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 the best places during the cherry blossom season. Spots such as the cherry blossom tunnel and a gigantic thousand-year-old cherry blossom tree atop a hill are the places you won’t want to miss when you visit Japan in spring. There are even a few places where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms and fall foliage at the same time (*’▽’).
And if you happen to come to Japan in summer, let the fireflies in the limestone cave or along the river astonish you at night before you rest up in your hotel room (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Other than the fantastic destinations we mentioned above, there are also a couple more places worth considering when planning your next Japan visit, which are included in the list below.
- Katsuyama Preserved Streets (勝山・町並み保存地区)
- Hiruzen Highlands (蒜山高原)
- Kanba Falls (神庭の滝)
- Yubara Onsen Sunayu (湯原温泉砂湯)
- Daigo-Sakura (醍醐桜)
- Kōjiro Shikizakura (神代四季桜)
- Ryūgū-Iwa Stone (竜宮岩) And Kōjiro-Demon’s Cave (神代の鬼の穴)
- Kuse’s Cherry Blossom Tunnel (久世のトンネル桜)
- Kiyama Temple (医王山 木山寺)
- Fumonji Temple (普門寺)
- Bicchū Kanachi Cave (備中鐘乳穴)
- Cosmos Square (コスモス広場)
- Hokubōhotaru Park (北房ほたる公園)
Katsuyama Preserved Streets (勝山・町並み保存地区)
If you want to walk along a traditional Japanese street lined with houses that were built in the Edo period (1600 – 1868), apart from the famous and crowded Kurashiki Bikan Quarters, there is another preserved area here at Katsuyama in Maniwa City!
Boutique shops, sake breweries, cafes, and galleries that are fun to explore are lined up on the streets. The unique thing about this area that distinguishes itself from other traditional regions of the rest of Japan is the shop curtains.
Even if you aren’t interested in shopping, walking along the streets and guessing what the shop is selling can be one of the most interesting things to do in the area!
Some are quite obvious, such as the post office in the photo. But for some shops, you really will have to open the shop door and stick your head in to find out if you have got the right answer (≧▽≦).
How to Get to Katsuyama Preserved Streets
The Katsuyama Preserved Streets is just a 5-minute walk from JR Chūgoku-Katsuyama Station (中国勝山駅).
Hiruzen Highlands (蒜山高原)
Hiruzen Highlands, is one of the best highland resorts in Western Japan. It is similar to Karuizawa near Tokyo. While it might be less fashionable in terms of architecture, it has much more capacity for you to enjoy nature. Renowned as a summer resort, cycling through the 29 km long well-maintained bike road is just the most enjoyable activity to avoid summer heat!
For more information, please refer to our HIruzen Highlands article (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maniwa City.
Kanba Falls (神庭の滝)
Kanba Falls, 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.
For more information, please refer to our article on Kanba Falls!
Yubara Onsen Sunayu (湯原温泉砂湯)
Experience your first mixed-gendered onsen bath at Yubara Onsen Sunayu (湯原温泉砂湯) 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 western Japan.
For more information, please refer to our article on Yubara Onsen Sunayu!
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maniwa City.
Klook.comDaigo-Sakura (醍醐桜)
Daigo-Sakura is a 1,000-year-old cherry blossom tree standing alone on a hill. Don’t look down on this spot just because there is only one cherry tree. Simply the thickness of the trunk will impress you!
Cherry trees have an average life span of around 400 – 500 years. The Daigo-Sakura has lived twice as long and bloomed beautifully each spring (*´ω｀). Therefore, It was designated one of Okayama Prefecture’s natural monuments in 1972.
The 18 meters tall cherry tree has branches stretching as far as 20 meters from one side to another. It is a tree you will want to visit even without the pink flowers, to be filled with wonder at its life force and the wide rural view from where the tree stands!
Tips:
☛ Check the live camera HERE for the condition of Daigo-Sakura.
☛ If you can, head to Daigo-Sakura as early as possible when the tree is close to full bloom. Not only will you get a stunning photo of the cherry blossom with sunrise, but you also get to avoid the massive cloud later during the day. On weekends, the closest car park can be half full around 2 am and full by 4 am. The later you get there, the further away you have to park.
☛ Another way to avoid traffic jams is to park your car at the car parks close to Mimasaka Sabiki Castle Ruins (美作佐引城跡). From there, it is just a 30-minute hike to Daigo-Sakura! But note there is a steep slope as part of the mountain track.
Cherry Blossom Season and Nighttime Light up at Daigo-Sakura
- The Daigo-Sakura blooms from early to mid-April on average. But if the year gets warm earlier, it will start blooming in late March.
- As soon as the flowers start to bloom, nighttime light-up will take place from 6:30 to 9 pm.
- Temporary toilets and stalls selling fresh or processed local produce and specialties usually will be on to serve the cloud that comes to admire the flowers.
- Refer to the official website HERE for the flowering situation of Daigo-Sakura.
How to Get to Daigo-Sakura
We highly recommend you drive to Daigo-Sakura because even from the closest train station – JR Mimasaka-Ochiai Station (美作落合駅), it takes around 30 minutes by car.
The taxi bill might cost you as much as 6,000 yen if not more if you decide to catch a cab.
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maniwa City.
Kōjiro Shikizakura (神代四季桜)
Bucking the norm, the cherry blossom trees at this part of Kōjiro (神代) bloom twice a year, once in spring together with all of its other peers, the other time in autumn to compete with the vibrant fall color (´▽｀*). The cherry blossoms here are also designated to be one of Okayama Prefecture’s natural monuments.
So, for anyone who wants to see cherry blossoms and autumn foliage in one go, come to Kōjiro Shikizakura!
The flowers’ color in November is whiter than those in spring, but the fragrance is the same! The light pink cherry blossoms combined with the orange-to-red autumn foliage next to it and the greeneries in the background are just the most amazing scenery that one can ever ask for (*´ω｀).
Kōjiro Shikizakura’s Cherry Blossom and the Fall Foliage Season
- Cherry blossoms: early to mid-April and early to late November
- Autumn foliage: mid to late November
How to Get to Kōjiro Shikizakura
- From JR Chūgoku-Katsuyama Station (中国勝山駅), take Maniwa City Municipal Bus Maniwakun and get off at Shikizakura (四季桜).
- Refer to HERE and click on the PDF under “新庄久世ルート(新庄村梨瀬～真庭市美甘振興局～中国勝山駅～真庭市役所)” for the bus timetable.
- You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
Ryūgū-Iwa Stone (竜宮岩) and Kōjiro-Demon’s Cave (神代の鬼の穴)
Don’t hurry off after you have had your fill of this stunning scenery. Just a 5-minute walk away from Kōjiro Shikizakura, the Shinjō River (新庄川) has created some odd but awesome-shaped stones and caves! The autumn foliage at the banks of the river also helps perfect the beauty of the landscape here.
Because the weirdly shaped limestones at this part of the Shinjō River resemble the palace of the dragon king in the Japanese folk tale – Urashima Tarō (浦島 太郎), the area is named “Ryūgū-Iwa”.
In between Ryūgū-Iwa Stone and Kōjiro Shikizakura on the side of the National Highway, you will also find the entrance of a cave with stone staircases. Overcoming the initial steep climb, the road will be quite flat.
A motion sensor at the entrance again controls the 50-meter cave’s lighting. So please time yourself and leave the cave before the 20 minutes limit, or you will be relying on your phone’s torch!
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maniwa City.
Kuse’s Cherry Blossom Tunnel (久世のトンネル桜)
Another relatively hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing is Kuse’s Cherry Blossom Tunnel! Just minutes from JR Kuse Station, the spot can be easily accessed by public transport (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
About 180 big cherry trees are planted over 1 km on the river shore of the Asahi River (旭川). From late March to mid-April, a flower tunnel is formed over the country road along the river!
On the weekends during the cherry blossom season, part of the road will be closed, allowing tourists to walk and take pictures freely in the tunnel without worrying about being run over by cars. At night, the area is lit up with 151 extra lightings making it the perfect spot for a romantic date (^_-)-☆.
Tenryō Kuse Sakura Matsuri (天領くせ桜まつり)
The cherry blossom festival – Tenryō Kuse Sakura Matsuri is held each year while the flowers are blooming (usually from late March to early April). If you are after the romantic atmosphere at night, come to the tunnel from 6:30 pm to 9 pm (^_-)-☆.
- In 2024, the festival was held from the 24th of March to the 7th of April.
Note the cherry blossoms tunnel can only be seen at the part of the road closer to the Kuse Bridge (久世大橋).
How to Get to Kuse’s Cherry Blossom Tunnel
It is a 5-minute walk from JR Kuse Station (久世駅).
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maniwa City.
Kiyama Temple (医王山 木山寺)
Kiyama Temple is a temple with a long history that was built in 815. It is also the 4th temple of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in the Shikoku region.
Buried deep in the mountain at an altitude of 430 meters, the temple is surrounded by rich nature. It is the perfect place to visit if you are seeking peace from the hustle and bustle of the city lifestyle. The solemn atmosphere of the temple will definitely give you a sense of peacefulness.
Those who love architecture will have much fun examining the worship halls. And before you pass the temple’s gate, take a good look at it because it is the oldest temple architecture built in the Edo period (1600 – 1868)! The temple is also one of Japan’s last few religious spots that have a shrine and temple combined.
If you want to taste the life of monks before the industrial revolution, come to Kiyama Temple shortly before noon. You should be able to observe how the temple manager hit the drum to notify the residents and volunteers of the temple that it is time for lunch!
Autumn Foliage Season at Kiyama Temple
The color of the foliage will start to change in late October. With the color peak from early to mid-November, the temple is usually lit up from sunset to 8 pm on the first and second weekends of the month (including Friday).
Kiyama Temple’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- The temple is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily
- from JR Mimasaka-Ochiai Station (美作落合駅), it is a 20-minute drive
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maniwa City.
Fumonji Temple (普門寺)
Fumonji Temple is known as the temple in the mountain filled with flowers. Why? Because from spring to autumn, various kinds of flowers bloom on the temple grounds!
Just like Kōjiro Shikizakura, the cherry blossom trees bloom twice a year, making it another spot in Okayama Prefecture where you can enjoy both autumn foliage and cherry blossoms at the same time (≧▽≦).
The Flower Calendar at Fumonji
- Cherry blossom and peach blossom: early to mid-April
- Rhododendron and Azalea: late April to early May
- Hydrangea: mid-June to early July
- The Hydrangea Festival (花の山寺あじさい祭り) is usually held in mid-June each year. Kimono rental and local specialties stalls will be there during the festival days.
- Daily lily: late July to early August
- Cherry blossom in autumn and fall foliage: early to late November
- The autumn foliage usually peaks from mid to late November
Tip: If you are planning to capture the cherry blossom and autumn foliage at the same time, consider dropping by on the first Sunday of November for the Cherry Blossom and Autumn Foliage Festival!
How to Get to Fumonji Temple
There are currently no bus services that will stop somewhere close to the temple, so please take a taxi from JR Mimasaka-Ochiai Station (美作落合駅), which will take around 20 to 25 minutes.
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maniwa City.
Bicchū Kanachi Cave (備中鐘乳穴)
According to historical documentation, Bicchū Kanachi Cave is the first limestone cave discovered in Japan. But its awesomeness doesn’t just stop there. A few of the stalactites in the cave have shapes that are simply just astonishing!
From the car park, you will have to go down a steep slope to reach the cave. But after that, the passageways are relatively flat, albeit there are some staircases you need to climb up and down. Still, the amount of effort required to explore the cave is nowhere near the physical stamina required in Ikuradō Cave.
One of the most amazing stalactites is this one called Gojūnotō (五重の塔), which means five-storied pagoda (refer to the photo above). Although the name says five-storied, it actually has 22 stories!
Introducing you to Mt. Fuji in a limestone cave! This stalactite has a height of 3 meters and a width of 5 meters. Its mountain-look shape and its size have earned it the name of Dōnaifuji (洞内富士).
Tip: Visit Bicchū Kanachi Cave from the end of June to early July to meet the fireflies that live in the cave!
Note other than bats, there are also various types of insects, shellfish, moss, and liverworts living in the cave.
Bicchū Kanachi Cave has a total length of 800 meters, but only 300 meters are open to the public now. So allocating around 30 – 45 minutes should be enough.
Important: The temperature inside the cave is colder than the other limestone caves close by at 9 degrees. So if you are visiting the cave in warmer months, don’t forget to bring a light jacket.
Bicchū Kanachi Cave’s Opening Hours, Entry Fees, and Access Information
- The cave is open from 10 am to 5 pm from April to October. From November to March, the cave will close earlier, at 4 pm.
- In January and February, the cave is only open on weekends and public holidays.
- On the last weekend of June and the first weekend of July, the cave is opened at night for you to admire the fireflies.
- The admission fee is
- 800 yen for adults
- 500 yen for high school students
- 350 yen for children from the age of 5 to elementary school students
- From JR Mimasaka-Ochiai Station (美作落合駅), take Maniwa City Municipal Bus – Maniwakun and get off at Mizuda Kōguchi (水田校口). The bus trip should be less than 30 minutes.
- Refer to HERE and click on the PDF under “北房久世ルート（高岡上～呰部～美作落合駅～真庭市役所)” for the bus timetable.
- You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maniwa City.
Cosmos Square (コスモス広場)
The Hokubō area (北房地域) in Maniwa City is famous for the number of cosmos that are blooming in early autumn. And the symbol of the area is Cosmos Square!
Every year on the second Sunday of October, from 10 am to 3:30 pm, the Hokubō Cosmos Festival (北房コスモスまつり) is held. On one side of the square, local communities will perform various performances on the main stage. You will also find many stalls selling local specialties and exhibition corners!
Also, walking tours along the cosmos street along the Bitchū River (備中川) will be held on the day too (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
If you can’t make the second Sunday of October, that is okay. The gorgeous flowers will bloom from mid to late October (^_-)-☆. If you want to check out the condition of the flowers before you go, HERE is the link to the live camera that Maniwa City sets up.
How to Get to Cosmos Square
From JR Mimasaka-Ochiai Station (美作落合駅), take Maniwa City Municipal Bus – Maniwakun and get off at Hokubō Inter (北房インター). The bus trip should be about 30 minutes. It is just a 5 minutes walk from the bus stop.
- Refer to HERE and click on the PDF under “北房久世ルート（高岡上～呰部～美作落合駅～真庭市役所)” for the bus timetable.
- You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maniwa City.
Hokubōhotaru Park (北房ほたる公園)
If you get to Maniwa City in early to mid-June, head to Hokubōhotaru Park to see the fanciful scenery of hundreds of thousands of fireflies dancing along the Bicchū River (備中川)!
While many fireflies are gathered at the side of the river closer to the park if you walk down the river, you might find the lighting decoration with their glowing butts continues for a couple of kilometers (*’▽’).
HERE is a map that maps out where you will most likely spot the fireflies and the respective season. As the map is in Japanese only, please read it together with Google Maps if you can’t read Japanese. The Hokubōhotaru Park is at the top left of the map.
- The dotted line marks the firefly viewing road.
- The spots marked with three triangles are where you are most likely seeing the fireflies.
Tips: The below are the conditions for the fireflies to dance at night:
☛ The nights with high temperature and high humidity
☛ From 8:30 to 9:30 pm, and around 12 am and 3 am
☛ You are unlikely to see them flying at night around the full moon and on the days with heavy rain and strong wind
Important: If you plan to drive, it would be good if you could park at the car parks further away from the Bicchū River to minimize light pollution. You should be able to park around the Hokubō Shinkō-kyoku (北房振興局).
How to Get to Hokubōhotaru Park
From JR Mimasaka-Ochiai Station (美作落合駅), take Maniwa City Municipal Bus – Maniwakun and get off at Kitabō Shōgakukō Mae (北房小学校前). The bus trip should be about 35 minutes. It is just a 15-minute walk from the bus stop.
- Refer to HERE and click on the PDF under “北房久世ルート（高岡上～呰部～美作落合駅～真庭市役所)” for the bus timetable.
- You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
Visit One of the Best Three Cherry Blossom Spots in Okayama
The Shinjō Village is a rural area next to Maniwa City. However, in spring each year, thousands of visitors are willing to make an effort to go there for the Gaisen Zakura Street is so beautiful that it is ranked the third amongst all the places famous for cherry blossoms!
Find out more about what to do and where to go in the village with our Shinjō Village article!
