Sightseeing

These are highly rated nearby sightseeing spots. Also there are other places not on the list, so please do not hesitate to ask the owners for their recommendations!

近隣の観光名所

  • Okayama Korakuen GardenBecause of its beauty, it is considered one of Japan’s three best landscape gardens and also a Michelin Green Guide 3-star site. Created in the early Edo period, this is a strolling garden with a circular trail representative of the Genroku era.
    As it is located right by Okayama Castle, in the background, it is quite special and a good example of a “borrowed scenery” view.
  • Okayama CastleBuilt in 1597, Okayama Castle is known as "crow castle" due to its black exterior. It is rare to find a three-layer six-story keep in the shape of scalene pentagon in Japan. The view from the top floor overlooking Korakuen Garden and the city center is spectacular.
  • Inujima Island (literally, dog island)Once prospered hosting a copper refinery, this is the only island inhabited in the Okayama area. Since the copper refinery ruins were converted into Inujima Seirensho Art Museum, the island has become a destination for modern art enthusiasts. The landspace characterized by its interesting history with the Seto inland Sea as its backdrop is a perfect setting for a relaxing day out.
  • Saijo Inari ShrineRegarded as one of three biggest Inari shrines in Japan, its gigantic torii gate welcomes you located in the middle of an idyllic expansion of rice paddies. As this sacred spot attracts the biggest number of visitors in Okayama during the New Year holiday, it is known as one of the most popular shrines in the Prefecture. Interestingly enough, both the deities for forming happy relationships and successfully ending them are prayed to here.
  • Kibitsu ShrineThis is the oldest grand shrine in Okayama Prefecture. It has strong connections with the famous Japanese fairytale "Momotaro.” It is designated as a National Treasure for its highly praised original roof structure of the main hall called “Kibitsu-zukuri.” Also the 360 m long circular corridor is a must-see.
  • Yumeji Art Museum (Yumeji Kyodo Bijutsukan) Displays the works of Yumeji Takehisa, a local Japanese artist/poet. Yumeji was a leading figure in the Romanticism movement during the Taisho period (1912-1926), famous for the drawings of women with a melancholy look known as Yumeji Bijin-ga. His use of curvy elegant lines and unique palate of colors can be appreciated by art aficionados.
  • Foundation Kibiji BungakukanA five-minute walk from Tsumugi-ya Ryokan brings you to this small museum which houses works and resources of prominent literary figures such as novelists, poets and movie directors from the Kibiji area (Okayama and eastern Hiroshima).

Sightseeing spots in Okayama

  • Kurashiki Bikan Historical QuarterSpend the day walking in this canal area lined with white-walled and black- tiled storehouses. This historical quarter with a feel of early modern Japan is known throughout the country. The storehouses with “namako” fire-proofed walls have been converted into cafes, boutiques, souvenir shops and a number of museums including the Ohara Museum housing an impressive collection of Western masterpieces.
  • Great Seto Bridge (Seto Ohashi)It connects Okayama Prefecture and Kagawa Prefecture by both road and rail, from which you have an outstanding view of the islands spread across the calm Seto Inland Sea. The look of this world's longest two-tiered bridge system with its six parts going over five islands is in itself magnificent.
  • Yunogo Hot Spring TownKnown all over Japan for their healing effects on the body, especially for the skin, this hot spring town has a history of more than 1,200 years. Local legend has it that a white heron with an injured leg came to these waters to heal its wound. Since then, the onsen has been called Sagi-no-yu, the "heron hot spring."
  • NaoshimaKnown as “Japan’s Art Island,”Naoshima is in the Seto Inland Sea between Okayama and Kagawa Prefectures. It has flourished as an important sea traffic point since the Edo Period. The combination of modern art and the old townscape which takes you right back in time creates a unique atmosphere amid beautiful scenery.
  • Kojima Denim StreetKojima District in Kurashiki City is where Japan’s denim production first stared. You can buy denim products and denim-inspired goods as well as denim-hued food items. All the workshop and factories dealing with each process from weaving to finishing are located here, which are the key to creating its world-famous quality jeans.
  • Bicchu Matsuyama CastleIt is the only mountaintop castle with an intact keep and is also among the twelve original castles that still exist to this day. It has earned the nickname “the castle in the heavens” from its look surrounded by the clouds seen during the months from September to April. It attracts visitors from all over Japan.