Things to do in Okayama
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Okayama makes the perfect Japan travel trip. This is why:
- Okayama is on the Shinkansen line, so it’s easy access from major cities.
- Public transport around Okayama is easy and efficient with trains and street cars (no need to hire a car).
- Okayama doesn’t have crowds!
- Okayama has beautiful scenery and a great mix of art, culture, nature and history, everything you could want on a Japan trip.
- Many of Okayama’s sights trace back to the folklore story of Momotaro, the Peach Boy. If you visit, please read this story first, then everything will make sense!
- Attractions, activities and dining are cheaper than the usual, popular tourist destinations.
- It’s a great destination for kids with many activities to keep them entertained.
- Locals are incredibly kind and helpful.
Where is Okayama?
Okayama Prefecture is located in the Western part of Japan’s main island Honshu.
This prefecture is part of the Chugoku region of Japan and shares its borders with Hiroshima, Hyogo and Tottori prefectures.
Okayama is also the name of the prefecture and the name of its largest city.
From Tokyo to Okayama, it takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes by the fastest Shinkansen Nozomi. From Osaka on the Shinkansen, it takes around 45 minutes to reach Okayama.
What to do in Okayama
There is so much to do in Okayama! This article focuses on the Okayama City and Kurashiki areas of the Prefecture.
Okayama City area
The black Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle is known as one of Japan’s ‘crow castles’ due its black exterior.
The castle’s stunning black facade with gilded shachi (gargoyles) was purposely created to contrast with neighbouring Himeji Castle’s pure white exterior.
Fun things to do at Okayama Castle
- Dress in Kimono! On the first floor of the castle, you can dress in Kimono for free. It’s first come, first served
- Take a boat tour on the Asahi River which also doubles as the castle’s moat
- Take a bizen-yaki pottery class and make your own unique piece
- Ride a cute peach paddle boat around the castle
- Collect your castle stamps on the ground floor of the castle
- Get a photo riding the big plastic samurai’s horse inside the castle.
Hours: 9am – 5:30pm every day (except December 29 – 31)
Access:
- (Streetcar) From JR Okayama Station, take the streetcar bound for Higashiyama. After riding for about 5 minutes, get off at Shiroshita and walk about 10 minutes.
- (Bus) Take the bus bound for Okaden Takaya or Saidaiji via Higashiyama, get off at Kencho-mae and walk about 5 minutes.
- (Car) About a 20-minute drive eastward from Okayama Interchange
- (Airplane) About a 30-minute ride by bus from Okayama Airport to Okayama Station
Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0823
Cost: Adults 400 yen, high school students 320 yen, elementary children 100 yen and preschool students are free.
These combination tickets are also available:
- Okayama Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle’s Tenshukaku: 720 yen
- Okayama Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle’s Tenshukaku & Hayashibara Museum of Art: 1,120 yen
- Okayama Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle’s Tenshukaku & Yumeji Art Museum: 1,360 yen
Korakuen Garden
This spectacular garden is one of Japan’s three great gardens and is designated as the ‘nation’s special scenic spot’.
It was constructed around 300 years ago as a private garden for the Lord Ikeda Tsunamasa, the Daimyo. It covers an area of 144,000 square metres.
The garden is special as it has retained the majority of its appearance since the Edo Era without much change. It’s like stepping back in time.
The garden is described as a ‘strolling garden’. With every step, you can experience a new view such as a stream, pond, hills, flowers and rolling grass.
What to do at Korakuen Garden
- Throughout the year, the garden hosts many events. Check the calendar.
- Enjoy some traditional matcha and sweets at Fukuda Chaya
Hours: 8am – 5pm
Access: (Streetcar) From JR Okayama Station, take the streetcar bound for Higashiyama. After riding for about 5 minutes, get off at Shiroshita and walk about 10 minutes.
(Bus) Take the bus bound for Okaden Takaya or Saidaiji via Higashiyama, get off at Kencho-mae, and walk about 5 minutes.
Address: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama, 703-8257
Cost: 500 yen or combined ticket options are also available
Kurashiki area
Canal boat ride
The Kurashiki area is absolutely gorgeous! We saw quite a few couples having wedding photos here as it’s so picturesque. A boat ride on the canal is a must, to take in the gorgeous Kurashiki atmosphere.
Book boat tickets on the day
You are unable to reserve boat tickets in advance, so go to the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Center early in the morning to secure your boat tickets for the day.
Arrive at the boat dock 10 minutes prior to your allocated time. You will be given a straw hat and then be guided into the boat.
The commentary is all in Japanese, but even if you don’t understand, the boat trip is peaceful and enjoyable. Look out for the beautiful koi fish swimming in the clear water under the boat.
Hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm (departs every 30 minutes)
Cost: 700 yen per adult, 350 yen per child. Kids under 5 are free
How to book: Visit the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Centre early in the day to secure tickets.
Ohara Museum of Art, Kurashiki
Ohara Museum of Art in Kurashiki is Japan’s oldest western art museum.
Astoundingly, the museum has works by Picassso, Gauguin, Pollock, Warhol, Monet and more spanning different time-periods and styles.
I was shocked and amazed at the incredible famous works in the museum and the lack of people visiting. It means you can really take your time soaking up all the art.
The museum consists of the main building but also three additional buildings next to the canal and another building located in Ivy Square.
The Annex features Japanese works; the Craft Gallery features ceramics, wood-block prints and other crafts and the Asiatic Gallery features works from Egypt and China.
There is one final building the Kojima Torajiro Memorial Hall which was recently reopened.
Hours: [December to February] 9:00 to 15:00 (last entry 14:30)
[March to November] 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Cost: 2,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for high school students
Access: The Ohara Museum of Art is right beside the main canal in Kurashiki. If you are in the area you can stroll across to the museum from the main street.
Address: 1-1-15 Chuo, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Ohara Residence, Kurashiki
This home in Kurashiki belonged to the successful textile entrepreneur Magosaburo Ohara. Ohara was the founder of Kurashiki Silk Textile, currently known today as Kuraray Co., Ltd.
This home is an ‘Important National Cultural Property’ and it housed the Ohara family for 8 generations.
From the outside, the home looks similar to all the other buildings along the canal, however inside is a picture of tranquility.
The garden is especially beautiful and I urge you to sit and drink matcha in the beautiful tatami room overlooking the tranquil garden.
Denim Street, Kurashiki
This kitschy, cute area of Kurashiki is a fun place to explore. Many denim shops line quaint streets with a blue denim hue dominating the area.
Make sure you try blue pork buns and blue ice cream here!
Okayama, the birthplace of domestic jeans
Okayama jeans are famous due to their high quality and unique manufacturing methods which can’t be replicated anywhere else. Look for brands like Momotaro Jeans and Betty Smith for a unique denim product.
Make the cutest candles at Candle Fairy
One of my favourite experiences in Japan was making a candle at Candle Fairy in Kurashiki!
First, you choose the cutest design from the many on display and then receive all the required pieces of wax.
Next you mould the individual wax pieces into the correct shapes and add it to your candle base.
It’s not difficult, and it’s so much fun making your own little version of the perfect candle presented in front of you! We really laughed a lot here! It would be a great activity for families with children also.
Cost: Basic candles start at 1,500 yen and go up to 2,500 yen for the character candles like we made.
Address: 3-18-6 Achi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0055 (located in Historical Quarter)
Hours: 10am – 5pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Reservations: Email Candle Fairy to make a reservation for candle-making
Ivy Square, Kurashiki
Ivy Square at Kurashiki was the site of the first modern cotton mill in Japan with the brick buildings dating back to 1889.
Prior to the construction of the cotton mill, this area was the site of the local magistrate who exercised control over Kurashiki and was a direct representative of the Shogun.
Ivy Square is a beautiful area and a great place to sit back and relax at the end of a busy day with a drink in hand admiring the sunset.
Inside the walls you can find a drink truck where you can buy a beverage then sit back and relax. When the sun goes down, the Square’s lights glow with changing colours.
Momotaro Karakuri Museum, Kurashiki
The Momotaro Karakuri Museum in Kurashiki is a kitschy, hilariously fun activity for the family.
This is yet another time we laughed a whole lot during our trip to Okayama. The museum is interactive and has many opportunities to do ‘illusionary tricks’! It also has historical items and a haunted cave to explore.
I definitely recommend visiting this fascinating and fun museum when in Kurashiki!
Learn the story of Momotaro
You cannot visit Okayama without learning the story of Momotaro, the peach boy. I highly suggest watching a video about the story, or googling it before visiting, then everything makes sense!
Hours: 10am – 5pm
Cost: 600 yen for adults, 400 yen for elementary, junior high and high school students, 100 yen for infants (5 years old and older)
Address: 5-11 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054
Access: Located in Bikan Historical Quarter and approximately 15 minutes walk from JR station Kurashiki
Reservations: Not required, just turn up
Mitsui Outlet Park, Kurashiki
The Mitsui Outlet Park in Kurashiki is a large shopping complex within a couple of minutes walk of Kurashiki Station.
If you have some spare time near the station, I definitely recommend some shopping here. We found some great deals!
The mall also has some great playgrounds for kids, cafes and they also offer tax-free shopping.
Hours: 10am – 8pm
Address: 12-3 Kotobuki-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama
Access: Right next to Kurashiki Station, just a 2 minute walk
Okayama further afield
Kibitsu Jinja (Shrine)
Kibitsu Shrine, the birthplace of the Momotaro folk story is around 30 minutes by local train from Okayama Station.
Okibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, who was the inspiration for the Momotaro folk story is enshrined at Kibitsu Shrine and it’s believed the head of the defeated demon Ura is also buried on the grounds.
The main shrine and worship hall were rebuilt in 1425 in the original architectural style Kibitsu-zukuri, a wing hip and gable roof style unique to this building only in all of Japan.
The shrine is also famous for its 398 metre-long wooden-covered corridor believed to be a road for carrying offerings to the gods.
The area is also extremely peaceful, located in the countryside of Okayama. Depending on the season, the shrine is also famous for its beautiful flower displays also.
The Kibitsu Shrine also houses Japan’s largest stone lantern!
Hours: 6am – 6pm (every day)
Cost: Free
Address: 931 Kibitsu, Kita Ward, Okayama, 701-1341
Access: Approximately 10 minutes from Okayama IC on the Sanyo Expressway or approximately 15 minutes from Okayama Soja IC on the Okayama Expressway Parking lot: 100 regular cars Approximately 3 minutes walk from JR Bizen-Ichinomiya Station
Where to eat in Okayama City
Fuyahei Kaiseki
Fuyahei Kaiseki is a 400 year-old restaurant located just outside the moat of Okayama Castle.
This restaurant served one of my all-time favourite meals in Japan! It is highly recommended for a traditional Japanese dinner with friends. They also offer children’s meals.
Fuyahei specialises in Shojin (vegetarian Buddhist) cuisine and also traditional Japanese kaiseki (with meat).
It is believed this restaurant served food to the Ikeda Clan from its founding in 1636.
Cost: Lunch and dinner sets start at 3,300 yen and go up to 11,000 yen. Children’s boxes start at 1,100 yen.
We had the 6,600 yen dinner kaiseki set and it was a lot of food, presented beautifully and incredibly delicious!
Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2pm. Dinner 5:30pm – 9:30pm (closed Mondays)
Address: 2-5-2 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
Access: Okayama Electric Railway Higashiyama Main Line / 8 minutes walk from Prefectural Office Street Station (630m)
Okayama Electric Railway Higashiyama Main Line / 8 minutes walk from Kobashi Station (600m)
Okayama Electric Railway Higashiyama Main Line / 9 minutes walk from Chunagon Station (650m)
Reservation: Please make an online reservation at least two days in advance
Where to eat in Kurashiki
Seribe Izakaya
Seribe Izakaya is a wonderful small restaurant offering delicious eats and a fun atmosphere.
This izakaya (Japanese pub) is located in the heart of the Bikan Historical District and offers obanzai meals (home-cooked Kyoto-style meals).
This izakaya also stocks many rare and interesting types of sake from all over Japan.
As the izakaya only has 14 seats, it’s imperative to book, especially if you have a group.
Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2pm. Dinner 6pm – 10pm
Address: 1F Rose Garden Building, 1253-1 Funakura-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture,
710-0045
Access: 15 minutes walk from Kurashiki Station and right in the heart of the Bikan Historical Disrict
Reservations: Please make an online reservation before visiting
Cost: Lunch sets start at 1,650 yen and go up to 7,000 yen. However, it is possible to book without a course and order there.
Kurashiki Torai Curry
This delicious curry restaurant is located down a small alley in the Bikan Historical District close to the main canal.
The restaurant itself is a beautiful historical building with lots of traditional atmosphere.
The curry is delicious and I highly recommend making a stop here for a filling and tasty lunch.
Hours: Tuesday and Sunday 11:30am – 3:30pm, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday 11:30am – 6pm
Closed Mondays and Fridays
Cost: Curries start at 1,200 yen and go up to 2,860 yen for the Bisei Okayama Black Beef curry.
They also have a kids set for 850 yen that comes with a toy.
Address: 5-27 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054
Access: 15 minutes walk from Kurashiki Station, right in the heart of the Bikan Historical District
Reservations: There is no need to make a reservation but you may have to wait during peak lunch hour, 12:30 – 1:30pm.
Candle Watanabe House, Kurashiki
This atmospheric French restaurant is illuminated with many candles in the evening, making it a special place to dine in Kurashiki.
Candle Watanabe House is located in a renovated Taisho-era storehouse with a cosy atmosphere and interesting French cuisine served with local Japanese ingredients.
They offer a seasonal menu changing monthly for dinner and an afternoon tea style lunch menu.
If you order a special birthday or anniversary plate like we did, expect big things! It was huge and delicious.
Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2pm. Dinner 6pm – 10pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Cost: Lunch courses start at 4,500 yen and dinner courses start at 6,000 yen and go up to 12,000 yen for the Premium Course
Address: 2-5-19 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 710-0046
Access: 12 minute walk from Kurashiki Station
Reservations: Please make a reservation online at least a day prior
As we booked a special course menu for a birthday. Then our birthday friend was treated to a free candle-making experience at Candle Fairy. It ended up being one of our favourite experiences and we highly recommend it!
Where to stay in Okayama City
ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama by IHG
We stayed at the ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama by IHG in Okayama City and it was wonderful.
The hotel was located directly next to Okayama Station so it was easy to walk with our bags straight to the hotel from the Shinkansen.
The staff were lovely, the rooms were clean with a great view and the breakfast included delicious Okayama local delights such as black curry and barazushi.
There is also a wonderful Sky bar with great views over Okayama City to enjoy!
Where to stay in Kurashiki
One Five Garden Hotel Kurashiki
The One Five Garden Hotel Kurashiki is in a great location with easy walking distance to the Bikan Historical Quarter and it’s great value.
The One Five Garden Hotel offered sandwich boxes for breakfast, however, we were not allowed to sit in the foyer area to eat them making it difficult to find a spot to sit and eat breakfast together. If this isn’t important to you, then it will be a great place to stay.
Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel
Just opposite the One Five Garden Hotel is the Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel. It is slightly more expensive but offers a grand style and a good breakfast that you can eat in.
Kurashiki Ivy Square
Right in the thick of the canal district is the Kurashiki Ivy Square Hotel. This is a great option if you are passionate about staying in a historical building, as the old Cotton Mill was built in 1889. The hotel also features an art gallery, restaurant and bar.
What is Okayama famous for?
Fruit
Okayama produces some of Japan’s best peaches and muscat grapes. Fruit picking is another option for your trip to Okayama to make the most Prefecture’s fresh produce.
Fruit parfaits are also a popular dessert in Okayama featuring seasonal delights.
Momotaro Story
The story of Momotaro is synonymous with Okayama. I highly recommend becoming familiar with the story prior to visiting the prefecture. If you have young children, why not buy a Momotaro book to read together about the story before visiting?
Jeans
Okayama is the birthplace of domestic jeans in Japan. Okayama jeans are reknowned for their high quality and original manufacturing processes which are not replicated anywhere else.
Kibidango
These delicious rice sweets are a staple of Okayama and the perfect omiyage (gift) to bring back for loved ones. Kibidango feature in the story of Momotaro and through his kindness in sharing these with his animal friends, he was able to defeat the demon.
How to get to Okayama
Okayama is conveniently located on the Shinkansen line.
From Tokyo, the Shinkansen takes around 3 hours 15 minutes to reach Okayama. From Osaka, it should take around 45 minutes to reach Okayama Station.
Okayama also has an airport named Okayama Momotaro airport. It is located approximately 30 minutes to one hour from the Okayama city centre via public transport.
How to get around Okayama Prefecture
Okayama has great public transport and to visit all the places listed in this article, a car is not necessary.
In Okayama City, the street car departs from the JR station and goes to the castle and Korakuen. This is the Higashiyama Line and the most useful stop is Shiroshita. The cost is 120 yen or an IC card can also be used.
From Okayama City to Kurashiki and also to Kibitsu Shrine, take a local JR train from Okayama Station. Check Google Maps for times.
Round up of things to do in Okayama
Okayama is a beautiful prefecture full of history, culture and fun!
This prefecture is not yet overrun by tourists and still holds the quaint charm of the Edo period.
I suggest you include Okayama on your trip itinerary to eat amazing food, create incredible crafts and see some of the most stunning canals in all of Japan.
Please don’t forget to learn the story of Momotaro before you visit!
