Okayama Castle, one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, and its garden Korakuen are the main attractions drawing tourists to visit Okayama. But, there are many other sites one should visit. All around the prefecture are natural wonders that offer spectacular autumn foliage displays. Below we have listed 10 stunning, off-the-beaten-trail destinations in Okayama Prefecture that are not to be missed, especially in the crisp fall months of October and November.
- Bitchū Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城)
- Miyama Park (みやま公園)
- Ryūsenji Temple (龍泉寺)
- Omizuen Garden (近水園)
- Ukankei Nature Park (宇甘渓自然公園)
- Shizutani School (旧閑谷学校)
- Hattōji Gawa Dam Park (八塔寺川ダム公園)
- Kōjiro Shikizakura (神代四季桜)
- Hiruzen Highlands (蒜山高原)
- Fumonji Temple (普門寺)
- Iyama Hōfukuji Temple (井山宝福寺)
- Gōkei Valley (豪渓)
Bitchū Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城)
Bitchū Matsuyama Castle is most famous for its view floating eerily in the sky. And, autumn is the best season to see it!
From October to November, not only is the area colored by fall foliage, but it is also the time of the year when the castle will appear cloaked, hidden among, and riding along with the heavenly cloud in the early morning.
For more information, please refer to our Bitchū Matsuyama Castle article!
Miyama Park (みやま公園)
Miyama Park features a little bit of everything for every nature lover. With tens of thousands of trees, the park’s enormity is awe-inspiring.
The wildlife, especially ducks and swans, are a big draw to this special spot. In November, it is the best time to soak in the splendor of the fall foliage.
So when you get there, grab a map and rent a bike to best experience all the park has to offer!
For more information, please refer to our article on Okayama City!
Ryūsenji Temple (龍泉寺)
In mid to late November Ryūsenji Temple boasts beautiful autumn foliage. Situated off the beaten path, the fall colors can be enjoyed without the stresses of large crowds.
The abundance of red maple trees is a welcome sight to anyone willing to trek to the temple.
Associated with a dragon God, Ryūsenji Temple is also a prime destination for spiritual seekers.
For more information, please refer to our article on Okayama City!
Omizuen Garden (近水園)
Omizuen Garden is only a five-minute drive from JR Ashimori Station.
You can find the best views in front of the Ginpukaku, the two-story house in the garden, which doesn’t require an entry fee. So be sure to make it a destination when leaf-peeping in the fall!
For more information, please refer to our article on Okayama City!
Ukankei Nature Park (宇甘渓自然公園)
Ukankei Nature Park is situated in a valley created by the Ukai River. Enjoy the park’s vivid autumn colors in November!
If you have access to a car, the Yanagibashi Observation Square close to Ukankei Nature Park should not be missed during the fall season. The Square will provide you with some of the best views in the region.
For more information, please refer to our article on Okayama City!
Shizutani School (旧閑谷学校)
The Shizutani School buildings, constructed in the style of Chinese architecture, are revered as important cultural properties. The structures are set among peaceful, natural landscapes, representative of the Confucian philosophy taught inside them.
Starting in November, take advantage of public transport to wander at the historic buildings and their accompanying autumn colors!
For more information, please refer to our article on Bizen City!
Hattōji Gawa Dam Park (八塔寺川ダム公園)
The park features well-preserved, little-known hiking trails. So if you are passionate about trekking, make your journey to the dam memorable by visiting in early to mid-November!
Follow the paths along the HattōjiRiver under natural canopies of maple trees bursting with fall colors. The highlight of the area is the incredible backdrop surrounding the Akane Bridge.
If you time your visit right, you can celebrate the colorful season with the locals at the Mikunikei Autumn Festival!
For more information, please refer to our article on Bizen City!
Kōjiro Shikizakura (神代四季桜)
Kōjiro Shikizakura’s cherry blossom has to be one of the most attractive natural phenomena. Shikizakura is a type of cherry tree producing beguiling, blooming scenery in spring and autumn!
So, if you are torn between marveling at the vibrant autumn colors and the gorgeous pink cherry bloom, going to Kōjiro Shikizakura is a sure bet.
For more information, please refer to our article on Maniwa City.
Hiruzen Highlands (蒜山高原)
Autumn foliage begins in the highlands toward the end of October, peaking early to mid-November.
One of Okayama’s top tourist spots, the plateau is situated at the base of Mt. Hiruzen. Utilizing the bike path loop is a great way to access and peruse the many offerings of the highlands.
It is an indispensable site for nature lovers to enjoy endless outdoor recreation.
For more information, please refer to our article on Hiruzen Highlands!
Fumonji Temple (普門寺)
Another temple where you can adore cherry blossoms and the fall color at the same time is Fumoji Temple.
The temple known as the Temple of Flowers, also has a couple of Shikizakura trees that bloom twice a year.
This small temple buried deep in the mountain has flowers decorating the precinct from April to November. As a minor destination, it is where you can enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery with minimum disturbance from strangers.
For more information, please refer to our article on Maniwa City.
Iyama Hōfukuji Temple (井山宝福寺)
The colors of the leaves will begin to change in late October at the temple. Through November, the fall foliage will increase in intensity.
Hōfukuji Temple is quite a popular tourist stop. Early arrival will ensure that you beat the crowds.
Despite its popularity, the temple’s history, importance to Zen Buddhism, and beautiful Fall foliage make it an essential fall destination.
For more information, please refer to our article on Sōja City!
Gōkei Valley (豪渓)
Throughout the month of November, autumn foliage peaks in GōkeiValley.
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Makidani River and admire the unique granite rocks and incredible fall colors. As an appointed National Site of Scenic Beauty, no visit to Okayama would be complete without an amble through the breathtaking valley!
For more information, please refer to our article on Sōja City.
Okayama’s Best Cherry Blossom Destinations
With gorgeous cherry blossom flowers, spring is one of the best seasons to visit Japan.
But most famous cherry blossom destinations are packed with crowds. So if you don’t want to be pushed around, check out our article on Okayama’s Hidden Cherry Blossom Spots to visit when you come to Japan next time!
The Best Places in Okayama for Flower Hunting
Cherry blossom isn’t the only type of flower that blooms in Okayama. If you plan to visit Okayama at other times of the year, remember to check out our article on the Best Places in Okayama for Flower Hunting!
Discover the Best Shrines and Temples to Visit in Okayama
So you are planning a trip to Okayama Prefecture and are curious about which shrines and temples should be on your list to visit?
Refer to our article on Best Shrines and Temples to Visit in Okayama for ideas!
