- Shodoshima Olive Park: Complete Guide to Photo Spots, Scenic Views, and Local Treats
- Discover Shodoshima Olive Park’s best photo spots, scenic views, and local olive treats—from white-and-blue Greek windmills to charming monuments and unique sweets.
A Photo Spot Paradise at “Shodoshima Olive Park”!
Shodoshima Olive Park is a park themed around Shodoshima’s famous product, olives.
It features olive groves, a large Greek windmill, and sets used in the live-action adaptation of the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service, packed with countless photogenic spots.
In this article, I’ll share my visit to Shodoshima Olive Park with plenty of photos to give you a feel for the atmosphere and help you plan your own trip.
For more detailed information and highlights of Shodoshima Olive Park, see the article below.
Read more about Highlights and detailed information of Shodoshima Olive Park
Just a 3-Minute Walk from the Bus Stop! Arriving at Olive Park via an Uphill Path
It’s only about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop to Olive Park—very close.
However, since it’s uphill, you’ll need to put in a little effort.
Step into the Movie World at “Koriko” – Filming Location for the Live-Action Kiki’s Delivery Service
A set of the Guchokipan Bakery, built for the 2014 live-action adaptation of Kiki’s Delivery Service, was relocated here after filming and now operates as Koriko, a shop selling handmade flower accessories and goods.
Here’s the Guchokipan Bakery as it appears in the movie.
Because it was simply relocated, it looks exactly as it did in the movie—it’s moving to see.
The interior is also just like in the movie.
First, here’s a scene from the movie showing the inside of Guchokipan Bakery.
And here’s the interior of Koriko at Olive Park.
It even has the bay window where Kiki answered the phone.
Koriko sells many cute handmade flower accessories and goods.
Relaxing Stroll in the “Flower and Fragrance Garden” Next to Koriko
Next to Koriko is the “Flower and Fragrance Garden,” where various plants are cultivated.
It’s full of greenery and very relaxing. There are also photo spots.
Take Cute Photos at the Fairy-Tale “Olive Story”
The “Olive Story – Book of Beginnings” is a charming photo spot.
It feels like you’ve wandered into Alice’s world. The book is quite large, and the door is about the right size for an elementary school student.
The book tells the story of how olives were introduced to Shodoshima and became established here.
- Olive Story of Shodoshima 110 years
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The first olive came to Shodoshima was on the year 1908.
At that time, it was the trial production using seedlings in Mie, Kagoshima, Kagawa prefecture.
While other areas abandoned growth of trees and abandoned cultivation, only olive planted in Nishimura district of Shodoshima grew steadily.
Of course, the first attempt in Japan was repetition of trial and error. Although it has been plagued by the damage of the olive Ana-aki weevil, which inhabits only Japan, Steady efforts of local farmers responsible for cultivation management led to successful cultivation
In 2018. The planting of olive will celebrate its 110th anniversary Shodoshima will continue to nurture and grow the olives in the future.
Magical Broomstick Experience at the Greek Windmill – Try a “Flying Photo”
The Greek windmill is one of the most famous photo spots in Shodoshima Olive Park.
At the Olive Memorial Hall (roadside station), broomsticks are available for free rental, and this is the top photo spot.
These are broomsticks like the one Kiki used in Kiki’s Delivery Service, available for free rental.
Near the windmill, many people gather to take photos of themselves “flying” on the broomsticks.
The area around the Greek windmill is a small hill with grassy ground, perfect for relaxing as if you were spending a leisurely day in a park. You can enjoy a slow moment gazing out at the Seto Inland Sea.
Wide gardens, wide sky, wide sea—truly relaxing. The Greek windmill is a must-visit photo spot in Shodoshima Olive Park.
Enjoy Rare Mediterranean Scenery in Japan at the Olive Grove Next to the Windmill
Next to the Greek windmill spreads an olive grove, a rare sight in Japan, which you can see up close.
Visit “Komilos” Oil Mill to See Olive Oil Production
Next to the Olive Memorial Hall and Koriko is the “Komilos” oil mill, where olives are pressed to extract olive oil.
In autumn, you can watch freshly harvested island olives being pressed here. The light scent of green apple and the vivid color of fresh-pressed oil are unforgettable. Next door, you can also see old oil pressing tools, making for a pleasant stroll through history.
Savor, Learn, and Shop at the Olive Memorial Hall
This is the Olive Memorial Hall—a roadside station-like building selling local specialties.
Here you’ll find a restaurant serving Shodoshima specialties, a café offering olive oil treats, Shodoshima sweets for sale, souvenirs to take home, and exhibits on the history of Shodoshima and its olives.
You can also rent the magical broomsticks for free here.
How to Rent the Magical Broomstick for Free and Important Notes
The free broomstick rentals are located just to the right inside the Olive Memorial Hall.
Rental hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and no advance reservation is required. If you see broomsticks hanging on the wall, you can take one.
They are first-come, first-served, so if there’s none available, you’ll need to wait until someone returns one.
Learn 110 Years of Shodoshima Olive History at the Information Gallery
This gallery offers a look at the history of Shodoshima’s olive industry from its beginnings to today.
A Must-Try! Tasting Shodoshima’s Famous Olive Soft-Serve
Just inside the entrance of the Olive Memorial Hall is a shop called “Olive Soft-Serve and Coffee.”
The olive soft-serve here is highly recommended—it’s delicious.
The olive soft-serve has a gentle sweetness without any unusual taste or aroma, so anyone can enjoy it. If you visit Shodoshima, be sure to try this treat.
Browse the Well-Stocked Souvenir Shop at the Memorial Hall
The souvenir shop inside the Olive Memorial Hall is one of the best places in Shodoshima for finding souvenirs.
Take a Break on the Unique “Magical Chairs”
In front of the Olive Memorial Hall are chairs for resting, but these are unique—they hold parasols.
They look like something from Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. They’re very cute, so be sure to check them out.
Enjoy Panoramic Views at the Event Plaza – The Best Seats Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea
Right in front of the Olive Memorial Hall is a spacious, open-air event plaza.
It’s vast, the sky feels huge, and the Seto Inland Sea stretches out before you. The sense of openness is overwhelming.
It’s truly a view you could gaze at forever.
Get Ferry Tickets and Local Info at Olive Navi Shodoshima
There are several spots near Olive Park worth stopping by.
Right next to the “Olive Park Entrance” bus stop, at the intersection with National Route 436 down the slope from Olive Park, is a facility called Olive Navi Shodoshima.
Here you can buy tickets for the “ferry” connecting the Olive Navi pier on the coast with the Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village. There’s also free parking and restrooms, plus exhibits on Shodoshima’s tourist attractions inside, making it perfect for gathering information or taking a break.
Enjoy the Sea at Olive Beach – Summer Brings Beach Houses Too
Right beside Olive Navi Shodoshima is the coast, where you’ll find Olive Beach.
The beach is beautiful and offers great views over the Seto Inland Sea.
When I visited in summer, several beach houses were open, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Shodoshima Olive Park – A Must-Visit Packed with Attractions
This time, I spent about an hour and a half exploring Shodoshima Olive Park and its surroundings. If you plan to have lunch, allow around two hours.
The Greek windmill, Koriko, and Olive Memorial Hall are close to each other, making it easy to visit them all.
There are plenty of photogenic spots, and the food and sweets are delicious.
If you’re sightseeing in Shodoshima, this is a spot you should definitely include on your itinerary.
Be sure to visit Shodoshima Olive Park.
For more details and highlights of Shodoshima Olive Park, see the article below.
