1-Day Okayama Tour: Castle, Korakuen Garden, and Historic Townscape of Kurashiki

Okayama is a prefecture located on the western side of Japan whose minimal rain and mild climate have led to its nickname, “the Land of Sunshine.” This prefecture is best known for its delicious fruits, as well as being the alleged setting and birthplace of the Momotaro folktale. In this story, the eponymous hero Momotaro is born from a peach, thus anywhere you go within the prefecture, there will most likely be peach images, souvenirs, and decorations all around you.

However, the charm of Okayama goes beyond its sunny days and delicious fruits, with iconic sites such as the Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter making the prefecture an exceptional scenic and historic destination.

In this tour, guests will be able to visit two key sites in Okayama City, starting with the Okayama Castle grounds. Here, guests will be able to admire the unique “black” castle tower from both the inside and outside. Inside the main keep, you will be able to learn about the importance of Okayama city during the Sengoku Period and how it developed to become the great city that it is today. After visiting the castle, one cannot leave Okayama without making a stop at Korakuen, one of Japan’s three most famous gardens. This large garden used to serve as an exclusive relaxing place for the feudal lords of Okayama, but today Korakuen can be enjoyed by anyone who visits.

Okayama Prefecture is also known for its historical townscape located within the city of Kurashiki. This old merchant town is known as the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and provides visitors with a view into the past. The streets are covered on both sides with old Japanese-style storehouses and former family residences dating back to the time when the city was an important trading and distribution hub. The area is also bisected by a willow-lined canal which in the past would have been used to deliver goods. Lastly, there are some western-style buildings scattered around the townscape which give it an even more unique look. Combined, all of these elements create the picturesque atmosphere that the many tourists who visit Kurashiki are searching for.

Join this 1-Day tour of Okayama prefecture to visit some of its most iconic locations in the cities of Okayama and Kurashiki!

Highlights

• Explore the grounds of Okayama Castle and enter the Main Keep to learn about the history of the city and its important role during the Sengoku Period
• Marvel at the beauty of Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens
• Tour the old townscape, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, visiting important sites such as Achi Shrine, Kurashiki Ivy Square, and former merchant family residences
• Admire the view of the willow-lined canal and immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of Edo Period Japan as you stroll along the townscape area

*For those looking to join the tour from Kyoto/Osaka/Hiroshima, please see the FAQ section.

Description

This tour will begin at Okayama Station at 9:00 AM. Your guide will meet you outside the Shinkansen gates. From here, your guide will take you to your first destination, Okayama Castle.

This castle, which is said have been completed in 1597, was built during a chaotic and violent period of Japanese history known as the Sengoku Period. From the 15^th to 16^th century, Japan was ravaged by civil wars between the many feudal lords seeking more territory and power. By the end of this time period, the country had mostly split into the Western and Eastern Armies, with Okayama serving as a key strategic location for the army in the West. The castle which we can observe today is a replica built in 1966 given the original’s destructing during World War II.  

The stories of three generals who are deeply connected to the history of Okayama Castle are highlighted in the museum located within the Main Keep. Your guide will walk you through the different exhibits and provide you with the historic details and context necessary to understand the importance of this castle. You will also be able to explore the castle grounds and observe the main tower’s unique black exterior which helped it earn its nickname of “Crow Castle.”

From here, you will head to Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three beautiful gardens. The construction of Korakuen began in 1687 under the orders of the feudal lord Ikeda Tsunamasa. While later lords made a few changes to the garden according to their taste, the garden we see today has, for the most part, kept its appearance from the Edo Period.

The garden has been opened to the general public since 1884, and features multiple tea houses, temples and ponds. While originally meant to be admired from inside its different buildings, Korakuen is now a Kaiyu, or “stroll” style garden. This type of garden is meant to be enjoyed by walking around the different areas connected by undulating paths. At every turn, visitors are presented with a different view, creating an engaging and fulfilling experience.

These types of gardens also feature groves of various types of trees which blossom at different times throughout the year, making them even more dynamic and worthy of multiple visits. Your guide will lead you on a stroll through the garden helping you identify the plants and structures around you. They will also give a thorough explanation of Japanese gardens and their main design principles.

After visiting the garden, we will head back to Okayama station where we will break for lunch.  While in this prefecture, we definitely recommend trying out local specialties such as oyster okonomiyaki, barazushi, and hiruzen yakisoba, as well as some fruit-based desserts. Eating white peaches when they are sold during the summer is also a must!

From Okayama station, we will head out by train to the city of Kurashiki, where we will be able to visit the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. This beautifully preserved historical district with its old-fashioned buildings will allow guests to picture what life would have been like in the past. The canal running down the middle of the old townscape further adds to the charm and beauty of the area. Your guide will take you to some of the most relevant locations within the historical quarter, such as Achi Shrine, Kurashiki Ivy Square, and former family residences.

You will also have time to walk around the townscape on your own and step into any museums, shops or cafes which pique your interest. If you wish to further immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of Kurashiki, we encourage you to rent a Kimono at many of the available shops throughout the townscape area. If dressing up is not your thing, there are still many interesting locations to explore on your own, such as the Ohara Museum of Art and Denim Street.

We will then make our way back to Kurashiki Station on foot and board a train to Okayama Station, where the tour will come to an end in front of the Shinkansen gates. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

OKAYAMA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is in front of the Shinkansen gates located near the East Exit at Okayama Station. When you arrive, be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign.

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Entry fees at all tour locations
• Transportation to/from activities

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to meeting point

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• In the summer, temperature highs are around 32 °C (90 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol, sunblock, and drinking water are highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures in Okayama average between 5°C-12°C. (41°F-54°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.