Okayama is a stunning prefecture located on the western side of Japan. It is also referred to as “the Land of Sunshine” for its minimal rain and mild climate. This prefecture is best known for its delicious fruits, as well as being the alleged setting of the famous Momotaro folktale. In this story, the hero Momotaro is born from a peach, thus anywhere you go within Okayama, you will most likely find images, souvenirs, and decorations related to this delicious fruit. Below, you can find more detailed information about the prefecture, how to get to it, and things to do when visiting it.
-- 10 Things to Do In & Around Okayama
-- Where to Stay When Visiting Okayama
This prefecture has a beautiful and varied geography. To the south, it is bound by the breathtaking Seto Inland Sea, producing splendid beaches which are well-worth visiting. To the North, one can find the Chūgoku Mountains and an abundance of hot springs. Towards the center of the prefecture lie sprawling plains which create a picturesque landscape. All this variety results in a great number of unique and charming locations to visit within Okayama. It is also an area rich in history and a place where one can find renowned temples, shrines, gardens, and historic districts.
As one of the major stops on the San’yo Shinkansen Line, many travelers exploring Japan are bound to pass by Okayama at some point in their journey throughout the country. Unfortunately, many do not take the opportunity to explore the prefecture and discover all the wonderful things it has to offer. In order to address this matter, we have created a list of all the best things to do when visiting Okayama and where to stay. We hope you can discovery places you have not heard about before and become inspired to stop by Okayama Prefecture and tour its many beautiful and breathtaking locations.
WHERE IS OKAYAMA?
Okayama Prefecture is located in the Chūgoku Region on the western side of Japan. As mentioned before, it is bound to the south by the Seto Inland Sea and to the north by the Chūgoku Mountains. It also shares a border with Hiroshima Prefecture to the west. Its capital city, which is also called Okayama, is the second larges city in the region after the city of Hiroshima.
10 THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND OKAYAMA
While it might not be as popular and well-known as places such as Kyoto and Hiroshima amongst foreign travelers, this prefecture is home to some of Japan's most famous and iconic locations. Below, you can find a list which includes these notable sightseeing spots, as well as some lesser-known places which we believe are definitely worth a visit. If you are debating whether or not to stop by Okayama and are struggling to come up with things to do during your trip, then this will help you come to a decision and plan the most enjoyable experience.
1 / OKAYAMA CASTLE / all year round
Okayama Castle is stunning six storied castle located within the city of Okayama. It is known for its unique black coloring which led to its nickname, "Crow Castle." After its construction in the late 16th century, it slowly developed into a flourishing castle town which resulted in the city that we know today. Currently, the castle houses a detailed and engaging museum which tells the story of its different rulers and the history of the prefecture. Unfortunately, the original Okayama Castle burned down during World War II, and thus the one we see today is a restored version which was completed in 1966. Nonetheless, the castle holds significant historical and cultural importance and is one of Okayama's most famous sightseeing locations.
2 / OKAYAMA KORAKUEN GARDEN / all year round
Considered one of Japan's "three great gardens," Okayama Korakuen Garden is a vast and breathtaking location which can be found right next to Okayama Castle. It was originally constructed in the Edo period as a place for feudal lords' leisure activities, but today it can be enjoyed by anyone visiting the city of Okayama. Korakuen Garden is quite large and made up of sprawling lawns, multiple ponds and groves, and many tea houses. Due to its curving paths, views of the garden's landscape can be enjoyed from multiple perspectives. A stop by Okayama is not complete without paying a visit to this impressive and notable garden.
3 / KURASHIKI BIKAN HISTORICAL QUARTER / all year round
When listing famous places in Okayama Prefecture, it would be unthinkable not to mention the beautiful and charming Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. This picturesque historic district is located in the city of Kurashiki very near to Kurashiki Station. Its streets are full of traditional buildings and structures which create an old-fashioned landscape. At its center lies the serene Kurashiki River, which is lined with weeping willow trees. It is a place of great scenic beauty which makes it a very popular travel destination for Japanese citizens. The landscape is so stunning that many of those who visit choose to rent kimono or yukata (traditional Japanese garments) to take pictures in the area. It is quite easy to reach the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter from Okayama Station, so one would be remiss not to drop by for a visit to this beautiful district.
If you would like to go to the three popular and remarkable locations mentioned so far, we offer a tour which will take you to all of them in just one day. Departing from Okayama Station, it is the perfect tour for those who are either traveling across Western Japan on the San'yo Line, or those who are currently staying in the nearby Osaka Prefecture. Our expert guides will provide the most relevant historical information and handle all traveling logistics, so that you can enjoy a stress-free and well-rounded trip within Okayama Prefecture.
4 / KIBITSU SHRINE / all year round
Kibitsu Shrine is a magnificent Shinto shrine located about 20 minutes away from Okayama Station. It is unknown when exactly this shrine was constructed, but records prove that parts of it were rebuilt in 1425 after a fire incident. Its unique architecture and 360-meter-long corridor give this shrine its iconic and easily recognizable appearance. Kibtsuhiko-no-Mikoto, a Japanese prince of legend who is considered the inspiration for the tale of Momotaro, is enshrined here. At the shrine, visitors can participate in the famous “Narukama Shinji Ritual” in which your fortune can be predicted based on the sounds produced by a steaming pot.
5 / KIBIJI CYCLING ROUTE / all year round
Okayama Prefecture is home to a rural flatland known as the Kibi Plain. This area is filled with sprawling rice fields and local homes, as well as historical shrines, temples, and other locations. One can traverse this plain on the Kibiji Cycling Road, which is about 17 kilometers long and extends from Soja Station to Bizen-Ichinomiya Station. You can easily rent a bicycle at either of the stations and drop it off at the other once you have completed the route. Afterwards, you can board a train back to Okayama Station. The roads are clearly marked with signs which will keep you on the right course, and the staff at the rental sites also provide additional instructions and advice. As you make your way through the plains, you can not only stop at the many historic sites, but also enjoy the rural landscape and grab some food at local restaurants or bakeries.
6 / SAIJO INARI SHRINE / all year round
Also known as “Myokyo-ji Temple,” the Saijo Inari Shrine is considered one of Japan’s top three Inari shrines. It is most recognizable for its gigantic torii gate, which is 27 meters tall. This location is known both as a "shrine" and "temple" since it uniquely follows both Shinto and Buddhist practices. It is said that the original Saijo Inari Shrine was built some time in the 8th century but was unfortunately destroyed during the tumultuous Sengoku Period. It was then rebuilt in 1601, and since then it has been regarded as a place where one can pray for things such as business prosperity and traffic safety.
7 / OHAGANISHI RICE TERRACES / all year round
Japan is well known for its stunning rice terraces which form part of the country’s quintessential rural landscape. An example of these rice terraces are the “Ohaganishi no Tanada” located within Misaki town in Okayama Prefecture. They lie at an altitude of 400 meters in a bowl-like shape within a valley. The “Ohaganishi no Tanada” were selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Rice Terraces” and are a breathtaking sight at all times of the year. Unfortunately, the only way to reach these terraces is by car from Okayama Station or by taking a 25-minute taxi from JR Kamenokō Station. If you happen to be driving or have the funds necessary to pay for a taxi, we definitely recommend stopping by this breathtaking location.
8 / INUJIMA ISLAND / all year round
Inujima Island is a small “art island” located off the coast of the city of Okayama. It was originally a location where the copper smelting and quarrying industries thrived, but now it is known for its art galleries and exhibits. There are only about 40 permanent inhabitants on this small island, yet many visitors travel to it to appreciate its art, observe the remains of the smelting plants, and enjoy activities such as swimming, camping, and kayaking. The island is just a short 10-minute ferry ride from Hoden Port (Hodenko), which one can easily reach by bus from Okayama Station. While the whole journey to Inujima is about 90 minutes long, the island's uniqueness and artistic value make up for the time it takes to get there. Another famous art island, Naoshima, is located about an hour away via high speed boat.
9 / EXPLORE NEARBY FUKUYAMA / all year round
The city of Fukuyama is not located within Okayama Prefecture, but its proximity makes it an ideal destination for a one-day trip starting from Okayama. It is so close in fact, that one can travel from one to the other in just 16 minutes using the Shinkansen. Fukuyama is rich in history and scenic beauty, boasting iconic sights such as the Fukuyama Castle and the picturesque port town of Tomonoura. If you happen to be staying in Okayama, then exploring this nearby city would be both easy and a fantastic choice. Those wanting to learn more about the history of Fukuyama, the sightseeing spots mentioned above, and our tour of the city starting from Fukuyama Station can do so by clicking on the "View Details" button below.
10 / HEAD ONTO HIROSHIMA / all year round
Once you are done exploring Okayama, why not head onto the nearby Hiroshima Prefecture? While it is undoubtedly best known for its tragic history, Hiroshima is also home to a vast amount of breathtaking landscapes, iconic locations, magnificent nature spots and hidden gems. There is much more to see beyond the museums and monuments within its capital city, and we encourage those who visit Okayama to also consider stopping by Hiroshima. To discover all the different things you can experience in this prefecture and plan your visit to it, check out our "30 Things to Do Around Hiroshima & Where to Stay" page.
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING OKAYAMA
When visiting Okayama, the largest variety of accommodations can be found around Okayama Station. The hotels in this area range from cheap but reliable business hotels to more expensive 4-star ones. Travelers might recognize popular Japanese hotel chains such as Via Inn, ANA Crowne Plaza, and Hotel Granvia. Since Okayama Station is such a vital hub for transportation in the region, it is full of many shops and restaurants, so staying nearby will guarantee easy access to food, souvenirs, and other goods. It is important to note, however, that the hotels which are closest to the station tend to be more expensive, so those looking for cheaper hostels or inns might have to look for accommodations in other areas.
HOW TO GET TO OKAYAMA
Within Okayama Prefecture lies one of major stops of the San'yo Shinkansen Line, Okayama Station. For those who are wishing to visit the prefecture, this will be the easiest access point. Departing from Shin-Osaka Station, it is possible to make it to Okayama in about 50 minutes, depending on the type of service, with a non-reserved ticket costing JPY9890. If you are leaving from Hiroshima Station, it is possible to board a non-stop Shinkansen train which will get you to Okayama Station in about 36 minutes for JPY5610. Visitors who are traveling from further out places such as Tokyo or Nagoya will find it easiest to board Shinkansen trains in the Tokaido Line which do not require transferring in Osaka.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
If you are just starting to plan your trip to Japan, Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting the country – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting Japan, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy, and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here. As you build your itinerary and get ready to come, make sure to keep in mind Okayama and its many wonderful sightseeing spots.