Hidden Gems in Okayama, Japan: A Must-Visit Travel Guide

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

• Location: Central Okayama City
• Highlights: Beautifully preserved Edo Period (1603-1868) merchants’ houses, picturesque canals, and traditional weaving shops.
• Unique Experience: Rent a traditional boat to explore the canals and enjoy the stunning architecture.

Okayama Coral Island (Korakuen Aquarium)

• Location: Kita-ku, Okayama City
• Highlights: One of the largest aquariums in Japan with over 35,000 marine animals and a unique outdoor dolphin show.
• Did You Know?: The aquarium is designed around the Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens.

Kibitsu Shrine

• Location: Kibi District, Okayama City
• Highlights: Beautifully preserved shrine with a history dating back over 1200 years and stunning autumn foliage.
• Unique Experience: Visit during the annual festival in October to witness traditional music, dance, and processions.

Mount Daisen National Park

• Location: Daisen-cho, Tottori Prefecture (adjacent to Okayama)
• Highlights: Stunning mountain ranges, hiking trails, and the famous Daisenji Temple.
• Did You Know?: Mount Daisen is one of the “Three Sacred Mountains” of western Japan.

Shimokawago Village

• Location: Kagamino District, Okayama City
• Highlights: Traditional thatched-roof houses, scenic rice fields, and a serene atmosphere.
• Unique Experience: Participate in traditional craft workshops such as bamboo weaving and pottery making.