The Top 15 Attractions to Visit in Okayama Prefecture

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter sits along the Kurashiki River and is known as Japan’s “Little Venice”. Many Japanese movies were shot in this historical area because of its classic Japanese architecture lined on the sides of the canal.

The area has countless trendy cafes, boutique shops, and interesting museums you can easily spend the whole day here!

For more information, please refer to our article Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.

Shōshūhō, the summit of Mt. Washu in the Seto Island Inland Sea National Park, is the best spot for a panoramic view of the 50 islands on the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ōhashi Bridge. From the observation decks at Shōshūhō, you will get one of the best sunset scenery in the area!

For more information, please refer to our Shōshūhō article.

Speaking of happiness and romance, walking along the Kuroshima Venus Road is a must. The sandy road connecting three islands at low tide has heart-shaped stones that will bless you with a happy life with your partner.

It is also one of the best places in Okayama to enjoy watersports (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.

For more information, please refer to our article on Kuroshima Venus Road.

Another attraction in Okayama Prefecture for spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea is the Ushimado Olive Garden. Founded in 1942 to grow food for medications and fuel, the garden now has over 2,000 olive trees. Be sure to visit the Ushimado Olive Shop and ring the Bell of Happiness. Legends say that if you ring the bell three times, you get a blessing of happiness with whomever you are with.

For more information, please refer to our Ushimado Olive Garden article.

Shinjō Village in Maniwa District is the best-hidden gem for cherry blossom hunting in Okayama Prefecture. The cherry trees planted on the side of Gaisen Zakura Street have branches joined at the top to create a floral tunnel.

If you visit the village in other seasons, rent a bicycle to Fudō Falls to enjoy the negative ions around the waterfalls in the forest. You can also hike to the nearby peak. During the hike, resting on one of the hammocks set up along the trek is the best thing to do!

Another amazing natural attraction is Kanba Falls, a 20-meter-wide waterfall from a 110-meter cliff. Kanba Falls is the biggest waterfall in Western Japan and one of the most spectacular in the country. If you are lucky, you might spot one of the 200 wild monkeys that live near the falls!

For more information, please refer to our article on Kanba Falls.

Hiruzen Highland is one of the best summer resorts in Western Japan. There is plenty to see and do, including a 29 km bike road. In addition to a range of recreational activities you can enjoy, there are stylish boutique shops to browse. It is also where you find Japan’s largest Jersey Cow Farm.

For more information, please refer to our Hiruzen Highlands article.

Another stunning natural attraction in Okayama Prefecture is Rashōmon Gate. The gate is formed by a collapsed limestone cave. Walking through the dense forest surrounded by mossy, rocky landscape, you will encounter four natural arch gates as tall as 40 meters!

With cool air blowing out of the stone cracks, the area covered by rare flora and fauna is one of Okayama’s top natural getaway destinations. We guarantee your visit to the Rashōmon Gate will be unforgettable.

For more information, please refer to our Niimi City article.

If you want to add some scenic photos with a few traditional Japanese elements to your collection, head to Bitchū Kokubun-Ji Temple in Sōja City.

What attracts many photographers to flock to this part of Okayama Prefecture is a five-story pagoda during times of the year when nature is in bloom.

Also, be sure to stop by at sunset for some breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

If you are interested in Japanese folklore and want to experience unique Shinto rituals, Kibitsu Shrine is a fascinating attraction that awaits your visit. When you visit the shrine, you can participate in several rituals based on a Japanese heroic myth.

Another highlight of Kibitsu Shrine is the 400-meter covered corridor surrounded by cherry blossoms, hydrangea, and peony gardens.

Do you want to see a castle floating in the sky? Bitchū Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi City is known as one of the three Floating Castle in the Sky in Japan. When the mountains are covered in clouds, the castle appears to be floating eerily above the clouds.

In addition, it is the only castle that still has a lord residing in it!

For more information, please refer to our Bitchū Matsuyama Castle article.

Kojima District in Kurashiki City is known for its denim industry. You will be amazed by the number of denim items and decorations on the iconic Kojima Jeans Street. The district is also where the Seto Ōhashi Bridge Sightseeing Cruise departs from and features a couple more interesting museums.

For more information, please refer to our article on Kojima District.

If you are seeking some thrill, a visit to Okayama Prefecture would not be complete without a stop at Mt. Ōjigatake. Located between the cities of Tamano and Kurashiki, this mountain has various strangely-shaped rocks, including a smiling rock at the summit.

Besides the scenic hiking trails that offer amazing views of the Seto Inland Sea, Mt. Ōjigatake is also known as one of the best places for paragliding in all of Japan.

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!

Another perfect season to visit Japan is autumn. The season is longer than cherry blossom, so you are guaranteed some spectacular vivid scenery even if you didn’t spend much time planning.

To find out the awesome places to visit in October and November, please refer to our article on Okayama’s Hidden Fall Foilage Destinations!

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!

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!