
Ushimado: a ‘Mediterranean’ escape in Japan
Ushimado: a ‘Mediterranean’ escape in Japan

Ushimado: a ‘Mediterranean’ escape in Japan
An edo period hot spot for traders and merchants
Tucked away on the shores of the mystical Seto Inland sea lies the peaceful port town of Ushimado. Ushimado flourished as a ‘waiting and maintenance’ port during the Edo period and you can still feel the hustle and bustle of a once vital center of the local feudal domain as you stroll down its historical streets. Don't miss the Shiomachi Karakoto Street! You will encounter old merchant houses transformed into stylish cafés, art galleries, and cozy restaurants serving fresh local fish.
With its traditional townscape and ancient shrines and temples overlooking the ‘The Aegean Sea of the East, Ushimado has become a charming leisure resort, famous for its cute stray cats. Many visitors come to enjoy its traditional festivals held throughout the year.

















An edo period hot spot for traders and merchants
Tucked away on the shores of the mystical Seto Inland sea lies the quiet port town of Ushimado. Although today it is a peaceful leisure town, you can still feel the hustle and bustle of a once vital centre of the local feudal domain as you stroll down its historical streets. Ushimado flourished as a ‘waiting and maintenance’ port during the Edo period and became a prosperous town home to numerous businesses, inns and merchants.
As you stroll down the Shiomachi Karakoto Street, you will encounter old merchant houses transformed into stylish cafes, art galleries or homemade cooking local restaurants.
With its old townscape and its many ancient shrines and temples overlooking the sea, Ushimado has become a famous resort spot for Japanese people wanting to feel The Seto Inland sea, ‘The Aegean Sea of the East’, or enjoy its numerous festivals around the year.

















An edo period hot spot for traders and merchants
Tucked away on the shores of the mystical Seto Inland sea lies the quiet port town of Ushimado. Although today it is a peaceful leisure town, you can still feel the hustle and bustle of a once vital centre of the local feudal domain as you stroll down its historical streets. Ushimado flourished as a ‘waiting and maintenance’ port during the Edo period and became a prosperous town home to numerous businesses, inns and merchants.
As you stroll down the Shiomachi Karakoto Street, you will encounter old merchant houses transformed into stylish cafes, art galleries or homemade cooking local restaurants.
With its old townscape and its many ancient shrines and temples overlooking the sea, Ushimado has become a famous resort spot for Japanese people wanting to feel The Seto Inland sea, ‘The Aegean Sea of the East’, or enjoy its numerous festivals around the year.

















Maejima island: beautiful panoramas and fun in the glittering sea
In addition to its rich history, Ushimado is also a great place to relax and enjoy the gorgeous marine scenery. Facing Ushimado is Maejima, a beautifully green island designated as National Park.
Just a five-minute ferry ride from Ushimado harbour, Maejima is a great place to enjoy fun outdoor activities for those seeking a bit of adventure.
Come and cycle around the island, surrounded by gorgeous blue-green waters, while taking in the gentle spring breeze, vibrant fall leaves or blooming cherry blossoms. In the summertime, hop on a kayak and explore the coastline, and stop to relax on one of Maejima’s sandy beaches.

















Maejima island: beautiful panoramas and fun in the glittering sea
In addition to its rich history, Ushimado is also a great place to relax and enjoy the gorgeous marine scenery. Facing Ushimado is the not-to-miss Maejima, a beautifully green island designated as National Park.
Just a five minute ferry ride from Ushimado harbour, Maejima is a great place to enjoy fun outdoor activities for those seeking a bit of adventure. Come and cycle around the island Surrounded by gorgeous blue-green waters as you enjoy the gentle spring breeze, fall leaves or cherry blossoms, or hop on a kayak in the summertime and stop by one of Maejima’s sandy beaches.

















Maejima island: beautiful panoramas and fun in the glittering sea
In addition to its rich history, Ushimado is also a great place to relax and enjoy the gorgeous marine scenery. Facing Ushimado is the not-to-miss Maejima, a beautifully green island designated as National Park.
Just a five minute ferry ride from Ushimado harbour, Maejima is a great place to enjoy fun outdoor activities for those seeking a bit of adventure. Come and cycle around the island Surrounded by gorgeous blue-green waters as you enjoy the gentle spring breeze, fall leaves or cherry blossoms, or hop on a kayak in the summertime and stop by one of Maejima’s sandy beaches.

















Ushimado Olive garden
Wander among 2,000 olive trees and climb to the hilltop for sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea. From above, you’ll see evergreen islands scattered across the horizon, the quiet port town of Ushimado below, and boats gliding by. 
If time is right, and you’ll catch an unforgettable sunset.
Founded in the 1940s by the Hattori family, the Ushimado Olive Garden spans 10 hectares and remains one of only two olive gardens in Japan today. Its scenery has inspired renowned Japanese painters such as Satake Toku.
Don't forget to treat yourself to the shop’s famous olive ice cream or enjoy a freshly brewed coffee with a view at Yama no Ue no Roastery. And if you’re feeling romantic, don’t miss the Lover’s Bell. Make sure to ring it and make a wish for love and good fortune!

















Ushimado Olive garden
Wander among 2,000 olive trees and climb to the hilltop for sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea. From above, you’ll see evergreen islands scattered across the horizon, the quiet port town of Ushimado below, and boats gliding by. Time it right, and you’ll catch an unforgettable sunset.
Founded in the 1940s by the Hattori family, the Ushimado Olive Garden spans 10 hectares and remains one of only two olive gardens in Japan today. Its scenery has inspired renowned Japanese painters such as Satake Toku.
As you explore, you’ll discover Greek-inspired monuments among the olive trees. Don't forget to treat yourself to the shop’s famous olive ice cream, or enjoy a freshly brewed coffee with a view! And if you’re feeling romantic, don’t miss the Lover’s Bell. Make sure to ring it and make a wish for love and good fortune.

















Ushimado Olive garden
Wander among 2,000 olive trees and climb to the hilltop for sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea. From above, you’ll see evergreen islands scattered across the horizon, the quiet port town of Ushimado below, and boats gliding by. Time it right, and you’ll catch an unforgettable sunset.
Founded in the 1940s by the Hattori family, the Ushimado Olive Garden spans 10 hectares and remains one of only two olive gardens in Japan today. Its scenery has inspired renowned Japanese painters such as Satake Toku.
As you explore, you’ll discover Greek-inspired monuments among the olive trees. Don't forget to treat yourself to the shop’s famous olive ice cream, or enjoy a freshly brewed coffee with a view! And if you’re feeling romantic, don’t miss the Lover’s Bell. Make sure to ring it and make a wish for love and good fortune.

















See more of the charms of the Ushimado area
See more of the charms of the Ushimado area
See more of the charms of the Ushimado area

Renting a bicycle and cycling the port area is lots of fun!

The area is well known for its famous Bizen pottery

Enjoy the view of a soft sunset glowing over the Seto Inland Sea.

Explore the mysterious "Venus Road" before high tide covers the sandy path

Take home your very own olive tree from Ushimado's Olive Garden!

The port area is famous for it's adorable cats

Choose your favorite souvenir at the Tourist Information Center or rent a bike for the day !

Sakura season, looking out at Maeshima

Step into nature and mystery at Ushimado Shrine.

How many outdoor art spots can you find around Ushimado?

Enjoy a romantic stroll along the sea.

Choose from a variety of tasty souvenirs at the Olive Garden shop!

Don’t miss the chance to try locally made olive oil at the Olive Garden.

The area is well known for its famous Bizen pottery

Enjoy the view of a soft sunset glowing over the Seto Inland Sea.

Explore the mysterious "Venus Road" before high tide covers the sandy path

Experience a natural phenomenon and walk from one island to another!

Ushimado public beaches are perfect for swimming and family fun.

Rent a bike for the day at the Tourist Information Center.

Maejima’s sandy beaches are a hidden gem worth discovering.

Join the parade of the Korean Festival in Ushimado street!

How many outdoor art spots can you find around Ushimado?

Choose from a variety of tasty souvenirs at the Olive Garden shop!

Olive oil-based dishes are both delicious and easy to find in Ushimado.

Don’t miss the chance to try locally made olive oil at the Olive Garden.

The area is well known for its famous Bizen pottery

Enjoy the view of a soft sunset glowing over the Seto Inland Sea.

Explore the mysterious "Venus Road" before high tide covers the sandy path

Experience a natural phenomenon and walk from one island to another!

Ushimado public beaches are perfect for swimming and family fun.

Rent a bike for the day at the Tourist Information Center.

Maejima’s sandy beaches are a hidden gem worth discovering.

Join the parade of the Korean Festival in Ushimado street!

How many outdoor art spots can you find around Ushimado?

Choose from a variety of tasty souvenirs at the Olive Garden shop!

Olive oil-based dishes are both delicious and easy to find in Ushimado.