Okayama Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)

Kōraku-en (後楽園, Kōrakuen) Japanese garden

The garden is located on the north bank of the Asahi River on an island between the river and a developed part of the city.[2] The garden was designed in the Kaiyu ("scenic promenade") style which presents the visitor with a new view at every turn of the path which connects the lawns, ponds, hills, tea houses, and streams. The garden covers a total area of approximately 133,000 square meters, with the grassed area covering approximately 18,500 square meters. The length of the stream which runs through the garden is 640 meters. It features a central pond called Sawa-no-ike (Marsh Pond), which contains three islands purported to replicate the scenery around Lake Biwa near Kyoto.

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.

Okayama Korakuen

#thingstodo Beautiful Japanese garden even in winter and well worth the ticket price of 410 yen. Very neat and well-maintained, and in some parts you can also see Okayama Castle in the background. A full walking loop of the gardens should take around 40 minutes to an hour. There are plenty of bathrooms inside, as well as souvenir shops and some food..........

Aren't you really coming to the lesser-known Japanese amusement park in Tokyo for good shots?

Tokyo Dome City Next to the Tokyo Dome, the amusement park is really good. When the weather is good, the sky here is as blue as fake, and the photos are also very good. 🚇Take the tram to Korakuen Station, and Tokyo Dome City is just off the station. There are also shopping malls nearby, which is very convenient. 🎢 The roller coaster in Korakuen City is very famous. Many Japanese people come to play. Don't look at it as a small amusement park. This roller coaster is quite scary. It even passes through the Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel can also see beautiful scenery because it is in the city center. 💰The ticket price is not expensive, you can play once for a few tens of yuan, and the location can be reached by tram, and there is Tokyo Dome nearby.

Okayama, Korakuen Garden and cultural zone !!

Okayama, one of my favourite city in Japan and I always try to reach out while I am in Japan.Okayama is located in west Japan and largest city in its prefecture and home to the imposing, black Okayama Castle and Okayama Korakuen, one of Japan's three greatest landscape gardens.Beautiful landscapes, famous castle and famous for all its fruits . After I left Fukuoka, I took Shinkansen ( Sakura 551- one of JR train ) up to Okayama. Keep my luggage in one of coin locker and get a bus No 18 from just outside of train station . Get down at Korakuen main gate , get a ticket for Okayama Cultural Zone ticket , it cost me 520¥ and start explore Okayama Prefecture museum and continue to Korakuen Garden ( famous for coin fish pond and beautiful landscape) and get out by South Gate and continue to Okayama Castle. Then walk out to nearest 🚋 station and back to Okayama train station, have my lunch , took my luggage from coin locker and continue my journey to Hiroshima. See you on the other side of the world 🤭🤭. #japan #naturelover #solotravel

The Taotaro city of Mt. Okayama is one of the big cities in the Sanyang area. Okayama City is really a city where everywhere! In addition to the airport named "Momotaro", the statue of Momotaro in front of JR station, the super nice fountain, the cartoon train that runs every day in the city, and the buses of various themes, the most spoken in the city every day is: card Wow! ! ! I have been to many cities with castle towers. I can't miss Okayama Castle when I come to Okayama, and Okayama City is actually the first place where I spend money. I have to commemorate it! Not far from Okayama Castle is one of Japan's three famous gardens! I have misunderstood the collection of the three famous gardens in Japan: Kanazawa's Kenroku Park, Takamatsu's Kuribay Park, and Okayama's Korakuen! Overall, I really like this kind of returning garden! Tour tips: Take JR to Okayama Station and you will see the Momotaro statue in front of the station! Okayama Castle is a 20-minute walk from JR Okayama Station and can be reached by tram! Korakuen is next to Okayama Castle, you can buy tickets for two places!

Experience Hakone from Okayama (Jan 2024)

For our trip to Hakone, we stayed at Okayama and bought the Hakone area pass which was valid for 3 days. This gave us unlimited travels within the designated area which helps to save some cost from accommodations in Hakone itself. However, we had to plan ahead and spare more time for our programme and itinerary in Hakone. We also visited Okayama castle just before returning back to Tokyo on our last day in Hakone-Okayama. From Okayama, we travelled to Hakone via bus, train, and tram etc. We also managed to ride the iconic Hakone ship to take the cable car up to a viewpoint of Mt. Fuji. Hakone is also a very popular spot for viewing of Mt. Fuji, apart from Kawaguchiko. We spent a total of about 2 trips over 1.5 days to cover 80% of Hakone. We took the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Okayama and back using the same route. Overall, our experience in Hakone was a memorable one even though we didn’t manage to see the skywalk and bridge as our travel period fell during the closure period of the sky bridge but we did get to go to Gotemba Premium Outlets where we had a close up view of Mt. Fuji (see images). #hakone2024 #japan2024

Ferry from Shodoushima to Okayama 🇯🇵

#cherryblossom2024 🛳️ My journey on the ferry from Shodoshima to Okayama was a scenic adventure filled with stunning views and tranquil moments. The price for the ferry ticket was quite reasonable, offering a budget-friendly way to travel between these two picturesque destinations. As the ferry departed from Shodoshima, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea surrounding us. The calm waters, dotted with small islands and fishing boats, created a serene atmosphere that was perfect for relaxation. Standing on the deck, I felt the gentle sea breeze against my face as we glided through the water. It was a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. During the journey, I had plenty of opportunities to soak in the breathtaking views of the coastline and distant mountains. The changing colors of the sky as the sun began to set painted a picture-perfect scene that I will never forget. I spent some time capturing the beauty of the scenery on my camera, trying to preserve the memory of this magical experience. Upon arriving in Okayama, I was greeted by the vibrant energy of the city. There are plenty of attractions nearby to explore, including the famous Okayama Castle and the enchanting Korakuen Garden, known as one of Japan's three great gardens. After disembarking from the ferry, I took a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the lively atmosphere and soaking up the local culture. Overall, my journey on the ferry from Shodoshima to Okayama was a delightful experience that exceeded my expectations. It offered not only a convenient mode of transportation but also an opportunity to immerse myself in the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful voyage, this ferry ride is sure to leave a lasting impression. 🌊⛴️ #FerryTravel #SetoInlandSea #Okayama #Shodoshima #ScenicViews #TravelAdventure

Inu Island is a small island that feels a bit cool. Once on the island, I was busy getting the return ticket (very important! If I didn't have this, I couldn't buy a ticket, I couldn't buy it), then I went to the art gallery and went back to the port when I was ready to return. The ticketing center has a sign that indicates the temperature at different locations within the museum. I didnt see a few cockroaches along the way, and the shape was not like shackles The island is not big, the exhibits are concentrated, and it can be completed within three hours. It is said that there are less than one hundred people living on the island. The art festival is next to the folk house. What do you think of this interesting device when you push the door every day? There is a big dog house by the sea, although it is not a work related to the festival. The artist Chuan Yelong uses ceramics, ceramic tiles, glass and other mosaics to form a big dog. You can also visit during the opening period.

The Inushima Refinery Art Museum is an art museum where the architects of the three-in-one bloggers transformed the old copper smelter and the artist Liu Xingdian performed the installation art. Walking through the dimly lit passage of the light, from time to time to face the mirror, suddenly seeing the blue sky and white clouds at the end of the road, as if in the sky. At this time, I realized that the light from the aisle came from, and the goose bumps were all up. The space in the middle was to dismantle the houses of Mishima Yukio in Tokyo and create them. The suspended doors and windows, all the switches and the power interface are arranged together, and the text of the cast copper is like a different world connecting the past and the future, death and eternity. The main characters of the outdoor are the striking big chimneys, and the power plant remains as if it existed for thousands of years. In the same art gallery, you can't take pictures indoors, but the bathroom next to it is so interesting.

One of the top 3 Inari Shrines in Japan

#2024wish Saijo Inari is located in lush green serenity that is about 30-minute drive away from the heart of Okayama City. As you approach the Temple, you will pass through O-torii (Grand Gate) that is erected over the road. Standing at 27.5 meters tall with pillars 4.6 meters in diameter, it is known as one of the biggest torii in Japan. Built in wish of world peace and road safety, this massive red gate is a remarkable local symbol that watches over residents and visitors. I want to go to this place again in 2024.

Saijoinari Temple in Okayama

#2024wish Saijo Inari is one of the three main shrines in Japan dedicated to Inari, the god of crops and rice. However, it is also a Buddhist temple, and the juxtaposition is extremely fascinating for those interested in how religion was adapted in Japan. The modern Indian-style gate includes both Shinto kitsune foxes and Buddhist guardian figures, and the grounds contain just as mixed an assortment of imagery. The large torii gate at the entrance road is visible from a great distance, but subtler details such as the old shrine from the 1700s tucked into the background are also very picturesque. The shop-lined approach was mostly shut the day we went, giving it a forlorn air, but would be wonderful to explore if the shops are open. In 2024, I want to visit this place again.

Ishiyama Park

#thingstodo Beautiful park with a long nice walk and great views of the river. Trees have a beautiful foliage in autumn, with yellow leaves. It’s on the way to Okayama Castle and Kōrakuen Garden, so it’s worth it to stop for a moment and enjoy this natural spot. There are cafes surrounding and places to sit. Nice riverside park with a cafe, shaded seating and toilets.