Michi-no-Eki "Shodoshima Olive Park"

Roadside Station Shodoshima Olive Park is located in Shodoshima Town, Shodo District, Kagawa Prefecture. Spreading across a gently elevated hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, it is one of Shodoshima’s most popular and representative tourist attractions. The park is renowned for its beautiful Mediterranean-like scenery, with approximately 2,000 olive trees and more than 130 varieties of herbs cultivated on its grounds. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll surrounded by the refreshing fragrance of olives. It is also known as the birthplace of olive cultivation in Japan and offers numerous facilities where visitors can learn about the history and culture of olives.

The park is a comprehensive tourist facility that can be enjoyed throughout the day, with olive groves, herb gardens, a white Greek windmill, the Olive Memorial Museum, a natural hot spring, and accommodation facilities scattered throughout the grounds. Its beautiful scenery has also made it a popular filming location for numerous movies and television dramas. As one of Shodoshima’s most iconic photo spots, it attracts many visitors from both Japan and abroad.

## The Birthplace of Olive Cultivation in Japan

Shodoshima is known as the birthplace of olive cultivation in Japan, as it was the first place in the country to succeed in the commercial cultivation of olives. The history of olive cultivation in Japan began in 1908, when the then Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce established an olive experimental farm on Shodoshima.

Because the island’s warm, relatively dry Seto Inland Sea climate closely resembles that of the Mediterranean region, Shodoshima offers an ideal environment for growing olives. Today, it remains one of Japan’s leading olive-producing areas.

Within the park are the “Monument to the Birthplace of Olives in Japan” and the Olive Memorial Museum, where visitors can learn about the history and development of olive cultivation in Japan, olive varieties, and the production of olive oil.

## A Mediterranean-Inspired Park

In addition to approximately 2,000 olive trees, the park is home to more than 130 varieties of herbs and a wide range of seasonal flowers.

Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, herbs and roses flourish in early summer, and olives ripen and change color in autumn, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the year. On clear days, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea can be seen from the park, creating a spectacular vista sometimes referred to as the “Aegean Sea of Japan.”

The exotic atmosphere and Mediterranean resort-like scenery make the park an ideal place for strolling and taking photographs.

## The Greek Windmill

The white Greek windmill is the symbol of the park.

It was built to commemorate the sister-city partnership between Shodoshima Town and the Greek island of Milos. Set against the blue sky and the Seto Inland Sea, the white windmill is one of the park’s most popular photo spots, and many visitors enjoy taking commemorative pictures there.

The area around the windmill offers a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, with especially beautiful scenery at sunset.

## Filming Location for the Live-Action Film *Kiki’s Delivery Service*

Roadside Station Shodoshima Olive Park became nationally famous as a filming location for the live-action film *Kiki’s Delivery Service*, released in 2014.

The building used in the film has been preserved and is still open as the General Goods and Herb Café Koriko. Inside, visitors can browse handmade goods, accessories, Shodoshima souvenirs, sweets, and other items while enjoying the atmosphere of the film.

The park also offers free use of “magic brooms.” By straddling a broom and jumping with the Greek windmill in the background, visitors can take photographs that make it look as though they are flying through the sky. As a result, the spot has become particularly popular for social media photography.

## Olive Memorial Museum

The Olive Memorial Museum introduces the history of olive cultivation in Japan, the olive oil production process, and different olive varieties in an easy-to-understand way.

The museum also sells olive-based foods, cosmetics, general goods, and other Shodoshima souvenirs. Special exhibitions featuring olives and herbs are occasionally held as well.

At the restaurant attached to the museum, visitors can enjoy dishes prepared with ingredients from Shodoshima and locally produced olive oil.

## Craft Experiences

At the herb greenhouse, visitors can take part in a variety of craft activities based on the concept of “enjoying olives and herbs with all five senses.”

Seasonal activities include making soap and wreaths using olive oil and herbs, as well as creating aromatic crafts. Visitors can participate casually with support from the staff. Many of the activities require advance reservations.

## Hot Springs, Restaurants, and Accommodation

The park is home to the natural hot spring facility Sun Olive Hot Spring, where visitors can relax and soothe their tired bodies after exploring the grounds. Herb baths are also available, making the facility popular not only with tourists but also with local residents.

The restaurant serves dishes made with ingredients from Shodoshima and locally produced olive oil. Popular menu items include Olive Beef, Olive Pork, and Shodoshima somen noodles, all of which make use of local specialties.

The park also includes the accommodation facility Olivex Uchiumi, allowing visitors to stay overnight and enjoy a relaxed tour of Shodoshima.

## Seasonal Attractions

Roadside Station Shodoshima Olive Park offers a variety of beautiful landscapes throughout the year.

In spring, the cherry trees bloom in abundance, and illuminated nighttime cherry blossoms are usually featured from late March through early April. In early summer, herbs and roses add color to the park, while autumn marks the olive harvest season. In winter, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea in the crisp, clear air, as the park reveals a different character with each season.

Events are also held throughout the year to celebrate and promote olives. On Olive Day, held annually on March 15, a variety of special events take place.

## Roadside Station Shodoshima Olive Park Today

Today, Roadside Station Shodoshima Olive Park is one of Shodoshima’s leading tourist attractions. As the birthplace of olive cultivation in Japan, it conveys the history and culture of olives while allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful nature and Mediterranean-inspired scenery.

With its olive groves, Greek windmill, filming set from *Kiki’s Delivery Service*, Olive Memorial Museum, craft experiences, and natural hot springs, the park offers a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and an exotic atmosphere, it is one of the most popular places to visit for experiencing the unique charm of Shodoshima.