Okayama Holidays
Okayama Holidays
Okayama, located in western Japan, is best known for its beautifully preserved gardens, historic sites, and connections to Japanese folklore. Often overlooked in favour of bigger cities, Okayama offers a mix of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and easy access to nearby attractions.
The city’s most famous landmark is Okayama Castle. Opposite it lies Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens, featuring expansive lawns, ponds, and tea houses. Literature lovers may recognise Okayama as the setting of the folk tale Momotaro (Peach Boy), with statues and motifs of the legendary hero scattered throughout the city.
For those interested in art and history, the Okayama Orient Museum and Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art showcase regional and international collections. Shoppers and food lovers can explore Okayama’s covered arcades, sampling local specialities like white peaches and muscat grapes.
Outside the city, a short train ride leads to Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter, a beautifully preserved canal district lined with Edo-period buildings, museums, and traditional stores. Nearby, Kibitsu Shrine offers a quieter cultural experience, featuring a long covered walkway and ties to the Momotaro legend.