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.

Two white motorbots parked in the blue Seto Sea
Orange cat sitting on top of a stone wall by the sea
Orange and yellow sunset on the Seto Sea
Old town area with cats
Japanese art shown in the frame of a Japanese sliding door
View of the temple and pagoda with the Seto sea in the background
Orange cat sitting on top of a stone wall by the sea
Orange and yellow sunset on the Seto Sea
Old town area with cats
Japanese art shown in the frame of a Japanese sliding door
View of the temple and pagoda with the Seto sea in the background
Two white motorbots parked in the blue Seto Sea
Orange cat sitting on top of a stone wall by the sea
Orange and yellow sunset on the Seto Sea
Old town area with cats
Japanese art shown in the frame of a Japanese sliding door
View of the temple and pagoda with the Seto sea in the background

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.

Two white motorbots parked in the blue Seto Sea
Orange cat sitting on top of a stone wall by the sea
Orange and yellow sunset on the Seto Sea
Old town area with cats
Japanese art shown in the frame of a Japanese sliding door
View of the temple and pagoda with the Seto sea in the background
Orange cat sitting on top of a stone wall by the sea
Orange and yellow sunset on the Seto Sea
Old town area with cats
Japanese art shown in the frame of a Japanese sliding door
View of the temple and pagoda with the Seto sea in the background
Two white motorbots parked in the blue Seto Sea
Orange cat sitting on top of a stone wall by the sea
Orange and yellow sunset on the Seto Sea
Old town area with cats
Japanese art shown in the frame of a Japanese sliding door
View of the temple and pagoda with the Seto sea in the background

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.

Two white motorbots parked in the blue Seto Sea
Orange cat sitting on top of a stone wall by the sea
Orange and yellow sunset on the Seto Sea
Old town area with cats
Japanese art shown in the frame of a Japanese sliding door
View of the temple and pagoda with the Seto sea in the background
Orange cat sitting on top of a stone wall by the sea
Orange and yellow sunset on the Seto Sea
Old town area with cats
Japanese art shown in the frame of a Japanese sliding door
View of the temple and pagoda with the Seto sea in the background
Two white motorbots parked in the blue Seto Sea
Orange cat sitting on top of a stone wall by the sea
Orange and yellow sunset on the Seto Sea
Old town area with cats
Japanese art shown in the frame of a Japanese sliding door
View of the temple and pagoda with the Seto sea in the background

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.

Blurred sakura in the foreground with the sea and wild sakura trees in the background
A young woman walking along the seashore
soft, hazy sunset over the Seto sea
Two people paddling in a yellow kayak
Ferry boat in the Seto sea
A young woman walking along the seashore
soft, hazy sunset over the Seto sea
Two people paddling in a yellow kayak
Ferry boat in the Seto sea
Blurred sakura in the foreground with the sea and wild sakura trees in the background
A young woman walking along the seashore
soft, hazy sunset over the Seto sea
Two people paddling in a yellow kayak
Ferry boat in the Seto sea

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.

Blurred sakura in the foreground with the sea and wild sakura trees in the background
A young woman walking along the seashore
soft, hazy sunset over the Seto sea
Two people paddling in a yellow kayak
Ferry boat in the Seto sea
A young woman walking along the seashore
soft, hazy sunset over the Seto sea
Two people paddling in a yellow kayak
Ferry boat in the Seto sea
Blurred sakura in the foreground with the sea and wild sakura trees in the background
A young woman walking along the seashore
soft, hazy sunset over the Seto sea
Two people paddling in a yellow kayak
Ferry boat in the Seto sea

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.

Blurred sakura in the foreground with the sea and wild sakura trees in the background
A young woman walking along the seashore
soft, hazy sunset over the Seto sea
Two people paddling in a yellow kayak
Ferry boat in the Seto sea
A young woman walking along the seashore
soft, hazy sunset over the Seto sea
Two people paddling in a yellow kayak
Ferry boat in the Seto sea
Blurred sakura in the foreground with the sea and wild sakura trees in the background
A young woman walking along the seashore
soft, hazy sunset over the Seto sea
Two people paddling in a yellow kayak
Ferry boat in the Seto sea

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!

Two older women sitting on a bench in the olive grove, with a stunning view of the Seto sea
Full olive tree in the foreground with the Seto sea in the background
Gently holding olives and the olive branch in hand
Looking through a telescope to see the other islands in the area
Close up of olive oil sold at the Ushimado Olive Grove shop
Barista working at the cafe at the Ushimado Olive Grove
Full olive tree in the foreground with the Seto sea in the background
Gently holding olives and the olive branch in hand
Looking through a telescope to see the other islands in the area
Close up of olive oil sold at the Ushimado Olive Grove shop
Barista working at the cafe at the Ushimado Olive Grove
Two older women sitting on a bench in the olive grove, with a stunning view of the Seto sea
Full olive tree in the foreground with the Seto sea in the background
Gently holding olives and the olive branch in hand
Looking through a telescope to see the other islands in the area
Close up of olive oil sold at the Ushimado Olive Grove shop
Barista working at the cafe at the Ushimado Olive Grove

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.

Two older women sitting on a bench in the olive grove, with a stunning view of the Seto sea
Full olive tree in the foreground with the Seto sea in the background
Gently holding olives and the olive branch in hand
Looking through a telescope to see the other islands in the area
Close up of olive oil sold at the Ushimado Olive Grove shop
Barista working at the cafe at the Ushimado Olive Grove
Full olive tree in the foreground with the Seto sea in the background
Gently holding olives and the olive branch in hand
Looking through a telescope to see the other islands in the area
Close up of olive oil sold at the Ushimado Olive Grove shop
Barista working at the cafe at the Ushimado Olive Grove
Two older women sitting on a bench in the olive grove, with a stunning view of the Seto sea
Full olive tree in the foreground with the Seto sea in the background
Gently holding olives and the olive branch in hand
Looking through a telescope to see the other islands in the area
Close up of olive oil sold at the Ushimado Olive Grove shop
Barista working at the cafe at the Ushimado Olive Grove

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.

Two older women sitting on a bench in the olive grove, with a stunning view of the Seto sea
Full olive tree in the foreground with the Seto sea in the background
Gently holding olives and the olive branch in hand
Looking through a telescope to see the other islands in the area
Close up of olive oil sold at the Ushimado Olive Grove shop
Barista working at the cafe at the Ushimado Olive Grove
Full olive tree in the foreground with the Seto sea in the background
Gently holding olives and the olive branch in hand
Looking through a telescope to see the other islands in the area
Close up of olive oil sold at the Ushimado Olive Grove shop
Barista working at the cafe at the Ushimado Olive Grove
Two older women sitting on a bench in the olive grove, with a stunning view of the Seto sea
Full olive tree in the foreground with the Seto sea in the background
Gently holding olives and the olive branch in hand
Looking through a telescope to see the other islands in the area
Close up of olive oil sold at the Ushimado Olive Grove shop
Barista working at the cafe at the Ushimado Olive Grove

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.