Recommended by Okayama residents! 10 “Autumn Leaves Spots in Okayama”

• Table of Contents
• 1. Sogenji Temple (Okayama City)
• 2. Former Shizutani School (Bizen City)
• 3.Okayama Prefectural General Ground (Okayama City)
• 4.Okayama Korakuen (Okayama City)
• 5.Okutsu Gorge (Kagami no Town)
• 6. Koshihata Furusato Village (Kagami no Town)
• 7.Hokaiin (Okayama City)
• 8. Kasaiyama Yakushiin Myohoji Temple (Okayama City)
• 9. Shiraga Valley (Kagami no Town)
• 10.Mt. Sanpei (Maniwa City)
• There's more! Recommended comments from Okayama residents

1. Sogenji Temple (Okayama City)

The family temple of the Ikeda family, the lords of Okayama. This is a Zen temple of the Myoshinji sect of the Rinzai sect, which is famous as a place in Okayama City where you can see beautiful autumn leaves. The garden with a pond and stroll around the pond is also very atmospheric.

[Sogenji Temple]
Address: 1069 Maruyama, Naka-ku, Okayama City
TEL: 086-277-8226
Parking: Yes

[Voices from prefectural residents]
●The family temple of the Ikeda family, the lords of Okayama. It's worth seeing when the leaves turn red. The garden is also well maintained and beautiful. (50s/Female/Freeter/Part-time worker)
●Since it is not a tourist temple, the parking lot is not large, but it has a great atmosphere and you can see beautiful autumn leaves! Most of the trees inside the temple have autumn leaves and are very beautiful. (20s/female/office worker)
●Spots that are close to home and easy to go to. This is a popular location for pre-wedding photo shoots. I like the quiet and relaxing atmosphere. (60s/female/office worker)

2. Former Shizutani School (Bizen City)

Founded in 1670 by Mitsumasa Ikeda, the lord of the Okayama domain, it is Japan's first public school for the common people. The gambrel-style auditorium has an atmosphere worthy of being called a "hall of learning," and has been designated a national treasure.

[Former Shizutani School]
Location: 784 Shizutani, Bizen City
TEL: 0869-67-1436 (historic site reception)
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: December 29th to 31st
Parking: Yes 

[Voices from prefectural residents]
●Although it is famous for its Japanese cylindrical trees, the autumn leaves are also beautiful. There are also periods when the area is illuminated, so I think it's a good idea to spend some time relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The photos of the National Treasure Auditorium and the autumn leaves are truly picturesque. (50s/Female/Office employee)
●I think people have the impression that ``When you think of autumn leaves in Okayama, this is the place!''. It's lit up, and the contrast between the auditorium and the autumn leaves is amazing, so no matter where you take photos, you'll be able to take pictures with a great atmosphere. Also, the parking lot and grounds are spacious, so you can relax and enjoy the crisp autumn air. (30s/female/office worker)
●The gradation of the two lines is beautiful! ! (20s/female/office worker)
●In addition to the paddle trees, there are also many autumn leaves on the premises, so you can enjoy the view in a quiet and leisurely manner. We also recommend lighting it up at night. (40s/male/civil servant)

3.Okayama Prefectural General Ground (Okayama City)

This sports facility boasts an area of ​​approximately 35 hectares and hosts many large-scale competitions and events. You can walk or jog freely in the park, and it is also crowded during cherry blossom viewing and autumn foliage seasons.

[Okayama Prefectural General Ground]
Location: 2-1 Izumicho, Kita-ku, Okayama City
TEL: 086-252-5201
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Parking: Yes (charge is required)

[Voices from prefectural residents]
●This is a fall foliage spot that is sure to be Instagrammable! ! When it was near the sub-ground of the track and field stadium, the track and field stadium was reflected in the background and it was beautiful. Last year, I took my daughter there when she was 0 years old, and there were many other people who came to take pictures of the autumn leaves with their children. (20s/female/office worker)
●It looks like a scene from a drama. It is a tree-lined road with magnificent autumn leaves. It's located in the middle of town and has a large parking lot, so it's easy to access while shopping. (30s/Female/Housewife)

4.Okayama Korakuen (Okayama City)

This daimyo garden was built by Tsunamasa Ikeda, the second lord of the Okayama domain, as a place to relax and enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. Rated three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Many tourists visit from Japan and abroad.

[Okayama Korakuen]
Location: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City
TEL: 086-272-1148 (Okayama Korakuen Office)
Business hours: March 20th to September 30th: 7:30 to 18:00, October 1st to March 19th: 8:00 to 17:00 (Last entry is 15 minutes in advance)
*Opening and closing times may change depending on events. Closed: Open.
Parking: Yes (charge is required)

[Voices from prefectural residents]
●You can enjoy the autumn leaves at Korakuen, Okayama even in December. (60s/male/other)
●The autumn leaves in Chishio-no-Mori in the park are very beautiful. Senryu is an analogy for dyeing to create a deep color, and the name of the forest, which represents the deepening autumn leaves, is also wonderful. It was named by Tsunamasa Ikeda, the lord of the Okayama domain. When the leaves fall, the ground turns bright red. (40s/Female/Office employee)

5.Okutsu Gorge (Kagami no Town)

It is one of the best autumn foliage spots in western Japan, where you can enjoy the beautiful and varied valley that stretches for approximately 3km. The potholes formed by the source of the Yoshii River and granite over hundreds of thousands of years are said to be the ``best potholes in the East.''

[Okutsukei]
Location: Okutsugawa, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun
TEL: 0868-52-9100 (Kagamino Tourism Bureau)
Parking: Yes *During the autumn leaves season, there are traffic restrictions such as one-way streets and days when general vehicles are prohibited.

[Voices from prefectural residents]
●The red autumn leaves are reminiscent of Japanese autumn leaves and are very emotional. It has a nice atmosphere like a mountain stream or a mountain river. There are places like hot springs and roadside stations nearby, which is nice. (50s/Female/Freeter/Part-time worker)
●It's the best spot for autumn leaves in the prefecture, and you can enjoy it alone or with friends, so it's recommended for everyone! (40s/male/office worker)

6. Koshihata Furusato Village (Kagami no Town)

This is a village where thatched roofs, stone pavement, rice terraces and waterwheels remain, and where tatara iron has been manufactured since ancient times. During the rice harvesting season, the contrast between the golden yellow rice fields and the surrounding mountains creates a picturesque scene.
[Koshihata Furusato Village]
Location: Koshibata, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun
TEL: 0868-52-9100 (Kagamino Tourism Bureau)
Parking: Yes

[Voices from prefectural residents]
●In recent years, it has become known as a photogenic spot, but even before that, I have been going out to see the changing colors of the autumn leaves. The autumn leaves look like a carpet and are beautiful. (60s/male/other)

7.Hokaiin (Okayama City)

This temple is said to have been founded by Hoon Daishi in the Tenpyo era (729). The magnificent Niomon gate and the gabled main hall are all worth seeing. The main image of a single cypress tree is said to be the work of Prince Shotoku.

[Hokaiin]
Address: 6-1 Hokaiin, Kita-ku, Okayama City
TEL: 086-252-1769
Parking: Yes

[Voices from prefectural residents]
●Hokaiin, an ancient temple in Kita Ward, Okayama City. The autumn leaves on the stairs of the Sanmon gate create a tunnel to welcome you, and under the bell tower you will be relieved to see a Jizo statue wrapped in fallen autumn leaves. (60s/male/other)

8. Kasaiyama Yakushiin Myohoji Temple (Okayama City)

This temple was opened in 749 by Hoon Daishi as one of the 48 temples of Bizen. The principal image, a secret Buddha, is the Yakushi Nyorai, who heals illnesses, relieves suffering, and guides you to liberation. He is counted as one of the three major pharmacists in Japan.

[Kasaisan Yakushiin Myohoji Temple]
Location: 67 Hataayu, Kita-ku, Okayama City
TEL: 086-228-0926 (inside Kanayamaji Temple)
Parking: Yes

[Voices from prefectural residents]
●The grounds of a temple located in the mountains of Mt. Kasai overlooking the city of Okayama are covered with fallen yellow ginkgo leaves, creating a beautiful contrast with the autumn leaves. (60s/male/other)

9. Shiraga Valley (Kagami no Town)

One of the largest valleys in the prefecture, measuring approximately 5km. You can see rare plants such as wild cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, wild hydrangeas, and beech blooming between the strangely shaped rocks and clear streams. There is also a promenade.
[Shiraka Valley]
Location: 209 Tominishidani, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun
TEL: 0867-57-2111 (Kagino Town Wealth Promotion Center)
Parking: Yes

[Voices from prefectural residents]
●You can enjoy the beauty of the 5km-long Shiraga Valley in Kyu-Tomimura, and the changing colors of the leaves during the autumn season are also spectacular. Although it is less well-known than Okutsu Valley, it is a highly recommended spot. (60s/male/other)

10.Mt. Sanpei (Maniwa City)

It is an independent peak at an altitude of 1010m located at the western end of Hiruzen Plateau, and there is a well-maintained mountain trail. From the summit, you can enjoy a magnificent 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, including Hiruzen Sanza and Mt. Daisen.

[Mihirayama]
Location: Kamitokuyama, Hiruzen, Maniwa City
TEL: 0867-66-3220 (Hiruzen Tourism Association)

[Voices from prefectural residents]
●As you climb up the well-maintained mountain trail, you can enjoy the scenery changing from red to yellow to larch, and then to pampas grass fields. Furthermore, at the top, there is a 360-degree view of the mountains, including Mt. Daisen and Hiruzen Sanza. (40s/Female/Civil servant)

There's more! Recommended comments from Okayama residents

[Bodaiji]
Location: 1528 Takaen, Nagi-cho, Katsuta-gun
[Voices from prefectural residents]
●The large ginkgo tree standing peacefully in a temple in the mountains is a sight to behold. Depending on the climate conditions, there may even be a sea of ​​clouds. (40s/male/other)
●It is also illuminated at night for a limited time. Even after the leaves begin to fall, the ground is covered with fallen leaves and looks beautiful, like a carpet. (40s/female office worker)

[Komorehi no Mori Campsite]
Address: 286 Kuroki, Kamo-cho, Tsuyama City
[Voices from prefectural residents]
●It feels so good to camp here while looking at the autumn leaves. Children also love playing here and feeling the nature. We are planning to visit you again this year! (40s/Female/Office employee)

[Miyama Park]
Address: 2-4490 Tai, Tamano City
[Voices from prefectural residents]
●There are restrooms, you can feed the ducks, there is play equipment so children can play, and there is also a roadside station where you can buy fresh vegetables and fish to take home! (30s/female/office worker)

[Myo-ji Temple]
Address: 185 Takehara, Higashi-ku, Okayama City
[Voices from prefectural residents]
●While walking along the walking course from Santokuen Garden, there was a temple and many maple trees. It's a wonderful place surrounded by forests, and is a little-known spot for autumn leaves. There are places like this in Okayama city as well. (50s/Female/Housewife)

[Meoto Iwa]
Address: 2787 Fuyori, Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City
[Voices from prefectural residents]
●The highlight is the balance between the surrounding autumn leaves and the rock surface. (60s/male/self-employed)

[Hatsutoji hometown village]
Location: Kagami, Yoshinaga-cho, Bizen City [Voices from prefectural residents]
●The idyllic atmosphere on top of the mountain, the wonderful old-fashioned buildings, and the colorful autumn leaves are wonderful. (50s/Female/Office employee)

[Shokinji Temple]
Address: 4-2-29 Kadotahonmachi, Naka-ku, Okayama City
[Voices from prefectural residents]
●Shokinji Temple in Higashiyama, Okayama City is a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect, and the scenery of the autumn leaves that decorate the long staircase is not well known, making it a hidden spot that few people visit. (60s/male/other)

[Nodoro Tunnel North]
Location: Hiruzenmotokayabe, Maniwa City (Prefectural Road No. 58)
[Voices from prefectural residents]
●When you pass through the Nodoji tunnel, you will see a vast landscape. What prefecture is this? It makes me think. The magnificent view of pampas grass near Hiruzen Bear Valley Ski Resort and Hiruzen and Mt. Daisen in the background is impressive. (50s/male/other)