Exploring the North of Okayama Prefecture

In the final part of this three-part series on Okayama Prefecture we will explore the northern area of Okayama Prefecture which includes Takahashi, Hiruzen and Okutsu. If you missed the first two parts of the series, you can see our guide on Okayama City and Kurashiki in part 1, and southern Okayama Prefecture in part 2.

The northern part of Okayama Prefecture is famous for its amazing castles, old villages, hot springs and stunning mountain scenery.

Takahashi

Takahashi is an old castle town in Okayama Prefecture full of history, culture and nature, located about 60 minutes from Okayama City.

The most famous attraction in Takahashi is Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, one of only twelve original castles still remaining in Japan. Located atop a 430-meter mountain, it is the highest stronghold in Japan with an existing castle tower. On a cold and clear morning in autumn, a sea of clouds form around the castle, giving the illusion that the castle is floating in the sky. This has earned the castle the cool nickname, “The Castle in the Sky”. The best time to visit Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is very early morning in autumn for the amazing fall foliage and sea of clouds.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle floating in a sea of clouds in autumn

Located deep in the mountains of Takahashi, 550-meters above sea-level is Fukiya Furusato Village, a remote mountain village that is home to a beautiful street of houses with red roof tiles and walls. Here you can visit a one-of-a-kind street in Japan that is painted in traditional “Bengara” a vivid red colour pigment made from oxidized iron. The mountain village once flourished as a copper mining town and major producer of “Bengara” during the late Edo Period (1603-1868) through to the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Today, the uniform red colour of the buildings here hark back to the past as well as appealing to the eye with their aesthetically looking appearance. The red pigment helps preserve the buildings as well as repelling insects, which is definitely a good thing in my book.

The uniform red of the buildings of Fukiya Furusato has earned the village recognition as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings as well as being labeled as an Important Cultural Asset by the Japanese government. In order to save and preserve these beautiful and historic buildings, the local residents have turned many of them into charming shops selling local handicrafts and museums to inform about the culture and history of the village. Some of the buildings have even been turned into accommodation, where you can rent a house for a stay to soak up the authentic atmosphere further in this magical village.

Fukiya Furusato Village is painted in traditional Bengara red

Hiruzen Kogen Highlands

Hiruzen Kogen Highlands in the north of Okayama Prefecture reminds me a lot of the beautiful mountains here in Gifu. Located on a gently sloping plateau, this prominent resort area in Western Japan is famous for its rolling hills and Jersey cows. The best time to visit is spring for the fresh greenery, or autumn for the colourful fall foliage.

Hiruzen Winery is the perfect place to recharge the batteries with delicious western style food made with its famous wine grown from wild mountain grapes. The winery located on a hill overlooking some stunning mountain scenery has some exquisite wine to choose from which has won multiple awards at Japanese wine competitions.

Amazing views from Hiruzen Winery in the Hiruzen Kogen Highlands of Okayama

Hiruzen Jersey Land is where you can try some fresh local dairy products made from the milk of the local Jersey cows. The best way to sample some of this Jersey magic is via trying a Jersey milk soft-serve ice cream, or some cheese made from the milk of the area’s most famous residents, the Jersey cows.

The best way to explore the local area is by bike and the Hiruzen Cycling Club gives you the chance to see the beautiful nature of the area in a fun and healthy way. Follow the Hiruzen Kogen Cycle Road to enjoy the beauty nature of each season from the fresh green of spring to the blazing red leaves of autumn.

One of the best nature spots in the area is Shiogama Cold Spring, a natural cold spring located in a secluded valley at the foot of the Naka-Hiruzen Mountains 520 meters above sea level. The cold spring measures 12 meters from north to south, 5 meters from east to west, and is 1.9 meters at its deepest point. It is classified as one of Japan’s Top 100 Springs, and produces 300 liters of water every second.

Shiogama Cold Spring at the foot of the Naka-Hiruzen Mountains

Okutsu Onsen

The Okutsu Valley is a picturesque valley that is home to the largest formation of natural potholes in East Asia. The valley is alive with colour during fall with colourful autumn leaves. You can even enjoy a light-up event that offers you the chance to experience the colourful autumn leaves illuminated at night.

Autumn leaves illuminated at night in the Okutsu Valley

Okutsu Onsen is a picturesque hot spring town nestled among mountains and mountain streams of Okayama. The water from Okutsu Onsen is said to purify the skin and make you more beautiful. The hot spring water is called “Bijin no Yu” in Japanese, meaning beautifying water.

Ashiyu foot baths at Okutsu Onsen

The best place to experience these beautifying waters is at Meisen Kagiyu Okutsuso, a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) located at Okutsu Onsen. Here you can experience sleeping in a Japanese tatami room with futon and soaking in the natural hot spring baths at the inn. Just outside the inn is a river which has two different ashiyu (foot baths) on either side.

Meisen Kagiyu Okutsuso traditional Japanese inn at Okutsu Onsen

There you have it, my extensive guide to Okayama Prefecture from the south to the north. After reading this series I think you’d agree that Okayama is full of amazing hidden gems, which make it in my opinion, one of the must-see destinations in Japan.

Fukiya Furusato Village in Takahashi

Exploring the South of Okayama Prefecture

In the second part of this three-part series on Okayama Prefecture we will continue exploring the southern area of Okayama Prefecture which includes Okayama City, Kurashiki, Akaiwa, Bizen and Setouchi. If you missed it, you can catch part 1 of the series here, which focuses on Okayama City and Kurashiki.

The southern part of Okayama Prefecture is famous for its traditional pottery, legendary Japanese samurai swords, olive gardens, spectacular sunsets and Mediterranean Sea like coast.

Akaiwa

Akaiwa is a city in Okayama Prefecture that is one of the three remaining places in Japan that produces the bamboo stalk for fude (ink brushes). It is also famous for its top quality Omachi rice, which can mean only one thing, top-notch sake.

The Muromachi Shuzo Sake Brewery was founded in 1688, making it the oldest existing sake brewery in Okayama Prefecture with a history of over 320 years. The sake brewery takes great pride in its products with its traditional techniques handed down from generation to generation. The award-winning sake is made using Omachi cold spring water (one of the Top 100 Great Springs of Japan) and Omachi rice, the only pure strain of rice left in Japan, which is produced locally in Akaiwa.

Gold medal sake at Muromachi Shuzo Sake Brewery in Akaiwa

Inbe

About 20 kms from Akaiwa is Inbe, a town in Bizen City, which is the home of Bizen-yaki Pottery, the oldest and most revered form of pottery in all of Japan. During the Kamakura Period (1185-1338) Bizen came to prominence as one of the six pottery producing centers in Japan.

Today, Bizen Pottery is renowned for its strength and beauty throughout Japan. Bizen Pottery with its unique unglazed natural reddish or brownish colour was rougher and fired at higher temperatures to produce a more durable type of pottery. Bizen Pottery is said to be so strong that even if you throw it, it will not break easily. It also said that the water preserving qualities of the pottery allow flowers to last longer in Bizen vases and beer to stay colder with a creamer head in Bizen cups.

Inbe Minami Ogama Ato is where the South Large Kiln for making Bizen Pottery was placed. It was used as a communal kiln during the golden age of Bizen ware in the Momoyama (1568-1600) and Edo period (1600-1868). Today the hill is covered with broken pieces of Bizen-yaki that were thrown there after breaking during the firing process. It is an interesting place to visit giving you a glimpse of the history of Bizen ware and a great view of the city from the top of the hill.

View over Inbe from Inbe Minami Ogama Ato

Bizen-yaki Dento Sangyo Kaikan is both a tourist information center and a café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee in traditional Bizen ware cups, or head upstairs and enjoy the gallery for Bizen-yaki artists, where you can purchase many kinds of Bizen ware pieces.

Bizen-yaki on display at the Bizen-yaki Dento Sangyo Kaikan

If you are feeling the creative juices flowing and want to give this unique art form a try, check out the Bizen-yaki Tokichi pottery experience to create Bizen ware that will be fired and posted out to you when complete.

Bizen-yaki Tokichi Pottery Experience

Amatsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Bizen Pottery. The shrine founded in 1411 enshrines the patron god of the birthplace of Bizen Yaki. Bizen Pottery can be found everywhere here from the Guardian shrine dogs that stand at the entrance of the shrine and the shrine’s roof tiles to the path approaching the shrine, which is lined with tiles contributed by local Bizen Pottery artists. Different bits and pieces of Bizen Pottery can be found all over the shrine precincts such as Bizen ware talisman and the Seven Lucky Gods of Fortune.

Amatsu Shrine in Inbe

Feeling hungry? Stop by Kokorozushi for fresh sushi served on Bizen ware plates. This place serves some of the best sushi I’ve had in Japan which tastes even better when served on a beautiful Bizen-yaki plate made by local artists.

Fresh sushi served on a Bizen-yaki plate at Kokorozushi in Inbe

Osafune

Osafune is a town in Setouchi City, which once flourished as a major producer of Japanese swords.

The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum in Osafune is the home of the Japanese sword and is perfect place if you are a samurai fan like myself. The Bizen area was one of five major sword making areas in Japan during the age of the samurai, so has a long history and reputation for producing top-quality swords. There are three essential elements to producing quality swords: their use (ability to cut), their beauty (appearance) and their spirit (passed from the flames by the master sword-smith). Around half of the existing swords designated as National Treasures of Japan were made in Bizen.

The iron-rich mountains around Bizen provided the quality raw materials necessary to produce legendary Japanese swords that are now regarded as works of art. Here you can witness traditional sword forging techniques and view some of the many masterpieces that are on display.

The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum in Osafune

Setouchi

Ushimado in Setouchi City is a seaside resort town that overlooks the many beautiful islands that dot the Setonaikai (Seto Inland Sea). It is the perfect place to admire the Seto Inland Sea, which is called the “Aegean Sea of Japan”. Here you can enjoy the beautiful island scenery of the Setonaikai while admiring the stunning sunset, which is regarded as one of the “Best 100 Sunsets in Japan”. Take a stroll or leisurely ride up to the Ushimado Olive Garden for some breathtaking views of the blue sea and Seto Islands mixed in with the green of the olive groves.

View of the Seto Inland Sea from the Ushimado Olive Garden

The Hotel Limani & Spa in Ushimado is a resort hotel inspired by the Greek Islands. If the scenery, architecture, blue and white colours don’t get you then the authentic Greek food prepared by the head chef, a Greek-Australian will definitely make you feel like you are in Greece. The dry-aged Okayama beef is to die for but if you are after something truly special give the chicken & lamb Gyros a try.

The Hotel Limani & Spa in Ushimado

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about some of the great attractions that southern Okayama Prefecture has to offer the keen traveler. Please stay tuned for part 3 where we will explore the northern area of Okayama Prefecture.

The Seto Inland Sea from The Hotel Limani & Spa in Ushimado

Okayama: Get Off the Beaten Track in The Land of Sunshine

Spend a relaxing time without all the crowds in Okayama Prefecture, also known as “The Land of Sunshine”, due to its status as the sunniest place in all of Japan.

Okayama is often overlooked as just a stop on the Shinkansen when heading to Hiroshima from either Kyoto or Tokyo, but what people don’t know is that Okayama is an amazing tourist destination in its own right, and the perfect gateway for exploring the region.

Located in the western part of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Okayama is midway between the major cities of Osaka and Hiroshima. You can reach Osaka from Okayama via Shinkansen in about 45-minutes and Hiroshima in about 35-minutes. Shikoku and Shimane are also easily accessible via direct train line from Okayama City.

Your most likely starting point in Okayama Prefecture is the capital, Okayama City, famous for Korakuen, one of Japan’s Top 3 Gardens and Okayama Castle known as “The Golden Crow Castle” due to its black exterior and golden tile decorations.

In the first part of this three-part series on Okayama Prefecture we will be exploring the southern area of Okayama Prefecture focusing on Okayama City and Kurashiki.

Okayama City 

With Okayama Castle as its core, Okayama City has prospered for centuries as a castle town and cultural center for the Chugoku region of Japan.

Okayama Castle was first built by Hideie Ukita in 1597 and is famous for its majestic black-lacquered exterior and golden tile decorations, giving it the nickname Kin-ujo, “The Golden Crow Castle”. This magnificent castle brought many merchants and craftsmen to the area and established Okayama City as a true castle town.

Okayama Castle

Next door to Okayama Castle is Korakuen Garden, one of the top 3 landscape gardens in Japan along with Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa and Kairakuen Garden in Mito. Lord Tsunamasa of the Ikeda clan (head of Okayama domain) took more than 10 years to complete this amazing garden, which is known for its serene beauty.

Korakuen Garden

Located close to Okayama Station and key tourist attractions, Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden is Sake Kobo Doppokan, a sake brewery that produces sake, shochu, craft beer, whiskey and gin. The brewery started its business in 1915 and prides itself in producing high quality Japanese sake and alcohol. Take a tour of the brewing facilities or simply enjoy the modern-looking restaurant with craft beer on tap and delicious Japanese food with unique local dishes made to pair with the fine alcohol of the brewery.

Sake Kobo Doppokan

A short 20-minutes from downtown Okayama City is Sogenji Temple, a working monastery that welcomes foreigners from around the world seeking to learn about the Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was founded over 300 years ago by Ikeda clan as the family temple of the clan. Today about 20 people from all around the world study Zen meditation there seeking enlightenment. The temple offers visitors the chance to enjoy the Buddhist practice of zazen (Zen meditation). The hands-on experience in the tranquil surroundings of the temple will take you away from the troubles of this world into a place of peace and relaxation.

Sogenji Temple

Kurashiki 

Kurashiki is a beautiful place with historic buildings and a canal area giving it the nickname, “The Venice of Japan”. It is only a short 17-minute train ride from Okayama City.

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is one of the most picturesque old merchant towns in all of Japan. Walk the narrow streets lined with traditional 17th century kura storehouses and merchant homes. The beautiful buildings with their thick black and white patterned walls and shiny black roof tiles contrast magnificently with the green of the willow-lined canal. One of the best ways to enjoy the old-time atmosphere of this historic area is to don a kimono or yukata and leisurely stroll the streets. You can hire a variety of traditional Japanese kimono from Kurashiki Kimono Komachi.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

The Ohara House with its distinct windows and latticework is a classic example of a Kurashiki Merchant houses that still survives to this day in its original form. The Ohara family were a wealthy family of merchants with its most famous member being, Magosaburo Ohara, a businessman and philanthropist who founded the Ohara Museum of Art and the Kuraray Chemical Company.

Ohara House

The Ohara Museum of Art is a must-see gallery with works of art from European masters such as Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Matisse and El Greco. This magnificent collection of art is housed in an eye-catching building styled after a classic Greek temple. The museum was the first privately operated museum of Western art in Japan and was funded entirely by the wealthy Ohara family.

The Ohara Museum of Art

Ryokan Kurashiki is located at the foot of the Nakabashi Bridge in the center of the Bikan Historic Quarter. The home of a successful sugar merchant is now a traditional Japanese inn and restaurant that serves seasonal food made from local ingredients and fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.

Lunch at Ryokan Kurashiki

Kurashiki Ivy Square is the birthplace of the Kurashiki Spinning Works Cotton Mill which was owned by the Ohara family. The picturesque ivy-covered red brick buildings with saw-toothed pattern roofs, red brick walls and semi-circular windows, make you feel like you are no longer in Japan, but in Victorian England. The impressive complex is now host to several cafes, restaurants and shops with a tranquil piazza at its center. Take the experience further by staying the night at the hotel in Kurashiki Ivy Square, which gives you the chance to enjoy Kurashiki at night, or get up early and explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter without all the crowds in the morning.

Kurashiki Ivy Square

If you are hungry check out Yakitori Kurashiki Takataya, the best yakitori in town. This tasty establishment offers you an authentic Japanese izakaya or pub-style experience at reasonable prices.

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about some of the great attractions that Okayama has to offer the keen traveler. Please stay tuned for part 2 where we will continue to explore the southern area of Okayama Prefecture.

Japan Picture of the Week Kurashiki Ivy Square

Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture, Japan is one of the best places to take a stroll in all of Japan. It has the famous Bikan Historical area, which you can read about here with its canal framed with weeping willows and filled with koi.