At a Glance: 3 Cool Spots in Okayama City

Posted on 09/29/2020 Last updated on 11/27/2020

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Okayama (岡山) is a beautiful place in Japan, and it is the biggest city in the
Chūgoku region after Hiroshima. Known as the “land of the sunshine”, Okayama’s days are said to be filled with more sun than other prefectures in Japan. Because of this, the city is known for producing many delicious fruits and vegetables! Okayama is particularly famous for its peaches and grapes. Yum yum! If you ever plan a trip, here are 3 very cool locations we recommended checking out!

1) Korakuen Garden

Image Courtesy of Okayama City https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/91

One attraction you could consider visiting is the Korakuen Garden. Why? It is ranked within the top three landscape gardens in Japan! So if you are into photography, this garden is a must-visit for those Instagram shots! Originally constructed in 1687 by a feudal lord, it was proposed for entertainment where the ruling family could provide a location for receiving guests.

However, there were occasions where the public were allowed to enter the garden. At the end of the feudal era, the public were granted access full-time after the garden became the property of Okayama Prefecture.

Despite undergoing damage from floods and repercussions from wars, the garden have always been restored back to their beautiful state with the efforts of garden designers. What else is there to see? Well, check out the ponds, walking paths, hills and streams. Keep an eye out for the beautiful cherry and maple trees, in addition to the scenic tea leave and rice fields!

2) Okayama Castle

Image Courtesy of Okayama City https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/776

What’s next? Well you could explore Okayama’s signature castle right after, since it’s so close to the Korakuen Garden! The castle’s black exterior led many people to nickname it the “crow castle”. It was built in the year of 1597, reflecting the Azuchi-Momoyama Period of construction style.

Although the original castle suffered structural damage from World War II, the castle underwent reconstruction from1964 through to 1966. If you do decide to visit, you may notice that the castle is actually on a river (the Asahi River), which was used as a moat.

Within the castle, you can explore the exhibits which illustrate the history and development behind it. You can even try crafting your very own bizen-yaki in the castle’s pottery studio! Bizen-yaki is a pottery style local to the Okayama Prefecture. Or you could dress up in a Kimono and take pictures! If you get hungry, there are even restaurants in the castle. This attraction is definitely one which provides many things to do and see! Excited already?

3) Kibi Plain

Third, you could visit the Kibi Plain! It is a scenic, rural flatland outside of the central Okayama City. If you prefer cycling over walking, this is the attraction for you! There is a trail made just for cyclers, where you can view the shrines, temples and farmhouses. What a wonderful way to get some exercise into the day!

The Kibi Plain was once the center of the Kibi Kingdom, which had significant control over the Okayama Prefecture during the 4th century. There are many historical attractions among the plains which you can keep an eye out for, such as burial mounds and shrines.

So if you need some places to add to your travel list, maybe Okayama could be the place for you! Okayama is a wonderful, amazing place to live in and visit! The weather is splendid and perfect for travelers, due to its sunny magnificent atmosphere! And like I said, the local produce and food are just delicious!

These are just three interesting attractions you could visit in Okayama, but you will surely find more if you explore!

Photos provided by Jessica Li. Additional photos provided by pixabay.com

Photo Credits:

Top Image: siamkop via Pixabay

Additional photos provided by Jessica Li. Images (1) and (2) courtesy of Okayama City