Stunning Shining Okayama Sakura Hanami

#cherryblossom2024 Stunning gardens, a majestic castle and the ancient Kurashiki Canal district Okayama Prefecture is known for its delicious fruits. It is often called the Land of Sunshine, and Momotaro, the "peach boy", is considered a local hero and symbol. Okayama, the capital and largest city of the prefecture, is home to the castle of the same name with impressive black walls and the Koraku Garden, one of the three best landscape parks in Japan. The historic commercial city of Kurashiki, famous for its canals, is located not far from the capital. Okayama is the capital and largest city of the prefecture of the same name. It faces south to the island of Shikoku and the Inland Sea of Japan. There is a curious "Crow Castle" and the traditional Koraku garden, which is considered one of the three best among its kind. The nearby town of Kurashiki is famous for its canals and beautifully preserved urban landscapes of the Edo period. The weather is almost always good here. Okayama is called the "Land of Sunshine": they say there are more clear days here than anywhere else in the country. Factories of several of the world's most famous denim fabric manufacturers operate in Kojima. From Okayama, you can get to the island of contemporary art, Naoshima, located in neighboring Kagawa Prefecture. How to get Okayama is easily accessible by JR Tokaido-Sanyo shinkansen from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. You can also fly to Okayama International Airport, take a local train or an intercity bus. I recommend Take a walk through the historical Bikan quarter in Kuroshiki. Explore Koraku-en, one of the three best gardens in Japan. Visit Okayama Castle and admire the surrounding views. Try the local delicacy — kibi dango sweets made from mochi rice. Spring. It's time to admire the blossoms on Sakura Alley along the Asahi River in Okayama City and walk through the colorful Takenomori Park in the north of Okayama. The most popular places in Okayama are the "Crow Castle" and the Koraku Garden, standing on opposite sides of the river. There is a bridge between them. The "Crow Castle" owes its name to the black walls. The six floors of the fortress rise majestically above the river and the city. The quiet and beautiful Koraku Garden on the other side of the river was built at the behest of the local ruler. It is difficult to imagine here that great battles once thundered in this territory. Koraku-en is one of the best landscape parks in Japan. Streamlines and footpaths wind through carefully manicured lawns, rice and tea fields. Cherries and other trees grow in the garden. There is a pond and a bird aviary.