Okayama Japan 3 Day Itinerary

Okayama 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Okayama City

Morning

  • Korakuen Garden (): A beautiful Japanese garden with a serene atmosphere. Stroll around the gardens and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Okayama Castle (): A majestic castle that dates back to the 14th century. Take a guided tour to learn about its history.

Lunch

  • Kappo Ryokai: Try their delicious Okayama-style lunch sets, featuring local ingredients like peaches and grapes.

Afternoon

  • Okayama City Museum (): Learn about the city’s history, art, and culture at this comprehensive museum.
  • Shiroshita Shopping Street (): A lively shopping street lined with traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Evening

  • Dinner at Kariwa: Savor Okayama-style kaiseki (multi-course) dinner at this cozy restaurant.
  • Stay at Hotel Granvia Okayama: Conveniently located near the train station, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and great service.

Day 2: Nature and Culture

Morning

  • Kibitsu Shrine (): A historic shrine famous for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings. Take a short hike to reach the top for stunning views.
  • Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum (): Learn about Japan’s ancient sword-making techniques and see impressive sword collections.

Lunch

  • Restaurant Bizen: Enjoy local specialties like okayama-style ramen and delicious desserts.

Afternoon

  • Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (): A charming historic district with many traditional buildings, shops, and cafes. Take a stroll along the canal and enjoy the scenery.
  • Ohara Museum of Art (): A museum featuring an impressive collection of Japanese and European art.

Evening

  • Dinner at Yakichi: Try their delicious yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and other local specialties.
  • Stay at Hotel Granvia Okayama (again)

Day 3: Islands and Beaches

Morning

  • Take a ferry to Naoshima Island (): A scenic island famous for its modern art museums, beaches, and scenic views. Rent a bike and explore the island.
  • Chichu Art Museum (): A unique museum designed by Tadao Ando, featuring an impressive collection of contemporary art.

Lunch

  • Cafe Restaurant Naoshima: Enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties at this cozy cafe.

Afternoon

  • Beach time at Honmura Beach (): Relax on the beach or take a swim in the Seto Inland Sea.
  • Return to Okayama City by ferry

Evening

  • Dinner at Ume no Mi: Try their delicious kaiseki dinner featuring local seasonal ingredients.
  • Stay at Hotel Granvia Okayama (again)

Things to Know

  • Okayama is known for its peaches, grapes, and other local fruits. Be sure to try some during your visit!
  • The city has a convenient public transportation system, including buses and trams.
  • Many attractions offer English audio guides or pamphlets, but it’s still a good idea to learn basic Japanese phrases.

Transportation

  • Okayama is easily accessible by train from Osaka ( approx. 1 hour) or Hiroshima (approx. 2 hours).
  • The city has a convenient public transportation system, including buses and trams.
  • Renting a bike on Naoshima Island is a great way to explore the island.

Tips

  • Okayama can be quite hot during summer, so don’t forget to stay hydrated and bring sunscreen!
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak travel seasons (e.g. cherry blossom season) if you prefer smaller crowds.
  • Don’t miss the local festivals, such as the Okayama Cherry Blossom Festival or the Korakuen Garden Autumn Leaves Festival.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Okayama, Japan!