(2 Days 1 Night) Stay in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama
Visit all of Okayama’s highlights at once: “Okayama Castle,” one of Japan’s 100 Famous Castles; “Okayama Korakuen Garden,” one of Japan’s three most famous gardens; “Bitchu Matsuyama Castle,” Japan’s only mountain castle with an existing keep; “Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter,” a beautiful white-walled townscape steeped in history and art; and “Ohara Museum of Art,” Japan’s first private Western art museum.
Built by Ukita Hideie, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this castle features a rare six-story keep with an irregular pentagonal shape, creating a dignified appearance. From the top floor, you can enjoy 360-degree views of Okayama Korakuen Garden and the city.
Transportation: 5 minutes on foot
Okayama Korakuen Garden (60 minutes)
A grand garden built by the second lord of Okayama Domain. This garden, which still retains its Edo-period appearance, offers seasonal attractions with flowers that color each season.
Transportation: On foot
Lunch (Korakuen Outer Garden area)
There are Japanese restaurants and cafes. Please enjoy a relaxing time while feeling the garden’s atmosphere.
Transportation: 30 minutes by car
Kibitsu Shrine (45 minutes)
A shrine associated with the Momotaro legend. You can experience the legendary setting with rocks where demon-slaying arrows are said to have been placed and buildings where demon heads are said to be buried.
Transportation: 50 minutes by car
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (60 minutes)
Rising at 430 meters above sea level, this castle is affectionately described as the “strongest castle” or “castle in the sky.” From September to April, you can see its mystical appearance wrapped in a sea of clouds. It’s also famous as the castle where a cat named “Cat Lord Sanjuro” took up residence and became popular.
Route: Ohara Museum of Art → Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter → Okayama Station
Departure from Hotel (around 9:30 AM)
Transportation: 10 minutes on foot
Ohara Museum of Art (100 minutes)
A museum located in a corner of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. As Japan’s first private museum focusing on Western art, it houses numerous world-famous paintings. The museum building itself also has historical value.
A representative tourist destination of Okayama Prefecture that attracts over 3 million visitors annually. Beautiful townscapes spread out where white-walled storehouse residences from the Edo period harmonize with Western-style architecture. You can enjoy shopping at unique stores in renovated traditional houses and strolling along the Kurashiki River with its beautiful scenery. There’s also an abundance of street food options including colorful dango, soft-serve ice cream and steamed buns with denim motifs, and sweets made with fruits. Travel column about Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter available here
