Okayama: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Delicacies

Top Reasons to Visit Okayama Prefecture

Okayama Prefecture, located in the Chugoku region of Japan, offers a captivating blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Here are the top reasons why you should consider adding it to your Japan itinerary:

• Immerse yourself in history and culture: Explore the well-preserved streets of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a testament to Japan’s Edo-era architecture and culture. Visit the prestigious Ohara Museum of Art to delve into the world of Western and Japanese art.
• Indulge in nature’s bounty: Okayama is renowned for its abundance of fresh fruits, including the renowned Shine Muscat grapes, white peaches, and melons. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, and admire its stunning Japanese landscaping.
• Savor the local flavors: Treat yourself to a delectable Okayama Fruit Parfait made with fresh seasonal fruits. Quench your thirst with a refreshing Momo Shake made with sweet, juicy peaches. Discover the unique flavors of Mitsuyakare Curry, a popular dish served in a renovated traditional townhouse.
• Shop for unique souvenirs: Purchase high-quality denim products from Kojima, the birthplace of Japanese denim. Collect unique and decorative masking tape featuring various Japanese designs. Browse a variety of souvenirs, including pottery, glassware, and traditional Japanese goods, at Kurashiki Ivy Square. Take home a piece of history with merchandise featuring the iconic Okayama Castle.

Attractions

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

• Namako Wall: Admire the unique white-washed walls with intricate black tile patterns, resembling the shape of sea cucumbers (namako).
• Ohara Museum of Art: Explore the museum’s extensive collection of Western and Japanese art, including works by Monet, Picasso, and El Greco.
• Kurashippo Canal: Take a leisurely boat ride along the canal and soak in the charm of the old town.

Okayama Station Area

• Okayama Castle (Crow Castle): Visit this iconic castle known for its striking black exterior and elegant architecture.
• Korakuen Garden: Wander through this sprawling garden, renowned for its harmonious blend of ponds, hills, and teahouses.
• Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art: Discover a diverse collection of art from various periods, including Japanese swords and ceramics.

Specialties

• Okayama Fruit Parfait: Treat yourself to a delectable parfait made with fresh seasonal fruits from the region.
• Momo Shake: Quench your thirst with a refreshing milkshake made with sweet, juicy peaches.
• Mitsuyakare Curry: Savor a flavorful Japanese curry at Mitsuyakare Shokudo, a popular restaurant housed in a renovated traditional townhouse.
• Colorful Dango: Delight in colorful rice dumplings filled with sweet red bean paste and topped with fruit or mochi.
• Blue Foods on Denim Street: Explore the novelty of blue-colored foods and beverages, such as blue ramune soft serve and blue pork buns.

Delicacies

Okayama Fruit Parfait

Treat yourself to a delectable parfait made with fresh seasonal fruits from the region. Okayama is renowned for its abundance of fresh fruits, including the renowned Shine Muscat grapes, white peaches, and melons. These fruits are carefully selected and arranged in a parfait glass, creating a colorful and flavorful dessert that is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Momo Shake

Quench your thirst with a refreshing milkshake made with sweet, juicy peaches. Okayama’s peaches are known for their exceptional sweetness and aroma. These peaches are blended with milk and ice to create a smooth and creamy milkshake that is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.

Mitsuyakare Curry

Savor a flavorful Japanese curry at Mitsuyakare Shokudo, a popular restaurant housed in a renovated traditional townhouse. Mitsuyakare Curry is a unique dish that combines the rich flavors of Japanese curry with the freshness of local ingredients. The curry is made with a blend of spices and a variety of vegetables, and it is served with a choice of pork, chicken, or tofu.

Colorful Dango

Delight in colorful rice dumplings filled with sweet red bean paste and topped with fruit or mochi. Dango is a popular Japanese snack that is made from glutinous rice flour. These dango are made with natural food coloring to create a variety of vibrant colors. They are filled with sweet red bean paste and topped with fresh fruit or chewy mochi, creating a delightful treat that is both visually appealing and delicious.

Blue Foods on Denim Street

Explore the novelty of blue-colored foods and beverages, such as blue ramune soft serve and blue pork buns. Kurashiki is known for its denim industry, and Denim Street is a popular shopping area where you can find a variety of denim products. On Denim Street, you can also find a number of food stalls selling blue-colored foods and beverages. These foods are made with natural food coloring and are a fun and unique way to experience the local culture.

Souvenir Guide

Denim Products

Purchase high-quality denim jeans and accessories from Kojima, the birthplace of Japanese denim. Kojima is a town located in Okayama Prefecture and is renowned for its denim production. Here, you can find a wide variety of denim products, from classic jeans to stylish jackets and accessories. The denim products made in Kojima are known for their high quality and durability, and they are a great way to take a piece of Japanese craftsmanship home with you.

Masking Tape

Collect unique and decorative masking tape featuring various Japanese designs. Masking tape is a popular craft and stationery item in Japan, and it is available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and designs. You can find masking tape with traditional Japanese motifs, such as cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and kabuki actors. Masking tape is a versatile item that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as decorating notebooks, gift wrapping, and creating paper crafts.

Wooden Toys

Find charming wooden toys and crafts made by local artisans. Okayama Prefecture is home to a number of skilled woodworkers who create beautiful and unique wooden toys and crafts. These toys are often made with traditional Japanese techniques and designs, and they are a great way to support local artisans and take home a piece of Japanese culture.

Souvenirs from Kurashiki Ivy Square

Browse a variety of souvenirs, including pottery, glassware, and traditional Japanese goods, at Kurashiki Ivy Square. Kurashiki Ivy Square is a shopping and entertainment complex located in a former cotton mill. Here, you can find a variety of shops selling a wide range of souvenirs, including pottery, glassware, traditional Japanese clothing, and handicrafts. Kurashiki Ivy Square is a great place to find unique and memorable souvenirs of your trip to Okayama.

Okayama Castle Goods

Take home a piece of history with merchandise featuring the iconic Okayama Castle. Okayama Castle is one of the most famous castles in Japan, and it is a popular tourist destination. At the castle, you can find a variety of merchandise, such as t-shirts, postcards, and keychains, featuring the castle’s iconic black exterior and elegant architecture. These goods are a great way to commemorate your visit to Okayama Castle and take home a piece of Japanese history.

Detailed Itinerary