Okayama Trip Overview
Okayama City and Kurashiki City, two of the most popular areas in the Chugoku and Setouchi regions of Japan, are home to many of Okayama Prefecture’s most distinctive tourist attractions. Okayama City is dotted with spots where you can enjoy art, focusing on traditional Japanese beauty such as the gorgeous tower of Okayama Castle and a Japanese garden. Kurashiki City is also a must-see for its historical townscape, which was once a place for the stocking of goods, as well as offering a unique taste of Western culture. Some of the highlights of the tour include Okayama Korakuen Garden which has been awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide for its beautiful scenery, and the historical Kurashiki Bikan Area, which has been compared to the streets of Kyoto and is of great historical value. This tour is recommended for those who want to explore not only the popular sightseeing spots, but also an in-depth exploration of Japanese cultural sensibilities.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starts: Okayama, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Okayama Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Okayama, Okayama, Japan
Okayama City and Kurashiki City, two of the most popular areas in the Chugoku and Setouchi regions of Japan, are home to many of Okayama Prefecture’s most distinctive tourist attractions. Okayama City is dotted with spots where you can enjoy art, focusing on traditional Japanese beauty such as the gorgeous tower of Okayama Castle and a Japanese garden. Kurashiki City is also a must-see for its historical townscape, which was once a place for the stocking of goods, as well as offering a unique taste of Western culture. Some of the highlights of the tour include Okayama Korakuen Garden which has been awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide for its beautiful scenery, and the historical Kurashiki Bikan Area, which has been compared to the streets of Kyoto and is of great historical value. This tour is recommended for those who want to explore not only the popular sightseeing spots, but also an in-depth exploration of Japanese cultural sensibilities.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Japan, 〒703-8281 Okayama, Naka Ward, Higashiyama, 2-chōme−3−３３ 岡山電気軌道
・Okayama Electric Railway: This tramway is very popular with the locals. The design of the cars is quite distinctive and varies from retro cars that are over 70 years old to those adorned with whimsical cat illustrations; you never know which car you’ll be able to ride, and that’s half the fun! The line has a history of over 100 years and is a well-loved sight in Okayama City.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Okayama Castle, 2-3-1 Marunouchi, Okayama 700-0823 Okayama Prefecture
・Okayama Castle: The symbol of Okayama. With its unique building shape, in large part thanks to a river acting as its moat, Okayama castle presents a unique aesthetic sense making it the only one of its kind in Japan. It also serves as a museum where visitors can learn more about the period when samurai were active.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Okayama Korakuen Garden, Korakuen 1-5, Okayama 703-8257 Okayama Prefecture
・Okayama Korakuen Garden: This is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous gardens, built over 300 years ago. The beauty of the landscape has earned it three stars on the Michelin Green Guide. It is also notable for its history of gradual alterations to the landscape according to the personal aesthetic tastes of successive feudal lords.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Nishigawa Canal Park, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-0000 Okayama Prefecture
・Nishigawa Canal Park: A park where you can feel the current day atmosphere of Okayama City. Both banks of the north-south canal have been turned into a park, which is often used as a place for artistic activities by the citizens. Along the canal is Tamachi, the largest amusement district in Okayama.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Hommachi, Kurashiki 710-0054 Okayama Prefecture
・Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter: This is the area where the old streets were laid out during the samurai period. The view of the quarter from a traditional rowing boat is a unique experience. The area is also home to traditional machiya houses that have been converted into some of the most fashionable restaurants in Okayama offering traditional Okayama cuisine.
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Stop At: Kurashiki Ivy Square, 7-2 Hommachi, Kurashiki 710-0054 Okayama Prefecture
・Kurashiki Ivy Square: This complex of hotels and restaurants, covered in ivy dating back over 130 years ago, is a valuable work of art that embodies the harmony between Man and nature. There is also a museum where you can learn more about the history of Kurashiki, making it a must-visit place when in the city.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Ohara Museum of Art, 1-1-15 Chuo, Kurashiki 710-8575 Okayama Prefecture
・Ohara Museum of Art: This museum, famous as the first private western art museum in Japan, was founded by one of Kurashiki’s leading industrialists. One of its unique highlights are the exhibited works focused on the unique Japanese aesthetic sensibility of finding beauty in everyday objects.
Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
