Okayama Prefecture, located in the center of Western Japan, is known as the birthplace of one of Japan's most famous folktales, "Momotaro." Blessed with a warm climate all year round, this region is affectionately known as the "Land of Sunshine," and you can experience the world of legend right now.
2025.02.19
Okayama is a city deeply connected to one of Japan's most famous folk tales, "Momotaro." Momotaro is loved as a symbol of courage, kindness, and unity, and there are many spots where you can experience this legend when you visit Okayama. From the bronze statues in front of Okayama Airport and Okayama Station, to the shrines where the legend is set, to fortune-telling slips and charms with a peach motif, and souvenirs with a Momotaro theme, let's go on a journey to experience the world of Momotaro.
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Table of Contents
- What is Momotaro?
- A journey through the legend: Places associated with Momotaro
- Momotaro-themed gourmet food and souvenirs
- "Uraja" adds color to Okayama's summer
- Access and tourist attractions
- Experience the world of Momotaro in Okayama
What is Momotaro?
Momotaro is one of the most beloved stories in Japanese folklore. One day, an old woman was washing clothes by the river when she found a big peach. When she cut the peach open, a lively little boy was born. The old man and woman named the child "Momotaro" and raised him with care.
As he grew up, Momotaro decided to set out on a journey to defeat the demons that were tormenting the villagers. He shared his special "Kibi Dango" with a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant he met along the way, and they became his loyal servants. Momotaro, who joined forces with his friends and successfully defeated the demons of Onigashima, is still remembered today as a true hero.
A journey through the legend: Places associated with Momotaro
Okayama is dotted with tourist spots related to Momotaro.
Momotaro Statue & Momotaro Street
In front of Okayama Station, there are bronze statues of the story's protagonist, Momotaro, along with a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, making it the perfect starting point for sightseeing. (*Currently being temporarily relocated due to construction work to allow tram access. It is scheduled to be reinstalled near the new tram stop in the station square around March 2027.) Statues of Momotaro and his animal friends are dotted all over Momotaro Street, which continues from the station, allowing you to experience the legend as you stroll along the street. There is also a guardrail post modeled after the demon's iron club, called the Oni no Kanabou Guard, so you can enjoy the world of Momotaro throughout the entire street.
Kibitsu-jinja Shrine:
Kibitsu-jinja Shrine, designated as a national treasure, is a historic shrine dedicated to Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, who is said to be the inspiration behind the Momotaro legend. Its magnificent corridor stretches a total of 398 meters and is known as a masterpiece of architectural beauty. You can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season, from cherry blossoms in the spring, hydrangeas in early summer, and autumn leaves in the fall.
![A 398-meter long corridor!? The model for the Momotaro legend!? [Kibitsu-jinja Shrine]](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/200x2000/2024/12/27-217410.webp)
Kibitsuhiko-jinja Shrine
Kibitsuhiko-jinja Shrine, which also enshrines Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, has a solemn atmosphere that blends traditional shrine architecture with deep greenery. The main hall is designated as an Important Cultural Property by the prefecture and is located on Kibi no Nakayama, which has long been worshiped as a sacred mountain. On the summer solstice, the sun rises directly in front of the torii gate, so the shrine is also known as Asahi no Miya, or "Palace of the Morning Sun," and is popular as a power spot.
Peach-themed charms and fortune-telling slips are popular.
Kinojo Castle(Demon's Castle)
This ancient mountain castle in Soja City is said to be the castle of the demon that Momotaro defeated. It has been selected as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan, and the remains of the ancient mountain castle remain in this area, so it is often linked to the Momotaro legend. A magnificent view spreads out from the castle ruins, and you can feel as if you are standing on the stage where Momotaro fought the demon.
Momotaro-themed gourmet food and souvenirs
If you visit Okayama, be sure to enjoy the local specialties and gourmet food associated with Momotaro.
Kibi Dango
Kibi Dango, famous for being served by Momotaro to his friends, is a specialty sweet of Okayama. It originally came from the food culture of the Kibi region, which has been passed down since ancient times, and was also eaten as portable food by samurai. Due to the influence of the story, it is now widely loved as a symbol of Momotaro.
Momotaro Goods
Momotaro Goods: There are many products with Momotaro motifs, such as stuffed toys, key chains, and miscellaneous goods exclusive to Okayama. Charms and stationery with Momotaro designs are especially popular with tourists.
In Okayama City, manholes with designs based on the Momotaro legend have been installed throughout the city. These manholes were designed by Okayama City employees and began to be installed in 1986.
The main locations for the manhole covers are around Okayama Station, Omotemachi Shopping Street, and Korakuen, which are easy for tourists to visit. In particular, the Okayama Station Shopping Street and Prefectural Office Street (near Omotemachi Shopping Street) have manhole covers with colorful designs in collaboration with the popular game "Momotaro Dentetsu."
White peach related products
Okayama is also famous for its white peaches. In honor of Momotaro's "peach," sweets, juice, cosmetics, and other products made with white peaches are sold as local specialties. Okayama's white peaches in particular are known for their strong sweetness and refined flavor.
"Uraja" adds color to Okayama's summer
"Uraja" is the largest summer festival in Okayama Prefecture, held every August, and was born from the Momotaro legend that depicts the battle between Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto (Momotaro) and Ura (the demon god), which is passed down in Okayama.
At Uraja, dancers dressed in colorful costumes dance through the town to the Uraja Ondo and original choreography. With their faces made with unique Ura makeup, the streets of Okayama are filled with energy and smiles. Both local residents and tourists can participate, making it a rare opportunity to experience Okayama culture up close.
Access and tourist attractions
Okayama is located halfway between major tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and is easily accessible by Shinkansen. It also occupies an important position as a gateway to Shikoku via the Great Seto Bridge.
There are also many historical tourist spots, such as Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, Okayama Castle, and the atmospheric Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Okayama, known as the "Fruit Kingdom," is especially famous for its white peaches, and you can also taste Muscat and Pione grapes.
![[2025 Edition] From Osaka! A Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Tour of Okayama and Hiroshima](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/200x2000/2024/11/25-211829.webp)
Experience the world of Momotaro in Okayama
The story of Momotaro is not just a folk tale, but a symbol of courage, friendship, and justice that is still deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Okayama. Why not go on a journey following in Momotaro's footsteps, visiting historical spots and enjoying traditional flavors? Come and find your own Momotaro experience in Okayama.
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