Shodoshima

Shodoshima, which literally means small bean island, is also known to many as Olive Island. Olives were first cultivated in Japan at Shodoshima in 1908 and since then has been a top producer of olives in the country. The island's warm, Mediterranean climate is ideal for olive production. Olive Island has an Olive Park, or olive grove, where the first olives were cultivated. The park's walking paths are popular among tourists of Shodoshima. The island also has a museum where visitors can learn about the history of olive cultivation. After a walk through Olive Park and learning about the history of the island, be sure to check out the cafes, restaurants and shops that have various interesting olive related goods. They have the typical olive oil, but also carry interesting goods like olive noodles, olive cosmetics, olive candy, and even olive ice cream. Shodoshima even has a public bathhouse called Sun Olive where guests can relax in the eight different baths of hot spring water. The views of the sea from the baths at Sun Olive are amazing and sure to be a calming experience.