Take a stroll through nature on the Venus Road and Ushimado

What is Ushimado?

View of Ushimado

The Seto Inland Sea is a scenic area with islands of various sizes that float on the calm sea. The Seto Inland Sea is one of Japan’s biggest inland seas which is surrounded by Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu and is popular among tourists for the superb views and the variety of seafood found in each of its areas. Amongst the places along the shore of the Seto Inland Sea, a seaside town, Ushimado, in Okayama Prefecture is especially exceptional. Many tourists visit this area, called the “Japanese Aegean Sea”, for the olives grown in the warm climate and the deep blue ocean and sky. Most people visit during the summertime, but seeing the olive trees bear fruit in the autumn is also appealing.

For those who want to experience a resort like atmosphere away from your everyday lifestyle and take strolls with a beautiful seascape, the Ushimado town is just the place for you.

Enjoy the resort like feelings in the beautiful Seto Inland Sea

Okinawa Prefecture is not the only resort in Japan. In fact, the Seto Inland Sea is loved for its calm waves and clear water. In Ushimado, which faces the Seto Inland Sea, you can chill out and enjoy a variety of superb views.

Kuroshima Venus Road

Kuroshima Venus Road

When the low tide hours approach, a sand road, called “Kuroshima Venus Road”, of approximately 800m emerges. Only at during low tide, you can walk on the bow-shaped road, which connects the three islands, Kuroshima, Nakanokojima, and Hatanokojima in the Seto Inland Sea.
“Kuroshima Venus Road” collects a lot of attention as a spiritual power spot for couples.

This sand path only lasts for 2 hours at one time. The name of the mysterious 800m sand path that connects island to island, “Venus Road” comes from the origin story of “the heart of a goddess”. On the path, there is a heart-shaped rock, which is believed to be the heart of the goddess, and if one touches the rock, that person’s feelings will be conveyed to their loved ones just as the islands are connected together.
You can enjoy the most romantic atmosphere during sunset, but it is also recommended to go boating under the blue sky. Many couples have taken their wedding photos in this area.

Ushimado Yacht Harbor

Ushimado Yacht Harbor

During the months of May to October, you can enjoy yacht lessons at the biggest yacht harbor in Western Japan, “Ushimado Yacht Harbor”.
Aside from yacht lessons, you can experience a cruiser and a cutter boat. After enjoying marine sports, you can take a break at the clubhouse right by the harbor, so you do not have to prepare beach rugs or parasols.

Ushimado Olive Garden

Ushimado Olive Garden

“Ushimado Olive Garden” features approximately 2000 olive trees planted all over a hill, which overlooks the Ushimado Port and the Seto Inland Sea. At the Ushimado Olive Market, held which is located at the lawn field on the summit, you can purchase miscellaneous goods, artifacts, and olive products as well as participate in workshops.
At “Olive shop”, a store directly managed by the Ushimado Olive Garden, you can not only purchase products but also enjoy the view of the Seto Inland Sea from the sightseeing tower.

“Happiness Bell” (inside Ushimado Olive Garden)

The “Happiness Bell”, found in the olive garden, was installed in 2012 as a holy date spot for couples. Ringing the bell three times will make your wish come true. It is said that All the thoughts wished upon the olives will be delivered through the sounds of the bell on the beautiful hill.

Temples and shrines overlooking the Seto Inland Sea

At Seto Inland Sea, just looking at the calm waves with ease your heart. Ushimado Town is dotted with temples and shrines that look over the Seto Inland Sea. Visiting these temples and shrines on a sunny day will definitely lighten up your mood by taking in the spiritual healing of the power spots and looking at the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Honrenji

Honrenji

Along the main building of Yosemune, which is an important cultural property of the country, and the middle gate which is unusual in the case of Kumon and four legs, it quietly speaks the style that has received the long history.
When Korean delegation called at a port in the Edo period, the reception hall of the temple was used to attend to them. It is recommended, especially for history lovers, to experience taking in the beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea from the temple , similar to how the foreigners crossed the ocean to come to Japan
The three-storied pagoda is the only seashore pagoda in Japan. the combination of the sea and the pagoda is a must see.

Ushimado shrine

The attractions of “Ushimado shrine”, beside Ushimado beach, are its stone steps and front guard frame. The front approach by the sea is unique with the fresh atmosphere brought about by the combination of the front guard frame and the sea.
The long stone steps between a cluster of trees have 364 steps. You can enjoy the superb view of the sea from the observatory on the approach surrounded by greenery and nature. It is said that spirits of the Ushimado land and successive generations of ancestors are enshrined in the forest surrounding the stone steps the sacred air can soothe visitors’ souls.

The portable shrine for “Ushimado autumn festival”, the most famous festival in Ushimado, starts from Ushimado shrine on the fourth Sunday of every October.
It makes stops at 21 Otabishos (a place where the sacred palanquin is lodged during a festival) set up throughout the town. It is recommended that you travel there during this time. As a side note, Danjiri in the shape of ships, used for Ushimado autumn festival, has been registered as a prefectural designated cultural property.

Access

from Okayama station

“Okayama station” - JR Ako Line / bound for Osafune
→ “Saidaiji station”
Connecting bus / bound for Ushimado
→ “Ushimado bus stop”

from Okayama Airport

“Okayama Airport” - connecting bus・Okaden bus / bound for the front of Okayama station
→ “Bus stop in front of Okayama station”
→ “Okayama station” – JR Ako Line / bound for Osafune
→ “Saidaiji station” - connecting bus / bound for Ushimado
→ “Ushimado bus stop”

Sea bathing is also recommended in Ushimado during summer

The Seto Inland Sea

The Seto Inland Sea, which is called “The Oriental Aegean sea”, is highly praised by people all over the world. You can enjoy sea bathing at the emerald green sea.

Nearby