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Okayama is a city in the Chugoku Region, famous for its Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three best landscape gardens. It is also a transportation hub, a modern art destination, and a historic castle town with a connection to the Peach Boy legend.
- Kibi Plain
Located in downtown Okayama, ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama offers...
- Kurashiki
Kurashiki (倉敷) is located in Okayama Prefecture, not far...
- Kibi Plain
Okayama (岡山市, Okayama-shi, Japanese: [okaꜜjama]) is the capital city of Okayama Prefecture in the Chūgoku region of Japan. The Okayama metropolitan area, centered around the city, has the largest urban employment zone in the Chugoku region of western Japan. The city was founded on June 1, 1889. [1] As of February 2023, the city has an ...
- Contents
- How to Get to Okayama Japan
- Top Things to Do in Okayama City
- Day Trips from Okayama, Japan
- Okayama Hotels
- Okayama Vegetarian Food
- Is Okayama Worth Visiting?
- More Japan Posts
Okayama is located on a shinkansen (bullet train) line, so it’s easy to reach quickly and comfortably from major Japanese cities including Hiroshima (40 minutes), Osaka (50 minutes), Kyoto (1 – 1.5 hours), and Tokyo(3 – 4.5 hours). You can check train times and prices on the Navitime websiteor app. We had a Japan Rail Pass for our stay in Okayama, ...
1) Okayama Korakuen Garden
The most famous Okayama attraction is Korakuen Garden, which is known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan (along with Kenroku-en in Kanazawa and Kairaku-en in Mito). This large landscape garden was first created in 1687 by the feudal lord for entertaining his family and guests. It features many classic elements including a large pond with stone bridges and small shrines and a lookout point up a hill. There are also extensive lawns, a cherry blossom grove, tea and rice fields, a cluster...
2) Okayama Castle
Across the Asahi River from Korakuen Garden is Okayama Castle, which you’ll see if you enter the gardens by the south gate and from certain points in the gardens. It’s known as Crow Castle because of its black outer wall. It was originally completed in 1597 but was destroyed in World War Two; the current castle is a reconstruction (as is the case for most Japanese castles). We just enjoyed the view from outside. Inside, you can find displays about the castle’s history and the opportunity to d...
3) Handayama Botanical Garden
Our absolute favourite cherry blossom spot in Okayama wasn’t Korakuen or the Asahi River, but the magical Handayama Botanical Garden. This hillside garden has views of the city and an incredible 1000 cherry trees—they stretch on and on and you feel fully immersed in the blooms. Best of all, this hidden gem is not very crowded (even on a sunny weekend in full bloom). There are plenty of grassy areas to lie back and gaze at the flowers or enjoy a picnic. We had a blissful afternoon here and it...
Okayama City itself has enough sightseeing to occupy you for a day, but what we loved most about it was its convenient location for exploring many other destinations. In addition to the places below, you could also visit Osaka and Kobe from Okayama. Kyotois also possible, but I think it warrants a longer stay. If you have a Japan Rail Pass(like we ...
Hotel Granvia Okayama
We chose to stay at Hotel Granvia Okayamabecause of its convenient location and we’re so glad we did. This huge four-star hotel is connected to the Okayama train station, so it couldn’t be easier to take day trips. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the platforms and you don’t even need to go outside. We stayed in one of the newer refurbished rooms on the 18th floor, which was nicer than most Japanese business hotels with a modern bathroom. They were sold out of the larger double rooms so we ha...
Other Hotels in Okayama
Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayamais also close to the station and is less expensive than Hotel Granvia Okayama. It features a public onsen. If you are looking for a hostel, Lazy Househas twin rooms and dorms. Search for more hotels in Okayama here. Back to Contents
There aren’t a huge number of places to eat vegetarian food in Okayama, but there was enough to keep us going. Unfortunately, Yasai-Shokudo Koyama, which we previously recommended, has now closed. We often grabbed a snack (pizza slices, cheese bread, pastries) from the Vie de Francebakery in the train station. See our vegetarian Japan guidefor more...
While Okayama might not be a priority if you are a first time visitor to Japan, I do think it’s well worth visiting for returning travellers or those on longer trips. I hope this Okayama travel guide has encouraged you to give this less-visited city a go. It’s an affordable and convenient base for exploring the area and has a few lovely attractions...
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Aug 29, 2024 · Okayama Prefecture is a transportation hub in Western Japan, and is easily accessible as the midpoint between the famous tourist spots of Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It is about an hour from Kyoto by Shinkansen, and about 35 minutes from Hiroshima! We provide useful information for your trip, such as popular spots such as Okayama Korakuen and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, recommended ...
- Okayama Korakuen Garden. One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Okayama Korakuen Garden is a spectacular exemplar of Edo-period landscape design. Built in the 17th century by the daimyo Ikeda Tsunamasa, it enchants visitors with its stunning scenery, where meticulously arranged trees, stones, and ponds harmoniously coexist.
- Okayama Castle. Known as “Crow Castle” due to its distinctive black exterior, Okayama Castle stands as a majestic reminder of Japan’s feudal past. Originally constructed in the late 16th century by Ukita Naoie, the castle has witnessed the turbulent flow of history, being rebuilt after World War II.
- Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Step back in time as you wander through the charming lanes of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. This well-preserved area radiates the ambiance of the Edo period, with its historic white-walled merchant houses reflecting off the serene willow-lined canal.
- Hayashibara Museum of Art. Nestled in the heart of Okayama, the Hayashibara Museum of Art is a treasure trove of exquisite Japanese and East Asian artworks.
Okayama is a prefecture in western Japan known for its sunshine, fruit, gardens and castles. Learn about its history, culture, specialties and attractions, and how to get there from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima.
Learn everything you need to know about Okayama, a charming city in the Chugoku region of Japan, known as the “Land of Sunshine”. Discover its history, culture, cuisine, shopping, events, and more in this comprehensive travel guide.
