Okayama, Japan-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Okayama, Japan

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Okayama City

  • Arrive at Okayama Airport or Okayama Station
  • Check-in at Hotel Kuruve or similar
  • Visit Okayama Castle (9:00 am - 5:30 pm, ¥500) and its surrounding gardens
  • Walk around the Korakuen Garden (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥400), a beautiful Japanese garden
  • Try some local cuisine at Toriden, a popular restaurant serving Okayama-style dishes

Day 2: Naoshima Island

  • Take a ferry from Uno Port to Naoshima Island ( approx. 1 hour, ¥550)
  • Visit the Chichu Art Museum (10:00 am - 6:00 pm, ¥1,050) and its beautiful architecture
  • Explore the Benesse House (10:00 am - 6:00 pm, ¥1,050), a museum showcasing modern art
  • Enjoy dinner at Shima Kitchen, serving fresh seafood and local produce

Day 3: Kurashiki

  • Take a train to Kurashiki Station (approx. 15 minutes, ¥240)
  • Visit the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, free), a well-preserved Edo-era district
  • Explore the Ohara Museum of Art (9:30 am - 5:00 pm, ¥1,200), showcasing Japanese and European art
  • Stay overnight at Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel or similar

Day 4: Kibitsu

  • Take a train to Kibitsu Station (approx. 30 minutes, ¥450)
  • Visit the Kibitsu Makie Japanese Lacquerware Village (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, free), a traditional craft village
  • Explore the Kibitsu Shrine (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, free), a beautiful Shinto shrine
  • Enjoy lunch at Tsuruya, serving local specialties like Kibitsu makie

Day 5: Takamatsu

  • Take a train to Takamatsu Station (approx. 1 hour, ¥1,050)
  • Visit the Ritsurin Garden (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥400), a beautiful Japanese garden
  • Explore the Takamatsu Castle (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥500), a well-preserved castle
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Takamatsu or similar

Day 6: Shodoshima Island

  • Take a ferry from Takamatsu Port to Shodoshima Island (approx. 1 hour, ¥600)
  • Visit the Shodoshima Olive Park (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥500), a beautiful park with olive trees
  • Explore the Shodoshima Museum of Art (10:00 am - 6:00 pm, ¥800), showcasing modern art
  • Enjoy dinner at Koka, serving fresh seafood and local produce

Day 7: Departure

  • Return to Okayama Airport or Okayama Station for departure

Things to Know

  • Okayama is a relatively small city, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike
  • The Okayama dialect is unique and may be different from standard Japanese
  • Try some local specialties like Okayama-style ramen, kibitsu makie, and olives from Shodoshima Island

Transportation

  • Trains: Japan Railways (JR) operates trains throughout the region
  • Ferries: Take a ferry to Naoshima Island or Shodoshima Island from Uno Port or Takamatsu Port
  • Buses: Local buses operate in Okayama City and surrounding areas
  • Bike Rentals: Available at various locations, including Okayama Station and Korakuen Garden

Tips

  • Try to avoid traveling during peak seasons (e.g. cherry blossom season) for smaller crowds and lower prices
  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases to help you navigate the region
  • Don’t forget to try some local souvenirs, such as kibitsu makie crafts or Shodoshima olives

Other Things of Interest

  • Okayama Korakuen Garden Light Up: A beautiful light up event in autumn (late November to early December)
  • Naoshima Island Triennale: A contemporary art festival held every three years on Naoshima Island
  • Kurashiki Riverboat Cruise: A relaxing boat ride along the Kurashiki River