Introduction to Okayama Prefecture
Okayama Prefecture faces the Seto Inland Sea and is home to beautiful natural surroundings, historical sites, and a delicious local food culture. Centered on Okayama City, there are many sightseeing spots and scenic landscapes. With few natural disasters and a mild and moderate climate throughout the year, Okayama is known as the “Land of Sunshine. It is the best place for those who have visited Japan several times and want to encounter Japanese culture that is still unknown to them.
Geographic location
Okayama Prefecture faces the Seto Inland Sea in the southern part of the Chugoku region, bordered by Hyogo Prefecture to the north, Hiroshima Prefecture to the east, and Kagawa Prefecture to the south.
History & culture
The area is dotted with castles, samurai residences, and traditional townscapes that evoke an ancient history.
- The Legend of Momotaro: Momotaro, a hero who conquered ogres, is said to have been born here.
- Okayama Castle: Also known as Karasu Castle, this castle has a distinctive black exterior.
- Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter: An elegant townscape where streets from the Edo period still remain.
- Bicchu Matsuyama Castle: One of the 12 existing castle towers, this mountain castle is a beautiful sight floating in a sea of clouds.
- Kibitsu Shrine: Known as the shrine associated with the legend of Momotaro. The beautiful 360-meter corridor is a must-see, and the legend of Momotaro (the exterminator of demons) remains.
Tourist attraction
Okayama Prefecture has many natural landscapes and historical sites.
Okayama Castle
Also known as Karasu Castle, it has a distinctive black exterior. It was destroyed by fire in an air raid in 1945, but has since been rebuilt.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Featuring a beautiful townscape and a cobblestone bridge over the river, visitors can enjoy art and history. Tourists from all over the world visit Kurashiki because of the townscape created by traditional buildings and the retro-modern scenery along the Kurashiki River.
Kurashiki Denim Street
This street is located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and is lined with stores selling denim products, denim-based accessories, sundries, and decorative items, in reference to the fact that the Kojima district of Kurashiki is the birthplace of domestic jeans.
Okayama Korakuen
It is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, and visitors can enjoy its beautiful garden. Various events are held throughout the four seasons to allow visitors to experience “Zen” in the garden. For a limited period of time, the garden is also open at night when it is illuminated. Free volunteer guides are also popular among tourists.
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
It is one of the 12 existing castle towers and is a beautiful mountain castle floating in a sea of clouds. It is also registered as a National Important Cultural Property and is known as a very rare and valuable castle. It rises 430 meters above sea level on the summit of Gagyuzan Komatsuyama, and from late September to early April (especially in October and November), visitors can see the fantastic sight of the castle surrounded by a sea of clouds, which is also called “a mountain castle in the sky.
Food culture
Okayama Prefecture’s food culture is characterized by fresh seafood, mountain produce, and local specialties.
Hormone udon
A local delicacy of Okayama Prefecture, it is stir-fried beef or pork hormone with udon noodles.
Mamakari
A small fish caught in the Seto Inland Sea, it can be enjoyed in various dishes such as fried or boiled.
Bukkake udon
It is a unique udon culture of Okayama Prefecture, where warm broth is poured over cold udon noodles.
Demi Katsu Don
A local delicacy of Okayama Prefecture, it is a bowl of rice topped with cutlets simmered in demi-glace sauce.
Muscat of Alexandria
A premium grape produced in Okayama Prefecture, it is characterized by its sweetness and aroma.
Kinira
A specialty of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, this chive has a unique flavor and high nutritional value.
Activities
A variety of activities can be enjoyed in Okayama Prefecture.
Tour of machiya cafes in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Visitors can spend a relaxing time in the tasteful Edo Period townscape, visiting cafes with a rich variety of personalities.
Remarks Nakanaka Matsuyama Castle Climbing
One of the 12 existing castle towers, the beautiful mountain castle floating in a sea of clouds can be climbed and a spectacular view can be enjoyed from the top of the mountain.
Bizen Pottery Experience
Visitors can experience making Bizen Pottery, a traditional Okayama ceramics, and create their own unique piece.
Hiruzen Kogen Cycling
Cycling through the Hiruzen Plateau, where you can enjoy the magnificent nature and feel the refreshing breeze.
Seto Inland Sea Cruising
You can spend an elegant time on board while enjoying the beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Okayama Castle Guided Tour
The black exterior of Okayama Castle, also known as Karasu Castle, can be seen in detail on a guided tour.
Seasonal Recommendations
Okayama Prefecture offers beautiful scenery and events in each of the four seasons.
Spring
- Cherry blossom viewing: Cherry blossom scenery can be enjoyed at various locations throughout the prefecture, including Okayama Castle, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area, and Korakuen Garden.
- Strawberry picking: Okayama Prefecture produces a large amount of strawberries, and visitors can enjoy picking sweet and sour strawberries in spring.
Summer
- Sea bathing: You can enjoy sea bathing along beautiful coastlines such as Ushimado and Bizen City.
- Mountain Climbing: There are many mountains where you can enjoy mountain climbing, such as Korakuen and Washuyama.
Autumn
- Foliage viewing: Visitors can enjoy the scenery of autumn foliage in various places in the prefecture, such as Korakuen and Bicchu Matsuyama Castle.
- Mushroom picking: Visitors can enjoy picking a variety of mushrooms, including matsutake and shimeji mushrooms.
Winter
- Onsen tour: While enjoying the snowy scenery, visitors can tour around hot spring resorts such as Yubara Onsen and Okutsu Onsen.
- Illumination: Illumination events will be held in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area and Washu Mountain.
Local Culture
Local culture in Okayama Prefecture is evident in its traditional festivals and crafts.
Festival
- Setouchi International Art Festival: This is one of the largest international art festivals in Japan, held on the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Karasu Castle Summer Festival: This festival is held at Okayama Castle and features spectacular performances and popular gourmet restaurants.
- Kurashiki Tenryo Festival: A festival held in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, where visitors can enjoy period processions and dances that make use of the streets of the Edo period.
- Bicchu Kagura: Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, this is a traditional performing art based on mythology and history.
Traditional crafts
- Bizen ware: Traditional Okayama Prefecture ceramics with a unique texture.
Transportation
Access to Okayama is very convenient.
Airplane
Direct flights from Tokyo to Okayama Prefecture operate from Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita Airport (NRT) to Okayama Airport (OKJ). The journey time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Since Okayama Airport is far from the city center, it is generally best to take the Shinkansen bullet train.
Shinkansen
It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Okayama Station. It is recommended to take the Shinkansen for smooth access to the city.
Express Bus
It takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Okayama Station. Express buses are recommended if you want to save on travel expenses, as they are inexpensive.
Lastly
Okayama Prefecture is a popular destination for visitors to Japan for its historical sites, beautiful nature, and delicious food. Enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery, activities, and the scenic islands of the Seto Inland Sea.