Okayama, Japan: travel guide
A castle and landscape garden, and the doorway to Kurashiki and Naoshima
The "city of sunshine" is the gateway to Kurashiki's Bikan historical quarter, home to Japan's third most celebrated garden (Korakuen), a magnificent black castle known as the "Crow Castle," and excellent access to Naoshima Art Island.
About Okayama
Okayama is a relaxed city in western Honshu that works well as a base for exploring the Seto Inland Sea region. Its black castle, known as the Crow Castle, stands beside Korakuen, a landscape garden that is among the best-known in Japan.
The nearby town of Kurashiki has a preserved merchant quarter, the Bikan district, with willow-lined canals, white-walled storehouses and the Ohara Museum of Art. From Okayama you can also continue by train and ferry to Naoshima, the island known for contemporary art.
Okayama suits slow travellers, garden lovers and art fans. Spring and autumn are comfortable seasons, and the region has a reputation for sunny, dry weather.
- Country
- Japan
- Currency
- JPY
- Time zone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Nearest airport
- OKJ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Okayama
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
historic district · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Willow-lined canal district of white-walled Edo warehouses turned shops and cafes.
Kibitsu Shrine
shinto shrine · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Shrine with a nationally treasured 400 m roofed corridor and unique double-roof hall.
Korakuen Garden
landscape garden · about 1.5 h · entry ¥500 (≈ ₹300)
One of Japan's Three Great Gardens, a strolling garden facing Okayama Castle.
Okayama Castle
castle · about 1 h · entry ¥400 (≈ ₹240)
Reconstructed black-clad "Crow Castle" beside the Asahi River.
Ohara Museum of Art
art museum · about 1.3 h · entry ¥2,000 (≈ ₹1,200)
Japan's first museum of Western art, holding El Greco, Monet and Gauguin works.
Washuzan Hill
hilltop · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Viewpoint over the Seto Inland Sea islands and the Great Seto Bridge.
Achi Shrine
shinto shrine · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Hilltop shrine above Kurashiki Bikan offering views over the old town.
Okayama Orient Museum
history museum · about 0.8 h · entry ¥300 (≈ ₹180)
Museum of Near Eastern antiquities from Mesopotamia to the Islamic period.
Saidaiji Kannonin
buddhist temple · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
Temple that hosts the Hadaka Matsuri naked festival each February.
Things to do
- Okayama Castle Kimono & Korakuen Photo Walk Experience · 3 h · from JPY 4,500 per person
- Bizen-yaki Pottery Hands-on Class Class · 2 h · from JPY 4,000 per person
Where to stay in Okayama
- Downtown about JPY 3,500 per night
City center with mid-range accommodation
Hotels
- Ryokan Kurashiki 4-star
- Hotel Granvia Okayama 4-star
- Koraku Hotel 3-star
Where to eat
- Aeon Okayama Food Court Japanese, Katsu · about JPY 1,200 per person
- Fukumeguri Sushi, Seafood · about JPY 3,000 per person
- Kanaizumi (Kurashiki) Udon, Japanese · about JPY 1,100 per person
- Yamatoya Okayama Ramen · about JPY 1,000 per person
Getting to Okayama
Airport: Okayama (OKJ)
Getting around
- Bus
- Tram
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Roppongi bar overcharge
Roppongi · Kabukicho nightlife
Foreign-fronted bar in Roppongi adds drink charges and seat fees you weren't shown; bill arrives at 5–10x expected.
How to avoid it: Stick to bars with clear printed menus and prices on the door. Ask price before sitting.
More in Japan
Frequently asked questions about Okayama
- What are the main places to visit in Okayama?
- Places covered in our Okayama guide include Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Kibitsu Shrine, Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle, Ohara Museum of Art.
- Where should I stay in Okayama?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Okayama: Downtown.
- How do I get around Okayama?
- Ways to get around Okayama covered in our guide: City bus, Tram, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Okayama?
- Scams reported to us for Okayama include Roppongi bar overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Okayama?
- The nearest airport to Okayama has the code OKJ.