Unveiling Okayama: The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Land of Sunshine

Welcome to Okayama, the “Land of Sunshine”! Okayama offers numerous attractions, including Japanese history, rich natural beauty spots, hot springs, and art. Discover popular attractions, hidden gems, local cuisine, and practical travel tips for an unforgettable journey.

Discover the Charm of Okayama Prefecture

Okayama Prefecture is located in the center of western Japan and has long flourished as a major transportation hub. It offers easy access to popular tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, all of which can be reached in less than one hour by Shinkansen.

Okayama is also known as the “Land of Sunshine” because of its mild climate with little rainfall throughout the year. Because of these climatic characteristics, Okayama is a major producer of fruits. Fruits grown in Okayama under the full sun are exceptional in taste, aroma, and sweetness.

Highlights of Fall 2024: The Forest Festival of the Arts

The focus of attention in Okayama in the fall of 2024 will be, above all, “The Forest Festival of the Arts Okayama”. From September 28 to November 24, artists of diverse genres from Japan and abroad will be invited to 12 municipalities in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture to exhibit new works and develop unique projects utilizing the exhibition sites.

Popular Sightseeing Spots in Okayama

Okayama offers a diverse array of attractions, ranging from historical buildings to stunning natural landscapes.

Okayama Castle

Built at the end of the 16th century, Okayama Castle is the symbol of Okayama. The castle is also known as “U-jo (Crow Castle)” because of its black exterior. The name “Okayama” comes from the name of the hill on which the castle tower was built.

Okayama Korakuen Garden

Okayama Korakuen Garden, located on the opposite bank of the river from Okayama Castle, is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. This beautiful attraction is also one of the most representative kaiyu (“scenic promenade”)-style daimyo (Japanese feudal lord) gardens of the Edo Period. It has been awarded a three-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Visitors can enjoy the seasonal scenery of cherry blossoms, Japanese honeysuckle, and autumn leaves.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is characterized by streets lined with willow trees and white walls. The district still retains the atmosphere of a prosperous Edo Period tenryo (feudal domain). Many cultural facilities such as the Ohara Museum of Art and Kurashiki Ivy Square are located here, attracting many tourists.

Hiruzen Plateau

Hiruzen Plateau is one of the best highland resorts in western Japan. The area is home to grazing Jersey cows, and the scenery is very tranquil. In addition to a wide range of activities that can be enjoyed in both summer and winter, soft-serve ice cream made from Jersey milk is also popular.

Fukiya Furusato Village

Fukiya is the town that flourished as one of Japan’s leading production centers of bengara. In 2020, it was recognized as a Japanese Heritage site as the birthplace of “Japan Red”. The retro red townscape will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

Feel the Changing of the Seasons

Okayama also offers wonderful natural scenery. In particular, there are places where you can enjoy the autumn leaves in fall and cherry blossoms in spring, offering spectacular views that cannot be seen in any other areas.

Okutsukei (Okutsu Creek)

This is one of Okayama’s most famous fall foliage viewing spots. There is an approximately 800-meter promenade along the mountain stream, where visitors can stroll through the valley dyed in red and yellow during the fall foliage season. The “Okutsu Maple Festival” is held annually, drawing many visitors. During the fall foliage season, the area is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy the fantastic scenery lit up by the lights.

Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)

This is the symbol of Tsuyama City. Although there is no castle tower today, the restored Bicchu Yagura and the magnificent stone wall that rises 45 meters above the ground retain the appearance of those days. In spring, the park is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in western Japan, and the sight of approximately 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom is breathtaking.

Relax in a Hot Spring – Mimasaka Santo

In Okayama, there are three hot spring resorts, called “Mimasaka Santo”, where you can enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by rich nature. Why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of the bustling city and relax in one of these hot springs known for its skin-beautifying waters?

Yunogo Onsen

Discovered 1,200 years ago, Yunogo Onsen is also known as “Sagi-no-Yu (Egret’s Hot Spring)”. Visitors can enjoy a variety of hot spring bathing methods at the Yunogo Sagi Onsenkan, which is also the original hot spring of Yunogo Onsen.

Yubara Onsen

Yubara Onsen, known since ancient times as a therapeutic hot spring, is one of only 20 to 30 hot springs in Japan that gush out at ground level. It is famous for “Sunayu,” an open-air bath recognized as the “Western Yokozuna” in the National Open-air Bath Rankings.

Okutsu Onsen

Okutsu Onsen, nestled in a picturesque landscape surrounded by mountains and rivers, is known as a scenic “hot spring of beauty”. It is also famous for its “foot washing,” an ancient custom that has become a specialty, and for its scenic beauty created by the abundant nature. Visitors can also enjoy a day trip to “Hanabijin-no-sato”.

Enjoy a Meal Unique to Okayama

Fruits

Come and taste Okayama’s seasonal fruits, from white peaches to Muscat and Pione grapes. Fruit picking experience is also recommended.

Okayama Barazushi

Okayama Barazushi is a sushi dish made with seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and seasonal vegetables, and is one of the representative local dishes of Okayama. Today, it is loved by the people of Okayama Prefecture as a local sushi dish eaten on festivals and celebratory occasions.

Hinase Oyster Okonomiyaki

An okonomiyaki filled with fresh oysters is available in Hinase Town, Bizen City, one of the leading oyster producing areas in the prefecture.

Tsuyama Hormone Udon

Fried udon noodles with fresh and juicy beef hormone and homemade sauce is a specialty of Tsuyama City.

Hiruzen Yakisoba

This yakisoba with chicken and highland cabbage in a miso sauce has been popular in the Hiruzen area.

Experience the Art

Ohara Museum of Art

Founded in 1930, this was the first private Western art museum in Japan. The main building houses numerous famous Western masterpieces, including Monet’s “Waterlilies”, as well as approximately 3,000 other works of art. It is one of the must-visit tourist spots when visiting the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.

Inujima

Inujima, located about 3km off the coast of Hoden in the eastern part of Okayama City, is gaining attention as an art island. It features attractions such as the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum, which is a renovated site of a copper smelter, and the Art House Project (artworks scattered throughout the village of Inujima).

“Uno no Chinu” (ⒸYodogawa Technique)

The object “Uno no Chinu” (ⒸYodogawa Technique) was created at the first “Setouchi Triennale 2010”. It was made using floating debris collected from the coast around Uno Port and mainly from Lake Kojima. Waste that drifted across the ocean from all over the world to the Seto Inland Sea has been transformed into a new form and is now on display at Uno Port as a work of art.

Festivals and Events

Okayama Castle Light-up

Three times a year in spring, summer, and fall, “U-jo Togen-kyo” is held, lighting up the castle tower and surrounding area. During the same period, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most famous gardens located on the opposite bank of the river, will be specially opened at night and illuminated as a “FANTASY GARDEN (GENSO-TEIEN)”. Enjoy the fantastic space surrounded by graceful lights, which is different from that of the daytime.

Uraja

This is one of the largest summer festivals in Okayama Prefecture, inspired by the “legend of Ura” handed down in Okayama. Performed by dancers made up as ogres, Uraja is very famous. The festival’s climax is a dance performed by all participants, including the organizers and visitors.

Okayama Prefecture is home to several beautiful sightseeing spots with Japanese historical architecture and unspoiled nature. We hope you will visit Okayama, a prefecture full of charm!