Want to plan a relaxing trip full of Japanese charm? You definitely won’t want to miss Okayama! When you visit Okayama, what places should you explore, and which events are a must-experience? Let us guide you with the most comprehensive tips!
Located in the Chugoku region, Okayama boasts a pleasant climate and perfectly combines natural beauty with rich historical culture. Whether you want to visit the ancient castle, try traditional handicrafts, or enjoy shopping and local cuisine, Okayama is the ideal destination for your trip to Japan!
Where exactly is Okayama located, and what is the weather like there?
Okayama is located in the Chugoku region of Honshu, Japan, facing the Seto Inland Sea, between Hiroshima and Hyogo. It is an important stop on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. Okayama is rich in natural scenery and historical culture, making it a must-visit for travelers who love history and culture. Here’s a fun fact: it is also known as the birthplace of Japan’s famous folktale, Momotaro!
“Land of Sunshine” – Okayama Prefecture, Japan
Okayama is known as the “Land of Sunshine” due to its long hours of sunlight, low rainfall, and pleasant climate, making it suitable for travel in any season. While it generally rains less, there is still a chance of consecutive rainy days during the rainy season, so we recommend checking the weather forecast before your visit. Additionally, the temperature can vary significantly between northern and southern Okayama. The southern area, facing the Seto Inland Sea, enjoys warm and stable weather, while the northern region, located near the mountains, can experience snowfall in winter.
Six Recommended Attractions in Okayama
Must-Visit Spot 1｜Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle, built by Ukita Hideie, a daimyo from the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s unification of Japan, is one of Japan’s 100 famous castles. Its exterior walls are covered with black panels, earning it the nickname “Crow Castle,” and the use of gold-leaf roof tiles has also led to the name “Golden Crow Castle.” Inside the main keep, you can view historical exhibits and climb to the top floor for a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area.
- Business Hours：9:00~17:00（Last Entry: 17:00）
- Address：2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama
Must-Visit Spot 2｜Okayama Korakuen Garden
Image Source: photoAC
Okayama Korakuen, one of Japan’s three most famous gardens alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito, was built by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the feudal lord of Okayama, during the Edo period. The garden features expansive lawns, teahouses, small bridges over flowing streams, and seasonal flowers, offering a different charm in every season. By crossing the Tsukimi Bridge, you can reach Okayama Castle. In summer, both Okayama Castle and Korakuen hold night illumination events, showcasing a completely different beauty from the daytime scenery.
- Business Hours：
👉 From March 20 to September 30 : 07:30~18:00（Last Entry: 17：45）
👉 From October 1 to March 19 : 07:30~18:00（Last Entry 16：45）
📖Learn More：Seasonal Illumination Events in Okayama, Japan & Michelin-Recommended Ramen Shops!
Must-Visit Spot 3｜Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter once served as a bustling commercial hub and features white-walled residences, traditional Japanese architecture, and streets lined with willow trees along the Kurashiki River, evoking the atmosphere of the Edo period as seen in films. The area is also home to museums, cafés, and local eateries, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely ride on the Kurashiki River boat to take in the scenic beauty of this historic district.
Must-Visit Spot 4｜Kibitsu Jinja (Shrine)
Image Source: Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Guide
Image Source: ©2021 KIBITSUJINJA.
Kibitsu Jinja, with a history of over 1,600 years, is located in Kita-ku, Okayama City. It primarily enshrines Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The shrine is said to be the origin of the Momotaro legend! One of its highlights is the approximately 400-meter-long corridor that stretches along the hillside, creating a unique architectural feature. Around the middle section on the mountain side, about 1,500 hydrangea plants are planted, making June to July the perfect time to enjoy the flowers and experience a beautiful blend of history and nature.
- Business Hours：05:00 ~ 18:00
- Address：931 Kibitsu, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama
Must-Visit Spot 5｜Washuzan Observatory
Image Source: Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Guide
For stunning views, visit the Washuzan Observatory! Washuzan is named for its eagle-like shape. From the observatory, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, numerous small islands dotting the sea, and the vast Seto Inland Sea. Especially at sunset, when the sun reflects on the water, the scene resembles a painting, earning Washuzan a place among Japan’s “100 Best Sunsets.”
Must-Visit Spot 6｜Inujima
Inujima Seirensho Art Museum Photo：Daici Ano
One of the origins of Inujima’s name is said to come from a rock on the island that resembles a dog. The island once prospered through copper refining, leaving behind the Inujima Seirensho ruins. Today, Inujima has transformed into an art-filled island and is one of the exhibition sites for the Setouchi Triennale, offering a unique blend of history and artistic charm.
Besides visiting the recommended attractions, don’t forget to experience the culture when in Okayama, Japan!
Besides exploring the classic attractions in Okayama, Japan, if you want to experience the local culture and lifestyle more deeply, the following activities are a must-try.
Shopping Mall｜Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki, Okayama Takashimaya
Image Source: MITSUI OUTLET PARK
Image Source: Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Guide
Want to enjoy shopping to your heart’s content in Okayama? We recommend visiting Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki next to JR Kurashiki Station and Okayama Takashimaya near JR Okayama Station! Both shopping centers are conveniently located and offer a wide variety of stores, where you can find everything from clothing and cosmetics to household goods and souvenirs.
Okayama Castle｜Bizen ware
Image Source: Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Guide
“Bizen ware” has a history of over a thousand years and is created without any glaze, using high-temperature firing to bring out its natural, earthy colors. When visiting Okayama Castle, don’t miss the chance to experience Bizen pottery making! At the Bizen Pottery Studio located in Ujo Park, you can create your own one-of-a-kind piece — a special keepsake from your trip.
Okayama｜Fresh Fruit Picking
Image Source: Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Guide
When it comes to Okayama’s fruits, don’t forget to try picking white peaches and Muscat grapes yourself! Summer is when local fruits are at their sweetest, especially if you visit in June or July — we highly recommend adding a fruit-picking experience to your itinerary. Not only can you enjoy the fun of harvesting your own fruit, but you can also savor freshly picked, juicy produce on the spot — sweet, refreshing, and perfect for beating the heat.
Okayama Castle｜Jeans making
During the Edo period, Okayama’s textile industry thrived, and Japan’s first domestically produced jeans were born here, earning the region the title of the birthplace of Japanese jeans. Kojima, in particular, is known as the “Jeans Capital”! Here, you can not only visit various denim brand shops, but also experience making your own jeans. You can choose the fabric, buttons, and stitching yourself and create a one-of-a-kind piece that makes a truly memorable souvenir.
Okayama Castle｜Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Walking Discount Coupon
If you plan to visit the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, we recommend purchasing the Walking Discount Coupon! By using the points on this ticket, you can freely explore the area’s food, attractions, and participate in various experiences. It’s a great opportunity to discover the charm of Kurashiki!
A Must-Have Pass for Visiting Okayama｜Have Fun in Okayama Pass
After reading about all the fun attractions and experiences above, which part do you find most appealing? When planning a trip to Okayama, Japan, transportation costs and travel efficiency are often key considerations for many travelers. To help you explore Okayama more easily, we highly recommend the Have Fun in Okayama Pass introduced below — a practical and convenient item to have while touring the city!
4 Major Features of Have Fun in Okayama Pass
The “Have Fun in Okayama Pass” is a must-have ticket for exploring Okayama. It features a selection of popular attractions and dining spots. Within one week, you can choose any three facilities you like, and entry is easy — simply show the QR code of your e-ticket to enjoy the experiences!
- Popular Attractions：It brings together numerous attractions, dining options, transportation, and shopping facilities across Japan. If you want to visit multiple places in one trip, this is the perfect choice!
- Flexible Schedule：Unlike many discount tickets that are valid for a single day only, the Okayama Enjoy Pass allows users to choose any three facilities within a 7-day period.
- E-ticket Usage：If you often worry about losing physical tickets, this pass is even more recommended! The e-ticket is ready to use immediately, and you can easily access attractions by scanning the QR code.
- Spots Recommendation：In addition to the Okayama Castle main keep mentioned above, this Enjoy Pass can also be exchanged for various discount and admission tickets, including the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Walking Discount Coupon and a 1-day bus pass in Kojima, the “Jeans Capital.”
Since the available facilities may change from time to time, you can check the official website for more information and a list of usable attractions.
Image Source: photoAC
Okayama not only offers rich natural scenery and historical culture, but also combines art, cuisine, and shopping, providing a variety of attractions. Whether it’s your first visit or a deeper exploration, there are always new surprises to discover. From strolling through the historic streets of Kurashiki and enjoying the sunset from Washuzan, to hands-on experiences like making Bizen pottery and tasting the region’s fresh fruits, every moment becomes an unforgettable memory. If you’re planning a trip to Okayama, we also recommend using the Have Fun in Okayama Pass to easily explore multiple attractions and make your visit both fun and cost-effective!
Image Source: Alex Hung
