Recommended seasonal sightseeing spots
Introducing Okayama's seasonal charms and highlights, as well as one of the most atmospheric hot spring resorts in western Japan
spring
summer
autumn
winter
Okayama has many famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Must-see spots that have been selected as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots include Tsuyama Castle, where approximately 1,000 cherry trees look like a sea of clouds, and Gaisen Sakura Street, which has a beautiful historic townscape and cherry blossom tunnel.
Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)
History
Gaisen Cherry Trees
Nature / Seasons
Asahi River Sakura Road
Nature / Seasons
Daigo Sakura
Nature / Seasons
Spring Okayama sightseeing guide (March to May)
Must see! Full of information to enjoy Okayama in spring. We'll introduce you to must-see spots, experiences, seasonal gourmet food, and more.
Okayama Korakuen in spring
Spring is when the grass gradually turns green. Yuishinzan, located almost in the center of the park, offers a panoramic view of the entire garden, offering a refreshing view of the fresh greenery. The sight of azaleas and azaleas decorating the slopes of Mt. Yuishin and around Enyo-tei is a typical spring scene in Korakuen. If you take a walk along the garden path that surrounds the pond, you can see the highlights of the park, such as the lush green tea plantations and Ida fields.
Okayama Korakuen Garden
Parks / Gardens
spring flower spot
Articles about flowers
Recommended spring experiences
[Cycling] Okayama Prefecture offers a variety of cycling courses, including the magnificent scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, Kibi Kogen, and the Chugoku Mountains, as well as beautiful townscapes that still have a rich history.
[Trekking] Let's climb the mountains in spring while enjoying fresh greenery and flowers in a warm and cheerful atmosphere! There are various spots where you can casually hike or climb a mountain in earnest.
Wakasugi Natural Forest (Wakasugi Primeval Forest)
Nature / Seasons
Okayama Prefectural Forest Park
Parks / Gardens
Station at the foot of Mt.Nagi
Shopping
Yatakayama Park
Parks / Gardens
[Pottery/Making] You can make your own one-of-a-kind items such as Bizen ware, blown glass, denim accessories, leather products, and accessories.
Okayama Forest Park German Forest
Entertainment
Okayama Farmers Market North Village
Experiences
Bizen Osafune Sword Museum
History
Okayama City South Village
Experiences
Yamada Bee Farm Honey Bee Farm
Experiences
Hiruzen Herb Garden herbill
Nature / Seasons
Okayama Castle Bizen Ware Workshop
Experiences
Imbe (Bizen Pottery Village)
History
Samukaze Ceramics Hall
Experiences
Bengala Pottery Museum
History
Ibara denim store
Shopping
[Strawberry picking] There are many farms in Okayama Prefecture where you can go strawberry picking. Why not try out different varieties and find your favorite strawberry?
Recommended gourmet food for spring
[Mackerel] Speaking of sashimi, Spanish mackerel! This seafood is so loved by the people of the prefecture. You can enjoy many Spanish mackerel dishes in Okayama, such as sashimi, tataki, and grilled with salt.
In summer, you can enjoy water activities in the beautiful sea and river. If you rent a summer kimono called a yukata and walk through the illuminated streets, it will be an unforgettable memory.
Ushimado Sea Kayaks
Sports
Nishigawa Greenway Park and Edakawa Greenway Park
Parks / Gardens
Shibukawa Beach (Shibukawa Coast)
Nature / Seasons
Inujima Island
Nature / Seasons
Summer Okayama sightseeing guide (June to August)
Introducing spots and experiences where you can fully enjoy summer in Okayama. Take a refreshing trip to the Seto Inland Sea and highlands!
summer flower spot
Kibitsu Shrine
[Hydrangea] The blue, purple, and pink hydrangeas that bloom from the rainy season to early summer are so beautiful that you'll want to take a photo of them! (Mid-June to early July)
Kibitsujinja shrine
History
Takebenomori Park
Parks / Gardens
Okayama Korakuen Garden
Parks / Gardens
Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)
History
Oyama Hydrangea Road (Oyama Observation Deck)
Nature / Seasons
Daishoji Temple
History
Fumonji Temple
History
Hiruzen Herb Garden herbill
Nature / Seasons
Tanematsuyama Park West Park
Nature / Seasons
Saidouji Temple
History
Miyama Park
Parks / Gardens
Flower garden on reclaimed land in Kasaoka Bay
[Sunflowers] A field of sunflowers blooming vigorously under the summer sun! Let's go out and get power from vitamin-colored flowers. (July to August)
Okayama Forest Park German Forest
Entertainment
Roadside station style house
Shopping
Kasaoka Bay Farm Flower Garden
Nature / Seasons
Hiruzen Jersey Land
Shopping
Enjoy your stay in a cool spot!
Iwai Falls
Introducing cool spots where you can stay cool even in the hot summer. Refresh yourself by bathing in negative ions through forest bathing and waterside activities. Also, why not spend some extraordinary time and refresh yourself in the limestone cave, which is cool and comfortable even in summer. Be sure to try the cool sweets that are unique to Okayama.
Iwai Falls
Nature / Seasons
Kanba Falls
Nature / Seasons
Narutaki Forest Park
Parks / Gardens
Ikura Cave
Nature / Seasons
Makido Cave
Nature / Seasons
Bitchu Bell Breast Hole
Nature / Seasons
Enjoy the taste of the season! fruit picking
[Peach picking] Speaking of Okayama's peaches, the ``white peaches'' are grown with each peach carefully wrapped in a bag. Enjoy the aromatic and juicy peaches! (Late June to early September)
Tomomien
Experiences
Yoshii Farm
Experiences
[Grape picking] The taste of grapes grown in a warm climate, such as the large, seedless "Pione" and the "Shine Muscat" whose skin can be eaten, is exceptional! (Late July to early November)
Enjoy the outdoors!
[Campsite & Glamping Spot]
Seto Inland Sea Hot Springs Tamanoyu
Hot Springs
Create Sugedani
Experiences
Narutaki Forest Park
Parks / Gardens
Tom Sawyer Adventure Village
Experiences
Okayama in autumn with beautiful autumn leaves. Many of the autumn foliage spots are lit up at night, giving you a fantastic view that is completely different from the daytime scenery.
Ukan Gorge
Nature / Seasons
Former Shizutani School
History
Okutsukei Valley
Nature / Seasons
Gokei Valley
Nature / Seasons
Autumn Okayama sightseeing guide (September to November)
Introducing the must-see spots and experiences to enjoy Okayama in autumn.
You'll want to point your lens at it! Autumn leaves spot
We introduce recommended autumn foliage spots where you can enjoy landscapes of different beauty, such as valleys turning red, waterfalls and autumn foliage collaborating, and colorful trees decorating historic sites. If you come across a wonderful scene while traveling, capture the entire emotion.
Sogenji Temple
History
Tanjoji temple
History
family temple
History
Kiyamadera Temple
History
Tenjin Gorge
Nature / Seasons
Articles about autumn leaves
I want to enjoy it in autumn! art spot
Enjoy the taste of the season! Fruit picking [grape picking] [pear picking]
Ishihara Orchard
Experiences
Mimasaka Farm
Experiences
Kubo Farm
Experiences
Waterwheel Village Fruittopia
Experiences
Ohara Tourist Orchard
Experiences
The highlight of winter is the snowy scenery in the northern part of the prefecture. From full-fledged snow activities to playing in the snow, you can have fun in a way that suits your needs. Taking a bath in the open-air bath while looking at the snow is something special.
Winter Okayama sightseeing guide (December to February)
Introducing the must-see spots and gourmet food to enjoy Okayama in winter.
Illumination spot that colors the winter
Nishigawa Greenway Park and Edakawa Greenway Park
Parks / Gardens
Okayama Forest Park German Forest
Entertainment
Spectacular sea of clouds spots in Okayama that you must see at least once
A sea of clouds becomes visible as autumn deepens and the mornings get colder. When you look around from the top of a mountain early in the morning, the fog that covers the area below looks like a sea of clouds! We will introduce you to a sea of clouds spots in Okayama Prefecture where you can enjoy such a fantastic view. Would you like to go out in search of a once-in-a-lifetime spectacular view that can only be seen when various weather conditions are right?
Yatakayama Park
Parks / Gardens
Beat the cold with winter sports!
Three healing Okayama hot springs/Mimasaka three hot springs: Yubara, Okutsu, and Yunogo
Experience the effects of hot springs for healing and beautifying your skin while enjoying a variety of hot springs!
Mimasaka Santo, located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, is one of the most famous hot springs in western Japan, consisting of three famous hot springs: Yubara Onsen, Okutsu Onsen, and Yunogo Onsen. You can relax and heal while surrounded by nature, or enjoy the quaint appearance of a spa and hot spring town. How about a hot spring trip that warms your mind and body?
Yokozuna of the open-air bath ranking west! "Yubara Onsen"
Yubara Onsen has been known as a hot spring resort since the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and is said to be effective against neuralgia and sensitivity to cold. It is convenient to access by car, but there are also buses from the nearest Chugoku Katsuyama Station and other major areas nearby. It is famous for its ``Sunayu'', which was recognized as the Yokozuna of the West in the national open-air bath ranking. There are also historical monuments along the hot spring town, a hot spring museum with exhibits related to the area, and Yumoto Onsenkan, where you can enjoy a day trip to the hot springs.
Enjoy the ultimate relaxing time at Okutsu Onsen, a hidden hot spring surrounded by mountains and clear streams.
Okutsu Onsen, which is located in a beautiful landscape surrounded by mountains and rivers and was valued by feudal lords during the Edo period, is known as the scenic "hot spring of beauty." Okutsu Onsen also has attractions such as ``foot washing'', an ancient custom that has become a specialty, and scenic spots with abundant nature. You can also enjoy a day trip bath at Hanabijin no Sato, a relaxing space surrounded by the warmth of wood. *Due to damage caused by Typhoon No. 7 in August 2023, "foot washing" is currently suspended.
Enjoy the retro atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy at Yunogo Onsen, a historic spa for healing and beautiful skin!
Yunogo Onsen, also known as ``Sagi no Yu,'' is said to have been discovered by Priest Ennin 1,200 years ago, and is said to have healing effects on wounds and skin beautification. You can get there in less than 10 minutes by bus or taxi from the nearest JR Hayashino Station. The nearby area is blessed with scenic spots where you can enjoy the rich nature, such as the Daisen Observation Deck, and is also known as a ``toy town'' and a hot spring resort that can be enjoyed by three generations of the family. At Yugo Sagi Onsenkan, which is also the original hot spring of Yunogo Onsen, you can enjoy various types of hot spring bathing.