Okayama Travel Recommendations

Okayama Prefecture is located in the Chugoku region of Japan, on the island of Honshu. The prefectural capital is Okayama City, and the prefecture is known for its beautiful gardens, historic sites, and scenic landscapes.

Getting to Okayama from Tokyo

Getting to Okayama Prefecture from Tokyo is relatively easy. Visitors can take a bullet train from Tokyo Station to Okayama Station, which takes around 4 hours. Alternatively, visitors can fly from Tokyo to Okayama Airport, which is located in the city of Okayama, and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The best time to visit Okayama

The best time to visit Okayama Prefecture is during the spring or autumn seasons. In spring, visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms, while in autumn, the colorful foliage is a sight to behold.

Must-see places in Okayama

Okayama Castle

Okayama Castle is a beautiful castle located in Okayama City. The castle was built in 1597 and features stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.

Korakuen Garden

Korakuen Garden is one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, and is located in Okayama City. The garden features beautiful ponds, bridges, and traditional Japanese architecture.

Kibi Plain

Kibi Plain is a scenic area located in the eastern part of Okayama Prefecture. Visitors can rent bicycles and explore the area’s beautiful rice paddies, temples, and historic sites.

Bizen Pottery Village

Bizen Pottery Village is a historic pottery-making town located in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture. Visitors can explore the town’s traditional pottery studios and learn about the pottery-making process.

Tsuyama Castle

Tsuyama Castle is a beautiful castle located in the city of Tsuyama. The castle was built in 1441 and features stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.

Washuzan Observatory

Washuzan Observatory is a scenic observation deck located in the city of Kurashiki. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a beautiful historic district located in the city of Kurashiki. The area features traditional Japanese architecture, narrow streets, and beautiful canals.

Okayama Orient Museum

Okayama Orient Museum is a museum located in Okayama City that features a collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

Inujima Island

Inujima Island is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea. The island features beautiful art installations and traditional Japanese architecture.

Tomo-no-ura

Tomo-no-ura is a beautiful port town located in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture. The town features traditional Japanese architecture, narrow streets, and beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Cuisines you can enjoy in Okayama

Okayama Soba

Okayama Soba is a type of soba noodle that is made with locally grown buckwheat flour. The noodles have a firm texture and a nutty flavor, and are often served in a hot broth with toppings such as green onions and tempura.

Barazushi

Barazushi is a type of sushi that is made with vinegared rice and a variety of toppings such as vegetables, seafood, and pickles. In Okayama Prefecture, the dish is often made with local seafood such as shrimp, octopus, and sea bream.

Bizen Beef

Bizen Beef is a type of beef that is produced in Bizen City, located in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture. The beef is known for its tender texture and rich flavor, and is often served in a variety of dishes such as sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.

Mikan

Mikan, or mandarin oranges, are a type of citrus fruit that is grown in Okayama Prefecture. The fruit is known for its sweet and juicy flavor, and is often eaten as a snack or used in desserts and drinks.

Kurashiki Udon

Kurashiki Udon is a type of thick noodle that is made with wheat flour and served in a hot broth. The noodles have a chewy texture and are often topped with green onions, tempura, and other ingredients.

Hiruzen Yakisoba

Hiruzen Yakisoba is a type of stir-fried noodle dish that is made with locally grown soba noodles, pork, and vegetables. The dish is known for its savory flavor and is often served at local festivals and events.

Mamakari

Mamakari is a type of fish that is caught in the Seto Inland Sea, which is located off the coast of Okayama Prefecture. The fish is known for its tender texture and delicate flavor, and is often grilled or served as sashimi.

Kaki

Kaki, or oysters, are a type of shellfish that is grown in the Seto Inland Sea. The oysters are known for their plump and juicy texture, and are often served grilled or fried.

Okayama Peach

Okayama Peach is a type of peach that is grown in Okayama Prefecture. The fruit is known for its sweet and fragrant flavor, and is often used in desserts and drinks.

Ochazuke

Ochazuke is a type of rice dish that is made by pouring hot green tea over rice and adding toppings such as grilled fish, pickles, and seaweed. In Okayama Prefecture, the dish is often made with locally grown rice and seafood.

Recommended Accommodations in Okayama

Kifu no Sato

Kifu no Sato is a luxury ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, located in the town of Misaki. The ryokan features private hot spring baths and traditional Japanese meals made with locally sourced ingredients.

Okayama Royal Hotel

Okayama Royal Hotel is a five-star hotel located in Okayama City. The hotel features spacious rooms with panoramic city views, an indoor pool, and a spa.

Setouchi Kojima Hotel

Setouchi Kojima Hotel is a luxury hotel located on the coast of Kojima. The hotel features private balconies with ocean views, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving fresh seafood.

Toshimaen

Toshimaen is a luxury ryokan located in the town of Mimasaka. The ryokan features private hot spring baths, a traditional Japanese garden, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.

Hotel Limani

Hotel Limani is a boutique hotel located in the port town of Uno. The hotel features spacious rooms with sea views, a rooftop terrace, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel

Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the historic city of Kurashiki. The hotel features a collection of contemporary art, spacious rooms with city views, and a restaurant serving French-inspired cuisine.

Yubara Onsen Yubara Resort

Yubara Onsen Yubara Resort is a luxury hot spring resort located in the town of Maniwa. The resort features private hot spring baths, a spa, and a restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine.

Tatsunoya Ryokan

Tatsunoya Ryokan is a luxury ryokan located in the town of Yunogo. The ryokan features private hot spring baths, a traditional Japanese garden, and a restaurant serving seasonal cuisine.

Hotel Granvia Okayama

Hotel Granvia Okayama is a luxury hotel located in Okayama City. The hotel features spacious rooms with city views, an indoor pool, and a restaurant serving Western and Japanese cuisine.

Washu Highland Hotel

Washu Highland Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the mountains of Tsuyama. The hotel features spacious rooms with mountain views, a hot spring bath, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Okayama Prefecture is a beautiful destination in Japan that offers visitors a chance to explore historic sites, beautiful gardens, and scenic landscapes. From the stunning architecture of Okayama Castle and Tsuyama Castle to the traditional pottery studios of Bizen Pottery Village, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in Japanese art and culture, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Okayama Prefecture is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.