"Sora no Tama / Kankakei" is an installation artwork created by renowned Japanese sculptor Noe Aoki for the Setouchi Triennale. It is currently a very popular photo spot and scenic viewpoint on Shodoshima. From the mountaintop station of the Kankakei Ropeway, it takes about a 10-minute walk along the trail toward Takatori Observatory to get there.
"Sora no Tama" is a giant hollow iron sphere with a diameter of about 4 meters. Its surface naturally oxidizes over time and through the changing seasons, and the resulting tones blend perfectly with the scenery of Kankakei. Visitors can step inside the iron sphere and admire the view through its circular rings. There is also a phone stand nearby, positioned at a convenient angle for taking photos with "Sora no Tama" and capturing a one-of-a-kind silhouette.
Setouchi Area Pass | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Kotohira Grand Hotel, Sakura no Sho
Located near the approach to Kotohiragu Shrine, Kotohira Grand Hotel is very convenient for sightseeing. First, check out the hot spring baths that sooth your body from the fatigue after visiting the shrine. At the open-air bath overlooking the shrine, you’ll have an opportunity to relax in the beautiful scenery, a landscape that changes with each season.
"Sakura no Sho" at Kotohira Grand Hotel is located beside the 22nd step of the approach to Kotohiragu Shrine. Walk down the hotel stairs and you’re right by the marine museum and the shopping street along the approach.
The front desk staff included a Taiwanese employee who gave us a warm welcome and helpful explanations. This time we booked one night with one meal and stayed in a Japanese-Western style room. As soon as we entered, we were impressed by how clean, tidy, comfortable, and bright it was. The view from the window was even more beautiful, like a natural painting right in front of us. If you’re heading to Kotohiragu Shrine, the hotel also offers free bamboo walking sticks to borrow at the entrance.
Dinner was Japanese cuisine, and the staff took great care of us. The food looked beautiful, smelled amazing, and tasted great too. It was a feast for both the camera and our appetites 😋
The open-air hot spring was wonderful. At night, the women’s bath had a "rose bath" filled with colorful roses. It made me feel pampered like a royal consort, relaxing in a luxurious, fragrant bath and washing away all my fatigue... Feels so good~ -
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Matsushima Cruise
Over 260 large and small islands are in the heavenly Matsushima known as one of the Three Great Views of Japan. A large boat on a regular schedule goes around Matsushima Bay in the affordable “Niomaru Course (Middle schooler and older 1,500 yen, Elementary child 750 yen)”. It leisurely cruises a 17km route in 50 minutes around Niojima Island, Kagetajima with an imposing rocky cliff, Funairijima where ancient ruins were found, Katsurashima and Nonoshima which are inhabited.
Taking a large sightseeing boat is the best way to enjoy Matsushima Bay. You can get a close-up view of the many big and small islands scattered across the bay. The gentle sea breeze and the seagulls flying alongside make it a lot of fun.
After getting off the boat, you can try the fresh oyster dishes at the nearby restaurants. I normally don’t care much for oysters, but this totally changed the way I think about them. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the sweet ocean flavor bursts out with each bite. Paired with the restaurant’s special dipping sauce, all I could think was: "Umai~~" -
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Morioka Handmade Village
Comprising three zones, the Handcraft Workshop, the Nambu Magariya (L-shaped House), and the Shop (Morioka Local Industry Promotion Center), this complex offers visitors the opportunity to learn about and experience Morioka's craftsmanship.
I’d long admired Nambu ironware tea kettles, but I always worried they’d make my luggage too heavy, so I kept passing on them. On one trip to Tohoku, I was drawn into a Nambu ironware direct sales shop along the road from Matsushima to the National Treasure Zuiganji Temple. I ended up buying a kyusu teapot and an adorable owl paperweight. There were also bear bells and delicate accessories, but I’d already given those away as gifts to good friends~
That’s right—Nambu ironware isn’t just about kettles and cookware of all sizes. There are all kinds of creative lifestyle items too. Some are rustic, some are refined, and if you see something you like, don’t miss it!
I’ve heard that boiling water in an iron kettle releases iron ions, but I wonder if the same happens when brewing tea with hot water? Either way, the kyusu I picked has simple, understated lines, and for me it’s probably more meaningful as a commemorative piece than for everyday use. And don’t let the little owl fool you—it’s surprisingly heavy and a great little helper when I’m writing! I really can’t stop admiring it ❤️ -
