Olive Cultivation and Scenic Views
The olives grown at Ushimado Olive Garden are used primarily for food products and cosmetics. Olive cultivation is an important part of Setouchi City’s local identity, and the garden has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful natural surroundings.
One of the main highlights is the panoramic view from the hilltop plaza. The blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea, dotted with islands, create a landscape so beautiful that the area is often called the “Aegean Sea of Japan.” The combination of olive trees, gentle hills, and sparkling sea makes this an ideal destination for sightseeing, photography, and a relaxing walk.
Ushimado Olive Harvest Festival
The Ushimado Olive Harvest Festival is held on the fourth Saturday of October each year. Visitors can take part in olive harvesting, watch demonstrations of olive oil extraction, and sample olive products. A variety of olive-based dishes are also available, including paella prepared in a large pot. Admission to the festival is free, and the event attracts many visitors eager to experience the region’s olive-growing culture.
Olive Oil and Local Products
Various olive products are available for purchase at the garden, including olive oil, skincare products, and cosmetics. Two notable products made with olives grown at Ushimado Olive Garden are Extra Virgin Olive Oil Ushimado Superior and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Ushimado. Both received gold awards at the 2021 New York International Olive Oil Competition, bringing international recognition to the quality of the region’s olive oil.
History of Ushimado Olive Garden
The garden’s history dates back to 1942, during the Second World War. Waichiro Hattori, a prominent local businessman in Okayama, believed that olives offered many benefits: they were nutritious, could be used medicinally and as fuel for lamps, and helped preserve the natural environment. With this vision, he established an olive grove on the hills of Ushimado.
During the war, the military authorities called for forests and mountain areas to be cleared for increased food production. Concerned that converting all the hills into farmland would destroy the area’s greenery, Hattori decided to cultivate olives on part of the land instead. Inspired by the successful olive-growing industry on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture, he became convinced that olives could also thrive in Ushimado. He brought approximately 30 olive saplings from Shodoshima and gradually expanded the planting to around 800 trees.
The Bell of Happiness and the Ushimado International Art Festival
The garden’s Bell of Happiness was installed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the company’s founding. The grounds have also played an important role in local cultural activities. Beginning in 1984, the JAPAN Ushimado International Art Festival used Ushimado Olive Garden as its principal venue. Much of the funding for the project came from the personal assets of Tsuneo Hattori, the eldest son of founder Waichiro Hattori.
Artist Tokoku Satake, known as a painter of mountain streams, maintained a studio within the garden and spent approximately 40 years painting its landscapes, beginning in 1959. His work reflects the enduring appeal of Ushimado’s scenery and its influence on artists.
Ushimado was also recognized as a Sacred Place for Lovers, a designation given to romantic destinations in Japan. On August 1, 2012, a commemorative plaque marking this recognition was installed in Ushimado Olive Garden, making the scenic grounds a popular spot for couples and visitors seeking memorable views.
Facilities at the Hilltop
Olive Shop
The Olive Shop on the first floor of the hilltop building sells a range of products, including olive oil for cooking, olive-based foods, and cosmetics. It is a convenient place to discover local specialties and purchase souvenirs made from olives grown in the region.
Yama no Ue no Roastery
Located on the second floor of the hilltop building, Yama no Ue no Roastery is a café operated by Kinoshita Shoten, a popular local coffee business. Guests can enjoy carefully selected coffee while taking in sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea.
The café deliberately avoids installing conventional lighting inside, allowing visitors to experience the changing natural light and atmosphere of the sea according to the season, time of day, and weather. Coffee beans selected by the owner are roasted on-site and prepared using a variety of methods, including pour-over, French press, and espresso. The café is an inviting place to pause and appreciate the scenery with a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Walking Through the Olive Grove
Walking trails wind through the olive trees, offering opportunities to discover historic stone pillars and artworks installed during previous editions of the Ushimado International Art Festival. The garden’s beautiful scenery has attracted artists and has also served as a filming location for movies and television dramas.
One particularly distinctive spot is Roma no Oka, or Rome Hill, where stone pillars reminiscent of ancient Roman temples create a striking setting. The area is ideal for taking photographs, enjoying a picnic, or simply relaxing amid the olive trees and coastal views.
Seifutei, Also Known as the Red-Roof Building
Seifutei, commonly called the Red-Roof Building, was once the studio of Tokoku Satake, the painter celebrated for his depictions of mountain streams. Before the olive shop was established, the building was also used for commercial purposes connected with olive products. Today, it serves as a space for workshops and other activities, preserving another piece of the garden’s artistic history.
Access
Ushimado Olive Garden is approximately 20 minutes by car from Oku Interchange on the Okayama Blue Line, around 50 minutes from Okayama Station, and approximately 70 minutes from Okayama Airport.
Visitors traveling by public transportation can take a Tobu Bus bound for Ushimado from Oku Station on the JR Ako Line. Get off at the Olive Garden Entrance bus stop, then walk for approximately 30 minutes to reach the garden.
Nearby Attractions and Places to Eat
The surrounding Ushimado area offers several places to enjoy local food and relax after exploring the olive grove. Options include Ushimado International Exchange Villa, which houses Restaurant acca; Ushimado Gelato Studio COPiO; and Picnic Restaurant Polaris. These nearby destinations make it easy to combine a visit to the olive garden with a wider exploration of the region’s coastal scenery and local cuisine.
With its olive trees, panoramic sea views, local products, artistic heritage, and inviting hilltop café, Ushimado Olive Garden is a rewarding destination for travelers seeking a peaceful side of Japan. Whether visiting during the autumn harvest festival or simply enjoying a leisurely walk above the Seto Inland Sea, the garden offers a distinctive blend of nature, culture, and regional flavor.