Shinjō Village (新庄村) is a village located in Maniwa District, Okayama Prefecture. While the village itself doesn’t have many attractions, it was still able to attract large crowds of visitors each year in spring! If you come to West Japan during the cherry blossom season, Gaisen Zakura Street in Shinjō Village is one of the places that you wouldn’t want […]
Shinjō Village and Gaisen Zakura Street’s Cherry Blossom Read More »
Maniwa City (真庭市), located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, is the place to be for all dairy lovers. The soft-serve ice cream and the cheese made from hundreds of Jersey cows’ milk are a must-try, especially if you plan to go to the Hiruzen Highlands! The city is also known as one of
Maniwa City – Jersey Cows and the Cherry Blossoms in Autumn Read More »
Experience your first mixed-gendered onsen bath at Yubara Onsen Sunayu (湯原温泉砂湯) in Maniwa City for free! This outdoor hot spring that is at the end of Yubara Onsen Town is just in front of the Yubara Dam (湯原ダム), making it one of the reasons that it ranks first among the best outdoor open-aired bath in
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Hiruzen Highlands (蒜山高原) in Okayama Prefecture, also known as Hiruzen Plateau, is one of the best highland resorts in Western Japan. It is reminiscent of Karuizawa near Tokyo. While architecture might be less fashionable, it has much more capacity for you to enjoy nature. At the same time, there are still stylish boutique shops for
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Hiruzen Highlands is renowned for the Jersey cows. So, when you visit the spot, a must-try is the incredibly tasted dairy food. If you are unsure where to do so, consider Hiruzen Jersey Land (ひるぜんジャージーランド). The facility offers delicious milk soft serve and cheese fondue.
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When you are a bit bored of nature and are after a bit of a thrill at Hiruzen Highlands, head to Hiruzen Kogen Center & Joyful Park (ヒルゼン高原センター・ジョイフルパーク). There are various rides for everyone to enjoy, even for young children. Taking the ferry wheel is another way to overlook the scenic plateau. In addition, it
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Kanba Falls (神庭の滝) in Okayama Prefecture, a 20-meter-wide waterfall with water falling from a 110-meter cliff, is the biggest waterfall in Western Japan and one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in the country! Together with the surrounding nature, the spot was also designated to be one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
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Okayama Prefecture, in the western part of Japan’s main island, is definitely not known for its limestone caves. However, if you drop by Niimi City (新見市), you will encounter a few of the most fascinating limestone caves you will ever see! During summer, there is a relaxing marsh for you to trek on and even
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Whether you are a Japanese or a foreigner, Okayama is undoubtedly not the prefecture that people would think of when it comes to limestone caves. This is great news for the limestone cave lovers who are reading this article because crowds of people won’t surround the fantastically lit-up caves even during the Golden Week!
Your Ultimate Guides to the Makidō and Ikuradō Caves Read More »
If you are after some hidden gems in the Chūgoku region, come to Sōja City (総社市) in Okayama Prefecture for the beautiful natural wonders that the non-locals might not be aware of. Apart from the scenic places, you will also find a castle that used to house demons. And on the other side of the
Sōja City and the Scenic Hidden Gems that Many Don’t Know Read More »