What to Do in Okayama in One Day

02/03/2024 Indrani Ghose

Okayama is such an easy destination in Japan. I say that because Okayama City is nestled cozily, in the bullet train path, between two other popular destinations of Japan – Osaka and Hiroshima. It is easy to squeeze in a day for the city and indulge in wonderful things to do in Okayama.

During my trip the best thing of Okayama city I liked was that, the modern trend of sky-rise buildings hasn’t infected it yet. The city isn’t crowded like many other popular attractions of Japan. My word would be, go tour the city as long as the peace lasts and experience the best things of Okayama.

Why Okayama is called the Land of Sunshine

The Japanese name – Harenokuni – translates to The Land of Sunshine.

Okayama is renowned as the birthplace of the beloved legend of Momotaro. A Japanese folktale, a tale of a boy born from a peach who embarks on a heroic journey alongside animal companions to confront the demon king on Demon Island.

If you keep the legend aside the name is justified due to its notably sunny climate compared to other regions in Japan. This region experiences a relatively higher number of sunny days throughout the year. The area’s geographical location, nestled between mountains and facing the Seto Inland Sea, creates a microclimate that tends to be sunnier and drier compared to other parts of Japan. This abundance of sunshine plays a significant role in agriculture, particularly in cultivating fruits like peaches, grapes, and other crops that thrive in such conditions.

Okayama is also called the Fruit Kingdom and The Venice of Japan. Scroll down to know more.

Best Things to Do in Okayama

If you are in short of time here are helpful links:

Search for the Statue of Momotaro

Throughout the prefecture, there are traces of this timeless Momotaro Japanese folktale abound, increasing curiosity of visitors to immerse themselves in its rich storytelling tradition and cultural significance. The first thing I did in Okayama was to search out the statue of Momotaro which was right outside the station.

Momotaro Statue – The Peach Boy

Okayama Garden

Having explored Okayama extensively, one standout attraction remains etched in my memory—the enchanting Korakuen Garden. Renowned as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairaku-en in Mito, Korakuen Garden is a masterpiece! This garden was crafted in 1687 by a feudal lord to entertain his family and guests. Its sprawling landscape boasts classic elements, including a serene pond adorned with stone bridges, quaint shrines nestled among verdant foliage, and a picturesque hilltop lookout. As I wandered through its expanse, I lost track of time in the extensive lawns, tea and rice fields, and clusters of bamboo—all meticulously arranged to create a harmonious haven.

During my visit, the garden exuded its splendor of autumn, adorned with vibrant leaves and red-hued foliage. However, the allure of Korakuen transcends seasonal beauty. I was in the garden at the right time because in August and mid to late November, the Garden of Dreams event casts a magical spell, enhancing the nocturnal charm. That is why a night stay in Okhayama is highly recommended. As dusk descends, the garden transforms into a captivating realm illuminated by the soft glow of lights and flickering candles, offering a captivating glimpse into its ethereal allure. Truly, a visit to Korakuen Garden is an immersive journey through time and nature—a timeless treasure in the heart of Okayama.

U-jo

I found the journey through the Crow Castle quite captivating especially knowing about its historic significance, the feudal history and architectural splendor. The recent history is quite tragic as it was bombed heavily during WWII. Japan is known for its white castles but this one is black, hence the name Crow Castle, making it very unique. There are many interesting activities inside the castle. I have written a very elaborate blog on the castle and garden.

Okayama Food

After exploring the castle and garden, my stomach was grumbling with hunger, signaling it was time for a satisfying meal. When I was planning my itinerary for Okayama last month, I made sure to research the local cuisine as well. Luckily, that preparation proved to be handy. So, here’s a curated list of popular Okayama foods that I discovered and am excited to share with you.

Okayama boasts a variety of delicious local dishes and specialties. If you are spending a day in Okayama do hunt out local Okayama food in the various restaurants of Okayama prefecture. 5 popular Okayama food to try include:

Barazushi: A type of sushi where vinegared rice is topped with assorted seafood, vegetables, and sometimes egg, served in a bowl or platter. The barazushi is famous not only for its colorful presentation, but for its rich flavor made by mixing rice and marinated seafood in vinegar.
Sakana no Nitsuke: This dish is a rustic Japanese dish of simmered, braised Japanese white fish in a sauce made of sake, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce.
Hiruzen Okowa: A seasoned sticky rice dish mixed with vegetables, mushrooms, and sometimes chicken, wrapped and steamed in bamboo leaves. Hiruzen Okowa is a local dish of Hiruzen area, located in the Northern part of Maniwa city, Okayama prefecture.
Okayama Fruit: Okayama is famous for its high-quality fruits, especially white peaches (Shimizu Hakuto), grapes, and muskmelons. These fruits are often sought after for their exceptional sweetness and juiciness.
Okayama Ramen: Known for its soy sauce-based broth, this ramen features curly noodles topped with green onions, pork slices, and sometimes a dollop of miso paste.

Okayama white peaches – Image credit: https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/1103

What to Do in Okayama after visit to Palace, Garden and Lunch

If you have a day in hand to spare for Okayama you will naturally come up with the dilemma of What to do in Okayama after you have visited the Okayama Castle and Korakuen? Visit to the Crow Castle and Korakuen Garden will take up at least four hours if not more. You may be left with few more hours to explore Okayama before you retire for the day.

Day trips from Okayama

After we were done with major attractions of Okayama City, we had the option of making trips to interesting destinations of Okayama Prefecture for next half of the day. You can choose from one of these:

Day trip to Kurashiki (Kurashiki walking tour + Washuzan Highland + Kojima Jeans Street)
Day trip to Hime-ji Castle
Day trip to East Okayama Prefecture (Sword Museum + Pottery making)
Day Trip to Naoshima Island Kagawa District

Day Trip to Kurashiki in west Okayama Prefecture

Kurashiki is a beautiful town in west Okayama Prefecture. It is 38 minutes by road and an hour by train from Okayama Castle. Kurashiki town has a cluster of worthwhile things to do in Okayama Prefecture, a great way to wind up the day.

Kurashiki Historical Quarter

The Kurashiki Historical Quarter is a wonderful opportunity to step back in time, and get a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural and merchant history. Kurashiki is renowned for its beautifully preserved Edo-period (1603-1868) architecture, winding canals, and nostalgic ambiance.

The whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs of these structures create a striking contrast against the narrow stone-paved streets. Known as the “Bikan Historical Quarter,” this district reflects the atmosphere of an ancient town frozen in time. The area was once a vital merchant hub, and its architectural aesthetics have been meticulously maintained.

The picturesque canals of Kurashiki are lined with weeping willows. These waterways were historically used for transporting goods and materials, adding a serene and nostalgic touch to the area. Not surprised why it is known as The Venice of Japan. Take time to explore quaint shops offering traditional crafts, local textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs.

Time required to tour Kurashiki Historical Quarter is minimum one hour to stroll through, if not more.

Suggested Guided Tour: Half-Day Shared Tour at Kurashiki with Local Guide

Kurashiki Japan

Washuzan Highland in Kurashiki City

Washuzan Highland is located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Your efforts to reach atop Washuzan Hill, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea will be rewarded by panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Be sure to add this to your Okayama itinerary if you are traveling with children because they are bound to enjoy the amusement park. Also be warned that it may seem boring too if you compare with Tokyo Disneyland. Washuzan Highland is famous for golf course, and stunning scenery. Tourists visit the highland in hordes seeking leisure, adventure, and natural beauty.
Tickets to Washuzan Highland – 3,800 yen. Different facilities in the amusement have separate costs.

Kojima Jeans Street

If you are interested in quirky things you can only find in Japan, then head to Kojima Jeans Street located close by. Kojima Jeans Street is renowned as the birthplace of Japanese denim culture, featuring a vibrant atmosphere with numerous shops, boutiques, and galleries dedicated to denim craftsmanship. This is one place in Japan where you can explore a wide array of premium denim brands and products, including jeans, jackets, and accessories, offering opportunities to indulge in high-quality denim shopping experiences.
Time required to tour Kojima Jeans Street – depends on your control over your wallet! The place is free to visit, however the denims can cost you a bomb.

Kojima Jeans Street

Location: Washuzan Highland and Kojima Jeans Street are located close by in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The distance between Washuzan Highland and Kojima Jeans Street is approximately 3.2km km by road. Travel time between the two locations can vary depending on traffic conditions and the mode of transportation chosen.

Snapshot of One Day itinerary of Okayama City

Here is a quick glance at all the interesting things to Do in Okayama in one day. I have added 10 to 15 minutes as buffer time before and after activities.

Korakuen – 7.30 AM to 9.30 AM Summers, 8 AM to 10 AM winters
Castle – 10 AM to 12 PM
Lunch – 12.15 PM to 12.45 PM
Travel to Kurashiki 35 min by road
Tour of Kurashiki – 1.45 PM to 2.45 PM
Travel to Washuzan Highland 25 min by road
Tour of Washuzan Highland – 3.15 PM to 5.15 PM
Tour of Kojima Jeans Street – spend the evening shopping here

Post lunch you can choose one of the following day trips from Okayama

Day Trip from Okayama to Himeji Castle

If you are in short of time during Japan tour and have time to visit just one castle, let that be the Himeji Castle. Having said that, let me add – Himeji Castle is a possible day trip from Okayama. The two Castles – that of Okayama and Himeji are such a contrast. Himeji Castle is often referred to as the “White Heron Castle” due to its striking white appearance and the resemblance of its elegant, multi-tiered structure to a graceful heron in flight. The contrast is more pronounced when you see one after the other. Be sure to have ample time to tour the interior of the castle. I found it worth both time and money.

Read more: Inside Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle Tourist information:
Open timings: 9 AM to 5 PM (last entry 4 PM).
Tickets: 1050 yen for a combined ticket to the castle and Koko-en gardens.
Distance from Okayama: 93 km
Important: Take the Shinkansen Bullet Train to Himeji, you will reach in 20 minutes.

Day Trip to East Okayama Prefecture

Bizen Osafune Sword Museum

The Bizen Osafune Sword Museum is an interesting place to visit on your way to Bizen in eastern Okayama. The place provides glimpse into the artistry and tradition of Japanese sword-smithing. The museum’s exhibits showcase a diverse array of swords, katana, and other bladed weapons, each bearing the hallmark characteristics of Bizen-style craftsmanship. From elegant designs to intricate patterns of the hamon (temper line), every blade tells a story of skill, dedication, and cultural significance. The museum also offers workshops and educational programs. So, if yo have the luxury of time and money you can immerse yourself in the rich history and techniques of Japanese sword-making.
Distance from Okayama Castle is 20.3 km, time required is 33 min by road.

Bizen Pottery

Bizen pottery, originating from the Bizen region in eastern Okayama Prefecture, stands as one of Japan’s most esteemed and ancient forms of pottery. Bizen Yaki pottery is renowned for its unglazed finish and natural beauty achieved through a unique wood-firing technique in kilns called anagama. These kilns utilize pine wood and typically fire for extended periods, often over a week, resulting in distinctive markings and natural ash glaze. Its surfaces may feature subtle patterns, known as hidasuki (fire markings), caused by the clay’s contact with rice straw during the firing process. These marks are considered iconic to Bizen-ware. They make unique souvenirs from Okayama.
Distance from museum is 8.4 km by road.

Naoshima Island in Kagawa District

Naoshima Island is located in southern Okayama Prefecture at a distance from 30.4 km from Okayama. Japan is known for quirky art installations, one of the famous art installations is in Naoshima Island. It makes an easy and worthwhile destination from Okayama city. By all means I wanted to add to my list of things to do in Okayama.

My main reason to visit Naoshima would be the iconic Yellow Pumpkin. I had seen how Instagram posts on the yellow-black polka dot-stripe pumpkin was getting huge number of likes and views. Beyond its art installations, Naoshima Island boasts scenic landscapes and tranquil beaches, inviting visitors to unwind amidst nature’s beauty. Strolling along the coastline or hiking through the island’s lush hillsides offers moments of serenity and reflection.

Sadly, I had just enough time to choose from time to choose one from Himeji Castle and Naoshima Island. And Hime-ji won because of its UNESCO heritage status.

Naoshima art installations

When to visit Okayama

The eternal question haunts every tourist’s mind! When would it be the right time to visit any destination. With Okayama it is easy. The calendar is packed with festivals, scenic sights and various other interesting activities. Here are some:

Third Saturday of February – Visit Okayama Prefecture, Japan, to witness the Hadaka Matsuri, also known as the “Naked Festival,” a traditional event held annually. One of the most renowned locations for the festival is the Saidaiji Temple in Okayama City, where thousands gather to partake in the age-old rituals.

Late March to early April – Enjoy the picturesque cherry blossom spots, including Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.

Early August – Witness the Uraja Odori Festival, a colorful spectacle that captivates locals and visitors. Streets come alive with excitement, dancers adorned in vibrant costumes fill the thoroughfares, moving to the rhythmic beats of traditional music. the festivities continue late into the night, with food stalls offering a delectable array of local delicacies and refreshments.

September to November – Visiting Okayama in autumn was a rewarding experience for me. The city’s parks, gardens, and natural landscapes seemed a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows.

Fruit Picking

Engaging in fruit picking is a cherished tradition embraced by groups seeking seasonal delights amidst Okayama’s verdant landscapes. Throughout the year, nature’s bounty unfolds in a symphony of flavors, offering a cornucopia of fruits unique to each season. Okayama, renowned as the Fruit Kingdom, takes pride in its diverse orchards, each boasting its own signature harvest.

At the zenith of summer, the allure of Okayama’s luscious white peaches tantalizes taste buds with their unparalleled sweetness and juiciness. As the season transitions, the vineyards come alive with the succulent bounty of pione grapes, muscat grapes, and the sun-kissed allure of blueberries. In the cooler months, the arrival of winter heralds the vibrant hues of strawberries, offering a delightful burst of flavor amidst the frosty air.

Suggested Interesting Activity: Maneki Neko painting experience – Color an unglazed beckoning cat with acrylic paint to make your own beckoning cat. You can choose from three types of shapes: double-handed, left-handed, and round. You can take it home immediately after completion.

Where is Okayama located?

Okayama is a city located in the Chugoku region on the main island of Honshu, Japan. It serves as the capital city of Okayama Prefecture. Positioned between Osaka and Hiroshima, Okayama sits along the Seto Inland Sea, offering beautiful landscapes and historical attractions.

How to reach Okayama

Okayama, located in the Chugoku region of Japan, is accessible by various modes of transportation:

By Air: The city has its own airport, Okayama Airport (OKJ), offering domestic flights connecting major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo.
By Train: Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Okayama is a major stop on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen to reach Okayama (approximately 3 to 4 hours).
Local Trains: JR West operates local trains connecting Okayama to various cities within the Chugoku region and neighboring areas.
By Road: Expressways: Okayama is accessible via expressways like the Sanyo Expressway and the Chugoku Expressway, connecting it to major cities in the region. Rental car services are available at Okayama Station and the airport.

Getting Around in Okayama

Local Transportation: Okayama has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams, making it easy to explore the city and its surrounding areas.
Bicycles: Renting bicycles is also a popular and convenient way to get around Okayama, especially for exploring places like Kurashiki or the Seto Inland Sea coast.

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.

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