Events in Okayama
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Contents
Okayama Prefecture is blessed with a mild climate and rich natural beauty, making it a great place to explore with various tourist spots scattered throughout.
One of the must-see attractions is Okayama Castle and the surrounding Korakuen Garden, which is known as one of Japan’s top three gardens. You can enjoy stunning views throughout the year, with each season offering its own charm. The view from the castle’s main tower is especially breathtaking, and taking a stroll through the area while soaking in the history is truly captivating.
In Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, the townscape from the Edo period has been preserved, with rows of white-walled storehouses creating a picturesque setting. There are art museums and cafes around, making it a perfect place to enjoy art and culture. Additionally, sweets made from local fruits like peaches and grapes are incredibly popular in Okayama.
Whether you’re exploring Okayama’s history, nature, or food culture, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a heartwarming experience.
PickUp Okayama Events
Tsuyama Cherry Blossom Festival
The “Tsuyama Sakura Festival” is one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in Okayama Prefecture, held every spring at Tsuyama Castle (Tsuruyama Park) in Tsuyama City. Around 1,000 cherry trees, primarily Somei Yoshino, bloom spectacularly at the castle ruins, which are also recognized as one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.” During the festival, visitors can enjoy the night-time illuminations and food stalls offering local delicacies, making it a lively celebration for cherry blossom viewers. There are also traditional performances and stage events, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful contrast between the cherry blossoms and the historic castle. It’s one of Okayama’s signature spring events, attracting tourists from all over Japan.
🔍Image search for「津山さくらまつり」
A musical tour exploring Okayama through songs.
Discover and Enjoy Okayama! A Guide to Must-Visit Spots & Topics.
Okayama Korakuen Garden
“Okayama Korakuen” is one of Japan’s top three famous gardens, located in the city of Okayama. It was created during the Edo period by the feudal lord of Okayama, Ikeda Tsunamasa, as a place of relaxation. The garden features vast lawns, ponds, and artificial hills, offering visitors the chance to enjoy beautiful scenery while walking through it. Notable buildings include the Enyo-tei, which was used as the lord’s private residence, and the Renchiken, which faces the pond, both of which still retain the charm of the Edo period. The garden has also earned a prestigious three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle is a famous castle built by Ukita Hideie in 1597, and it’s also known as “U-jo” (Crow Castle) due to its black lacquered exterior. The main keep, a three-tier, six-story structure, has a unique design, but it was destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt in 1966 and underwent a major renovation in 2022 as part of the “Reiwa Grand Restoration.” Inside the keep, you can learn about the history and culture of Okayama. During spring, summer, and autumn, you can enjoy a magical, illuminated view of the castle at the “U-jo Togenkyo” light-up event.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area is a beautifully preserved district in Kurashiki City, known for its traditional architecture that dates back to the Edo period. The area is famous for its white-walled merchant houses, “namako” walls, and rows of willow trees, creating a picturesque atmosphere. Visitors from both Japan and abroad flock to this retro-modern townscape along the Kurashiki River. The area also features cultural landmarks such as the Ohara Museum of Art and Kurashiki Ivy Square, making it a perfect blend of history and culture for tourists.
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is the only mountain castle among Japan’s 12 existing castle keeps, located at an altitude of 430 meters on Gagyuu Mountain in Takahashi City. From late September to early April, it’s often enveloped in a sea of clouds, earning it the nickname “Castle in the Sky” for its breathtakingly mystical views. The chances of seeing this beautiful sea of clouds are especially high in October and November. Additionally, after the heavy rains in 2018, a cat named “Neko-joushu Sanjuuro” became a local sensation, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot it during your visit!
Kibitsu Shrine
Kibitsu Shrine is dedicated to Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto, the legendary figure behind the Momotaro story. The shrine is known for its national treasure, the main hall, and its impressive long corridor that stretches about 360 meters. Around June, approximately 1,500 hydrangea flowers bloom, creating a beautiful sight. The shrine also hosts a unique ritual called the “Narukama Ceremony,” where the sound of a kettle boiling is used for divination.
Seto Ohashi Bridge
The Seto Ohashi Bridge is a group of bridges that connect Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture with Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku, stretching for about 13.1 km. It’s one of the largest double-decker bridges in the world, with the upper deck for highways and the lower deck for trains. It’s a popular spot to enjoy stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea from the train window.
Hiruzen Highlands
Hiruzen Highlands, located in Maniwa City, is a scenic plateau situated at an elevation of 500 to 600 meters. The area is known for its beautiful mountain range, made up of the three peaks of Hiruzen (Kamihiruzen, Nakahiruzen, and Shimohiruzen). It’s also famous for the grazing of Jersey cows, with dairy products being a popular local specialty.
Takahashi City
Takahashi City, located in the western part of Okayama Prefecture, is rich in historical and cultural landmarks. Highlights include Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, the only remaining mountain castle among Japan’s 12 surviving castles, and Fukiya Furusato Village, which preserves the townscape from the Edo period. Every August, the city comes alive with the Bitchu Takahashi Matsuyama Dance Festival.
Tamano City & Uno Port
Uno Port in Tamano City serves as the gateway to the Seto Inland Sea, with ferries departing for Naoshima and Toyoshima. It’s also a venue for the Setouchi Triennale, and the area around the port is dotted with contemporary art installations. Additionally, you can unwind and relax after your journey at hot springs like ‘Setouchi Onsen Tamano-yu.’
Saidaiji Temple & Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival)
The Saidaiji Naked Festival (Saidaiji Eyo) is one of Japan’s unique festivals, held every year in February at Saidaiji in Okayama City. It features a brave competition where men, dressed only in loincloths, scramble to grab the “Sacred Tree” believed to bring good fortune. With a history spanning over 500 years, this festival is a truly remarkable tradition.
List of Inbound-Friendly Taxi Companies in Okayama
Heiwa Taxi
The “Heiwa Taxi” website states on its sightseeing taxi page that they also accommodate inbound tourists. For more details, please contact them directly.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・×
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・◯
Okayama Ryobi Taxi
Okayama Ryobi Taxi is designated as one of the taxi companies available through the “Cocobel” easy taxi booking service. Cocobel is a multilingual web service that allows users to request a taxi simply by scanning a QR code installed at facilities—no app required.
Okayama Ryobi Taxi also has extensive experience in providing transportation services for international tourists. For more details, please contact us.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・×
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・◯
Okayama Kotsu Co., Ltd.
Okayama Kotsu Co., Ltd. is designated as a partner taxi company for “Cocobel,” a simple taxi ordering service.
Cocobel is a multilingual web service that allows users to request a taxi without needing an app. By scanning a QR code placed at designated locations, visitors can easily arrange a ride.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・×
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・×
Inari Kotsu Co., Ltd.
The website of Inari Kotsu Co., Ltd. is available in English, Chinese, and Korean.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・◯
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・×
Ichigan Taxi Co., Ltd.
The website of Ichigan Taxi Co., Ltd. is available in English and Chinese.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・◯
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・×
- This content introduces taxi companies based on inbound-friendly information available online. However, the availability and details of services may vary depending on when the information was released.
- The GO app’s dispatch service may not support special services such as sightseeing taxis. If you are planning to use a taxi for tourism purposes, please contact the respective taxi company in advance.
- This website does not handle taxi reservations or arrangements. For detailed service information and the latest availability, please contact each taxi company directly.