2025 Okayama Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

There are plenty of accommodation options in Okayama, but I’ve always been fond of this particular hotel. Not only are the beds incredibly comfortable and the rooms spacious, but the highlight is definitely the large bath area. It features both indoor and outdoor pools, along with a cooling zone. After soaking in the bath at night, you can wash away the fatigue of your journey and enjoy a restful sleep. The location is right next to Okayama Station. After exiting the station, turn right and walk along the railway for about five minutes to reach the hotel. The building is divided into the South Wing (older building) and the North Wing (newer building), connected by a passageway on the second floor. The large bath is located on the second floor of the North Wing, and if you’re staying in the South Wing, you can easily access it by crossing the stairway. Whenever I visit, I actually prefer staying in the South Wing. After self-check-in, you can immediately head upstairs. The older wing has been renovated, and on two occasions, I was lucky enough to book a single room but got upgraded to a twin room, which offers more space. The overall design exudes a low-key and sophisticated business vibe. Another reason I recommend this hotel is its proximity to Okayama’s largest shopping mall, Aeon Mall, which is right across the street. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or picking up souvenirs at the supermarket, this location is absolutely ideal. 📍Address: 〒700-0907 Okayama Prefecture, Okayama City, Kita-ku, Shimoishii 1-3-12 🚗 A six-minute walk from JR Okayama Station

During my trip to Okayama, I stayed at Hotel Abest Grande Okayama. While strolling around, I was drawn to the blue-and-white signboard of a ramen shop named "Oki no Shima Ramen," named after the town of Oki Island on the Sea of Japan. Upon checking the menu, I discovered that their specialty is "Flying Fish Broth" and "Rich Shellfish Soup," a rare seafood-based ramen style in Taiwan that I, as a ramen enthusiast, simply couldn't resist! I ordered two bowls this time: 🔹 Rich Shellfish Broth Ramen (850 yen) 🔸 Flying Fish Soy Sauce Ramen (850 yen) 🔹 Rich Shellfish Broth Ramen: A must-try for fans of rich flavors! As soon as the bowl was served, the aroma of the sea hit me—a burst of freshness from clams and scallops. The broth had a slightly milky appearance and was incredibly smooth to drink. It was rich but not overwhelming, with a natural sweetness from the shellfish. The char siu was seared, with beautifully distributed fat that melted in your mouth. Paired with refreshing green onions, it was a perfect combination! Add the tender soft-boiled egg, and you’ll find yourself finishing every last drop of this bowl. 🔸 Flying Fish Soy Sauce Ramen: Light yet flavorful, perfect for summer! The flying fish broth gave this ramen a balanced taste between lightness and richness. The soy sauce base wasn’t overly salty, and you could taste the depth from the dried flying fish simmered into the broth. The soy sauce soup wasn’t thick, but its aroma was just as captivating as the rich broth. The noodles were thinner and slightly firm, offering a chewy texture. The toppings were generous, including two large slices of char siu, a soft-boiled egg, green onions, and seaweed. The bowl was visually appealing and packed with sincerity. ✅ Summary "Oki no Shima Ramen" breaks away from traditional tonkotsu or miso ramen styles, opting for "the taste of the sea" that’s refreshing and comfortable without being overly heavy. Plus, they’re open in the afternoon and operate until 9 or 10 PM, making it tourist-friendly and perfect for avoiding peak hours. If you’re a fan of seafood-based broths, this place is a must-try! 📍 The shop also offers free noodle refills (Kaedama Muryou), making it an unbeatable value.

#Overseas travel 📍Kurashiki 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054 Japan If there is a city you want to travel to in spring, it would be Japan. This is Kurashiki, located in Okayama, Japan. It is a great place to see beautiful cherry blossoms, so I would like to recommend it as an overseas travel destination. I would like to recommend a small city in Japan where you can take a leisurely walk and see beautiful cherry blossoms. #Japan travel #Okayama travel

Okayama 𓂃 𓈒𓏸 Niwase PONT NEUF I went back home in July to see my longest-time friend A restaurant wedding at Pont Neuf, famous for being the location for the movie "8 Years of Longing". I was looking forward to seeing her as a bride, and it was a heartwarming moment. The atmosphere of the restaurant was a perfect match, and the weather was beautiful. I have a lot of photos I want to post, but I'll focus on the food. lol I've only ever used it for takeout, but it's still as delicious as ever 🤤 You can also use it for lunch or dinner, so be sure to go there on a special day or anniversary By the way, parc, located in the nearby RSK Rose Garden, is a more casual place to use than the cafe they run (pic8.9) ◎ 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄𓊆𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𓊇From Tabelog 11:00-15:30 (L.O.13:30) 17:30-22:00 (L.O.20:30) Closed on Wednesdays and the second Tuesday ︎𓊆𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𓊇From Tabelog 516-7 Kamihigashi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 #wintertrip #solotrip #trip #Okayama #Okayamatrip #Okayamatourism #Okayamaprefecture

Okayama is a city in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. It is the second largest prefecture in the Chugoku region after Hiroshima. It is an important transportation hub between the rest of Japan and the Shikoku region. The prefecture had three small castle towns during the Edo period and has been developed ever since. There is a world-famous Japanese folktale, Momotaro, which can be seen in various parts of the city. Okayama is the center of western Japan. The most famous garden is Korakuen Garden, which is ranked as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. But another famous story is probably the story of Momotaro, the legendary peach boy, who originated from this city. Today, Okayama is a modern city. There are more than 700,000 people living here, and more and more tourists visit every year. 🚈 How to get there Osaka to Okayama - Travel by JR Shin-Osaka Station, take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station, the journey takes about 45-50 minutes. #Tip abroad#Tip Japan

【𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𓏗𓏗】 ❶Hiruzen Plateau 📍 Kawakami and Yatsuka, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ❷ Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter 📍 1-4-8 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ❸ Brazilian Park 📍 303-1 Shimotsui Fukiage, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ❹ Kojima Jeans Street 📍 303-1 Shimotsui Fukiage, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture ❺ Japan's No. 1 Candy Store 📍 1373-5 Higashisue, Nagafune-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ❻ Shizutani School 📍 784 Shizutani, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ❼Forest Park German Forest 📍 2006 Nihorinaka, Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ⁡ [Other recommendations] Thank you so much♥ Sorry I couldn't include them all🙏 ・Oji-ga-oka ・Ushimado ・Kasaoka Bay Farm ・Kibitsu Shrine ・Makido Cave ・Kurashiki Momoko ⁡ ⁡ ⁡ #Recommended spots #Okayama #Okayama sightseeing #Okayama gourmet #Okayama trip #Okayama prefecture #Okayama city #Kurashiki #Kurashiki Bikan district #Hiruzen plateau #Hiruzen Jersey Land #Hiruzen #Brazilian Park Washuzan Highland #Washuzan Highland #Kojima Jeans Street #Kojima Denim #Kurashiki Denim #Japan's best candy store #Shizutani School #Old Shizutani School #German Forest #Bizen ware #Ikura Cave #Makido Cave #Kibitsu Shrine #Momotaro #summer trip#great views#gourmet trip

【All-you-can-eat BBQ in front of Okayama Station】 Yakiniku Guriguriya Okayama Station Store・High CP value for money first choice for gatherings! 📍 "Yakitsu Guriguriya Okayama Station Store", a 1-minute walk from Okayama Station, features all-you-can-eat BBQ with high CP value, and is on the pocket list of many travelers and locals for gatherings. This time, I specially chose the ✨highest-priced all-you-can-eat plan + the most affordable drink plan✨, and the overall performance is not bad! 🍖 There are rich choices of dishes, including the signature Guriguri Kalubi, Shiotan, Holmon, chicken, pork, and beef, with kimchi, cabbage, lettuce salad, stone-grilled bibimbap, and amazing desserts. The quality of the meat is above average, and the most recommended is the 🥩specially selected beef, which is full of fat and aroma when grilled. ⚡ The service speed is quite fast, and the tablet ordering operation is smooth. The meals are almost always served soon after ordering, so there is not much anxiety waiting for the meal. Moreover, the limited dining time is clearly marked on the tablet, which is convenient for mastering the rhythm and will not be suddenly reminded to end the meal halfway. 🏠 In terms of the environment, the store has spacious seats, a sofa area, and semi-private rooms, which is very suitable for friends to gather or family dining. The overall feeling after the meal is good. If you want to find a yakiniku restaurant near Okayama Station with convenient transportation, full and not hurting your wallet, ぐりぐり家 is a choice worth trying. #Okayama Station Food #Okayama yakiniku all you can eat #High CP value yakiniku #焼肉ぐりぐり家评价 #Okayama dinner recommendation

I was just dazed at Don Quijote and 4 hours passed by. Oh my.. Then, with 1 hour and 20 minutes left before closing time, I went into Torikizoku and drank and ate 5 mega-size beers. Since all the menu items cost less than 4,000 won, there are no prices on the menu except for the mega-size. It's not in the picture, but you absolutely have to eat chicken porridge! I was sad that time passed quickly while eating both the pot rice and the ramen, but I'll definitely make sure to spend 3 hours on my next trip... No matter where you go or who you go with, you'll never regret it, so come visit. The picture is of the Okayama branch. Highly recommended! #JapanTravel #Torikizoku #JapaneseRestaurants

I've traveled extensively across Japan. Matsuyama, Nagoya, Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu and many other places. Among these trips, I visited Okayama for the first time. Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit castles. Along with shrines, they are magnificent landmarks that are a must-see in Japan. Okayama Castle is not as tall or massive as Matsuyama Castle. However, this "Crow Castle," as it is called, is already beloved by many Japanese people. Its maintenance is so impeccable that it is a welcoming and easily accessible destination. Located in a serene area, it is perfect for a stroll, especially with the nearby Korakuen, one of Japan's three great gardens. One of Okayama's advantages is that, currently, only Korean Air operates flights to this destination, meaning there are very few Korean tourists. Nicknamed "the ultimate launch pad," Okayama serves as a convenient hub for traveling to other regions. If you want to experience the true charm of a small city, I highly recommend Okayama. There are so many restaurants I want to introduce and countless advantages of Okayama I wish to list, but I'll save that for later. Haha. Okayama! A travel destination that turned out to be much better than expected—highly recommended!

⭐️ : belk 📍Location: 7 Kojima Torikotoncho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 711-0905 🕰️ Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM ____________________________________________ Since its opening in 2017, "belk" has attracted numerous visitors and is so popular that you might find yourself waiting in line on weekends. Located near the summit of Mount Ouji, which stands at an elevation of 235 meters between Tamano City and Kurashiki City, the café is situated within the Ouji-ga-take Park Center. The main charm of this café is undoubtedly its breathtaking views. From the café, you can enjoy stunning vistas of the Seto Inland Sea islands and the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The coffee served here uses beans from "Musashino Coffee" in Okayama City, and each cup is carefully hand-dripped. The coffee is low in acidity, offering a smooth balance of richness and bitterness. If you're visiting Okayama, make sure to stop by belk for a relaxing coffee time while soaking in the spectacular scenery ☕️

Okayama STAND1-1｜Recommended light breakfast in the style of a young man, half a bagel is very considerate! I decided to slow down the pace in the morning when I came to Okayama and walked into STAND1-1 next to the Nishikawa Greenway. The outside of the store looks very design-oriented, with wooden frame windows and white walls, which reduce the noise by three points before entering the door. Sitting by the window on the first floor, the light pours in very comfortably. The overall space is clean and simple, without a sense of oppression, and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. The main products here are bagels and sandwiches, but the most attractive thing is the option of "ordering half a bagel", which is really friendly for people like me who want to eat a little bit of everything. This time I chose the cheese and red bean flavor. I was a little curious whether this combination would conflict, but the actual entrance was a complete surprise: the red bean filling is dense and not sweet, and paired with salty and fragrant cheese, the salty and sweet balance is just right. The bagel itself has a chewy texture, and it is not boring to eat alone. There are not many seats on the first floor, but it is not crowded. You can also watch the crowds and street scenes while eating, which gives you a sense of tranquility that locals feel every day. If time permits, it is also recommended to go to the second floor. You can see the greenway by the window. I heard that it is more suitable for daydreaming or writing postcards. Overall, STAND1-1 is a very suitable place to slowly start your journey in the morning. The food is exquisite, the environment is comfortable, and it can also satisfy the difficulty of choosing. It is a small shop that I would like to visit again. #Gangshan Coffee Shop Recommendation #STAND1_1 #Literary Bagel #Half Bagel #Gangshan Brunch #Japanese Light Food #Design Cafe

🐟【Myojinmaru Okayama Honmachi｜A Taste of Kochi's Sea and Fire in Every Bite】 During my visit to Okayama, I chose to dine at "Myojinmaru," a famous straw-grilled bonito fish specialty restaurant originating from Kochi. Located about a 5-minute walk from Okayama Station, the restaurant is not very large but has a charming decor that immediately draws you in with its enticing aroma even before you start eating. The staff inside the restaurant are numerous and very attentive, providing friendly and proactive service. As soon as you're seated, someone introduces the menu and recommends dishes. The most memorable dish is their signature "straw-grilled bonito fish." Before serving, you can watch the chef grab a handful of straw, ignite it, and grill the fish, with the sizzling sound and smoke instantly whetting your appetite. The fish has a crispy, smoky exterior while remaining tender and fresh inside, offering a distinct dual-layered texture. We tried both the salted and soy sauce versions, and personally, I preferred the simple salted seasoning, which highlights the natural sweetness of the fish. The pairing of Kochi local sake was also excellent, such as yuzu sake and rice shochu, which are refreshing and perfectly complement the grilled dishes. Other menu items like Tosa-style tempura, stir-fried vegetables, and handmade tofu were all delicately seasoned and portioned just right, avoiding the overly heavy or greasy flavors typical of some izakayas. The overall pricing is quite reasonable, making the meal feel well worth it. What left the deepest impression was the manager bringing out a full-scale bonito fish model while serving the dish, sharing stories about Myojinmaru's fishing family background and the origin of their fishing boat's name. Although it's a tourist dining experience, this added cultural introduction made the meal feel more immersive and experiential. Overall, this is an izakaya that combines local ingredients, heartfelt service, and cultural storytelling. Highly recommended for travelers looking for something unique without risking disappointment.

Kibitsu Shrine is the general guardian of Kibi Province. It is the only Kibi-style building in Japan. The main hall is connected to the worship hall. The roof is a Hiwa-in-no-mo-ya-zukuri style. From the side, it looks like two roofs, which is quite special. There were two fires. The remaining building was rebuilt by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1425. It is twice as large as Izumo Taisha Shrine and only slightly smaller than Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. It is the second largest shrine in Japan. If Okayama is the hometown of Momotaro, then Kibitsu Shrine is the prototype of the Momotaro story. Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto is enshrined here. He is the third prince of Emperor Korei. In the past, there was an evil ghost named Ura in Kibi Province. He lived in the ghost town mountain and often attacked villagers. Later, the emperor asked Kibitsuhiko to fight. Legend has it that Ura turned into a carp and wanted to escape. Kibitsuhiko turned into a pelican and eliminated the evil ghost. Does this story look familiar? It is similar to the vein of Momotaro fighting ghosts. The shrine also has a 360-meter-long wooden corridor that leads all the way to the back door. The beautiful scenery is spectacular whether you walk in it or watch from the side. 📍Address: 931 Kibitsu, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 701-1341 🚗JR Kibitsu Station is a 15-minute walk away #5月好去处2025

#Kurashiki #Michelin recommended ♥Ume no wood miso pork chop/みそかつume no wood♥ It is only a 5-minute walk from Kurashiki Station, and there are long queues at meal times. The signature Ume-no-gi pork chop is different from the traditional pork chop which has a crispy texture. The oval pork chop is wrapped in a thin crispy batter, and the meat is juicy, tender and delicious. The special plum miso sauce is even more unique and refreshing. No wonder it is recommended by Michelin in Japan. Store Name Umenoki Miso Pork Chop みそかつ梅の木 Store Address: Okayama Prefecture Kurashiki City Achi 2-19-3 Opening hours 11:00 - 14:20 L.O.14:20 17:00 - 20:20 L.O. 20:20 Closed on Thursday Transportation About 5 minutes walk from Kurashiki Station

Kurashiki is an interesting city. On one side of the station is a beautiful old street with 400 years of history, while on the other side it is modern and stylish. It is the best place to go shopping and walk the kids. Let's start with Ario, which you'll see when you exit the north exit of the station. This is a large-scale commercial development owned by 7-11's parent company, Semiconductor & Electric. There are now 20 Ario shopping malls in Japan, covering an area of ​​more than 40,000 square meters. It opened in Kurashiki at the end of 2011 and houses hundreds of stores selling fashion, luxury goods, drugstores, and daily necessities. The food court on the second floor has a special parent-child dining area decorated with jeans to showcase the region's characteristics. In order to attract parents and children to travel together, a large camphor tree courtyard and a parent-child activity area are planned so that parents can bring their children to relax. Events are often held to allow stalls to move in, making the Kurashiki and Okayama areas a place where parents and children can travel together. The back is connected to Mitsui Outlet, which is the largest outlet in China. It houses 120 luxury goods, sports goods, fashion and designer brands. Prices fluctuate greatly. During a discount festival, I bought a Coach long wallet for more than NT$3,000 here, and a pair of NB shoes that sell for more than NT$3,000 in Taiwan for more than NT$1,000. Finally, I would like to recommend the udon shop Takekiyo in Ario. This udon shop originated in Kagawa and has been a well-known shop since its establishment in 1984. The branch in Ario is also the only one in Honshu. After ordering udon, you can heat it up on the heating table yourself, add broth, chopped green onions and oil residue, and pair it with freshly fried foods. It is more filling and cheaper than those in chain udon shops. 📍Address: 〒710-0813 12-2 Kotobuki-machi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 〒710-0813 12-3 Kotobukicho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 🚗Two minutes walk from JR Kurashiki Station North Exit #MayGoodPlaces2025

If you only admire the canal and white walls at Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, you're missing out. This over 400-year-old ancient town offers a unique perspective from the 61 steps of Kanreki-zaka, said to promote longevity. At Achi Shrine, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city's history and beauty. Achi Shrine enshrines the Three Munakata Goddesses, who protect the locals' maritime and commercial safety. According to the Kojiki, the Three Munakata Goddesses were born when Amaterasu Omikami broke Susanoo's ten-fist sword into three pieces, resulting in the creation of the goddesses—Tagitsu-hime, Ichikishima-hime, and Okinaga-hime. Interestingly, the earliest settlers here were said to be the "Achi Clan," a group of Han Chinese who fled to Korea and eventually arrived in Okayama. The name "Achi Shrine" stems from the ancient interchangeable use of the characters for "chi" and "zhi." In autumn, visitors can enjoy the vibrant red leaves reflecting off the old houses in the Bikan area from Beiju-zaka on the eastern approach. 📍Address: 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054, Japan 🚗 A 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station via the shopping street.

#cityplaybook 🗾 "From Himeji to Matsumoto, every turret tells a story."#castle #japan Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture) Castle: Nagoya Castle Highlights: Golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish) atop the castle roof. Why visit: Large reconstructed keep, museums, and samurai history. 🏯 5. Kumamoto (Kumamoto Prefecture) Castle: Kumamoto Castle Highlights: One of the most imposing castles in Japan; heavily damaged in the 2016 earthquake but now partially restored. Why visit: Impressive walls, samurai history, and nearby Suizenji Garden.

#cityplaybook #localguides #familytrip Located in western Japan’s Chugoku region, Okayama is a city that blends historical depth with natural beauty. It’s a hidden gem often overshadowed by Kyoto or Osaka, but offers a unique mix of samurai heritage, traditional gardens, and folklore legends that make it well worth exploring. Okayama Castle: The Crow Castle Nicknamed the "Crow Castle" for its striking black exterior, Okayama Castle was originally built in 1597. Though the original was destroyed in WWII, a concrete reconstruction was completed in 1966. Visitors can explore the inside of the castle, which now serves as a museum, and even dress in traditional samurai or kimono attire for a memorable photo op. Korakuen Garden: One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens Directly across from the castle lies Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens. Spanning over 13 hectares, the garden offers scenic walking paths, koi ponds, tea houses, and seasonal blooms. Cherry blossoms in spring and golden rice fields in autumn create breathtaking backdrops for leisurely strolls. The Legend of Momotaro Okayama is also known as the birthplace of Momotaro, the "Peach Boy" from one of Japan’s most beloved folk tales. Statues and motifs of Momotaro and his companions (a dog, monkey, and pheasant) can be found throughout the city, especially around Okayama Station. Getting There Okayama is a convenient stop on the Shinkansen line between Osaka and Hiroshima, making it a great addition to any western Japan itinerary. Its compact city center, walkable attractions, and peaceful vibe provide a relaxed yet culturally rich travel experience. #OkayamaCastle #KorakuenGarden #MomotaroLegend #JapanTravel #HiddenGemsJapan #VisitOkayama #HistoricJapan #SamuraiHeritage #JapaneseGardens #ChugokuRegion

#springitinerary Okayama Castle, also known as Crow Castle because of its sleek black exterior, is a super chill spot that blends history with a relaxed city vibe. It’s not as towering as some other castles, but it’s got style, and it’s right across from the famous Korakuen Garden, so it’s easy to hit both in one go. The inside is modern and has some cool exhibits where you can learn about samurai history and even try on armor if you’re feeling it. The views from the top are pretty sweet too, especially with the river flowing right alongside. At night, they sometimes light up the castle, giving it this moody, dramatic look that’s perfect for a night stroll. It’s an easy stop if you’re in Okayama, and definitely worth a visit for the mix of history, aesthetics, and that relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere. A solid, underrated castle experience for sure.

#springitinerary Fukiya Furusato Village is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a totally different era. Tucked away in the mountains of Okayama, this little village is famous for its bright red rooftops, thanks to the old-school bengara dye that was made here back in the day. The whole town has this peaceful, nostalgic vibe, like walking through a living postcard. The streets are lined with preserved traditional houses, cute shops, and little museums that show off the town’s copper mining and dyeing history. It’s quiet, super photogenic, and has just enough quirky charm to keep things interesting. Not many tourists make it out here, so you get to enjoy it without the crowds. It’s the perfect day trip if you’re into slow travel, cool local history, and just want to chill somewhere beautiful and unique. Definitely a hidden gem worth checking out!

#springitinerary Okayama Korakuen is one of those places that totally lives up to the hype. As one of Japan’s three great gardens, it’s like stepping into a peaceful living postcard. The garden’s huge, with wide open spaces, beautiful ponds, and neat little bridges that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another time. There’s something magical about strolling through its well-maintained paths, especially with the backdrop of Okayama Castle just across the way. The seasonal changes make it even better, spring’s got cherry blossoms, summer’s lush greenery, and autumn’s fiery leaves. You can also spot tons of koi fish swimming around in the ponds, which just adds to the zen vibe. It’s pretty chill, not overcrowded, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon. If you’re into history, nature, or just need a peaceful escape, Okayama Korakuen is a must-see. Trust me, it’ll make you feel all kinds of calm.

#springitinerary Continuing from the northern part, here’s the much-awaited Okayama Southern Edition! Though these spots are more popular, they’re still enjoyable even during Golden Week, with manageable crowds for a great experience. If you want to avoid the peak holiday crowds, definitely add Okayama to your list! Here are 18 recommended spots in Okayama (and a few on Naoshima, apologies to Kagawa Prefecture), all from personal experience. Feel free to add more suggestions! Top 18 Spots in Okayama’s Southern Region 🗺️ Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (Kurashiki City) 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station Kurashiki River Boat Ride (Kurashiki City) 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station, buy tickets at Kurashiki-kan Okayama Castle (Okayama City) 10-minute walk from Okayama Tram's "Shiroshita" Station Korakuen Garden (Okayama City) 10-minute walk from Okayama Tram's "Shiroshita" Station House Project - Gojō Shrine (Naoshima Town) Pumpkin Sculpture (Naoshima Town) Chichu Art Museum (Naoshima Town) You can take photos in the outer corridors, but the interior galleries don’t allow photography. Please respect the museum’s rules! Japan Toy Museum (Kurashiki City) Enjoy the perfect blend of culture, art, and nature while exploring Okayama and Naoshima! 🌸 #thingstodo

the beauty of sakura 🌸🌸

Nice view.. Beautiful natural…fresh air…long bridge…Okayama and Kagawa prefectures. With a bridge section of 9,368m and 13.1km including the elevated section, it is one of the world's largest bridge complexes with two levels, upper and lower, passing over roads and railways #okayama #kojima #japan #familytrip #friends #Japan #bridge #longest #Doubleroad #Nice #goodview 📍Address:Seto Ohashi Bridge Okayama Japan, Shimotsuidanoura, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0925

#Overseas travel 📍Kurasiki Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan This is Kurashiki, a small city in Japan that is great to visit when you travel to Okayama, Japan. It is a great place to travel, especially in spring. The colors are so pretty that it looks like it came out of a movie, and there are many places to walk. You can see cherry blossoms and there are many places to see, so if you want to travel comfortably to Japan with your parents, I recommend this place. #Kurashiki #OkayamaTravel

#Domestic Travel Strategy Okayama Prefecture is surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea and the Chugoku Mountains, and is known as the "Sunny Land Okayama" because of its warm climate and many sunny days. Retro townscapes such as Korakuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter remain. If you are planning a trip to Okayama, please read to the end and use this as a reference for sightseeing efficiently. 🔸Area: Okayama, Kurashiki, Takahashi, Soja, Tsuyama ─────────────────────── 🔸Time required: 2 days ─────────────────────── 🔸Transportation: Train, rental car, bus, walking ─────────────────────── This time, we visited 7 spots. Day 1 9:00 Okayama Station ↓ ↓ 🚃About 17km, about 20 minutes ↓ 　9:20 Kurashiki Station ↓ ↓ 🚶About 900m About 15 minutes ↓ ❶ 9:40 Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter ↓ ↓ Kurashiki Station → Okayama Station 🚃 About 17km About 20 minutes ↓ Okayama Station → Okayama Castle 🚌🚶 About 2km About 25 minutes ↓ ❷ 13:30 Okayama Castle ↓ ↓ 🚶 About 550m About 8 minutes ↓ ❸ 15:00 Korakuen ↓ ↓ 　　17:00 Hotel 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter 📍Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 710-0046 Okayama Castle 📍2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, 700-0823 Okayama Korakuen 📍1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, 703-8257 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 Day 2 8:00 Okayama Station ↓ ↓ Rental car🚗About 50km About 1 hour (toll road) ↓ From Fuigo Pass Parking Lot (5th station of Gagyuyama) to the castle tower ↓ 🚶About 700m About 20 minutes ↓ ❶ 9:30 Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Ruins ↓ ↓ 🚗About 34km About 1 hour ↓ ❷ 11:30 Oninojo Castle ↓ ↓ 🚗About 13km About 30 minutes ↓ ❸ 13:00 Bitchu Takamatsu Castle ↓ ↓ 🚗About 87km About 1.5 hours (toll road) ↓ ❹ 15:30 Tsuyama Castle ↓ ↓ 🚗 About 61km About 1.5 hours ↓ 　　18:00 Return rental car 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 Bicchu Matsuyama Castle 📍1 Yamashita, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, 716-0004 Oni Castle Ruins 📍Soja City, Okayama Prefecture, 719-1101 Bicchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins 📍558 Takamatsu, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, 701-1335 Tsuyama Castle 📍708-0022 135 Yamashita, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 #Okayama #domestictravel #solotravel #castle

#CherryBlossomTravel 📍Kurashiki Ivy Square 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054 Japan I would like to recommend Kurashiki because the atmosphere is so great. I visited this place as a nearby trip after traveling to Okayama, Japan, and it was a place that felt so beautiful because the cherry blossoms were in full bloom due to the warm weather. I would like to recommend Kurashiki because the atmosphere is so great. #JapanTravel #JapaneseSmallCityTravel

#Overseas travel 🇯🇵Kurashiki Ivy Square 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054 Japan Kurashiki is a city that is even better when you visit in spring like these days. This place, which you can visit as a nearby trip from Okayama, was nice to stay at a place called Ivy Square and see the beautiful cherry blossoms. It was a place with a great atmosphere and I would like to recommend it to those who enjoy traveling to Japan as a small city travel destination in Japan. #Kurashiki #Okayama

Soba Kichi Sanste Okayama Branch. 1-1-1 Ekimotocho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 2nd floor of Sanste Okayama South Building The concept of this soba restaurant is to have a drink, and there is a wide variety of menu items and alcohol that go well with alcohol. You can enjoy soba quickly for lunch, or enjoy it with alcohol in the evening. They serve freshly made and boiled soba, and there is a stone mill. The restaurant was moderately lively and had a calm atmosphere. There were also rice bowls, such as dishes using yellow chives, a specialty of Okayama, and tsuke soba. Next time I'd like to enjoy it with alcohol! #Okayama #OkayamaTourism #OkayamaGourmet