This area in the southeastern part of Okayama Prefecture, adjacent to Hyogo Prefecture, is a very attractive tourist destination, with Okayama City, the prefectural capital, Setouchi City where Ushimado, also known as the Aegean Sea of Japan, is located, and Bizen City, famous for its Bizen Pottery.
In Okayama City, Korakuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, along with Kairakuen Garden in Mito and Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, and is a sightseeing spot that should not be missed. Korakuen was built by the Ikeda clan (Ikeda Tsunamasa), the feudal lord of the Edo period, and completed in 1700 (Genroku 13).
When the garden was first completed, it was called Gokouen because it was built behind Okayama Castle. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful seasonal expressions of the garden, especially during the autumn foliage season, when it is illuminated.
Other sightseeing spots include Okayama Castle, Inujima Island, and Kibitsu Shrine around Kibiji.
In addition, the Kaiyo, or naked festival, usually held on the third Saturday of February at Saidaiji Temple, is a nationally famous tourist event.
Meanwhile, as for gourmet foods, fruits such as muscats and white peaches are famous throughout Japan, and visitors can enjoy fruit-picking experiences and sweets when they are in season. In recent years, the city has also become known as "Fruit Parfait Town, Okayama.
Setouchi City, where Ushimado is located, borders Okayama City to the east. The inland town of Osafune is famous for the production of swords called Bizen Osafune, and the Bizen Osafune Sword Village and Bizen Osafune Sword Museum is one of the few museums in Japan specializing in swords.
Ushimado, a port town facing the Seto Inland Sea, is a scenic tourist destination reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea. Ushimado Olive Garden is a symbolic sightseeing spot in Ushimado with a panoramic view of the beautiful archipelago, and has been certified as a holy place for lovers. The Bell of Happiness in the park should be added to the route when visiting on a date. The exquisite gelato is also not to be missed.
Furthermore, sappa (mamakari), a specialty fish, is often caught in the port town of Ushimado. Okayama's local delicacies, mamakari sushi and Bizen bara-zushi with mamakari on top, are local delicacies that you should definitely try when you visit not only Ushimado, but also other parts of Okayama Prefecture.
Bizen City is located further east of Setouchi City, on the eastern edge of Okayama Prefecture, bordering on Ako City in Hyogo Prefecture. There are many places to visit, such as Ibe, where Bizen ware is produced, Shizutani Gakko (Kanya School), which was opened by the Okayama Clan for the common people in the Edo period, Hattoji Furusato Village, and Gomi no Ichiba (market of five flavors).
Oysters, one of Okayama's representative delicacies, are cultivated in Hinase, and Hinase's oyster okonomiyaki, or okonomiyaki with oysters, is a must-try dish if it is in season. Gomi no Ichiba is also famous for its oyster soft serve, an unusual local soft serve called oyster soft serve.
Kibitsu Shrine is one of Okayama Prefecture’s most remarkable historic shrines, famous for its connection to the legend of Momotaro, the beloved Japanese folk hero known as the Peach Boy. Its magnificent main sanctuary and worship hall are designated National Treasures of Japan and are celebrated for their imposing yet elegant architecture. The buildings were commissioned by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, ...»
Korakuen Garden is a traditional Japanese landscape garden located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It is widely recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Created in the early Edo period under the direction of Ikeda Tsunamasa, lord of the Okayama Domain, the garden is a celebrated example of Genroku-era culture and has been designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the ...»
Okayama Castle is a historic castle in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Its distinctive black exterior has earned it the nickname Ujō, or “Crow Castle.” The original castle was completed in 1597. Although its main keep was destroyed during World War II, it was reconstructed in 1966 and now houses exhibition spaces introducing the castle’s history and culture. Located in the heart of Okayama City...»
Okayama Prefecture is a wonderful destination for ramen lovers, offering a diverse range of regional styles and distinctive flavors created by individual restaurants. The style commonly known as Okayama Ramen is particularly popular in and around Okayama City, where its rich, savory broth and simple, satisfying noodles have become a local favorite....»
Ebimeshi is a signature dish of Okayama City, made by stir-frying rice with shrimp and other ingredients and seasoning it with a rich, savory sauce. Its distinctive dark brown color, fragrant aroma, and delicious combination of seafood and sauce have made it one of the city’s best-known local specialties. It is commonly served with shredded cabbage on the side....»
Okayama Demi-Katsu Don is a regional specialty that offers a distinctive alternative to the traditional Japanese katsudon. It consists of a bowl of rice topped with pork cutlet and demi-glace sauce, usually served over a layer of cabbage, although some restaurants leave out the cabbage. The rich sauce and hearty combination of ingredients give this dish a unique flavor that has made it a favorite ...»
A Local Specialty Celebrating Bizen Ware Bizen Curry is a regional comfort food that combines two much-loved elements of Japanese culture: curry, a popular everyday dish, and Bizen ware, the traditional pottery for which Bizen in Okayama Prefecture is famous. The celebrated gourmet and ceramic enthusiast Kitaoji Rosanjin was particularly fond of Bizen ware, making this combination an appealing me...»
Hinase Kakioko is a beloved local specialty from Hinase, a historic fishing town on the southeastern tip of Okayama Prefecture. Located along the Seto Inland Sea, Hinase is known for its abundant fresh seafood, especially oysters. Kakioko is a style of okonomiyaki—a Japanese savory pancake—topped with generous portions of these locally harvested oysters....»
Dodomeshi is a traditional Japanese dish made by mixing vinegar into seasoned rice cooked with various ingredients. It is widely regarded as a predecessor of Okayama’s famous bara-zushi, a colorful sushi dish featuring a variety of toppings. Its origins are said to date back to the late Kamakura period (1185–1333), giving it a history that stretches back several centuries....»
Bizen Burger is a regional specialty from Bizen City in Okayama Prefecture, made with a juicy beef patty and fresh locally grown vegetables. The burger showcases the area's commitment to local ingredients, combining distinctive regional flavors in a satisfying and original creation....»
Mamakari-zuke is a traditional dish from Okayama Prefecture made by marinating small fish in sweetened vinegar. The fish, known locally as mamakari, is called “sappa” in the Kanto region of Japan. It is a small, flat-bodied fish belonging to the herring family, typically measuring around 10–12 cm in length....»
Savor the rich flavor of locally grown oysters simmered with miso in this comforting regional specialty. Okayama Prefecture is one of Japan’s three major oyster-producing regions. The favorable natural environment along the Seto Inland Sea provides ideal conditions for oyster farming, allowing high-quality oysters to thrive. Often called the “milk of the sea,” oysters are rich in protein, calcium...»
Ujō Ōgon-zushi is an imaginative take on Okayama bara-zushi, one of Okayama Prefecture's signature dishes. Inspired by Okayama Castle, also known as the “Golden Crow Castle,” this striking sushi celebrates the castle's distinctive architecture while showcasing the region's finest local ingredients....»
Okayama bara-zushi is a traditional regional sushi dish featuring an appealing assortment of fresh seafood and colorful seasonal vegetables arranged over seasoned sushi rice. Also known as Okayama-zushi or matsuri-zushi (festival sushi), it is now a beloved celebratory dish served at festivals, family gatherings, special occasions, and when welcoming guests....»
Haribari-zuke is a refreshing Japanese pickle made from dried daikon radish, prized for its wonderfully crisp texture and tangy flavor. It is a delicious accompaniment to everyday meals and can also be customized with a variety of additional ingredients....»
Yellow chives are a distinctive local specialty of Okayama Prefecture, known for their delicate texture, subtle sweetness, and refined flavor. For visitors to Okayama, sampling dishes made with these locally grown chives is a wonderful way to experience the region's unique food culture....»
Bizen Kurokawa pumpkin is a traditional Japanese pumpkin variety prized for its dense, moist texture, excellent flavor, and beautiful appearance when cooked. It is a valuable part of Okayama Prefecture's agricultural heritage and offers a taste of a style of Japanese cuisine that has become increasingly rare....»
Senryo eggplant is a high-quality local specialty from Okayama Prefecture, prized for its glossy deep-purple skin, tender flesh, and crisp texture. Renowned for its exceptional quality, it is highly regarded in major produce markets and is even used as an ingredient in upscale Japanese restaurants....»
Somen kabocha is a remarkable variety of squash whose flesh naturally separates into fine, noodle-like strands when cooked. Also known as kinshi-uri, meaning “golden thread melon,” it belongs to the squash family but has a texture unlike that of ordinary pumpkins and squash. The fruit has an oblong, barrel-like shape, typically measuring 20–25 cm in length and weighing around 600–800 g. When full...»
Among the many varieties of peaches grown in Okayama Prefecture, white peaches are the most widely cultivated. This variety was developed in 1901 by improving upon the Shanghai Suimitsu peach. It became one of Okayama's signature specialties thanks to its exceptionally pale skin, delicate flesh, and wonderfully smooth texture—qualities rarely found in peaches from other growing regions. The most ...»
Okayama oysters are a premium seafood specialty nurtured by the favorable natural conditions of the Seto Inland Sea. The region provides an ideal environment for oyster farming, with abundant supplies of phytoplankton that serve as food for the oysters. Thanks to these conditions, Okayama ranks among Japan’s leading oyster-producing regions....»
Mamakari is the local name used for a small fish found around the Seto Inland Sea. More commonly known throughout Japan as sappa, it belongs to the herring family and is a beloved specialty of Okayama Prefecture. The name “mamakari” has a charming origin. In Japanese, mama means cooked rice, while kari refers to borrowing. The fish is said to be so delicious that people would finish all the rice ...»
Sawara, known in English as Japanese Spanish mackerel, is one of the signature fish of Okayama Prefecture and an essential part of the region’s culinary heritage. The Japanese name is traditionally associated with the fish’s relatively narrow belly. Sawara is a type of fish whose name changes as it grows, a category known in Japan as a “promotion fish.” Younger fish are called sagoshi, while matu...»
In Okayama, the name “geta” refers to sole, a flatfish that has long been enjoyed as an affordable, everyday fish. To raise its profile and increase its value, the Okayama Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations introduced a new name for the locally caught fish: “Okayama Sole.” The name draws inspiration from the famous Dover sole caught in the English Channel. Just as this E...»
Made with the fragrant juice of ripe Shimizu Hakuto white peaches, this distinctive amazake is a delicious way to enjoy one of Okayama’s most celebrated fruits. Best served chilled, it offers an elegant sweetness, a gorgeous peach aroma, and a smooth, velvety texture. Despite its name, this amazake is completely non-alcoholic, making it an appealing choice for a refreshing treat at any time of day...»
Kibi Dote Shita Beer is a locally brewed beer produced by Kibi Dote Shita Brewery, which began brewing in 2006. Made using only malt, barley, and hops, its beers reflect the brewery’s desire to be a familiar part of the local community—much like a neighborhood tofu shop where people can enjoy freshly made products close to home. The brewery produces its beers with an emphasis on freshness and app...»
Doppo Craft Beer is brewed by Miyashita Sake Brewery, a long-established brewery in Okayama Prefecture that was reportedly the first in the Chugoku region of western Japan to begin producing craft beer. Combining traditional brewing expertise with a spirit of innovation, the brewery continues to explore new flavors and styles. Doppo’s German-style craft beers are made using live yeast and come in...»
Junmai Umezake is a distinctive plum liqueur made by Toshimori Sake Brewery, founded in 1868 in Akaiwa, Okayama Prefecture, in an area formerly known as Karube Village. Crafted from specially brewed junmai sake and Japanese plums, this carefully prepared drink contains no additives and no added sugar, allowing the natural flavors of its ingredients to shine. The base is a specially brewed junmai ...»
Sakehitosuji Karakuchi Junbai-shu is a distinctive dry-style plum liqueur crafted by Toshimori Sake Brewery, a historic brewery founded in 1868 in Akaiwa, Okayama Prefecture, in an area formerly known as Karube Village. Made using specially brewed junmai sake developed specifically for plum liqueur, it offers a refreshing alternative to the sweeter plum wines commonly found in Japan. Unlike conve...»
Muromachi Sake Brewery began producing sake around 1688, during Japan’s Edo period. Drawing on centuries of brewing tradition, the brewery creates its Golden Plum Liqueur using locally grown green plums and sake made from Omachi rice, a distinctive rice variety originating in Okayama Prefecture. The plums, a variety known as Kojo-ume, are grown under contract in Akaiwa City, Okayama. They are ste...»
Chocochofu is a contemporary take on Chofu, a traditional confection that has long been enjoyed in Okayama. Created by Yamawaki Sangetsudo, a long-established Japanese confectionery founded in 1881, this innovative sweet has attracted attention as a new local specialty. Traditional Chofu consists of soft gyuhi, a chewy rice-based confection similar to mochi, wrapped in a thin layer of castella sp...»
Founded in 1881, Yamawaki Sangetsudo is a long-established confectionery shop that continues to preserve the traditional flavors of Okayama’s famous sweets. Its signature kibidango rice dumplings have a distinguished history: they were presented to Emperor Meiji in 1907 and to Emperor Showa in 1930. This proud tradition continues to this day....»
Kibidango are traditional Japanese sweets best known for their connection to Momotaro, or Peach Boy, one of Japan’s most beloved folktales. Closely associated with Okayama Prefecture, these bite-sized dumplings are among the region’s most famous confectionery specialties and are popular souvenirs for visitors....»
Founded in 1957, Hakujuji is a long-established confectionery shop in Okayama Prefecture, beloved by local residents for its wide selection of Japanese and Western-style sweets. The company places great importance on the freshness and safety of its ingredients, carefully selecting quality materials for its products. Among its many offerings, the shop’s waffles are especially popular with customer...»
When people think of Okayama, one of Japan’s best-known folktales, Momotaro, or the Peach Boy, often comes to mind. Inspired by the kibi dango dumplings featured in this story, Kinmando’s Kibi Dengaku is a distinctive local confection shaped like traditional dengaku skewered food....»
Chofu is a traditional Japanese confectionery that has long been cherished as a specialty of Okayama. It is made by wrapping gyuhi, a soft and chewy sweet made from glutinous rice flour and sugar, in a thin sheet of castella sponge cake baked slightly firmer than usual and shaped into a rectangle. A similar confection, known nationwide as wakaayu, features a wrapper shaped like a sweetfish. Chofu...»
Ote Manju is a traditional Japanese confection with a history dating back nearly two centuries. It has been made by Ote Manju Ibe-ya, a confectionery shop founded in 1837, during the Edo period. The sweet is said to have acquired its name because the shop was originally located near the main gate of Okayama Castle, known as the Otemon Gate. Ote Manju was especially favored by Lord Ikeda, the feud...»
Hakujuji is a well-known confectionery shop with numerous locations throughout Okayama Prefecture. Loved by people of all ages, the shop offers a wide variety of Japanese and Western sweets. Among its many treats, the Butter Cake remains a longstanding favorite, enjoying enduring popularity among local residents....»
Many Japanese children grow up listening to the famous tale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, whose adventures are closely associated with kibi dango, a traditional Japanese dumpling. Among the many varieties available throughout Okayama Prefecture, one particularly memorable version is Muscat Kibi Dango, created by Okayama Yume Kasho Shikishimado....»
Okayama Roll is a distinctive confection created by Seifuan, a traditional Japanese sweets shop. This indulgent roll cake brings together four of Okayama Prefecture’s celebrated local ingredients in one delicious dessert, offering visitors a chance to discover the region’s flavors in a single slice....»
Tsuru no Tamago, meaning “Crane Eggs,” is a celebrated confection from Shimoyama Shojuken, a traditional Japanese sweets maker known as Tsuru no Tamago Honpo. Around 1887, the shop’s founder, Jishiro Shimoyama, was watching the cranes at Okayama Korakuen Garden when he came up with the idea for this unusual treat. Inspired by the shape of an egg and using marshmallow, then a cutting-edge ingredien...»
Takehisa Yumeji was a celebrated poet and painter who embodied the romanticism of Japan’s Taisho era (1912–1926). Shikishimado, a confectionery founded in Oku Town, Okayama Prefecture, the birthplace of Yumeji, takes great pride in this distinguished local artist. The company even incorporated the name “Takehisa Yumeji Honpo” into its own name as a tribute to his legacy. Named after the artist, Y...»
Ebimeshi is one of Okayama Prefecture’s best-loved local specialties, often celebrated as a delicious example of Japan’s regional B-class gourmet cuisine—affordable, satisfying food cherished by locals. This fried rice seasoning mix recreates the distinctive flavor of ebimeshi with a special sauce based on Worcestershire sauce and demi-glace sauce. The sauce is combined with rice stir-fried with ...»
The waters of the Seto Inland Sea are renowned throughout Japan for their rich variety of delicious seafood. Among the region’s traditional specialties is shio-mushi sakura-dai, a distinctive preparation of natural red sea bream that preserves the fish’s delicate flavor and texture through an age-old cooking method. Freshly caught wild red sea bream is delivered directly from the fishing grounds ...»
Flavored teas are popular, but some commercially available varieties have aromas that are overly strong or seem artificial, which can put tea lovers off. To offer a more natural alternative, Hikiryomon developed Monka, a flavored tea designed to preserve the authentic taste of tea while adding the delicate fragrance of real fruit. The idea came from the company’s president, who believed that usin...»
Grilled conger eel from the Seto Inland Sea is a delicious regional specialty from Okayama Prefecture, where fishing has flourished for centuries. Conger eel is one of the area's representative catches and is prized for its rich flavor and satisfying texture....»
Seto Inland Sea Octopus Rice Seasoning Mix is a convenient way to enjoy takomeshi, a traditional Japanese rice dish made with octopus. Featuring fresh Japanese octopus caught in the Seto Inland Sea, this local specialty from Okayama is popular with both local residents and seafood lovers....»
Kibiji is the name commonly used for a historic area of Okayama Prefecture stretching from the northwestern part of Okayama City to Soja City. Rich in archaeological sites, ancient burial mounds, shrines, temples, and beautiful countryside, this region is one of the most rewarding destinations in western Japan for travelers interested in Japanese history and culture. Depending on the definition, t...»
Takebe Forest Park is a nature-filled recreational park located in Tajiko, Takebe-cho, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. With beautiful seasonal scenery and a wide range of outdoor activities, the park is a popular destination for both local residents and visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Japanese countryside....»
Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Opened in May 1964, the garden covers approximately 110,000 square meters and is home to around 3,200 plant species, with a total of approximately 150,000 plants. Flowers and greenery transform the landscape throughout the seasons, making it a popular destination for plant lovers, ...»
Munetada Shrine is dedicated to Munetada Kurozumi, the founder of Kurozumikyo, a Japanese religious tradition. There are two shrines bearing this name, one in Kyoto and the other in Okayama, and both are important places of worship for followers of the faith. The Kyoto shrine is also known as Kaguraoka Munetada Shrine, while the Okayama shrine is commonly called Omoto Shrine....»
Okayama City Museum is a municipal museum located on the fourth and fifth floors of the south wing of the Ritt City Building, near the west exit of Okayama Station in Kita Ward, Okayama City. The museum was established to document and showcase the city's history and contemporary life, preserving its cultural heritage for future generations. Through historical artifacts, cultural exhibitions, and ...»
Saijo Honzan Ontaki Ryusenji Temple is the head temple of the Saikyo sect of Nichiren Buddhism, located in Shimashimoashimori, Kita Ward, Okayama City. The temple is particularly known for its Buddhist paintings by Takezan Kimura and its deep connections with mountain worship, sacred waterfalls, and traditional ascetic practices. According to tradition, Ryusenji was founded by the Buddhist priest...»
Okayama Prefectural Museum is located on the outer grounds of Korakuen Garden in Kita Ward, Okayama City. Opened in August 1971 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Okayama Prefecture's administration, the museum collects, preserves, and exhibits cultural heritage from the region, particularly from the ancient kingdom of Kibi, which once covered much of present-day Okayama Prefecture. The coll...»
The Hayashibara Museum of Art is a registered museum in Okayama Prefecture, located on the former grounds of Okayama Castle in Kita Ward, Okayama City. It is operated by the Hayashibara Museum of Art Foundation and is renowned for its outstanding collection of Japanese swords, traditional arts, and historical artifacts associated with the former ruling Ikeda family of Okayama Domain....»
Nishigawa Greenway Park is a waterside park in Kita Ward, Okayama City, developed along the Nishigawa Canal. Extending through the central city from the Minamikata area to Yanagimachi, the park offers a refreshing natural retreat amid the urban landscape. Its outstanding approach to urban greening earned it the distinction of receiving the first Green City Award in Japan....»
Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art, affectionately known locally as “Kenbi,” is an art museum in Kita Ward, Okayama City. Opened in 1988, it has become a major center for the region’s artistic and cultural life, welcoming art enthusiasts and visitors interested in discovering Okayama’s rich creative heritage....»
The Okayama Orient Museum is an art museum located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, and managed by the Okayama City Board of Education. Opened in 1979, it received the 22nd BCS Award in 1981 in recognition of its architectural excellence. It is known as Japan’s only public museum specializing in the collection and exhibition of ancient Oriental art, offering visitors a fascinating i...»
The RSK Sanyo Broadcasting Kibi Radio Transmitter is the main medium-wave radio transmission facility for RSK Radio, operated by RSK Sanyo Broadcasting. It is located in Natsukawa, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. The surrounding area is managed by RSK and its affiliated companies and has been developed as a multipurpose leisure complex known as RSK Land, featuring open green spaces, a...»
RSK Rose Garden is a botanical garden specializing in roses and other plants in the rose family, located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It opened in 1974 and is currently managed and operated by RSK Service. The garden was originally established as a buffer zone for radio signals from the RSK Kibi Radio Transmitter and was developed in a circular layout surrounding the broadcastin...»
The Tsushima Archaeological Site is a large, multi-period archaeological site located in Izumicho, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It extends across the Okayama Prefectural General Sports Ground and the surrounding area. The site provides valuable evidence of human life from the late Jomon period through the Yayoi and Kofun periods. It was designated a National Historic Site of Japan ...»
Tsukuriyama Kofun is one of Japan's largest keyhole-shaped burial mounds, located in Shinjoshita, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Recognized for its immense scale and historical importance, it is designated a National Historic Site of Japan. It is the largest burial mound in Okayama Prefecture and ranks fourth in size nationwide. Believed to have been constructed in the first half of ...»
Ikeda Zoo is a privately operated zoo located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It is home to approximately 450 animals representing around 100 species, offering visitors the chance to encounter a wide variety of wildlife in a distinctive natural setting....»
Bitchu Takamatsu Castle was a Japanese castle built in the Sengoku period in Takamatsu, Nakashima Village, Kayo District, Bitchu Province, in what is now Takamatsu, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. To distinguish it from Takamatsu Castle in Sanuki, it is commonly called Bitchu Takamatsu Castle. It is best known for the famous siege in which Toyotomi Hideyoshi flooded the castle's surro...»
Kibitsuhiko Shrine is located in Ichinomiya, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It has long been revered as the ichinomiya, or principal shrine, of ancient Bizen Province. Historically, it held the rank of a Kokuhei Shōsha, a government-supported shrine of relatively high standing, and today it is listed as a Beppyo Shrine under the Association of Shinto Shrines. It is also known by the ...»
Saijo Inari Temple, officially known as Saijo Inari-san Myokyoji Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It is also known as Takamatsu Inari, after the Takamatsu area where it stands....»
Mount Ojigatake is a scenic mountain ridge in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture, on the Kojima Peninsula. It straddles the boundary between Tamano City and the Kojima area of Kurashiki City. Its highest peak is Shinwariyama, which rises 233.9 meters above sea level. The mountain forms part of Setonaikai National Park and has also been selected as one of Okayama Prefecture's 100 outstanding ...»
Shibukawa Beach is a scenic coastal destination in Shibukawa, Tamano City, in southern Okayama Prefecture. Located within Setonaikai National Park, it is celebrated for its beautiful white-sand shoreline and green pine trees. The beach has received national recognition, having been selected for the 100 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan, the 100 Best Shores of Japan, and Japan's 100 Best White-Sand an...»
Shibukawa Animal Park is a privately operated zoo located in Shibukawa, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. Managed by Nature Farm Setouchi Co., Ltd., the park is built around the concept of allowing visitors to encounter animals as they are in their natural state. Set amid lush greenery and rolling hills, it offers a relaxed environment where people of all ages can interact with animals while enjoyi...»
Miyama Park, also known as Fukayama Park, is a spacious scenic park in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. Managed by the Tamano City Park and Greenery Association, the park offers a peaceful natural setting where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, wooded hills, ponds, and picturesque walking trails throughout the year. Covering approximately 200 hectares at elevations ranging from 50 to 180 meter...»
Shibukawa Marine Aquarium, officially known as the Tamano Marine Museum, is a municipal marine museum located in Shibukawa, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. Opened in 1953, it has a long history of introducing visitors to the fascinating marine life and maritime heritage of the Seto Inland Sea. The museum is affectionately known as Shibukawa Marine Aquarium and offers an enjoyable experience for f...»
Okayama Toy Kingdom is a family-friendly theme park in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. Since opening in 1996, it has welcomed generations of children with a playful environment where imagination, discovery, and hands-on experiences take center stage. With toy pavilions suitable for children as young as infants and attractions for the whole family, the park offers plenty to enjoy throughout the da...»
Kinryozan Saidaiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Higashi Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Its main temple complex is Kannon-in, and the temple belongs to the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism as a special head temple. The principal object of worship is Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva. Saidaiji is also an important pilgrimage destination, serving as the first ...»
The Saidaiji Eyo Festival, commonly known as the Naked Festival, is one of Japan's three most unusual festivals. Held annually on the third Saturday of February at Saidaiji Temple in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, this extraordinary event brings together centuries of Buddhist tradition, intense competition, and a powerful atmosphere of communal excitement. The festival originated from Shusho-e...»
Sogenji Temple, officially known as Gokokuzan Sogenji, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Maruyama, Naka Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It belongs to the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism and is renowned as the family temple of the Ikeda clan, the former lords of Okayama Domain in Bizen Province. Its principal image is the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva. With its historic ...»
The Yumeji Art Museum is a registered museum in Okayama Prefecture dedicated to the works and legacy of Yumeji Takehisa, a celebrated Japanese painter and poet who was active from the Meiji period through the Taisho era. The museum has its main building in Naka Ward, Okayama City, and an annex in Setouchi City, where visitors can explore the artist's life, creative world, and hometown connections....»
The BIZEN Latin American Art Museum is a private museum located in Hinase, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Originally opened in March 1975 as the Morishita Museum under the name Morishita Art Museum Foundation, it adopted its current name in 2005. It is Japan's only archaeological art museum specializing in the ancient cultures of Central and South America, making it a distinctive destination for ...»
Ushimado Port is a local port located in Ushimado, Ushimado-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. Managed by Okayama Prefecture, it is subject to Japan's Port Regulations Act and is classified as a Class B port under the port statistics regulations established pursuant to the Statistics Act. Facing the Seto Inland Sea at the southern tip of eastern Okayama Prefecture, Ushimado Port has long ser...»
The Sabukaze Ancient Kiln Sites are the remains of kilns used to produce Sue ware, a type of ancient Japanese pottery, in Nagahama, Ushimado-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. Designated a National Historic Site, the complex provides valuable insight into Japan's history from the Kofun period (approximately the 3rd to 6th centuries) through the Heian period (794–1185). The site is closely as...»
Ushimado Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. Also known as Ushimado Hachimangu, it was formerly classified as a prefectural shrine. Set in a coastal landscape overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, it has long been a place of worship and prayer....»
The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum is a museum dedicated to Japanese swords, located in Osafune, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. Originally established as the Osafune Town Museum, it was renovated in 2004 following the merger of Osafune, Oku, and Ushimado towns, becoming a specialized museum focused on Japanese swords. Workshops were added to the facility, and today its collection and exhi...»
Ushimado Olive Garden is a botanical garden located in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. Operated by Japan Olive Company, the garden covers approximately 10 hectares and is home to around 2,000 mature olive trees. Together with Shodoshima Olive Garden in neighboring Kagawa Prefecture, it is recognized as one of Japan's largest olive groves. Major olive varieties cultivated here include ...»
The Bizen Pottery Traditional Industry Hall is a cultural facility in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, dedicated to the region's celebrated ceramic tradition. Visitors can explore exhibitions, purchase pottery, and participate in hands-on activities while learning about the local culture and craftsmanship behind Bizen ware, one of Japan's most distinctive traditional ceramic styles....»
Minato no Mieru Oka Park is a beautiful hilltop park in Hinase, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Located near the summit of Mount Tategoe, between Hinase Port and Hinase Ekimae Port, the park offers visitors a peaceful natural setting and spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea. It is a popular place to appreciate the coastal scenery of Hinase, a region known for its picturesque harbor and scatter...»
Tsurushima Island is an uninhabited island in the Hinase Islands, part of Bizen City in Okayama Prefecture. Privately owned, the island is characterized by gently rolling hills, dramatic cliffs along its eastern coast, and a small sandy beach on the northwestern shore. Surrounded by rich natural scenery, Tsurushima is also historically significant as a place where Christians endured religious pers...»
Gomi no Ichi is a fish market operated by the local fishing cooperative in Hinase, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Located beside Hinase Port on the Seto Inland Sea, it is known for its fresh seafood landed by local fishermen early each morning. The market is especially popular during oyster season, from November through March, when visitors can buy locally harvested oysters and experience the liv...»
Shizutani School, located in Shizutani, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, was established in the early Edo period by Ikeda Mitsumasa, lord of the Okayama Domain. It is recognized as Japan's oldest school established specifically to educate ordinary people, rather than only the samurai class. Today, the site is designated as a Special Historic Site of Japan, while its auditorium is designated a Natio...»
The Shizutani School Museum is a historic building and exhibition facility located in Shizutani, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Built during the Meiji period (1868–1912), it was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2001. Designed by Saburo Egawa, the building retains many distinctive features of Japanese architecture from its time and offers visitors a glimpse into the r...»
Wake Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Wake Town, Wake District, Okayama Prefecture. Formerly ranked as a prefectural shrine, it stands in the area traditionally regarded as the birthplace of the Wake clan and the birthplace of the influential court official Wake no Kiyomaro. The shrine has long been revered as the clan’s tutelary shrine and remains an important place for exploring the...»
The Bizen City Museum of History and Folklore is a museum located in Higashikatakami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. It introduces the area's rich history, cultural traditions, and everyday life through a wide range of historical and ethnographic materials. Its exhibitions are organized around four themes: folklore, literature, ceramics, and special exhibitions, offering visitors different perspe...»
The Kaiyu Cultural Museum is a history museum located in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. Ushimado has prospered since ancient times as a port where ships waited for favorable winds and tides before continuing their journeys. The museum introduces the town’s maritime history, cultural traditions, and connections with other parts of Asia. Housed in a historic building, it offers visitor...»
Honrenji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Ushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. Its full name is Kyōōzan Honrenji, and it belongs to the Honmon-ryū branch of Hokke Buddhism, with ties to the head temple Honkōji. The temple grounds are designated a National Historic Site associated with the Joseon Tongsinsa, the Korean diplomatic missions that visited Japan during the Edo peri...»
Inbe, in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, is renowned as the home of Bizen ware, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. The town’s traditional atmosphere begins just outside JR Inbe Station, where visitors are greeted by streets lined with red-brick kiln chimneys and buildings decorated with pottery. Even local signboards and the roof tiles of bus shelters incorporate Bizen ware, reflecting how deeply c...»
Fukushoji Temple is a Koyasan Shingon Buddhist temple located in Ōuchi, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Its mountain name, Otakisan, means “Mount Great Waterfall,” a name inspired by the waterfall on the temple grounds. The temple’s principal image in the main hall is the Eleven-Headed, Thousand-Armed Kannon, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, while the three-story pagoda enshrines Dainichi N...»
Okayama Forest Park: German Village is an expansive agricultural theme park located in Nibori, Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture. Inspired by the countryside of Germany, the park combines European-style architecture, seasonal flower gardens, hands-on activities, and opportunities to interact with animals. Known affectionately as German Village, it offers an enjoyable escape into nature for families,...»
Mount Kinkōzan is a 403.4-meter-high mountain located between Minami Ward in Okayama City and Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. Known for its fascinating legends, rich natural surroundings, and spectacular panoramic views, the mountain has long been a popular destination for visitors seeking beautiful scenery and a connection to local history....»
Ishihara Orchard is a historic fruit farm in Higashi Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, with a history spanning approximately 170 years. Traditionally known for growing high-quality fruit for gifts, the orchard also offers fruit-picking experiences by advance reservation. Its main crops are grapes and pears, with seasonal opportunities to pick grapes, pears, and persimmons....»
Inujima is the largest island in the Inujima island group in the Seto Inland Sea. It is an inhabited island belonging to Higashi Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Once prosperous for its copper smelting industry and granite quarries, the island still preserves the remains of its industrial past. The opening of the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum in 2008, followed by the Setouchi Triennale in 20...»
Yahata Onsen is a hot spring area in Takebe Town, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Centered around the facilities along the Asahi River, the area includes several hot spring establishments, including Takebe Yahata Onsen. Known for its abundant spring water and high radon content, the resort offers visitors a relaxing escape surrounded by riverside scenery and the natural beauty of the ...»
Medaka no Gakkō is a distinctive hands-on environmental learning facility where visitors can explore the wonders of life and discover why protecting the natural environment is so important. Through exhibits featuring medaka rice fish and other aquatic creatures, the center introduces visitors to the biodiversity of Japan's freshwater habitats. It also offers opportunities to observe the ayumodoki,...»
Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Kibichūō Town, Kaga District, Okayama Prefecture. It enshrines Emperor Ōjin, Emperor Chūai, and Empress Jingū, and its main sanctuary is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Formerly ranked as a prefectural shrine, it has long been an important place of worship for the local community....»
Myōhonji is a historic temple of Nichiren Buddhism located in Kibichūō Town, Kaga District, Okayama Prefecture. Its full name is Gusokuzan Myōhonji, and its principal object of worship is Shakyamuni Buddha, revered as the Original Teacher of the Eternal Buddha. The temple is known as the “Western Minobu” because of its important role in spreading Nichiren Buddhism throughout western Japan. Its Ban...»
Fukiya Furusato Village is a historic district in Nariwa Town, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture. Nestled in the mountains of the Chūgoku region, Fukiya flourished from the Edo period through the Meiji period thanks to the production of bengara, a red iron oxide pigment. Wealthy merchants built an impressive townscape using the riches generated by bengara and its raw materials, including iron sul...»
Hattoji Furusato Village is a designated Okayama Prefecture heritage village located in Kagami, Yoshinaga Town, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Situated on a plateau at an elevation of approximately 400 meters, the village preserves a traditional Japanese rural landscape of thatched-roof farmhouses, terraced fields, and historic temples. Visitors can enjoy the timeless atmosphere of the countrysid...»
Hattoji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Kagami, Yoshinaga Town, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Its mountain name is Shokyozan, and its principal image is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion. According to tradition, the temple was founded in 728 during the Nara period by the monk Yuge no Dokyo under the imperial patronage of Emperor Shomu. Hattoji once flourish...»
Kokenji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Koyasan Shingon school, located in Hattoji Furusato Village in Yoshinaga Town, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Its mountain name is Enichisan, and its principal sacred images are Fudo Myo-o, the Buddhist deity who protects the teachings, and Bishamonten, a guardian deity associated with protection and good fortune. These statues are traditionally attribut...»
Musa Ōtsuka Kofun is a circular burial mound located in Musa, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Designated a National Historic Site of Japan, it is counted among Okayama Prefecture's Three Great Megalithic Tombs, together with Yata Ōtsuka Kofun and Kōmorizuka Kofun. Its enormous stone burial chamber offers a fascinating glimpse into the power and sophistication of the region's ancient r...»