Okayama, Japan 7 Day Itinerary

July 8, 2024

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Okayama, Japan

Day 1: Arrival & Coro Coro Island

Arrive at Okayama Airport (OKJ) or Kurashiki Station for train travelers
Check-in at your accommodation (Recommendations: Hotel New Otani Okayama or Ryokan Asuka)
Visit Coro Coro Island – a unique park with various themed gardens and art installations
Dinner at Kurashiki Bettei for delicious local dishes like Okayama’s famous simmered black beef

Day 2: Kurashiki & Bitchū-Matsuyama Castle

Explore Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter – a charming district with traditional architecture, canals, and weaving museums
Visit the iconic Bitchū-Matsuyama Castle – one of Japan’s twelve original castles
Dinner at Izakaya Hiroshima for a lively dining experience

Day 3: Okayama City & Okayama Station Area

Visit the famous Okayama Korakuen Garden – one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscaped gardens
Explore the Momoyama-dori Street for shopping and local food
Visit the Okayama Art Summit – a modern art museum with impressive exhibitions
Dinner at Ramen Kokoro for delicious ramen

Day 4: Maniwa & Mount Koya

Take a day trip to Maniwa – known for its spiritual connection and the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit Mount Koya (day trip or overnight stay) – a sacred Buddhist mountain and the headquarters of the Shingon sect, with over 100 temples

Day 5: Naoshima & Teshima

Take a ferry to Naoshima Island – an art island featuring contemporary art museums like the Chichu Art Museum and the Lee Ufan Museum
Explore Teshima Island – another art island with installations by James Turrell, Rei Naito, and more
Dinner at Benesse House Restaurant for a unique dining experience overlooking the sea

Day 6: Amanohashidate & Fukuyama

Day trip to Amanohashidate – see Japan’s famous “Miyajima of Kyoto” land formation where the sandbar looks like a bridge to heaven
Explore Fukuyama City – visit the Fukuyama Castle ruins, and the Mirokuji Temple with its famous “Thousand Rai Buddha” statue
Dinner at Izakaya Genki for delicious seafood dishes

Day 7: Departure