Okayama
Japan’s sunniest prefecture pairs a perfectly manicured Edo garden, a preserved canal town of white-walled storehouses, and the world’s sweetest Muscat grapes.
日本三名園の後楽園、白壁が美しい倉敷美観地区、そしてマスカット・きびだんご。岡山は上品な旅の魅力に満ちた県です。
Okayama calls itself the ‘Land of Sunshine’ — with fewer rainy days than almost any other Japanese prefecture. Korakuen Garden, built in 1700, is ranked one of Japan’s three finest gardens. Just 15 minutes away, Kurashiki’s Bikan historical quarter features pristine white-walled kura storehouses lining a willow-draped canal. Okayama is also the birthplace of Japan’s sweetest Muscat grapes and the Momotaro (Peach Boy) folklore.
晴れの国・岡山は日本三名園の後楽園と倉敷美観地区を有する観光の要所。日本一甘いシャインマスカットの産地であり、桃太郎伝説の故郷でもあります。
Recommended Omiyage
おすすめおみやげ 5選
Kibidango
Soft millet-flour rice cakes — the souvenir of the legendary Momotaro Peach Boy story
桃太郎のおみやげとして有名な、きびこ製の柔らかいもち菓子。
Shine Muscat
Japan’s premium seedless green grapes — intensely sweet with a floral muscat aroma
種なしで皮ごと食べられる、芳醇な香りの高級葡萄。
White Peach Jam
Luxurious jam made from Okayama’s renowned white peaches — fragrant and silky
岡山特産の白桃を使ったとろっとした高級ジャム。
Bizen Yaki Tea Cup
Rustic, unglazed Bizen pottery — Japan’s oldest surviving ceramic tradition (1,000+ years)
釉薬を使わない素朴な焼き締め陶器。1,000年の歴史を持つ備前焼。
Barachirashi
Okayama’s festive scattered sushi topped with shrimp, conger eel and local vegetables
えび・あなご・地元野菜を豪快に盛り付けた岡山のハレの日寿司。
Must-Visit Spots
おすすめスポット 5選
Korakuen Garden
One of Japan’s three great gardens, built in 1700 by the Ikeda clan with tea houses and cranes
池田家が1700年に造営した回遊式庭園。ツルの放鳥が名物。
Okayama Castle
Nicknamed ‘Crow Castle’ for its black exterior — a striking contrast to Himeji’s white walls
黒い外壁が印象的な「烏城」。後楽園と合わせて観光できる。
Kurashiki Bikan Quarter
Preserved canal-side quarter of white kura storehouses and willow trees — Japan’s finest
白壁と柳が映える運河沿いの美観地区。大原美術館も必見。
Ohara Museum of Art
Japan’s first Western-art museum, with works by El Greco, Monet and Picasso in Kurashiki
日本初の西洋美術館。クロード・モネや岸田劉生の傑作が並ぶ。
Washuzan Hill
Panoramic viewpoint over the Seto Inland Sea and its 3,000 island archipelago
瀬戸内海と3,000の島々を一望するビュースポット。夕日が絶景。
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Okayama to Kurashiki?
JR Sanyo Line from Okayama to Kurashiki takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, a direct bus runs every 30 minutes from Okayama Station.
岡山〜倉敷はJR山陽本線で約15分。バスも30分おきに運行しています。
When is the best time to visit Korakuen?
Spring (cherry blossom, late March–April), summer evenings (illumination events), and autumn foliage are all beautiful. Cranes are released in the garden from October–March.
春の桜・夏の夕涼み・秋の紅葉が特に美しい。10〜3月にはタンチョウの放鳥も行われます。
What is Bizen ware and where can I buy it?
Bizen pottery (備前焼) is one of Japan’s oldest ceramic traditions — unglazed, fire-marked clay. The Imbe district in Bizen City is the center, with many kilns open for purchase and tours.
備前焼は釉薬なしで窯変を楽しむ焼き締め陶器。備前市伊部地区に多くの窯元があります。
Travel Tip
Buy the ‘Korakuen + Okayama Castle’ combination ticket (¥580) — it saves money and lets you cross the bridge between the garden and castle in minutes. Allow at least 2 hours for the garden alone.
