Maze Town

Overview

The "Maze Town" on Shodoshima Island is a place brimming with historical romance, where alleyways created during the Nanboku-cho period (1336-1392) for defense purposes still remain. Strolling through the complex network of alleys, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. Why not enjoy the nostalgic townscape and immerse yourself in the historical romance? The unique townscape of this area is said to have been intentionally designed to protect the islanders' lives from pirates and their homes from the sea winds. Because the complex alleys resemble a maze, the area eventually became known as "Maze Town". "Maze Town" is located in the heart of Tonosho Town, encompassing the nostalgic townscape around Saiko-ji Temple, the 58th temple on the Shodoshima 88 Temple Pilgrimage. While exploring Maze Town, be sure to visit Saiko-ji Temple and the Shodoshima Ozaki Hosai Memorial Museum. Saiko-ji Temple is known as the 58th temple on the Shodoshima 88 Temple Pilgrimage and is a historically significant temple. The Shodoshima Ozaki Hosai Memorial Museum introduces the life and works of Ozaki Hosai, a haiku poet from Shodoshima. In addition to Maze Town, nearby attractions include Angel Road and the Toubushin Strait. Angel Road is a sandbar that appears during low tide and is famous as "Angel's Walkway." The Toubushin Strait is known as the world's narrowest strait, offering breathtaking natural beauty. Maze Town is a tourist spot where you can enjoy both history and nature. When visiting Shodoshima, be sure to include Maze Town in your itinerary.