Okayama
Must-see Okayama Crow Castle and Korakuen, one of the Three Great Gardens in Japan. A great option for a Shinkansen stopover or a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.
JR PASS 7 DAYSJR PASS 14 DAYSJR REGIONAL PASSWESTERN JAPANHISTORICAL SITE
1/7/20252 min read
Photo: Traditional boat tour of Kurashiki Canal
Okayama is a beautiful city located in the Chugoku region of Japan, and it is known for its historical landmarks, traditional culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Here are some of the top sights to see while visiting Okayama:
Okayama Castle - Also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior, Okayama Castle is a must-see attraction for history buffs. It offers a great view of the surrounding area and has a museum inside with exhibits on the castle's history.
Korakuen Garden - This garden is one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens and is a great spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden features a pond, tea house, and a hill that offers a panoramic view of the city.
Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art - This museum houses a large collection of Japanese art, including pottery, calligraphy, and paintings. It also has a beautiful garden and a tea house.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter - This area is a preserved historic district that features traditional Japanese architecture and canals lined with willow trees. It is a great place to take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere of old Japan.
Access to Okayama by train
Okayama is easily accessible by JR Shinkansen from various major cities in Japan. Here are some of the train options to get to Okayama:
From Osaka - Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Okayama Station. The trip takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and costs around 6,500-8,500 yen , depending on the train and seat class you choose.
From Kyoto - Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Okayama Station. The trip takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs around 7,500-9,500 yen.
From Hiroshima - Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Hiroshima Station to Okayama Station. The trip takes about 25-35 minutes and costs around 4,500-6,500 yen.
From Tokyo - Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station. The trip takes about 3-4 hours and costs around 15,000 - 20,000 yen.
NB: Since Okayama is accessible by Shinkansen, JR pass is available for any of the above options. Want to learn more about the JR Pass? Visit jrpass.com for detailed information!
