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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Okayama sharing quite a few of those!
Okayama is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered, a stunning destination nestled in the heart of Japan.
With its vibrant cultural scene, awe-inspiring architecture, and picturesque landscapes, Okayama is a place where you can lose yourself in breathtaking beauty, explore hidden gems, and indulge in the wonders of Japan’s rich history and heritage.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Okayama:
1. Okayama Castle-Okayama
Okayama Castle, also known as “Crow Castle,” is a famous Japanese castle located in Okayama Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s impressive architecture and learn about Okayama’s history. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the Korakuen Garden which is one of Japan’s three most famous gardens.
Don’t miss: The panoramic view of Okayama city from the castle’s top floor is a must-see. Visitors can also experience wearing samurai armor and participate in tea ceremonies.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit the castle early in the morning. During the cherry blossom season, the castle and its surrounding gardens are breathtakingly beautiful.
It’s also recommended to combine a visit to Okayama Castle with exploring other nearby attractions like the Okayama Korakuen Garden and Kibitsu Shrine.
2. Korakuen Garden-Okayama
Korakuen Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden located in Okayama city.
What to see or do: – Explore the various ponds, streams, and waterfalls within the garden.
Don’t miss: – The Yuishinzan Hill for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: – Visit early in the morning or during the week to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
3. Kibitsu Shrine-Okayama
Kibitsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visit the impressive main hall, designated as a National Treasure of Japan, with its distinct architectural style. Stroll through the tranquil forest and admire the vibrant autumn leaves or cherry blossoms in the spring.
Don’t miss: The unique bronze bull statue called “Shin-nyo” with a movable head that is said to grant wishes for good health and success.
Also, watch the traditional Kagura dance performance, held on certain days of the year, to witness a fascinating blend of music, dance, and mythology.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the shrine grounds cover a large area.
Don’t forget to try the local specialty dish, Kibitsu-zanmai, which is a type of soba noodle served with a flavorful duck broth.
Planning a visit during the autumn colors or cherry blossom season is highly recommended for an unforgettable experience.
4. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter-Kurashiki
A well-preserved historical district in Kurashiki city, with traditional buildings and canals.
What to see or do: Stroll around the picturesque area, enjoy the view of the willow-lined canal and the traditional buildings, visit the Ohara Museum of Art for its impressive collection of Western and Japanese art.
Don’t miss: The Kurashiki Ivy Square, an old spinning mill turned into a stylish shopping mall.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and rent a traditional Japanese outfit from one of the rental shops to take memorable photos in the historical district.
5. Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art- Okayama
The Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum located in the city of Okayama, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum has a permanent collection of around 1700 works, with a focus on art from the Okayama region. It also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year featuring works by both Japanese and international artists.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the extensive collection of works by Japanese painter and printmaker Tsuguharu Foujita. The museum also has a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in contemporary art, be sure to check out the museum’s website before your visit to see what temporary exhibitions are currently on display.
The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, the nearby Okayama Castle and Koraku-en Garden are both worth a visit while in the area.
6. Omoto Central Park-Kurashiki
Omoto Central Park is a sprawling park located in Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan. It is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike.
What to see or do: Visitors to Omoto Central Park can explore a variety of attractions, including a large pond, walking and cycling paths, a botanical garden, a petting zoo, and a playground.
The park is also home to several sports facilities, including soccer fields, tennis courts, and a baseball field.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Omoto Central Park is the beautiful seasonal flowers that bloom throughout the year, including cherry blossoms in the spring and cosmos flowers in the fall.
The park is also known for its impressive display of Christmas lights during the holiday season.
Insider travel tips: – The park can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so consider visiting during the week to avoid the crowds.
7. Okayama Orient Museum-Okayama
Okayama Orient Museum is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing Asian art and artifacts.
What to see or do: The museum has a collection of artifacts and art pieces from various countries of Asia including China, India, Korea, Southeast Asia, and many more.
Visitors can see a variety of exhibitions and displays that reflect the cultural heritage and history of Asia. The museum also has a well-curated library boasting over 10,000 books related to art, history, and culture.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Chinese jade exhibition that features rare jade pieces from different dynasties.
As a visitor, you can also admire the intricate enamels, pottery, ceramics, woven fabrics, and wooden sculptures that adorn the different galleries.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays and New Year Holidays.
8. Saijo Inari Shrine-Okayama
Saijo Inari Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine located in the city of Okayama.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the shrine and admire the striking vermilion-colored torii gates that line the path to the main shrine building.
Don’t miss: The main highlight of the shrine is the impressive stone staircase leading up to the main hall, which offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding natural scenery.
Insider travel tips: – Try to visit the shrine during the autumn season when the surrounding trees are transformed into a stunning display of fall colors.
9. Kinojo Castle-Kawasaki
Kinojo Castle is a historic Japanese castle located in Kawasaki, Okayama Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the reconstructed castle tower and surrounding grounds, which offer stunning views of the city and countryside. The castle makes for a great photo op, and there are also walking trails and gardens to enjoy.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to explore the inside of the castle tower and learn about the history and significance of the castle.
Be sure to check out the impressive stone walls and gates that surround the castle grounds.
Insider travel tips: Visit Kinojo Castle in the spring or fall for the best weather and scenery, and avoid visiting during the summer months when it can be hot and humid.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the grounds, and bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Consider renting a car or taking a taxi, as public transportation can be limited in the area.
10. Inujima Island-Okayama
Inujima Island is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The island is known for its contemporary art museum and unique architectural designs.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum, which is housed in a former copper refinery and features artworks from local and international artists.
The museum also offers guided tours of the island’s industrial heritage sites.
Don’t miss: One of the island’s most popular attractions is the Inujima “Art House Project,” which features art installations in old Japanese houses scattered throughout the island.
Among the installations, visitors can see works by artists like Hiroshi Sugimoto and Yukinori Yanagi.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, visit the island during weekdays.
Visitors should also consider taking the ferry from nearby Uno Port, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking around the island’s hilly terrain.
While on the island, try the local specialty dish of Inujima salt-grilled fish.
11. Tsuyama Castle-Tsuyama
Tsuyama Castle is a Japanese castle located in Tsuyama, Okayama. It is also known as Kakuzan Castle and was built in the 16th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle grounds and climb up to the top of the castle’s main tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding city and countryside.
The castle also features a museum with exhibits on the history of Tsuyama and the castle itself.
Don’t miss: The cherry blossom season is a particularly beautiful time to visit Tsuyama Castle, as the castle grounds are filled with blooming cherry trees.
Visitors can also participate in ninja-themed activities such as shuriken throwing and wearing traditional ninja clothing.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there are lots of stairs to climb within the castle. Also, consider visiting during the autumn season when the leaves change colors and the castle is especially picturesque.
12. Handayama Botanical Garden-Okayama
Handayama Botanical Garden is a sprawling garden in Okayama City, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various themed gardens including a rose garden, rock garden, and Japanese garden.
The garden also features an arboretum with a variety of trees from around the world, a greenhouse with tropical plants, and a large pond with water lilies.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the garden is the spectacular view of Okayama City from the top of the hill. Make sure to take the chairlift or hike to the observation deck for breathtaking views.
Insider travel tips: The garden can get crowded during peak season, so try to arrive early in the day.
The chairlift and observation deck are wheelchair accessible, but some parts of the garden may be difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.
Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
13. Hayashibara Museum of Art-Okayama
The Hayashibara Museum of Art is an art museum located in Okayama, Japan. It features a diverse collection of art and artifacts from Japan and around the world.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, including Japanese ceramics, lacquerware, calligraphy, and paintings, as well as artifacts from ancient Greece and Egypt.
The museum also has a collection of European paintings from the 17th through 19th centuries.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the museum’s impressive collection of Japanese swords and armor, which is one of the largest in the country. The museum also has a lovely garden that visitors can stroll through.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located near Okayama Castle, so visitors can easily combine a visit to both attractions.
14. Okayama Sanyo Trading Building-Okayama
Okayama Sanyo Trading Building is a modern and sleek commercial building located in the heart of Okayama City, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the unique architectural design of the building, which features an exterior made entirely of glass and a striking curved shape.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the incredible view of the city from the top floor of the building, which offers a panoramic perspective of Okayama’s skyline.
Insider travel tips: If you are a photography enthusiast, visit the building during the “blue hour,” which is the period of twilight before sunrise or after sunset, to capture the stunning cityscape in the best light.
Additionally, there are several shops and restaurants inside the building, making it a great spot to take a break and grab a bite to eat while exploring Okayama City.
15. Saidaiji Temple-Okayama
Saidaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Okayama that dates back to the 8th century.
What to see or do: – Explore the temple grounds, which include a five-storied pagoda and a large pond.
Don’t miss: – The annual Saidaiji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri, also known as the Naked Man Festival, which takes place on the third Saturday in February.
As the name suggests, thousands of men dressed only in loincloths gather at the temple to compete for lucky sticks, which are believed to bring good fortune.
Insider travel tips: – Be sure to check the temple’s opening hours before you visit, as they vary throughout the year.