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Shodoshima, one of Japan’s popular tourist destinations, is home to Shodoshima Olive Park in the island’s southern area. This scenic location offers sweeping views of lush green olive groves and the sparkling blue Seto Inland Sea.
Within the park, you’ll find countless photogenic spots, hands-on experiences centered around olives, and local gourmet treats unique to the region. It’s a compact showcase of attractions that blend relaxation and excitement.
This article introduces the charm of Shodoshima Olive Park in a way that’s easy to understand, even for first-time visitors.
Shodoshima Olive Park is an olive and herb-themed park located in Shodoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture. Spread across a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the park features a Greek windmill, film locations, and cafés serving sweets and dishes made with olives. It’s known as a tourist spot where you can enjoy both scenic beauty and relaxation.
Although it feels like a theme park, it is officially registered as a roadside station (“Michi-no-Eki”). That means there’s no admission fee for any facilities—the entire park is free to explore. Parking is also free.
One of Shodoshima Olive Park’s greatest charms is the sweeping panoramic view from its hillside. The calm blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea, framed by olive groves and white-walled buildings, create a scene reminiscent of a Mediterranean resort.
Walking along the hillside paths, you’ll be greeted by the gentle rustling of olive leaves in the sea breeze and the shimmering water under the sunlight. The view changes with the seasons and time of day, offering a fresh sense of wonder every visit.
Taking a seat on a park bench and simply enjoying the view is pure bliss. In spring and autumn, the breeze is especially pleasant, allowing you to relax into the moment and savor the beauty around you.
The bright white Greek windmill, with its sails spread wide, is the symbol of Shodoshima Olive Park and a token of friendship with Milos Island in Greece. Its white silhouette against the deep blue sky and sea brings a Mediterranean holiday vibe.
The surrounding area offers perfect photo opportunities at any time of year. From the soft light of morning to the romantic hues of sunset, and the striking contrast of white and blue on sunny days—every moment is picture-perfect.
The view invites you to take photos instinctively—a blend of Shodoshima’s open-air charm and exotic atmosphere in one iconic spot.
One of the park’s trending activities is the “witch experience,” where you pose on a broom for photos. Brooms are available to borrow for free, so anyone can try it out.
Capture the moment mid-jump with the bright blue sky and white windmill behind you, and it will look just like you’re flying. With creative poses and angles, your shot is sure to stand out on social media.
You can jump together with friends, coordinate timing, or aim for a silhouette in the soft light of sunset—there are endless ways to shoot. Create your own unique memory to take home.
Here are three tips for getting the perfect “flying” photo:
Shodoshima Olive Park is filled with charming and unique photo spots that make you want to keep snapping pictures. Each feels like a scene from a storybook, irresistible to photography lovers.
This giant open-book monument feels like the gateway to a fairy-tale world. Stand before its pages and you’ll feel like the main character of your own story.
A mysterious door quietly placed somewhere in the park. The view beyond it is different each time you open it—like a one-time-only magical scene.
Two streetlamps leaning toward each other, like lovers in conversation. Sitting here for a photo adds a warm, romantic touch.
Inside the park’s café “Olivas,” there’s a quirky seating area lit by warm yellow lights.
Somewhere in the olive groves, there’s a mysterious “olive pompadour” tree—see if you can find it.
A polka dot-patterned mailbox in the park. Pose with a Calpis Water in hand, and everything—the background, mailbox, and your drink—will be dotted. Refreshing and fun! (Note: Mail cannot be posted from this box.)
The park is home to an olive-green postbox said to bring happiness and good luck in love.
Even without bringing a letter, you can buy postcards at the park’s souvenir shop (¥150). Write a message or memory and post it right there.
The postcards are all cute and unique, making even the selection process fun.
A letter arriving with Shodoshima illustrations or scenery is sure to warm the recipient’s heart.
Whether with friends, as a couple, or with family, exchanging these postcards becomes a memory in itself.
Olive - Green Happiness Postbox | Roadside Station Shodoshima Olive Park Official Website
(For domestic mailing, an 85-yen stamp is required; for international airmail, 100 yen.)
At the “Olive Soft Serve & Coffee” stand in the park, you can enjoy unique sweets and drinks made with olives. The most popular is the olive soft serve ice cream, with a delicate olive aroma and mild sweetness. Its gentle green hue makes it especially photogenic.
Another favorite is the refreshing olive cider float. Fizzy soda, sweet vanilla ice cream, and a hint of olive flavor make it perfect for hot days.
For lunch, head to Café OLIVAZ on the second floor of the Olive Memorial Hall.
The menu features colorful dishes and sweets made with herbs and olive oil. Each plate is as beautiful as it is delicious, and seasonal specials keep things fresh for repeat visitors.
Large windows offer serene views of the Seto Inland Sea, making your meal even more relaxing and memorable.
It’s a perfect spot for both casual outings with friends and romantic dates.
Shodoshima Olive Park preserves the live-action film set from Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service, inviting visitors into the story.
White walls, blue roofs, and a meticulously recreated interior make you feel like you’ve stepped into the film.
Inside, every detail matches the movie, delighting fans.
The bakery “Gütiokipän” where Kiki stayed now operates as “Koriko,” a shop selling charming goods.
Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, the warmth of the story combined with Shodoshima’s scenery makes this a magical spot.
Shodoshima Olive Park offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea, photogenic spots, authentic olive-based gourmet, and a relaxing atmosphere—all with free admission and easy access from the port. A quick stroll takes about an hour, or up to three hours if you include dining and hot springs.
Take photos at the white-and-blue windmill, enjoy olive soft serve and cider floats, or wander through a movie set—your time here will be richly rewarding.
Surrounded by sea breeze and greenery, you can savor unique scenery and flavors found nowhere else. Make sure to visit Shodoshima Olive Park.
If you want to get an even better feel for the park’s atmosphere, check out this article:
