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)