Ushimado Olive Garden

About 2,000 olive trees on a hill in Ushimado, called "Japan's Aegean". The lookout at the top takes in the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

An olive farm since 1942

Ushimado Olive Garden is the farm of Nippon Olive, a maker of olive products, in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. It opened in 1942, and about 2,000 olive trees grow on some 10 hectares of hillside.

Ushimado is a port town also known as "Japan's Aegean" for its calm Seto Inland Sea views dotted with islands. Look down at the sea from the olive groves on the hill and you will see why. Entry is free.

The lookout and the Bell of Happiness

The lookout at the top of the hill looks out over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, including Shodoshima. On clear days you may even see the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

Near the lookout hangs the Bell of Happiness, installed in 1999 to mark the 50th anniversary of Nippon Olive's founding. It is said you should ring it three times while making a wish. In 2006, Ushimado was chosen as a "Lovers' Sanctuary" (one of the tourist spots around Japan selected as good places to propose). Beside the bell hang lots of padlocks with wishes written on them.

Every so often you will find a heart-shaped leaf among the olive leaves. Looking for one as you stroll is part of the fun.

Shop, café and the seasons

The building on site has a shop selling olive products, local crafts, olive saplings and more, with a café on the 2nd floor. There are also hands-on activities such as making herbariums (preserved flowers in a glass bottle).

Olive trees flower from late May to early June. The flowers are white and very small, with a faint scent when you get close. Autumn is olive harvest season, and in 2026 the Ushimado Olive Harvest Festival is planned for Saturday 24 October. Past festivals have included olive-picking and demonstrations of oil pressing. Check the official website for this year's programme.

Getting there

By car, it is about 15 minutes from the Oku interchange on the Okayama Blue Line (a road for motor vehicles only). There is a car park.

By public transport, take a bus bound for Ushimado from JR Oku Station (about 20 minutes) and get off at "Olive-en Iriguchi" (Olive Garden entrance). From there it is about 30 minutes on foot to the garden. Opening hours can change with the season, so check the official information.

Tips

• From the "Olive-en Iriguchi" bus stop it takes about 30 minutes to walk to the garden. If you come by bus, allow plenty of time and wear comfortable shoes.
• According to Nippon Olive's official information, late afternoon is when the Seto Inland Sea views are at their loveliest.
• You can walk around the garden with your dog, as long as you stay outside the buildings.

Sources

• 牛窓オリーブ園｜岡山観光WEB【公式】 (opens in a new tab)
• 牛窓オリーブ園『幸福の鐘』 - 日本オリーブ (opens in a new tab)
• 牛窓オリーブ収穫祭2026開催のお知らせ - 日本オリーブ (opens in a new tab)
• オリーブの花咲く頃のお知らせ - 牛窓オリーブ園 (opens in a new tab)

Updated 30 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.