Okayama’s location is ideal for access to many tourist spot as it’s right in the centre of Western Japan. All through a year, Okayama has a fantastic climate with minimal rain and sunny days, one of it’s nickname’s being “Land of Sunshine” or the “Sunny Country Okayama is sometimes called the “Fruit Kingdom” too nomenclature because of the weather they can grow a range of delicious fruits including strawberries, peaches, and delectable grapes! Thus earning the nickname of “Fruit Kingdom.”
With two inspiring nicknames, let’s dive into the variety of things and activities you can do while visiting:
Things to see and do in okayama
Okayama Castle
This beautiful caste was competed by Ukita Hideie in 1597, taking 8 years to construct. Ukita was a daimyo (warlord) of the Sengoku era in Japan. It was an insurmountable undertaking as Ukita rerouted the Asahigawa River to flow specifically along the east side of the castle, which gave the advantage of better protection from rear attacks on the castle. It’s known as the Crow Castle, or U-jo due to its black exterior, which is a black lacquer used on the walls.
Visiting during night allows you to see a fantastic illuminate, stated to be one of the best in Japan!
Okayama Castle is about 1.5 kilometers or a 25-30 minute walk east of Okayama Station. Trams on the Higashiyama Line can be taken to Shiroshita stop (5 minutes, 100 yen, frequent departures) from where the castle keep can be reached in a 10-15 minute walk.Address: 2-chōme-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-0823, Japan
How to get there: Starting at Okayama Station , take a tram going toward “Higashiyama”. Hop off at “Shiroshita”. Castle is about 10 minutes walk from the stop.
Phone: +81 86-225-2096
Korakuen Garden
Known as one of the three greatest gardens in all of Japan, Korakuen Garden was built by a feudal period lord named Ikeda Tsunamasa in 1687, completed in 1700 and was used to entertain his many important guests and for relaxation, however it was also for general viewing on certain days. It was eventually handed over to the Okayama Prefecture to open to the public. It was severely damages due to flooding and during WWII, in 1952 it was faithfully restored and protected under a special designation to preserve its scenic beauty.
Korakuen is home to many unique flowers and features season to season. From Camillea’s blooming daffodils. Spring sees the blossoming of plum ume and over the longer season sakura following. Azaleas and Peonies coming along in the warmer seasons and autumn highlighted by the stunning changing of leaves.
Address: 1-1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama, 703-8257, Japan
How to get there: Right next to Okayama Castle. The Korakuen Bus from Okayama station takes about ten minutes to reach the gate of Korakuen.
Phone: +81 86-272-1148
Momotaro Statue
Right outside of the East exit of Okayama Station, you’ll spot the statue of Momotaro. He’s a Japanese folklore character who is said to have come from Okayama. Momotaro was the guardian of a prince named Kibitsuhiko. Momotaro defeated an ‘oni’ named Ura who had been attacking the Province of Kibi, disturbing the peace. Every year there’s a festival that honours the legend of Momotaro.
Address: １-1 Ekimotomachi, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0024, Japan
How to get there: Take the Eastern exit of the JR Okayama Station
