2025 Okayama Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Kurashiki is an interesting city. On one side of the station is a beautiful old street with 400 years of history, while on the other side it is modern and stylish. It is the best place to go shopping and walk the kids. Let's start with Ario, which you'll see when you exit the north exit of the station. This is a large-scale commercial development owned by 7-11's parent company, Semiconductor & Electric. There are now 20 Ario shopping malls in Japan, covering an area of ​​more than 40,000 square meters. It opened in Kurashiki at the end of 2011 and houses hundreds of stores selling fashion, luxury goods, drugstores, and daily necessities. The food court on the second floor has a special parent-child dining area decorated with jeans to showcase the region's characteristics. In order to attract parents and children to travel together, a large camphor tree courtyard and a parent-child activity area are planned so that parents can bring their children to relax. Events are often held to allow stalls to move in, making the Kurashiki and Okayama areas a place where parents and children can travel together. The back is connected to Mitsui Outlet, which is the largest outlet in China. It houses 120 luxury goods, sports goods, fashion and designer brands. Prices fluctuate greatly. During a discount festival, I bought a Coach long wallet for more than NT$3,000 here, and a pair of NB shoes that sell for more than NT$3,000 in Taiwan for more than NT$1,000. Finally, I would like to recommend the udon shop Takekiyo in Ario. This udon shop originated in Kagawa and has been a well-known shop since its establishment in 1984. The branch in Ario is also the only one in Honshu. After ordering udon, you can heat it up on the heating table yourself, add broth, chopped green onions and oil residue, and pair it with freshly fried foods. It is more filling and cheaper than those in chain udon shops. 📍Address: 〒710-0813 12-2 Kotobuki-machi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 〒710-0813 12-3 Kotobukicho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 🚗Two minutes walk from JR Kurashiki Station North Exit #MayGoodPlaces2025

There are plenty of accommodation options in Okayama, but I’ve always been fond of this particular hotel. Not only are the beds incredibly comfortable and the rooms spacious, but the highlight is definitely the large bath area. It features both indoor and outdoor pools, along with a cooling zone. After soaking in the bath at night, you can wash away the fatigue of your journey and enjoy a restful sleep. The location is right next to Okayama Station. After exiting the station, turn right and walk along the railway for about five minutes to reach the hotel. The building is divided into the South Wing (older building) and the North Wing (newer building), connected by a passageway on the second floor. The large bath is located on the second floor of the North Wing, and if you’re staying in the South Wing, you can easily access it by crossing the stairway. Whenever I visit, I actually prefer staying in the South Wing. After self-check-in, you can immediately head upstairs. The older wing has been renovated, and on two occasions, I was lucky enough to book a single room but got upgraded to a twin room, which offers more space. The overall design exudes a low-key and sophisticated business vibe. Another reason I recommend this hotel is its proximity to Okayama’s largest shopping mall, Aeon Mall, which is right across the street. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or picking up souvenirs at the supermarket, this location is absolutely ideal. 📍Address: 〒700-0907 Okayama Prefecture, Okayama City, Kita-ku, Shimoishii 1-3-12 🚗 A six-minute walk from JR Okayama Station

During my trip to Okayama, I stayed at Hotel Abest Grande Okayama. While strolling around, I was drawn to the blue-and-white signboard of a ramen shop named "Oki no Shima Ramen," named after the town of Oki Island on the Sea of Japan. Upon checking the menu, I discovered that their specialty is "Flying Fish Broth" and "Rich Shellfish Soup," a rare seafood-based ramen style in Taiwan that I, as a ramen enthusiast, simply couldn't resist! I ordered two bowls this time: 🔹 Rich Shellfish Broth Ramen (850 yen) 🔸 Flying Fish Soy Sauce Ramen (850 yen) 🔹 Rich Shellfish Broth Ramen: A must-try for fans of rich flavors! As soon as the bowl was served, the aroma of the sea hit me—a burst of freshness from clams and scallops. The broth had a slightly milky appearance and was incredibly smooth to drink. It was rich but not overwhelming, with a natural sweetness from the shellfish. The char siu was seared, with beautifully distributed fat that melted in your mouth. Paired with refreshing green onions, it was a perfect combination! Add the tender soft-boiled egg, and you’ll find yourself finishing every last drop of this bowl. 🔸 Flying Fish Soy Sauce Ramen: Light yet flavorful, perfect for summer! The flying fish broth gave this ramen a balanced taste between lightness and richness. The soy sauce base wasn’t overly salty, and you could taste the depth from the dried flying fish simmered into the broth. The soy sauce soup wasn’t thick, but its aroma was just as captivating as the rich broth. The noodles were thinner and slightly firm, offering a chewy texture. The toppings were generous, including two large slices of char siu, a soft-boiled egg, green onions, and seaweed. The bowl was visually appealing and packed with sincerity. ✅ Summary "Oki no Shima Ramen" breaks away from traditional tonkotsu or miso ramen styles, opting for "the taste of the sea" that’s refreshing and comfortable without being overly heavy. Plus, they’re open in the afternoon and operate until 9 or 10 PM, making it tourist-friendly and perfect for avoiding peak hours. If you’re a fan of seafood-based broths, this place is a must-try! 📍 The shop also offers free noodle refills (Kaedama Muryou), making it an unbeatable value.

#Overseas travel 📍Kurashiki 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054 Japan If there is a city you want to travel to in spring, it would be Japan. This is Kurashiki, located in Okayama, Japan. It is a great place to see beautiful cherry blossoms, so I would like to recommend it as an overseas travel destination. I would like to recommend a small city in Japan where you can take a leisurely walk and see beautiful cherry blossoms. #Japan travel #Okayama travel

@tokutabi_jp ← I've captured unforgettable scenery in photos and videos 📷 Use it as a reference for your future trips ◎-———————————————————Today I've put together a list of recommended day trip plans for Okayama ✨ There are surprisingly many places I don't know about? I went to one of those places and had a wonderful experience, so please use this as a reference and go to Okayama~🤍 The details are written below, so please use them as a reference ✨ My personal favorite is Kojima Jeans Street 👖 I want to go again!!!!!!!! It was so much fun 🥺✨ Okayama Castle Address: 2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, 700-0823 Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 Closed: None Admission fee: From 400 yen Famous Music Cafe Toki no Kairo Address: 1-16-22 Shimotsui Tanoura, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 711-0925 Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 Closed: Wednesday Cost: From 1,000 yen Sunny Country Chai Shop AYAM CAY 9-39 Tenjin-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, 700-0814 Opening days: Check Instagram (Sun) 11:00-15:00 Kojima Jeans Street 711-0913 2-chome Kojima Ajino, Kurashiki, Okayama Former Nozaki Family Residence 1-11-19 Kojima Ajino, Kurashiki, Okayama 711-0913 Business hours: 9:00-17:00 Closed: (Monday) ———————————————————This account introduces exciting spots and travel information every day! 🫶🏻A must-see for those who want to travel with a stylish atmosphere! 🧡We post a lot of photogenic spots🫰🏻Follow us here↓@tokutabi_jp-———————————————————#Girls' Trip #Graduation Trip #Okayama Tourism #Okayama Trip #Okayama Trip #Okayama Castle #Okayama Korakuen #Kojima Jeans Street #Former Nozaki Family Residence #Meikyoku Cafe Toki no Kairo

Okayama 𓂃 𓈒𓏸 Niwase PONT NEUF I went back home in July to see my longest-time friend A restaurant wedding at Pont Neuf, famous for being the location for the movie "8 Years of Longing". I was looking forward to seeing her as a bride, and it was a heartwarming moment. The atmosphere of the restaurant was a perfect match, and the weather was beautiful. I have a lot of photos I want to post, but I'll focus on the food. lol I've only ever used it for takeout, but it's still as delicious as ever 🤤 You can also use it for lunch or dinner, so be sure to go there on a special day or anniversary By the way, parc, located in the nearby RSK Rose Garden, is a more casual place to use than the cafe they run (pic8.9) ◎ 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄𓊆𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𓊇From Tabelog 11:00-15:30 (L.O.13:30) 17:30-22:00 (L.O.20:30) Closed on Wednesdays and the second Tuesday ︎𓊆𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𓊇From Tabelog 516-7 Kamihigashi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 #wintertrip #solotrip #trip #Okayama #Okayamatrip #Okayamatourism #Okayamaprefecture

Okayama is a city in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. It is the second largest prefecture in the Chugoku region after Hiroshima. It is an important transportation hub between the rest of Japan and the Shikoku region. The prefecture had three small castle towns during the Edo period and has been developed ever since. There is a world-famous Japanese folktale, Momotaro, which can be seen in various parts of the city. Okayama is the center of western Japan. The most famous garden is Korakuen Garden, which is ranked as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. But another famous story is probably the story of Momotaro, the legendary peach boy, who originated from this city. Today, Okayama is a modern city. There are more than 700,000 people living here, and more and more tourists visit every year. 🚈 How to get there Osaka to Okayama - Travel by JR Shin-Osaka Station, take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station, the journey takes about 45-50 minutes. #Tip abroad#Tip Japan

【𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𓏗𓏗】 ❶Hiruzen Plateau 📍 Kawakami and Yatsuka, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ❷ Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter 📍 1-4-8 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ❸ Brazilian Park 📍 303-1 Shimotsui Fukiage, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ❹ Kojima Jeans Street 📍 303-1 Shimotsui Fukiage, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture ❺ Japan's No. 1 Candy Store 📍 1373-5 Higashisue, Nagafune-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ❻ Shizutani School 📍 784 Shizutani, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ❼Forest Park German Forest 📍 2006 Nihorinaka, Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture ⁡ ⁡ [Other recommendations] Thank you so much♥ Sorry I couldn't include them all🙏 ・Oji-ga-oka ・Ushimado ・Kasaoka Bay Farm ・Kibitsu Shrine ・Makido Cave ・Kurashiki Momoko ⁡ ⁡ ⁡ #Recommended spots #Okayama #Okayama sightseeing #Okayama gourmet #Okayama trip #Okayama prefecture #Okayama city #Kurashiki #Kurashiki Bikan district #Hiruzen plateau #Hiruzen Jersey Land #Hiruzen #Brazilian Park Washuzan Highland #Washuzan Highland #Kojima Jeans Street #Kojima Denim #Kurashiki Denim #Japan's best candy store #Shizutani School #Old Shizutani School #German Forest #Bizen ware #Ikura Cave #Makido Cave #Kibitsu Shrine #Momotaro #summer trip#great views#gourmet trip

#AbsolutelyFreeTravel Located in a corner of Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter, Kurashiki Ivy Square is a complex renovated from a Meiji-era spinning mill. Ivy entwines around the red brick buildings, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a European street corner. 🍃🏛️ With a hotel, restaurant, craft experience center, and art museum, it's a place where you can enjoy not only a place to stay but also a place to spend time. I stayed there, and the classical rooms and the tranquility of the courtyard were soothing, making it feel as if time had stopped. ✨ It's a wonderful place for a romantic stay with your partner, or a relaxing time for solo travelers, immersing themselves in art and crafts. Experience pottery and dyeing, perfect for creating memorable travel memories. 🎨 Kurashiki Ivy Square is the ideal spot for those looking for both a comfortable stay and sightseeing, or a relaxing, retro atmosphere. [Access] Approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station. Located within the scenic area, it's easy to access while strolling around. Kurashiki Ivy Square #RetroHotel #CraftsExperience #RedBrickCity #DomesticTravel #CoupleTravel #Solo

The "Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter," one of Okayama Prefecture's most iconic tourist destinations, enchants visitors with its white-walled streets that retain the charm of the Edo period✨. The scenery of warehouses, traditional townhouses, and willow trees lining the river feels like stepping into a storybook world📖💫. As you stroll through the area, you'll find retro cafes, boutique shops, and art museums scattered throughout, making every corner picture-perfect📸. After immersing myself in art at the Ohara Museum of Art, I spent a relaxing moment on a riverside bench, savoring local sweets🍡. It's a wonderful place for couples to enjoy a leisurely walk or for solo travelers to wander freely while capturing stunning photos. At night, the area is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere distinct from the daytime🌙. If you're thinking, "I want to go on a trip," start with the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. It's a heartwarming destination packed with history, art, and gourmet delights💕. 【Access】 About a 10-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station About 17 minutes by JR train from Okayama Station (approximately 11 minutes by rapid train) Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Perched atop Mount Gagyu at an elevation of 430 meters, "Bitchu Matsuyama Castle" is Japan's only surviving mountain castle 🏔️. Its appearance truly earns it the nickname "Castle in the Sky," especially during early mornings from autumn to winter, when it often seems to float in a sea of clouds, creating a magical sight! ✨ The hike up to the castle is a bit of an adventure, but the reward is worth it—a historic keep steeped in history and breathtaking panoramic views. The sense of accomplishment from the climb, combined with the stunning scenery, fills your heart with a quiet satisfaction. It's a perfect destination for couples seeking an adventurous getaway or for solo travelers wanting to immerse themselves in history. Though the keep itself is modest in size, the well-preserved stone walls and gates vividly evoke the spirit of the Sengoku period. It's also a paradise for photography enthusiasts 📸. If you're looking for a place that's "worth the effort to visit," Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is an absolute must-see! 【Access】 Approximately 10 minutes by taxi or castle shuttle bus from JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, followed by a 20-minute walk. *Visiting early in the morning during the sea of clouds season is highly recommended! Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Kibitsuhiko Shrine, deeply connected to the Momotaro legend of Okayama, is a historic shrine that enshrines the hero Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, who brought peace to the land of Kibi. Nestled in a tranquil forest, the shrine exudes a solemn atmosphere that makes visitors feel spiritually cleansed just by being there. 🌿 When I visited, it was during the morning hours when sunlight streamed through the trees, creating a truly magical scene. ✨ The spacious grounds are perfect for leisurely strolls, making it an ideal spot for couples to enjoy a relaxed walk or for solo travelers seeking a peaceful moment. This shrine, where you can immerse yourself in the world of the Momotaro legend while experiencing history and nature, left a particularly strong impression during my trip to Okayama. Stopping by during your journey will give you a sense of lightness and serenity. 🍃 【Access】 About 20 minutes by car from JR Okayama Station Or about a 5-minute walk from JR Bizen-Ichinomiya Station Kibitsuhiko Shrine

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Located right next to Okayama Castle, Korakuen is a renowned garden known as one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. The spacious grounds are dotted with ponds, artificial hills, and teahouses, offering a variety of seasonal scenery. 🍁🌸🌻❄️ I visited on a summer morning. The dew-soaked grass and the sound of gently flowing water were soothing. Walking through the garden, it felt as though time was passing slowly. It's a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll with your partner, or even just sitting alone and reading a book is a luxurious experience. 📖✨ Cranes gracefully stroll through the garden, making you feel like you're in a picture scroll. Photography lovers will love the numerous spots. 📸 If you're wondering where to go next, Korakuen is a must-see. You can refresh your mind and body in a space where nature and history are in harmony 🌿 [Access] Take the tram from JR Okayama Station to "Joka" and walk for about 10 minutes Convenient for sightseeing together with Okayama Castle! Korakuen #Japan's Three Great Gardens #Garden Stroll #Relaxing Trip #Domestic Trip #Couple Trip #Solo Trip

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Okayama Castle, a symbol of Okayama, is also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its jet-black exterior. Its appearance, which evokes the Sengoku period, makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time. It is recommended to visit it together with Korakuen, as you can enjoy the contrast between history and nature✨ When you actually visit, the view from the castle tower is spectacular, and you can see the whole of Okayama city. There are also plenty of exhibits, including armor experiences and historical materials! At night, it is lit up and enveloped in a fantastic atmosphere🌙 You can take a leisurely stroll with your partner, or immerse yourself in history by yourself. It is a spot that will satisfy any travel style. I visited at dusk, and the color of the sky and the black of the castle matched perfectly, and I couldn't help but take a lot of photos📸 If you're wondering where to go next, Okayama Castle is definitely a place you should consider! [Access] Take the tram from JR Okayama Station, get off at "Joka", then walk for about 10 minutes Or walk for about 20 minutes from Okayama Station Okayama Castle #Crow Castle #Romance of History #Castle Lover #Domestic Travel #Couple Travel #Solo Travel

Ushimado Beach, Okayama Prefecture. Located next to Ushimado Shrine, it is spacious.

I went to Kibitsu Shrine.

Arrange a free trip to Okayama, Japan. Do you want to have a good meal as soon as you arrive at the station, or do you want to restock your goods or buy souvenirs before moving to other places? I recommend you: "Okayama Ichiban Street・Sun Station Terrace Okayama" which is directly connected to the station can satisfy you all at once🔥 If you want to go shopping at GU, eat Kuroge Wagyu beef, enjoy a bowl of local ramen, or buy the most representative Momotaro "Kibi Dango", you can do it all in one stop!

I've traveled extensively across Japan. Matsuyama, Nagoya, Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu and many other places. Among these, I visited Okayama for the first time. Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit castles. Along with shrines, they are magnificent landmarks that are a must-see in Japan. Okayama Castle is not as tall or massive as Matsuyama Castle. However, this place, known as the "Crow Castle," is already beloved by many Japanese people. Its impeccable maintenance makes it an accessible and welcoming destination. Located in a tranquil area, it is perfect for a stroll, especially with the nearby Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens. One of Okayama's advantages is that currently, Korean Air is the only airline operating flights there, which means there are very few Korean tourists—a definite plus. Nicknamed "the ultimate launch pad," Okayama serves as a convenient hub for traveling to other regions. If you want to experience the true charm of a small city, I highly recommend Okayama. There are so many restaurants I want to introduce and countless advantages of Okayama I want to list, but I'll save that for later. Haha. Okayama! A travel destination that turned out to be much better than expected—highly recommended!

I was just dazed at Don Quijote and 4 hours passed by. Oh my.. Then, with 1 hour and 20 minutes left before closing time, I went to Torikizoku and drank and ate 5 mega-size beers. Since all the menu items cost less than 4,000 won, there are no prices on the menu except for the mega-size. It's not in the picture, but you absolutely have to eat chicken porridge! I was sad that time passed quickly while eating rice cooked in a pot and ramen, but I decided to definitely spend 3 hours on my next trip... No matter where you go or who you go with, you will never regret it, so come visit. The picture is of the Okayama branch. Highly recommended! #JapanTravel #Torikizoku #JapaneseRestaurants #TripMoment #TripMomentReview #JulyTravelSupport

【All-you-can-eat BBQ in front of Okayama Station】 Yakiniku Guriguriya Okayama Station Store・High CP value for money first choice for gatherings! 📍 "Yakitsu Guriguriya Okayama Station Store", a 1-minute walk from Okayama Station, features all-you-can-eat BBQ with high CP value, and is on the pocket list of many travelers and locals for gatherings. This time, I specially chose the ✨highest-priced all-you-can-eat plan + the most affordable drink plan✨, and the overall performance is not bad! 🍖 There are rich choices of dishes, including the signature Guriguri Kalubi, Shiotan, Holmon, chicken, pork, and beef, with kimchi, cabbage, lettuce salad, stone-grilled bibimbap, and amazing desserts. The quality of the meat is above average, and the most recommended is the 🥩specially selected beef, which is full of fat and aroma when grilled. ⚡ The service speed is quite fast, and the tablet ordering operation is smooth. The meals are almost always served soon after ordering, so there is not much anxiety waiting for the meal. Moreover, the limited dining time is clearly marked on the tablet, which is convenient for mastering the rhythm and will not be suddenly reminded to end the meal halfway. 🏠 In terms of the environment, the store has spacious seats, a sofa area, and semi-private rooms, which is very suitable for friends to gather or family dining. The overall feeling after the meal is good. If you want to find a yakiniku restaurant near Okayama Station with convenient transportation, full and not hurting your wallet, ぐりぐり家 is a choice worth trying. #Okayama Station Food #Okayama yakiniku all you can eat #High CP value yakiniku #焼肉ぐりぐり家评价 #Okayama dinner recommendation

⭐️ : belk 📍Location: 7 Kojima Torikotoncho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 711-0905 🕰️ Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM ____________________________________________ Since its opening in 2017, "belk" has attracted numerous visitors and is so popular that you might find yourself waiting in line on weekends. Located near the summit of Mount Ouji, which stands at an elevation of 235 meters between Tamano City and Kurashiki City, the café is situated within the Ouji-ga-take Park Center. The main charm of this café is undoubtedly its breathtaking views. From the café, you can enjoy stunning vistas of the Seto Inland Sea islands and the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The coffee served here uses beans from "Musashino Coffee" in Okayama City, and each cup is carefully hand-dripped. The coffee is low in acidity, offering a smooth balance of richness and bitterness. If you're visiting Okayama, make sure to stop by belk for a relaxing coffee time while soaking in the spectacular scenery ☕️

Okayama STAND1-1｜Recommended light breakfast in the style of a young man, half a bagel is very considerate! I decided to slow down the pace in the morning when I came to Okayama and walked into STAND1-1 next to the Nishikawa Greenway. The outside of the store looks very design-oriented, with wooden frame windows and white walls, which reduce the noise by three points before entering the door. Sitting by the window on the first floor, the light pours in very comfortably. The overall space is clean and simple, without a sense of oppression, and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. The main products here are bagels and sandwiches, but the most attractive thing is the option of "ordering half a bagel", which is really friendly for people like me who want to eat a little bit of everything. This time I chose the cheese and red bean flavor. I was a little curious whether this combination would conflict, but the actual entrance was a complete surprise: the red bean filling is dense and not sweet, and paired with salty and fragrant cheese, the salty and sweet balance is just right. The bagel itself has a chewy texture, and it is not boring to eat alone. There are not many seats on the first floor, but it is not crowded. You can also watch the crowds and street scenes while eating, which gives you a sense of tranquility that locals feel every day. If time permits, it is also recommended to go to the second floor. You can see the greenway by the window. I heard that it is more suitable for daydreaming or writing postcards. Overall, STAND1-1 is a very suitable place to slowly start your journey in the morning. The food is exquisite, the environment is comfortable, and it can also satisfy the difficulty of choosing. It is a small shop that I would like to visit again. #Gangshan Coffee Shop Recommendation #STAND1_1 #Literary Bagel #Half Bagel #Gangshan Brunch #Japanese Light Food #Design Cafe

🐟【Myojinmaru Okayama Honmachi｜A Taste of Kochi's Sea and Fire in Every Bite】 During my visit to Okayama, I chose to dine at "Myojinmaru," a famous straw-grilled bonito fish specialty restaurant originating from Kochi. Located about a 5-minute walk from Okayama Station, the restaurant is not very large but has a charming decor that immediately draws you in with its enticing aroma even before you start eating. The staff inside the restaurant are numerous and very attentive, providing friendly and proactive service. As soon as you're seated, someone introduces the menu and recommends dishes. The most memorable dish is their signature "straw-grilled bonito fish." Before serving, you can watch the chef grab a handful of straw, ignite it, and grill the fish, with the sizzling sound and smoke instantly whetting your appetite. The fish has a crispy, smoky exterior while remaining tender and fresh inside, offering a distinct dual-layered texture. We tried both the salted and soy sauce versions, and personally, I preferred the simple salted seasoning, which highlights the natural sweetness of the fish. The pairing of Kochi local sake was also excellent, such as yuzu sake and rice shochu, which are refreshing and perfectly complement the grilled dishes. Other menu items like Tosa-style tempura, stir-fried vegetables, and handmade tofu were all delicately seasoned and portioned just right, avoiding the overly heavy or greasy flavors typical of some izakayas. The overall pricing is quite reasonable, making the meal feel well worth it. What left the deepest impression was the manager bringing out a full-scale bonito fish model while serving the dish, sharing stories about Myojinmaru's fishing family background and the origin of their fishing boat's name. Although it's a tourist dining experience, this added cultural introduction made the meal feel more immersive and experiential. Overall, this is an izakaya that combines local ingredients, heartfelt service, and cultural storytelling. Highly recommended for travelers looking for something unique without risking disappointment.

Kibitsu Shrine is the general guardian of Kibi Province. It is the only Kibi-style building in Japan. The main hall is connected to the worship hall. The roof is a Hiwa-in-no-mo-ya-zukuri style. From the side, it looks like two roofs, which is quite special. There were two fires. The remaining building was rebuilt by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1425. It is twice as large as Izumo Taisha Shrine and only slightly smaller than Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. It is the second largest shrine in Japan. If Okayama is the hometown of Momotaro, then Kibitsu Shrine is the prototype of the Momotaro story. Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto is enshrined here. He is the third prince of Emperor Korei. In the past, there was an evil ghost named Ura in Kibi Province. He lived in the ghost town mountain and often attacked villagers. Later, the emperor asked Kibitsuhiko to fight. Legend has it that Ura turned into a carp and wanted to escape. Kibitsuhiko turned into a pelican and eliminated the evil ghost. Does this story look familiar? It is similar to the vein of Momotaro fighting ghosts. The shrine also has a 360-meter-long wooden corridor that leads all the way to the back door. The beautiful scenery is spectacular whether you walk in it or watch from the side. 📍Address: 931 Kibitsu, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 701-1341 🚗JR Kibitsu Station is a 15-minute walk away #5月好去处2025

#Kurashiki #Michelin recommended ♥Ume no wood miso pork chop/みそかつume no wood♥ It is only a 5-minute walk from Kurashiki Station, and there are long queues at meal times. The signature Ume-no-gi pork chop is different from the traditional pork chop which has a crispy texture. The oval pork chop is wrapped in a thin crispy batter, and the meat is juicy, tender and delicious. The special plum miso sauce is even more unique and refreshing. No wonder it is recommended by Michelin in Japan. Store Name Umenoki Miso Pork Chop みそかつ梅の木 Store Address: Okayama Prefecture Kurashiki City Achi 2-19-3 Opening hours 11:00 - 14:20 L.O.14:20 17:00 - 20:20 L.O. 20:20 Closed on Thursday Transportation About 5 minutes walk from Kurashiki Station

If you only admire the canal and white walls at Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, you're missing out. This over 400-year-old ancient town offers a unique perspective from the 61 steps of Kanreki-zaka, said to promote longevity. At Achi Shrine, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city's history and beauty. Achi Shrine enshrines the Three Munakata Goddesses, who protect the locals' maritime and commercial safety. According to the Kojiki, the Three Munakata Goddesses were born when Amaterasu Omikami broke Susanoo's ten-fist sword into three pieces, resulting in the creation of the goddesses—Tagitsu-hime, Ichikishima-hime, and Okinaga-hime. Interestingly, the earliest settlers here were said to be the "Achi Clan," a group of Han Chinese who fled to Korea and eventually arrived in Okayama. The name "Achi Shrine" stems from the ancient interchangeable use of the characters for "chi" and "zhi." In autumn, visitors can enjoy the vibrant red leaves reflecting off the old houses in the Bikan area from Beiju-zaka on the eastern approach. 📍Address: 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054, Japan 🚗 A 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station via the shopping street.

#cityplaybook 🗾 "From Himeji to Matsumoto, every turret tells a story."#castle #japan Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture) Castle: Nagoya Castle Highlights: Golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish) atop the castle roof. Why visit: Large reconstructed keep, museums, and samurai history. 🏯 5. Kumamoto (Kumamoto Prefecture) Castle: Kumamoto Castle Highlights: One of the most imposing castles in Japan; heavily damaged in the 2016 earthquake but now partially restored. Why visit: Impressive walls, samurai history, and nearby Suizenji Garden.

#cityplaybook #localguides #familytrip Located in western Japan’s Chugoku region, Okayama is a city that blends historical depth with natural beauty. It’s a hidden gem often overshadowed by Kyoto or Osaka, but offers a unique mix of samurai heritage, traditional gardens, and folklore legends that make it well worth exploring. Okayama Castle: The Crow Castle Nicknamed the "Crow Castle" for its striking black exterior, Okayama Castle was originally built in 1597. Though the original was destroyed in WWII, a concrete reconstruction was completed in 1966. Visitors can explore the inside of the castle, which now serves as a museum, and even dress in traditional samurai or kimono attire for a memorable photo op. Korakuen Garden: One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens Directly across from the castle lies Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens. Spanning over 13 hectares, the garden offers scenic walking paths, koi ponds, tea houses, and seasonal blooms. Cherry blossoms in spring and golden rice fields in autumn create breathtaking backdrops for leisurely strolls. The Legend of Momotaro Okayama is also known as the birthplace of Momotaro, the "Peach Boy" from one of Japan’s most beloved folk tales. Statues and motifs of Momotaro and his companions (a dog, monkey, and pheasant) can be found throughout the city, especially around Okayama Station. Getting There Okayama is a convenient stop on the Shinkansen line between Osaka and Hiroshima, making it a great addition to any western Japan itinerary. Its compact city center, walkable attractions, and peaceful vibe provide a relaxed yet culturally rich travel experience. #OkayamaCastle #KorakuenGarden #MomotaroLegend #JapanTravel #HiddenGemsJapan #VisitOkayama #HistoricJapan #SamuraiHeritage #JapaneseGardens #ChugokuRegion

#springitinerary Okayama Castle, also known as Crow Castle because of its sleek black exterior, is a super chill spot that blends history with a relaxed city vibe. It’s not as towering as some other castles, but it’s got style, and it’s right across from the famous Korakuen Garden, so it’s easy to hit both in one go. The inside is modern and has some cool exhibits where you can learn about samurai history and even try on armor if you’re feeling it. The views from the top are pretty sweet too, especially with the river flowing right alongside. At night, they sometimes light up the castle, giving it this moody, dramatic look that’s perfect for a night stroll. It’s an easy stop if you’re in Okayama, and definitely worth a visit for the mix of history, aesthetics, and that relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere. A solid, underrated castle experience for sure.