Spots in Okayama Area

  • Okayama Korakuen
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    4.5
    1728 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Kourakuen 1-5
    This Japanese stroll garden is located in Okayama City and named one of the Big Three Japanese Gardens. Construction of the garden began in 1687 by Tsunamasa Ikeda, Lord of Okayama, with its initial completion in 1700. Since this time, it was beloved and enjoyed as a place of relaxation for the feudal lord and as a place of interaction with the retainers and people of the domain. One can see the footprints of history through the structural remains preserved in the expansive 144,000 square meters area and enjoy blooms in each season dotting the park. The Korakuenmae bus stop is the closest public transport stop.

    One of the great gardens of Japan. To truly appreciate the beauty of this garden, go when the weather cooperates. They designed this park for all four seasons. The summer area was beautiful this...

  • Okayama Castle, Castle Tower
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    4.0
    1172 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Marunouchi 2-3-1
    Okayama Castle was constructed over a period of eight years by Ukita Hideie, one member of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Council of Five Elders, and was completed in 1597. It is also called “Crow Castle” for its external appearance, as the castle tower walls have black lacquered siding which was a characteristic of this era. The three-tiered, six-storied watchtower-style castle tower is a pentagon of unequal sides and is said to imitate the castle tower of Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle. The castle tower, which was a National Treasure, was lost due to wartime fires but was rebuilt in 1966.

    Impressive castle from the outside. The museum on the inside does not have any English translations so I didnt have the opportunity to understand the exhibits and stories

  • Ohara Museum of Art
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    4.5
    721 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okayama Pref. Kurashikishi Chuou 1-1-15
    Located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, this museum was Japan’s first private museum dedicated to Western art. The museum was built by Kurashiki industrialist Magosaburo Ohara in 1930. The Main Gallery, styled like a Greek temple, remains as it looked when the museum first opened. Inside, works by master Western painters such as Cezanne, Degas, and Renoir are on display. Several gallery concerts are held each year, a tradition which began in 1950.

    Definitely recommend this as a part of a day Trip to Kurashiki /this small and elegant museum privately owned showcases some of the icon>c. Artisists of the early to m>d. 20th century. Picasso Dali...

  • Kibitsu-jinja Shrine
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    4.5
    382 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Kibitsu 931
    A Shinto shrine primarily dedicated to Kibitsu-hiko-no-mikoto, a prince who subjugated rebels and brought peace and order to this area as one of the four mighty Shido Shogun. Kibitsu-hiko-no-mikoto is also known as the model for the legend of Momotaro, one of Japan’s most popular folktales. The shrine is one of the largest in the old San’yodo area. The front shrine and main shrine, built in the hiyoku irimoya-zukuri style, are designated National Treasures, and were rebuilt in 1425 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Must-see highlights include the shrine’s roughly 400 meter long covered gallery, and the various flowers which grow on the grounds year round. The shrine is famous for the Narukama Shinji, a ritual in which the whistling of a steaming iron pot is used for fortune telling purposes. The nearest station is Kibitsu Station.

    A hidden gem located in the middle of nowhere but definitely worth the visit. The shrine sits atop a hill that offers a great scenery. The temple complex includes a long corridor. The shrine can be...

  • Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)
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    4.0
    185 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okayama Pref. Tsuyamashi Sange 135
    This castle ruin park is located near the Tsuyama Wonder Museum in Tsuyama City. One of Japan's three major mountain castles, it once had 60 towers and was built by Mori Ranmaru's younger brother Mori Tadamasa on Mt. Kaku. Although all buildings were destroyed with the ordinance for the disposal of castles, the Bichu Yagura was restored as a characteristic building of a mountain castle in 2005 and is open to the general public. The ruins of the castle became Kakuzan Park, and is also famous as a place for viewing cherry blossoms that was chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, and has particularly splendid night cherry blossoms illuminated by small lamps with paper shades.

    This is my first time visiting to this castle! Its really nice during Tsuyama sakura festival although its a little bit late to see sakura flowers. The castles compound is very big and the city...

  • Saijo Inari (Saijo Inari-san Myokyoji Temple)
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    4.0
    127 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Takamatsuinari 712
    A Nichiren Buddhist temple located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture officially known as the Saijo Inari-san Myokyoji Temple. Founded around 785 by the great priest Ho’on, despite being a Buddhist temple rather than a Shinto shrine, the Saijo Inari is considered one of Japan’s three largest Inari temples. The temple survived the anti-Buddhist movement of the Meiji period unscathed. Permitted to engage in rituals syncretizing Buddhism and Shintoism, the temple is a rare example of an Inari “shrine” which follows Buddhist traditions. The temple grounds are marked by Shinto torii gates and the main temple building is built in the Shinto jingu style. Since ancient times, the temple has been believed to grant worshipers a variety of benefits, including prosperity in business, better fortunes, and traffic safety.

    i dont remember how we came to visit this temple, rebuilt in 1600. its not in my notes. it was raining on our second day in okayama, so we hired a cab and off we went. we were staying at the...

  • Kibitsuhiko-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    160 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Ichinomiya 1043
    This shrine is located at the foot of Kibi no Nakayama in the Ichinomiya area of Kita Ward, Okayama City. The main shrine building is on the site of the residence of Okibitsuhiko no mikoto, who suppressed Kibi no Kuni, and has him as the principal shrine god. The shrine is also called “Asahi no Miya” (shrine of the morning sun) because the sun rises directly in front of the main torii gate and enters the mirror in the shrine on the summer solstice.

    When I went there in the morning, the weather is cold. It has nice scene to capture photos. We can also check small pond in front of this temple. If you are interested, you can insert 100 coin at the...

  • Achi-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    219 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Pref. Kurashikishi Honmachi 12-1
    This shrine stands atop a small hill in a corner of the Bikan Historical Quarter. The land is connected with the family of Achi no Omi, who came to Japan from the Korean Peninsula during the time of Emperor Ojin and helped develop Kibi Province, the predecessor to modern-day Okayama, with new technologies. The shrine grounds are home to the largest Akebono wisteria tree in the country; the best time to visit is when the tree is in bloom, from the end of April through May. The shrine sells Achi no Fujimori charms which contain wisteria seeds and are said to bring long life and good health.

    Stunning views over Kurashiki. It’s worth the climb up the stairs! Follow the path from one end of the hilltop to the other! Beautiful cherry blossoms, very picturesque!

  • Yubara Hot Spring Sunayu
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    4.0
    107 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Okayama Pref. Maniwashi Yubaraonsen
    This free rotenburo (open-air bath) is located in Yubara Onsen, Maniwa City. Named after the fact that the hot spring water shoots up sand from the bottom of the river, it was enclosed with rocks and opened as a hot spring for men and women available 24 hours a day for free. In the magazine “Onsen” issued by the Japan Spa Association, it was selected as the “Nishi no Yokozuna” (grand champion in the west) for rotenburo.

    A very quaint Onsen (hot springs) hotel up in the mountain next to a river. There are two Onsen in the hotel, one on the roof and one in the basement. You can also use the Onsen at the river right...

  • Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Pref. Kurashikishi Chuou - Hon, Higashi-Achi
    The Bikan Historical Quarter in Kurashiki City is an area established based on landscape ordinance. Strictly speaking, it was selected as one of Japan’s “Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings”, “a preservation district for the group of traditional building in Kurashiki Riverbank in Kurashiki City” and the “Traditional Aesthetic Preservation District” which was established by ordinance of Kurashiki City. The “Kurashiki Riverbank” with its rows of willows which line Kurashiki River and the white earthen-walled warehouses are representative of the Bikan district. There are also cultural facilities and sightseeing spots standing side by side including Ohara Museum of Art.
  • Brazilian Park Washuzan Highland
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    3.5
    78 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okayama Pref. Kurashikishi Shimotsuifukiage 303-1
    An amusement park in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture with a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea and Seto-ohashi Bridge. In addition to bungee jumping, a rarity in the Chugoku and Shikoku region, that park offers a variety of exciting attractions, including four roller coasters and the Turbo Drop vertical free fall drop ride. There's also an inline skate park, pool in summer, petting zoo, and dog park, making Washuzan Highland a popular destination for people of all ages. Brazilian samba shows are held in the park every day.

    Visited the pub on Thursday for a drink then decided to have food took advantage of the free starter & dessert deal with big plate specials service was good staff were friendly & the food was good...

  • Special Historic Site Former Shizutani School
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    4.5
    107 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Bizen Shizutani 784
    Former Shizutani School is a Historic Structure designated as a Special Historic Site. It was built in 1670 by the local feudal lord, Ikeda Mitsumasa, and it is the oldest remaining public school building in the world. In addition to the lecture hall, which has been designated a National Treasure, and in 2015, Japan Heritage designed it as No. 1 in the category Group of Remnants of Early Modern Japan’s Educational Heritage.

    The school is located in Bizen City which is in the eastern part of Okayama Prefecture. During the Edo era the Ikeda Family was the feudal lord of Bizen. Shizutani Gakkou was established in 1670 in...

  • Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum
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    4.5
    43 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okayama Pref. Setouchishi Osafunechouosafune 966
    This Japanese sword museum is located in the Osafune area of Osafune-cho, Setouchi City. It exhibits Japanese swords with various themes including Bizen swords from Osafune, an area that had long flourished as a Japanese sword production area. In addition, there is also a Japanese sword workshop on the premises, and besides being able to see how Japanese swords are made, you can make reservations to experience making paper knives and small knives, and also lectures to learn how to care for Japanese swords.

    A couple of days ago we went to Okayama to visit friends and they very kindly took us to the village as they knew I was interested in Japanese swords and history. It was a marvellous experience, we...

  • Hiruzen Kogen Center Joyful Park
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    4.0
    80 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okayama Pref. Maniwashi Hiruzenkamifukuda 1205-197
    A comprehensive leisure facility located on the Hiruzen Plateau, a resort area in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture famed for its soothing, pastoral scenery. The amusement park at the center of the facility has a numerous fun attractions for you to enjoy, including a Ferris wheel, two story merry go round, roller coasters, and go-carts. Other popular facilities include the Hiruzen Hana no Mori, a garden where some 15 thousand rhododendrons spanning 100 varieties bloom and the Saru-en and Tori-en zoo exhibits, where you can see cute animals. In the facility’s restaurants, you can enjoy Jingisukan mutton barbecue, a Hiruzen specialty, with a special secret recipe sauce; as well as Hiruzen yakisoba, a local favorite cheap eat.

    Rather for small children, althought we enjoyed ferris wheel - great view from the top. Decorations are colourful and cute. We had good coffee with delicious cream on the top at the cafe here.

  • Omocha Okoku
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    4.0
    57 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okayama Pref. Tamanoshi Taki 1640-1
    A theme park located in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture where the whole family members, from children to adults, can enjoy toys together. The majority of the entire park is comprised of indoor pavilions and outdoor attractions. In the park’s 18 themed pavilions, visitors are free to play with such popular toys as Tomica Plarail trains, Licca-chan dolls, and DiaBlock interlocking building blocks. Outdoors, there are 19 attractions to delight children, including roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and go-carts. The Kodomo Studio, an NHK character-themed pavilion and shop, is also popular.

    Felt like legolands little brother but not in a bad way. My 4 year old son had a blast on the bumper boats and the roller coaster but I just felt nickel and dimed for a bag of rocks, the water park...

  • Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art
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    4.0
    64 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Tenjinchou 8-48
    "Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art is located along Prefectural Route 400 in Tenjin-cho, Kita Ward in the city of Okayama. It collects and exhibits the works of traditional illustrators, traditional Japanese painters, Western-style painters, craftspeople, sculptors, and other artists who have a connection with Okayama. In addition to the permanent collection ""The Art of Okayama,"" in which the objects on display are changed periodically, and special exhibitions, the museum also sponsors events such as lectures about art and workshops."

    Looking over some previous reviews, I learn that the museum has a collection. The reason I mention this is because on my visit today, there was nothing to be seen from said collection, as they were...

  • Kurabo Memorial Hall
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    4.0
    114 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Kurashiki-shi Honmachi 7-1
    The museum is a corporate museum that tells the history of KURABO (Kurashiki Spinning Co., Ltd.), which was founded in 1888 as Kurashiki Spinning Works, and introduces the history of the company's challenges from its founding to the present day. The stately memorial hall is recognized as a registered tangible cultural property, a Heritage of Industrial Modernization, and a Heritage of Japan.

    建物は魅力的だが、展示物は興味の分かれるところ。 料金ほどの魅力は無いと感じる人もいれば、明治から昭和にかけての紡績の発展に興味があればあそれなりに面白いはず。

  • The Ohashis’ House
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    4.0
    103 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Pref. Kurashikishi Achi 3-21-31
    This building has the architecture of a merchant’s house and is located in Kurashiki City. The Ohashi family were large land-owners who made their fortune developing fields for drying salt and fields for growing rice in the late Edo period. The house has a Nagaya-mon gate which faces the street, while the main house is arranged with features such as having a front garden which is separated by a gate. The house was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1978.

    We saw the signage along the road and followed it to Ohashi House. This old historical house is preserved for all to see, for a small entry fee. Explore the gardens and interior. It is beautifully...

  • Ikeda Zoo
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    3.5
    69 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Kyouyama 2-5-1
    This zoo is located in the Kyoyama area of Kita Ward, Okayama City. Besides being able to observe various animals such as giraffes, bison, capybaras and red pandas, you can also enjoy interacting with them through giving them bait. In addition, a steam locomotive from Ikasa Railway and passenger cars from Saidaiji Railway are on display. The zoo also holds different events throughout the year including a summer school and night zoo in the summer.

    The cages for some of the animals were perhaps a bit too small however the cages were spotless, the water for the animals was spotless. It is a bit of hard walking uphill however despite being...

  • Okayama Forest Park German Forest
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    3.5
    72 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okayama Akaiwa-shi Nibori Naka 2006
    A theme park located in Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture which recreates a German farm village and rural scenery. Seasonal flowers such as tulips, rapeseed, and cosmos bloom on the peaceful hill country of the park, and facilities such as a winery, agricultural product processing factory, and restaurants dot the grounds. There’s also a full array of activities for visitors to enjoy, including go-carts, a lawn slide, and miniature golf; Jersey cow milking and playing with the animals in the park’s petting zoo are also popular things to do at the park. The park also holds classes where participants can try making sausage and bread.

    イベント出店者として行きましたが雨で朝の搬入作業が遅れたため、やっと作業を終えて車を駐車場へ停めてるうちに入園時間になってしまい、お客さんの行列が出来ていました。しかしイベントスタッフはいつも出店者証を見せれば入場口から入らせてもらえるので、この時も出店者証をみせて入ろうとしたら、なんと長い行列の最後尾に並べと言われました。お客さんは入場チケットを買ってるのでそれを提示しないといけないので、順番を...

Okayama Areas

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Overshadowed by Hiroshima to the west and the Kansai region to the east, Okayama is an easy spot to miss but a nature-rich gem where the Seto Inland Sea laps at its toes and peach and grape farms complete its interior. One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, Koraku-en in Okayama city is well worth a visit before progressing to Kurashiki, where preserved wooden Edo buildings line the picturesque canal.

Okayama Photo Album

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