Shodoshima, or Olive Island

The second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, Shodoshima, literally means ‘little bean island’, referring to the azuki bean. However, the name is more likely to evoke the soybean, or even the olive. The island, traditionally a major producer of soy sauce, has surprisingly become most renowned for its olive culture, bridging the 9000 kilometres gap from Greece to Japan.

This island, with its Mediterranean air, is the birthplace of olive production in Japan. Since 1908, the sun-drenched olive trees have been producing quality organic olive oil. Proud to show off their 2000 olive trees, olive growers often open the doors to their factories to visitors. The most famous among them, the Shodoshima Olive Park, boasts having been the very first farm established, planting and cultivating the first successful olive trees.

Set in a large park with breath-taking panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, the Olive Park is best known for its replica of a Greek windmill. Many tourists from both Japan and abroad come to borrow a broom from reception in order to recreate a cult scene of the animation ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ in front of the mill. It indeed appears that the creators from Studio Ghibli were inspired by Shodoshima’s landscape and its windmill which both feature alongside Miyazaki’s heroine.

Elsewhere visitors can find a small museum that recounts the secrets of the history and culture of the olive. At the end of the visit, you can tour the shop, buying olive oil, sweets, cosmetics or ice cream; all olive scented of course.

The park complex also includes eight baths fed by an underground hot water spring, ideal for relaxing after a long day on Shodoshima Island. Its artistic neighbours, Naoshima and Teshima, might often get the lion’s share of the attention, but Shodoshima is just as exciting.