Okayama isn’t a well-known destination for most travelers, which is really unfortunate. After spending three days there, Nick and I found it to be an extremely livable city with a great vibe and plenty to do.
Okayama City offers a great blend of traditional culture and modern conveniences. There’s a lot to see and do for all types of travelers. Plus, the city is known as the “Land of Sunshine” because it has more sunny days than most other parts of Japan, so you can usually expect good weather.
Located between Kyoto and Hiroshima on the JR Shinkansen train line, stopping in Okayama City is easy and definitely worth it. In this guide, I’ll share our experiences, including things to see and do, places to eat, and tips on getting around.
We were invited by the Okayama Visit Association to explore the city. Despite this, all our thoughts and opinions are our own.
After exploring northern Japan, we were curious about what the southern part had to offer. A four-hour Shinkansen ride brought us from Tokyo to Okayama. As soon as we stepped off the train, we were greeted by a large fountain and tents with people handing out food samples. It was an interesting and warm welcome! We stayed at the Daiwa Roynet hotel, conveniently located across from the Okayama train station.
Coming from the rural north, we immediately noticed the tall, modern buildings. However, there were also charming small streets with wide sidewalks. The Asahi River runs through the city, and there’s a long pathway for cycling and walking beside it. Okayama definitely feels pedestrian-friendly.
As we explored, we discovered Okayama’s unique charm. The streets are walkable and filled with craft beer bars, variety of restaurants, and plenty of art promoting local events. The city has a youthful vibe thanks to its university students riding bikes and skateboarding in parks.
We noticed peach-themed items everywhere—candy, wine, foods, and trinkets. We learned that Okayama is famous for its tasty white peaches, which play a large role in the famous Legend of Momotaro. According to the story, a woman found a peach floating down a river, and inside it was a boy named Momotaro who would later defeat an ogre disturbing the land. Peaches and references to Momotaro can be found all over the city.
We initially thought there wouldn’t be much to do in Okayama, but we were wrong. There’s something for everyone, from historical sites and religious shrines to natural beauty and great food spots.
First on the list is the Korakuen Gardens, one of Japan’s top three “great gardens.” This 400-year-old garden took 14 years to complete and covers 14 hectares. It’s a serene space with tea plantations, ponds, shrines, cherry and maple trees, and well-manicured grounds.
Close to the Korakuen Gardens, across the Asahi River, is Okayama Castle, built in 1597. Much of it was destroyed in WWII but restored in 1966. Today, the Tsukimi Tower and the Western Tower remain from the original structure. You can view the castle from the gardens or from a boat on the river, or you can walk across the bridge to explore it up close. The view from the top level is panoramic, featuring the Asahi River, bridge, and city.
No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing sushi. At the Kidoairaku Restaurant, we learned to make sushi with Namba-san, a retired sushi chef. We made nigiri, hand rolls, and decorative vegetables, learning about sushi etiquette along the way. After preparing eight pieces of sushi, we enjoyed our creations along with tempura vegetables, rice, and other sides. As someone who doesn’t eat raw fish, I made nigiri with mushrooms, onions, and lotus root. It’s a must-do for foodies.
In addition to sushi, the city has numerous craft beer bars, like Doppo-Kan, which offers massive fruit, cheese, jelly, and bean parfaits. They also have a sake, whiskey, and beer brewery tour. Craft Rainbow pub is another great spot for sampling beers.
The nearly 600-year-old Kibitsujinja Shrine is a must-visit. Its main feature is an incredibly long corridor leading to the prayer hall, where we experienced the Narukama Shinji ritual. The sound of roasting rice is said to be the defeated ogre’s moan, and the volume indicates your fortune. We were told our loud moan signified good fortune.
One of the best meals we had in Japan was at Megu Restaurant, where we enjoyed shabu-shabu. Thin slices of wagyu beef, tofu, and vegetables are cooked in a personal hot pot and dipped in sauces. The meal was delicious and a whole experience in itself. Reservations are necessary due to limited dining rooms.
The Sogenji Buddhist Temple is a peaceful place to relax or learn about Zen Buddhism. You can visit the monastery for Zen meditation or simply wander the beautiful grounds.
There are plenty of other activities in Okayama. Cyclists can enjoy the 17-kilometer Kibiji Cycling Road. In summer, you can pick peaches and grapes at local farms. Omotecho open-air shopping area is great for souvenirs, second-hand clothing, or window shopping.
Getting to Okayama is simple. From Tokyo, it’s a direct 3-hour and 10-minute ride on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. The same train line connects Kyoto and Hiroshima to Okayama. We took a Shinkansen from Tokyo, which took a little over 4 hours and was included in our JR Rail Pass. The city is well-connected to other major cities in Japan.
Getting around Okayama is easy. The city has a good tram system, lots of pedestrian areas, and buses to surrounding areas. You can also take taxis or cycle around.
While you could just stop by Okayama on your way to other destinations, it’s better to spend a few days to fully enjoy the sights. With comfortable weather year-round, it’s great for tourists. We visited in October and enjoyed mostly sunny days, but the best time is from May to October. Summer offers fruit picking and festivals, while spring brings cherry blossoms. Autumn colors are stunning in places like Korakuen Gardens, and even winter is pleasant with temperatures around 9°C.
Okayama might be off the beaten path for many foreign tourists, but it’s a welcoming and fun place with numerous festivals and activities. We spent three days there but could easily have stayed a week to explore more. With a population around 700,000, the city combines modern and historical sights, making it a fascinating destination we’d love to return to.