Okayama
Okayama Prefecture, situated in the Chugoku region of Japan, is a diverse blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. The prefecture is most famous for its idyllic Korakuen Garden, ranked among the top three landscape gardens in Japan. The area is also home to the historic Okayama Castle, often referred to as “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior. Beyond its cultural highlights, Okayama offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking in the Seto Inland Sea National Park and exploring the scenic Kibi Plain. Its delicious local cuisine, featuring the famous Okayama peaches and high-quality grapes, offers a delightful culinary journey for visitors.
Access
By Air:
- Okayama Momotaro Airport has several domestic flights from Tokyo, Sapporo, Okinawa, and international flights from cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, and Seoul. A shuttle bus connects the airport to Okayama Station in approximately 30 minutes.
By Train:
- Okayama is a major shinkansen stop. From Tokyo, the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen takes about 3-4 hours to Okayama. From Osaka, it’s just over an hour via the Sanyo Shinkansen.
By Bus:
- Long-distance buses are available from major cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka to Okayama. These buses are often cheaper than trains but take a longer time.
Please note that the time and costs can vary depending on the departure point and the specific time of travel. Always check the latest schedules and prices before your trip.