Sunshine and Tranquility: Unveiling Okayama, Japan's Hidden Gem

Top 10 Best Things To Do In Okayama, Japan (YouTube link)

Basking in the nickname "Land of Sunshine," Okayama 岡山市 boasts beautiful weather, perfect for exploring its many treasures. From serene gardens to captivating art and rich history, Okayama offers a delightful smorgasbord of experiences. Unlike the bustling crowds of other Japanese hotspots, Okayama allows you to immerse yourself in its charm at a relaxed pace.

Things to Do

Okayama is a destination worth visiting. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and cultural significance. Here are some highlights that make Okayama special:

• Okayama Korakuen Garden 岡山後楽園: One of Japan’s Three Best Landscape Gardens, offering peaceful walks and traditional landscape design.
• Featuring a pond, a plum grove, a tea plantation, and a Noh Stage, this circuit-style garden offers various attractions for visitors to enjoy. One must-see highlight is the view from atop Yuishinzan Hill, overlooking the garden. Visitors are encouraged to explore both the garden and Okayama Castle, which towers on the opposite shore of the garden's pond.
• Boat rental: Hekisuien offers Swan boats, hand rowing boats, and Peach boats for rental. Enjoy a relaxing time on the gently flowing Asahi River. Feel free to bring any drinks and food ordered from the café on board.
• Kibitsu Shrine: A significant religious site, once the head shrine of the Kibi Kingdom, is the region's most important shrine. It features long covered corridors and a striking main hall on the mountain. Legend says Prince Kibitsuhiko battled an ogre here, causing it to turn into a bird and fly away.
• Okayama Castle: Also known as “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior, it provides a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.
• Inside the six-story castle keep, you'll find exhibits about the castle's history and development. Additionally, the castle park features a pottery studio where visitors can craft Bizen-yaki, a pottery type native to Okayama Prefecture. Advance reservations are recommended.
• Okayama Temple Walk: Okayama Temple Walk lets you wander amidst serene gardens and historic temples, soaking in the city's cultural and spiritual atmosphere.

Side Trips from Okayama

• Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter: A charming district with well-preserved Edo-period buildings, perfect for history enthusiasts.
• Inujima: An island known for its modern art installations and the Inujima Seirensho Museum.
• Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum: Witness the Craft of Swordsmithing: Visit the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum.
• Kibi Plain (吉備路, Kibiji) : A charming area with an attractive 17-kilometer cycling route connecting Bizen-Ichinomiya and Soja Stations. The route follows the legend of Prince Kibitsuhiko, passing important shrines, temples, and burial mounds. While the trip can be made in either direction, it's easier to start from Bizen-Ichinomiya Station. Bicycles can be rented and returned at either station or the rental shop near Bitchu-Kokubunji Temple.  
• Naoshima: Naoshima (直島) is an island in the Seto Inland Sea that is known for its contemporary art museums, architecture and sculptures.

THE VENICE OF JAPAN | Exploring Kurashiki's Historical Town (YouTube link)

Exploring Himeji Castle: A Journey Through Architectural Splendor and Cultural Heritage

Himeji | Day Trip from Osaka (YouTube link)

Things to Do in Himeji

• Mount Shosha: Mount Shosha, home to the ancient Engyoji temple complex, is a short 30-minute journey from Himeji City center. Visitors can explore its expansive grounds and historic buildings, including the striking Maniden hall, after a scenic ropeway ride and a brief hike or a convenient minibus trip.
• Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM
• Take bus number 8 from Himeji Station (North Exit 姫路駅［北口］) or Himeji Castle to "Mount Shosha Ropeway" (30 minutes, every 20 minutes). Then, take the ropeway (every 15 minutes) or hike up the mountain in 45-60 minutes.
• Himeji Castle: Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural gem with beautiful gardens, offering a unique cultural experience. However, consider potential crowds and travel time for a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.
• Please bring a shoe bag: No outdoor shoes are allowed inside the buildings. You'll receive a plastic bag at the entrance. Please use your own bag to protect the environment.
• Hours: 9 AM - 4 PM (The best times to visit are a few hours before closing or right after opening to avoid crowds. Allocate at least 2 hours to explore the castle, more if it's crowded or if you take your time with stairs.)
• English guided tour (link): Time: ①10:00-11:45 ②13:00-14:45.  Tours are limited to 10 guests each. (Up to 20 guests per day.) Guide fee: Adults (19+) 1,000 yen.
• Kokoen (好古園, Kōkoen): KOKO-EN in Himeji City offers nine Edo Period-themed gardens, including the expansive “Garden of the Lord’s Residence” and a tea garden with a traditional tea house. This historical site, often featured in period dramas, provides picturesque views of Himeji Castle and a dining experience at “Kassui-ken” restaurant.
• Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM (Autumn colors from November 18 to December 4, 2023)

Mount Shosha, home to the ancient Engyoji temple complex (YouTube link)

Click here for an interactive Himeji map on Google MyMaps

References

1. 12 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Japan 2024 (video)
2. Himeji: Site of Japan’s most beautiful feudal castle
3. Kassui-ken Restaurant
• Reservations are accepted up to 3 days in advance, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but may be limited during busy events. Late arrivals may face a wait. Cancel by phone at least one day prior to avoid a cancellation fee.
4. Souju-an Tea Ceremony House (Hours: 12 PM - 3:40 PM)
   
• The Souju-an Tea Ceremony House, designed by the esteemed Urasenke Grand Tea Master, reflects the simplicity and elegance of Edo Period samurai residences. Facing Himeji Castle, it offers a serene tea experience amidst traditional craftsmanship and a garden that harmonizes nature’s beauty with cultural refinement.
5. Himeji Castle official site
6. The 23 best shopping and stores in Himeji

Step Back in Time: A Nostalgic Journey to Matsuyama

Matsuyama (松山), the largest city on Shikoku and the capital of Ehime Prefecture, boasts Matsuyamajo, an original hilltop castle with views of the city and Seto Inland Sea. Featured in Natsume Soseki's novel "Botchan," the city gained fame throughout Japan. Dogo Onsen, also mentioned in the novel, is one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts and a key attraction.

Click here for an interactive Matsuyama map on Google MyMaps

Things to Do

Here are some of the top things to do in Matsuyama:

Historical and Cultural Experiences:

• Matsuyama Castle: Explore this well-preserved castle, one of Japan's original 12 remaining castles.
• Dogo Onsen: Immerse yourself in the oldest hot spring public bathhouse in Japan, which inspired the movie "Spirited Away."
• Shiki Memorial Museum: Learn about the life and works of the renowned poet, Masaoka Shiki.
• Ishite-ji Temple: Temple No. 51 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. Discover this unique temple with its mysterious tunnel lined with statues.
• Botchan Karakuri Clock: Tourist attraction. The music began playing one minute before each hour, and the mechanism moved precisely on time.

Outdoor Activities:

• Matsuyama Castle Ropeway: Take a scenic ride up to the castle.
• Dogo Park: Relax in a beautiful park with gardens and ponds.
• Cycling: Explore the city and its surroundings by bike.

Local Cuisine:

• Dogo Beer: Try the locally brewed Dogo Beer.  One of the features of Dogo Beer is its stronger bubbles, as it is intended to be consumed after taking a meal at Dōgo Onsen.
• Mikan Juice or Beer: Enjoy fresh mandarin orange juice.
• Local Seafood: Savor the fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.
• Botchan Dango (坊っちゃん団子): It has three colors. One is colored by red beans, the second by eggs, and the third by green tea. Botchan dango is a product name of Ehime’s miyagegashi, which was named after Natsume Sōseki’s novel Botchan.
• Tanimoto Kamabokoten  (谷本蒲鉾店): The most popular item at Tanimoto Kamabokoten is the Tachiuo Roll (太刀魚巻). Customers also highly recommend Matsuyama Tai Meshi, a delightful sea bream and rice dish.

By combining historical exploration, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, you can create a memorable trip to Matsuyama.

愛媛県 松山市 道後温泉 本館 飛鳥乃湯泉 椿の湯 疲れたら愛媛 DOGO (YouTube link)