Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Ushimado Olive Garden is an olive-themed tourist facility and park located in Ushimado Town, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. The olive groves, which spread across a small hill facing the Seto Inland Sea, offer views of the calm sea dotted with islands and the blue sky, creating a landscape that has been dubbed "Japan's Aegean Sea." Olive cultivation was promoted to promote the region and improve the scenery, and the area has been developed as a tourist destination. The garden has walking paths, an observation deck, a facility with olive exhibitions and sales, and a cafe, where you can enjoy the seasonal flowers, fruit, and sea views.
Highlights
- Olive Hill Observation Deck: A scenic spot where you can see the Seto Inland Sea and the beautiful islands over the olive groves. A popular photo spot.
- Olive-related exhibits and materials: Panels and exhibits (scale varies depending on the facility) introducing the history of olives, as well as the cultivation, harvesting, and processing processes.
- Olive product sales: Locally produced olive oil, processed olive products (jam, soap, etc.), and souvenirs are available for purchase. Samples are sometimes available.
- Cafes and snacks: There are cafes in the park or nearby where you can take a break and enjoy the ocean view. Some even have olive-based dishes on the menu.
- Seasonal scenery: The landscape changes with each season, with the greenery of spring, olive blossoms in early summer (depending on the season), and harvest season in autumn.
- Walking trails and picnics: The gently sloping hills make it ideal for walking and relaxing.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
*The following is a guideline. Please check the official website or public transport information in advance for the latest timetables, operation status, and routes.
- Train + Bus: From Okayama Station, take the JR Seto Ohashi Line or Uno Line to Uno (or via Kojima and Chayamachi), then take a local bus or sightseeing bus to Ushimado. Please note that local buses run only a limited number of times, so please check the timetable.
- Direct bus: Direct buses may operate from the Okayama area during tourist seasons and events. Check the event information to see if buses are operating.
- By car: Take the Sanyo Expressway, Setouchi Chuo Expressway (Kojima IC, etc.) or the Sanyo Expressway from Mizushima via the national highway. Parking is available (limited space). Travel time depends on the starting point, but it takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes from central Okayama City.
- Ferries and sightseeing boats: Island tours and sightseeing boats sometimes depart from nearby ports, so it's convenient to combine these trips.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour (mainly for viewing and taking photos)
- A leisurely stroll and cafe visit: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Day trips combined with sightseeing in the surrounding area: Half a day to a full day (including visiting nearby port towns, islands, museums, etc.)
Nearby spots
- Ushimado Port and Ushimado Townscape: Enjoy a stroll around the fishing port and along the sea.
- Beaches and swimming spots (seasonal): There are spots where you can swim in the sea in the summer.
- Setouchi Islands (Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima, etc.): Island-hopping is possible by car and ferry, or by access from Takamatsu or Okayama. Combining these with the art and olive islands is also recommended.
- Washuyama Observatory and the Great Seto Bridge area (Kojima/Tamano area): A viewing spot for the Great Seto Bridge and the Seto Inland Sea. Accessible by car.
- Local restaurants and souvenir shops: There are many restaurants serving dishes made with seafood and olives.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The number of visitors increases on weekends, holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, and autumn harvest season, and parking lots and restaurants can get crowded. We recommend visiting on weekdays and arriving early if possible.
- Manners: Olive groves are also agricultural land, so please observe the rules, such as not entering restricted areas to avoid damaging the trees and fruit, and not picking fruit without permission. If you are bringing pets, please make sure to check the rules (such as keeping them on a leash).
- Seasonal precautions: In summer, the sun and heat are intense, so bring sunshades and hydration. In spring and autumn, there are windy days, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket. In winter, it's relatively warm even for the Setouchi region, but the sea breeze can be chilly.
- Footwear and clothing: The park is mainly made up of walking paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended. There are also areas with observation decks and hillsides.
- Check facility information: Opening hours, closing days, events, and facilities (cafe, shop, restrooms, parking) may change depending on the season and operations. Please check the official website or tourist information for the latest information before visiting.
Ushimado Olive Garden is a relaxing spot where you can enjoy the tranquil scenery of the sea and olives. Experience the charm of the Setouchi region through photography, strolling, and purchasing locally grown olive products. We recommend checking the official website for the latest information on transportation and facilities before visiting.
