Okayama-ken Things to Do

  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
by sanukseeker
 
  • Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
      Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
    by sanukseeker
  • Arresting view
      Arresting view
    by sanukseeker
  • A feast for my eyes
      A feast for my eyes
    by sanukseeker
  • Interesting how the fish stay together in a school
      Interesting how the fish stay together...
    by sanukseeker
  • I need to come back in summer for a grassy view!
      I need to come back in summer for a...
    by sanukseeker
 

Most Viewed Things to Do in Okayama-ken

1.

Korakuen Garden   Okayama

Korakuen Garden, Okayama

 12 Reviews  Korakuen Garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan since the Edo Period. It was constructed by Tsuda Nagatada by orders of the daimyo Ikeda Tsunamasa and took thirteen years to... 

 See All 38 Things to Do in Okayama

2.

Kibiji District (Kibi Plains)   Okayama

Kibiji District (Kibi Plains), Okayama

 6 Reviews  Saijo Inari is known as one of the three great Inari Shrines in Japan (Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari in Aichi being the other two). It is unique, because the complex is composed of a... 

 See All 38 Things to Do in Okayama

3.

Okayama Castle   Okayama

Okayama Castle, Okayama

 7 Reviews  Okayama Castle, also known as Ujo (Crow Castle) for its black color is a beautiful "masculine" castle, contrasting "feminine" white castles, such as Himeji Castle. Although the current castle was... 

 See All 38 Things to Do in Okayama

4.

Handayama Botanical Garden   Okayama

Handayama Botanical Garden, Okayama

 1 Review  Beautiful park, especially when cherry blossom festival (sakura). One week after sakura fall, the ground of this park will be pink. It is very beautifull. Opening hours: 9.00-16.00 (close every... 

 See All 38 Things to Do in Okayama

5.

Okayama Orient Museum   Okayama

Okayama Orient Museum, Okayama

 2 Reviews  The Okayama Orient Museum is a really nice museum featuring artifacts from the Middle East. Most of the artifacts are from Persia (Iran) and Syria, but many nations are represented. The artifacts... 

 See All 38 Things to Do in Okayama

Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Korakuen Garden

by sanukseeker

I live in Kumamoto City now and while Suizenji Garden is exquisitely landscaped, I could finish touring it within 15 to 20 minutes. It's akin to the feeling of eating something delicious but not feeling full at the end of the meal. Which is a sentiment that would not apply to Korakuen Garden because wow, was it big. Well, It is not rated as one of Japan's top three landscaped gardens for nothing. Apparently, it took Lord Tsunamasa of the Ikeda Clan more than a decade to construct this garden. I'll say this is a noteworthy feat in itself; I'm not sure how many of us can conceive a vision and stay determined to follow it through for such a long time. You will most likely see the Japanese flocking to some artificial hill at the park, a signal for you to follow suit because as my first photo testifies, this is a good place to get a good aerial view of the park. My pictures are not the...

Tip Photo
Okayama Castle

by sanukseeker

It's rather easy to suffer from castle fatigue in Japan, for it seems like there is a must-go castle in just about every prefecture. I reckon though that Okayama Castle will surprise you in a novel way as its exterior is black unlike its many white counterparts elsewhere. In fact, I think it is only when you visit several of these white castles that you appreciate Okayama Castle's unique beauty. For its black exterior, it is affectionately known as the "Crow Castle" too.While the exterior delighted me, I am not so sure about its interior. For starters, an escalator brings you up to the fourth floor. It didn't bother me since most castles are reconstructions of the originals in any case. So why begrudge the inclusion of this feature that will make life easier for visitors? LOL. However, if you are into authentic reconstruction, then this escalator may irk you. Also, a factor that may make...

Tip Photo
Yubara Hot Springs

by sanukseeker

Yubara Hot Springs was a little out of the way since I had to make two bus trips before I arrived at the place. But I can assure you, my reader that your time and effort spent will be 100% worth it if you visit there in winter. Why do I recommend winter? Well, I visited Yubara Hot Springs in early January 2012 and it was snowing pretty heavily. What better way to get some respite from a hectic backpacking trip by relaxing in a free open-air hot spring?Yes, FREE, you read it right. It's an onsen village at Yubara, so I can't figure out why the tourist authorities at Maniwa City (that's where Yubara Hot Springs is located) would be so generous as to allow free usage of this hot spring. Won't this deter people from supporting the local ryokans? But hey, lucky us poor backpackers for having the privilege! Soaking in the hot waters while just watching snow fall was one of the best experiences...

Tip Photo
Ohara Museum of Art in Kurashiki

by gogonicetrip

Kurashiki is the home to Japan's first Western art museum, the Ohara Museum of Art. Established in 1930 by Magosaburo Ohara, it contains masterpieces by EI Greco, Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, and Renoir. The collection also has fine examples of Asian and contemporary art. The museum itself is housed in a neo-Classical building.

Tip Photo
Visit Tsuyama

by Rabbityama

Tsuyama is a city in Okayama-ken that is often referred to as "Little Kyoto" because of all of its historical sites. Walking down Joto Street, you will find many old samurai residences. The Shurakuen Gardens is a lovely stroll, and entry is free. Tsuyama's Kakuzan Park is very beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. In fact, Tsuyama is one of the best places in all of Japan to view the cherry blossoms!(See the Tsuyama pages on VT for more information)

Tip Photo
Kibiji District

by Rabbityama

The Kibiji District spans from Okayama City to Soja City and is marked by a variety of shrines, temples, tombs, samurai homes, and other sites that relate to the ancient kingdom of Kibi that once flourished in Okayama prefecture.A bike path now exists to allow people easy access to all of the sites in the region. It is suggest you rent a bike to travel on the trail. The trail is 15 kilometers long and estimated to take two hours to complete, but if you stop at the many sights along the way, (which you should) it may take more time.If you don't want to bike (or can't) it IS possible to walk however, you'll need to start in the morning and make sure to wear the proper footwear. Walking takes about 7 hours, if you stop along the way to see the sights. I actually chose to walk the trail, and it was a great experience, but my feet were hurting by the end of it!Some of the highlights of the...

Tip Photo
Momotaro Tourism

by Rabbityama

For those who are interested in themed tours, particularly self-made tours, you may enjoy taking a Momotaro tour of Okayama prefecture!The main sites lie in the Kibiji region, which spans from Soja City to Okayama City, because it was in this region where the story of Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, which the Momotaro tale developed from, occurred.If you wish to do this, here are the sites you should visit:-Kibitsu Shrine: The site where Momotaro fought the demon Ura.-Kibitsuhiko Shrine: Dedicated to Prince Kibitsuhiko, also located in the area of Kibitsu Shrine where the battle took place-Kinojo Castle: The site where the demon Ura was said to have lived-Koikui Shrine: After the battle at Kibitsu Shrine, the demon turned into a carp and swam down the river. The prince turned into a cormorant and pursued him. Koikui Shrine is located on the site where the prince finally caught the demon...

Tip Photo
Peacock Park

by bebejepang

I think evening is the best time to see peacok, because in the evening most of peacocks spread their tails. In this park, peacock can go around freely. You can touch them. In middle of park there is house for some species of birds (e.g. white peacock).The park is closed at 5 pm in summer.Entrance fee is 300 yen for adult.

Tip Photo
Monkey Park in Shodoshima

by bebejepang

In japanese they said "saru no kuni". The beautiful scenery of the island can be seen from this place. Just climb to the top of mountain, still in the park area (about 10-20 min walk). Entrance fee is 370 yen for adult.

Tip Photo
Shodoshima

by bebejepang

Last week I went to Shodoshima. It's a beatiful island between Okayama and Kagawa prefecture (one of the Seto island). Shodoshima Town is famous as the birthplace of olive cultivation in Japan. There are several olive gardens here. In the island you also can visit monkey park and peacock park. It is different with zoo. In this park, monkey can go freely. You can touch or feed them. Similar with peacock (blue and green one), but special peacock (white) was put in the separate house.

Tip Photo
Fun things to do in Okayama-ken

Top 3 Hotels in Okayama-ken

Okayama Koraku Hotel  Okayama

 60 Opinions

 Hotels in Okayama

Kurashiki Hotel  Kurashiki

 1 Review and 7 Opinions  When my little team of backpackers arrived in Kurashiki, we were exhausted and not quite sure how to... 

 Hotels in Kurashiki

Hotel Alpha 1 Tsuyama  Tsuyama

 12 Opinions

 Hotels in Tsuyama

153 Hotels in Okayama-ken
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Okayama-ken attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Okayama-ken sightseeing.

Experience Okayama-ken
Things to Do: Cities in Okayama-ken
  1. Okayama Things to Do
  2. Kurashiki Things to Do
  3. Tsuyama Things to Do
  4. Soja Things to Do
  5. Takahashi Things to Do
  6. Ushimado Things to Do
  7. Niimi Things to Do
  8. Fukiya Things to Do
  9. Kojima-Ajino Things to Do

More Cities in Okayama-ken

 

Question about Okayama-ken?

Our members can help!

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for

Plenty of choices
agoda.com Save up to 75%, Don't miss! Live support, Instant confirmation.
Best Web Rates Guaranteed
ChoiceHotels.com Compare Up to 5 Hotels by Amenities Find Great Deals Every Day
Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Save on Air + Hotel ? Book a Getaway Today!
hotels.com Vacations The One Stop Shop for Your Next Trip. Click or call now: 1-800-764-6835

Sponsored Links