferry timetables and secure round-trip reservations
- Research low tide times to plan Angel Road visit
- Reserve accommodation early
- Prepare work screenshots or pilgrimage maps
- Book rental cars or electric bicycles
Enjoy While Following Manners
- Don’t enter school facilities or private land
- Remember to be considerate of residents and other tourists
- Move quietly, don’t shout
- Always take trash home
- Support the region by using local shops and restaurants
Set Efficient Routes
- Create realistic plans considering travel time
- Incorporate Angel Road coordinated with low tide times
- Prioritize major spots
- Set schedules with room to spare
Experience What Only Shodoshima Offers
- Savor local gourmet (olives, soy sauce, seafood)
- Enjoy beautiful natural landscapes
- Interact with local people
- Spend leisurely time immersed in the work’s worldview
Pilgrimage to holy sites in Shodoshima is not just visiting the anime’s setting, but is filled with many attractions including beautiful Seto Inland Sea nature, warm climate, delicious gourmet, and encounters with warm island people. Seeing the very landscapes where Nishikata and Takagi-san spent their daily lives will deepen your understanding and affection for the work.
Please enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage trip while respecting the community and following manners. We hope Shodoshima becomes a special place for you.
