Shodoshima Olive Park, located on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture, is a renowned tourist destination within the Setouchi Islands. This island has gained fame as the largest producer of olives in Japan, with over a century of olive cultivation, resulting in numerous magnificent olive fruit trees. This abundance of olive trees has earned the island its nickname, Olive Island.
Additionally, the park holds significance as the filming location for Studio Ghibli's beloved work, Kiki's Delivery Service (Majo no Takkyuubin). Visitors can relish the park's natural splendor while immersing themselves in its captivating history.
At Shodoshima Olive Park, the possibilities are endless! Explore the expansive park with its iconic photo spots, browse through the enticing gift shop, and delve into the island's captivating history at the informative gallery. There's something for everyone to enjoy and discover at this remarkable destination.
List of contents
- List of contents
- History of Shodoshima Olive Park and Shodoshima Island
- Send postcards via the only olive-colored postbox in Japan
- Ride a magical broom
- Stroll through the olive groves
- Souvenir shop
- Try the delicious green olive ice cream
- Souvenir recommendations
- Shodoshima Olive Park
History of Shodoshima Olive Park and Shodoshima Island
Within the garden lies the main building that houses an informative gallery. Step inside to unravel the history of both Shodoshima Olive Park and Shodoshima Island. Discover the intriguing tale of how the olive tree made its way to Japan, attributed to a Japanese doctor from France between 1862 and 1867.
The initial cultivation took place in the city of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, marking the beginnings of a remarkable journey.
Following the initial olive cultivation in Yokosuka, the Japanese began planting olive trees in various regions. Shodoshima Island welcomed olive trees around 1908 when Kagawa Prefecture was entrusted by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce to establish a trial plantation. The island's residents were invited to participate in the collective effort of olive cultivation.
In 1919, the gardens were developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, aiming to enhance the island's appeal as a captivating tourist destination.
Send postcards via the only olive-colored postbox in Japan
Within the park, a unique feature awaits: an olive-colored postbox found exclusively in this location. Make your visit even more memorable by purchasing postcards inside the main building.
Create personalized postcards adorned with olive leaf designs and then send them off through the distinct olive-colored postbox nestled within the garden. It's a delightful way to capture the essence of your experience at the park and share it with others.
Ride a magical broom
One of the most fun things you can do here is take photos while posing with the red ribbon broom that was also used in the film Kiki's Delivery Service.
You can borrow the broom and pose in front of the windmill, recreating the cherished scene you've come to adore.
The windmill stands proudly as the crowning jewel of Shodoshima Island, captivating visitors with its allure. Not only is it renowned as a filming location for Kiki's Delivery Service, but it also serves as a symbolic representation of the strong bond between Greece and Japan.
Stroll through the olive groves
Make sure to walk through the olive groves of Shodoshima Olive Park, an experience not to be missed.
Spanning a considerable area, these groves house a variety of olive trees, ranging from freshly planted saplings to budding mid-sized trees and majestic century-old giants with impressive gnarled trunks. Observing these olive trees allows you to delve into the island's rich history, connecting with its past while immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the groves.
There is also an olive nursery inside this garden. If you live in Japan, you can even get these delivered to your home.
Souvenir shop
There is also a cute souvenir shop where you can buy products made from olive trees, some of which use the flowers, while others the fruits and leaves. Apart from food and cosmetic products, there are also plenty of items that you can use to decorate your home, which are definitely worth buying as souvenirs for your family and friends back home.
These cute earrings are sure to be a hit among youngsters.
Try the delicious green olive ice cream
Another exciting treat is olive-infused ice cream crafted from the luscious flesh of green olives. To enhance its taste, a drizzle of fragrant olive oil is added providing it with a distinct aroma. A must try dessert.
Souvenir recommendations
The gardens' signature offering is the exquisite greenish-white olive somen, boasting a sweeter flavor than traditional somen noodles. You have the opportunity to purchase these delightful noodles for preparation in the comfort of your own home.
Another option are the olive ramen noodles which come with salty soup seasoning.
For those desiring food products that provide both nourishment and wellness benefits, the olive gummies are an excellent choice. Rich in collagen, these are thoughtful souvenirs for your family and friends.
Other than olives, Shodoshima Island is also renowned for its esteemed soy sauce factory. Notably, the factory specializes in producing olive soy sauce, which has become a cornerstone of their offerings.
Lastly Shodoshima Island's premium product is locally-produced olive oil. This distinctly Japanese creation exhibits a unique taste and aroma, setting it apart from its international counterparts. Made exclusively from olives grown on the island, this premium olive oil is an exclusive find.
If you are planning to visit Kagawa Prefecture in the near future, don't forget to stop by the beautiful Shodoshima Olive Park.
Shodoshima Olive Park
Opening hours: 8:30-17:00
Official website: https://www.1st-olive.com/guide/
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/E9N8LG1EJ5QGrPrXA
