Home to one of the three ‘great gardens’ of Japan, Okayama is steeped in history and has a mild climate considered ideal for growing fruit. The historic townscape of nearby Kurashiki, once a busy rice distribution centre due to its prime location on the Inland Sea, also evokes bygone days.
Directly connected to Okayama Station and hard to beat when it comes to convenience.
Higashiyama Line tram from Okayama-Ekimae Station, alight at Shiroshita Station (8 min)
Walk (10 min)
The immaculately manicured lawns, pretty ponds and artificial hill of this samurai-era garden make a memorable backdrop for your morning stroll.
1-5 Korakuen, Kita, Okayama.
Recharge with coffee and a skewer of freshly fried, delectably crispy kibidango (bite-sized millet dumplings) across the moat from Okayama Castle.
1-6 Korakuen, Kita, Okayama.
Walk (10 mins)
Higashiyama Line tram from Shiroshita Station, alight at Okayama-Ekimae Station (8 mins)
JR Sanyo Line train from Okayama Station, alight at Kurashiki Station (18 mins)
Walk (15 mins)
Anchored by El Greco’s Annunciation, the Ohara’s star-studded collection is also notable for its range of Japanese modern and contemporary art. Mingei pottery is displayed in a historic rice warehouse next door.
1-1-15 Chuo, Kurashiki / Closed Mon (open on holidays).
Walk (5 mins)
Yuurin-an’s wagyu roast beef over rice arrives covered with a smoke-filled cloche, and you’ll want to have your camera ready when the dome is lifted.
11-24 Honmachi, Kurashiki / Closed Wed, Thu (open on holidays).
Historic Kurashiki centres on a canal lined with centuries-old storehouses which have been turned into shops, cafés and museums.
Kojima south of central Kurashiki makes some of the best-quality jeans in the world. Browse the wares and dig into indigo-coloured soft serve here.
1-10-11 Chuo, Kurashiki.
Crafts enthusiasts flock to this captivating shop stocking wares by the Kurashiki company credited with bringing Japanese washi masking tape to the masses.
5-12 Honmachi, Kurashiki / Closed Tue.
Walk (17 mins)
JR Sanyo Line train from Kurashiki Station, alight at Okayama Station (18 mins)
Bus 502, 533 or 535 from Okayama Station, alight at NTT Okayama-mae (5 mins)
Walk (4 mins)
Must-try dishes at this quintessential Okayama izakaya include sushi rolls and torisu – slices of chewy chicken thigh and glass noodles marinated in ponzu.
1-2-43 Omotecho, Kita, Okayama / Closed Sun.
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