TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Shodoshima Olive Park (Tonosho Town, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture) is one of Shodoshima's most famous tourist spots in the Seto Inland Sea, and is a park that introduces olive cultivation and its culture. Shodoshima is known as one of the birthplaces of olive cultivation in Japan, and the island's warm, dry climate is well suited to olives. The park boasts an olive hill, Greek-style windmills, an observation deck, shops and cafes selling olive products, and experience facilities, all of which allow visitors to enjoy both Mediterranean-style scenery and the Seto Inland Sea at the same time.
Highlights
- Windmill Hill: The white Greek-style windmill (a symbolic feature) is a popular photo spot. On clear days, you can see the Seto Inland Sea and its islands.
- Olive Grove and Promenade: Stroll along the hills lined with neat rows of olive trees. Depending on the season, you can enjoy the scenery of fresh greenery, blossoming olives, and harvests.
- Olive Memorial Hall and Exhibition: Learn about the history of olives, their cultivation, and the process of olive oil production. You can also learn about the history of Shodoshima's olive industry.
- Experience programs: Olive oil tasting, olive processing experiences, craft making, etc. (varies depending on the season and event status). Some programs require advance reservations.
- Shop & Cafe: You can purchase locally produced olive oil, food and cosmetics made with olives, and original souvenirs. Olive soft serve ice cream and other light meals made with olives are also popular.
- Scenery and photo spots: A photogenic landscape with the sea, islands, olive trees and windmills in the background.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Access Shodoshima by ferry from the nearest major stations (Honshu/Shikoku side): JR Takamatsu Station (Kagawa Prefecture) or JR Uno Station (Okayama Prefecture).
- Access by ferry: Ferries bound for Tonosho Port are available from Takamatsu Port, Uno Port, Hinase Port, etc. The journey time varies depending on the departure port and type of boat (high-speed boat or ferry), but is generally around 50 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- From Tonosho Port to the park: Approximately 15-25 minutes by car or taxi from Tonosho Port. There are also times when local buses (regular buses within the island) and tourist shuttles operate. Buses have limited service, so please check the timetable in advance.
- By car: Shodoshima has well-maintained roads, but parking lots can get crowded during peak tourist season. Parking is available at the park.
- Bicycle and car rental: Renting a car or bicycle is convenient for touring the island. Some roads are hilly, so choose a vehicle that suits your physical strength.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short: 1-1.5 hours — A short stroll to see the windmills and lookouts and take photos
- Standard: 2-3 hours — Typical visit time including visiting the exhibition halls, eating at the shop and cafe, and exploring the grounds
- Relaxed: Half a day (3-5 hours) — If you want to take your time and enjoy the experience by participating in a program or visiting nearby attractions.
Nearby spots
- Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village (Shodoshima): A movie theme park that retains the atmosphere of the Showa era. Enjoy exhibits related to the island's culture and movies (approximately 20-30 minutes by car, depending on transportation).
- Angel Road: A sandy road that appears when the tide goes out. Popular for its romantic scenery (approximately 20 minutes by car).
- Kankakei: A valley famous for its autumn leaves. The view from the ropeway is spectacular (about 40-60 minutes by car).
- Marukin Soy Sauce Memorial Museum, Nakayama Senmaida Rice Terraces, etc.: There are many spots where you can enjoy the unique food culture and rice terrace scenery of Shodoshima.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Busy periods: Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, and weekends are popular times when many visitors visit, so parking lots and cafes can get crowded. Plan ahead, especially for ferry seats and other transportation on the island.
- Climate and Clothing: Setouchi can be windy on some days, so a light jacket or windproof jacket is useful. In summer, the sun can be strong and hot, so be sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
- Seasonal attractions: Olive blossoms can be seen in the spring (around May), and the fruit can be harvested in the fall (around September to October). The flowering and harvesting periods and experience events change from year to year, so please check the official information.
- Manners: Please do not trespass on fields or planted areas, do not pick fruit without permission, take your trash home with you, and be considerate of other visitors and local residents. Photography is generally free, but please follow warning signs at events and within the facilities.
- Barrier-free access and walking environment: There are slopes in some areas of the park. There are areas where wheelchairs and strollers can be used and areas where it is difficult, so please check with the facility in advance if you require wheelchair access or stroller access.
- Pets: Whether pets are allowed and the rules vary depending on the facility. Pets must be kept on a leash when outdoors, and there are often restrictions on access to indoor facilities, so we recommend checking in advance.
Before visiting, it's a good idea to check the park's official website, the island's transportation timetable, and the reservation status for experience programs. Enjoy a relaxing stay, soaking up the scent of olives and the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
