This is the third installment in our series introducing autumn foliage spots in the Chugoku-Shikoku region.
Our third destination is Okayama Prefecture!
Known as “Okayama, the Land of Sunshine,” Okayama Prefecture is blessed with a mild climate facing the Seto Inland Sea and abundant nature woven by the Kibi Plateau and the Chugoku Mountains. In autumn, you can enjoy beautiful autumn leaves with different charms throughout the prefecture. From historic gardens to magnificent highlands and castles in the sky, Okayama offers a variety of locations that captivate visitors. Here are three highly recommended autumn foliage spots in Okayama Prefecture.
– Table of Contents –
1. Okayama Korakuen Garden (Okayama City)
2. Hiruzen Highlands (Maniwa City)
3. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (Takahashi City)
4. Tips for Enjoying Autumn Leaf Viewing
5. Summary
1. Okayama Korakuen Garden (Okayama City)
Best viewing: Late November – Early December
Okayama Korakuen Garden, counted as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, is a stroll garden that has maintained its appearance for approximately 300 years. With Okayama Castle as its borrowed scenery, the vast grounds are planted with maple and ginkgo trees, adding vibrant colors to the ponds and lawns in autumn. Please enjoy the elegant autumn foliage scenery, a fusion of history and nature, to your heart’s content.
Highlights
– The spectacular “inverted autumn leaves” around Sawa-no-ike Pond, where the colorful trees reflect beautifully on the water’s surface.
– The enchanting illuminated autumn leaves during the special evening opening “Fantasy Garden” (November 14-24).
Special page: http://genso-teien.okayama.jp/
– Enjoy the charming autumn leaves up close along the 640-meter-long winding stream (Kyokusui) that flows through the garden.
Within the vast grounds of approximately 13 hectares, ponds, artificial hills, and tea houses are skillfully arranged, offering picturesque autumn foliage views from every angle.
Newbie’s Recommendation!
Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle are connected by Tsukimi Bridge, so we recommend visiting both together! In particular, the autumn foliage of Korakuen Garden seen from the keep of Okayama Castle is exceptional. Early morning, right after opening, is less crowded, allowing you to quietly enjoy the autumn leaves in the crisp air.
2. Hiruzen Highlands (Maniwa City)
Best viewing: Late October – Mid-November
Located in northern Okayama Prefecture, Hiruzen Highlands is a picturesque and beautiful plateau region. From late October, the broadleaf trees such as beech primeval forests and maples begin to change color, and by early November, they burst into fiery reds and yellows, covering the entire plateau like a brocade carpet. You can enjoy dynamic autumn foliage amidst the vast nature while driving or cycling.
Highlights
– A scenic drive along the Hiruzen-Daisen Skyline. From the “Kimendai Observation Rest Area,” you can enjoy a panoramic view of Susuki (Japanese pampas grass) fields, Hiruzen Highlands, and the autumn leaves of Mt. Daisen (Tottori Prefecture).
– Enjoy the autumn leaves while feeling the wind by cycling around the highlands with a rental bike.
– The contrast between the pastures around Hiruzen Jersey Land and the autumn-colored mountains.
The expansive highland air and the vibrant contrast of autumn leaves will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Newbie’s Recommendation!
When you come to Hiruzen Highlands, you can’t miss the Jersey cow dairy products! Enjoying rich soft-serve ice cream or cheese while gazing at the autumn leaves is a supreme luxury. It’s also nice to extend your trip a little and warm your body in a nearby hot spring.
3. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (Takahashi City)
Best viewing: Late November – Early December
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, built atop Mt. Gagyu (430m above sea level), is known as a “Castle in the Sky,” being the highest castle with an existing keep in Japan. In autumn, the hiking trails leading to the castle and the surrounding mountains are dyed red with maple and other trees, creating a beautiful landscape with the contrast of the historic castle and autumn foliage. In particular, the combination of the castle floating in a sea of clouds in the early morning and the autumn leaves is a breathtaking sight.
Highlights
– A panoramic view of Takahashi city and the autumn-colored mountains from the castle keep.
– Walking through a tunnel of autumn leaves on the hiking trail leading to the castle.
– Viewing the ethereal sight of the castle floating in a sea of clouds with autumn leaves from the “Sea of Clouds Observation Deck” (weather permitting).
– The historical and emotional scenery created by the castle’s stone walls and autumn leaves.
The sight of the entire castle enveloped in autumn colors is like something out of an ancient picture scroll.
Newbie’s Recommendation!
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle has a cat lord named “Sanju-ro”! If you’re lucky, you might meet him inside the castle. In the castle town of Takahashi, there are samurai residences and old townscapes remaining, so it’s also recommended to take a stroll before or after your autumn leaf viewing.
4. Tips for Enjoying Autumn Leaf Viewing
Prepare Your Clothing and Gear:
High-altitude areas like Hiruzen Highlands and Bitchu Matsuyama Castle are colder than urban areas. Prepare warm clothing and layers, and sturdy walking shoes are essential for mountain castles. Especially for Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear.
Consider Efficient Transportation:
Okayama Prefecture’s autumn foliage spots are spread out, so renting a car is recommended. The drive through Hiruzen Highlands, in particular, is a scenic experience in itself. If using public transportation, be sure to check timetables and transfers thoroughly in advance.
Aim for Early Morning Visits to Catch the Best Views:
Popular spots are best visited in the early morning. The sea of clouds at Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (weather permitting) and the autumn leaves shrouded in morning mist at Okayama Korakuen Garden are worth waking up early for. You can enjoy the autumn leaves peacefully, avoiding crowds.
Enjoy Local Gourmet Food Too:
Along with autumn leaf viewing, savor the delicious local specialties. Rich Jersey dairy products at Hiruzen Highlands, Japanese sweets around Okayama Korakuen Garden, and castle town gourmet in Takahashi will enhance your trip. Warming your body with hot food is also a good idea.
Gather Information Thoroughly in Advance:
The peak viewing period for autumn leaves varies depending on the climate. Before visiting, check official websites for the latest information on peak times, as well as light-up event schedules, traffic regulations, and especially cloud sea forecasts for Bitchu Matsuyama Castle.
Prepare Your Camera:
Don’t forget to charge your camera or smartphone to capture the spectacular scenery. A tripod is convenient, especially for shooting in dark conditions like sea of clouds or light-ups.
5. Summary
Okayama Prefecture boasts numerous beautiful autumn foliage spots where rich nature and historical backgrounds converge. From the elegant autumn leaves of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, the dynamic foliage of magnificent highlands, to the historic autumn colors adorning a castle in the sky – the diverse expressions of Okayama’s autumn leaves are all worth seeing. If you have the chance to visit the Chugoku-Shikoku region in autumn, please enjoy autumn leaf viewing to your heart’s content in “Okayama, the Land of Sunshine.”
*The best viewing period for autumn leaves may vary depending on weather conditions. Please check the latest autumn foliage information before heading out.
