Okayama, Japan-2-day-itinerary

August 8, 2024

Day 1: Exploring Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden

9:00 AM: Start your day at the Okayama Castle (Okayama-jo) map. This beautiful castle has a stunning five-story donjon (main tower) and offers great views of the surrounding city.
11:00 AM: Visit the Korakuen Garden (Koraku-en), a UNESCO World Heritage Site located nearby. These beautifully landscaped gardens feature walking paths, ponds, teahouses, and traditional Japanese architecture.

1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Tsuruhashi Okome Tei, a popular restaurant serving delicious kaiseki (Japanese multi-course) cuisine. Try their signature dish, “Korokke” (a Japanese version of croquettes).
2:30 PM: Visit the nearby Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art (Okayama-ken Bijutsukan). This museum features a collection of Japanese and Western art, as well as rotating exhibitions.
5:00 PM: Take some time to stroll through the charming streets of KKW (Koraku-en) district. You’ll find many shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.

7:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at Ganko Sushi, which serves high-quality sushi and other Japanese dishes.
9:00 PM: End your day with a relaxing stroll along the Asahibashi Bridge (Asahibashi-bashi) in the KKW district.

For this itinerary, consider staying at:

Hotel Granvia Okayama, located near the JR Okayama Station. This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and great city views.
Okayama Kokusai Hotel, situated in the heart of the city, within walking distance to many attractions.

Getting There: The most convenient way to reach Okayama is by train from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Take a JR train ( approx. 2-3 hours) or a bus (approx. 4-5 hours).
Around the City: Use buses or walk/bike around the city. Taxis are also available.

Arrive early at Okayama Castle to avoid crowds.
Korakuen Garden can be crowded on weekends; plan ahead and visit earlier in the day if possible.
Don’t miss the beautiful cherry blossoms (sakura) during spring season.

Day 2: Discovering Okayama’s Hidden Gems

9:00 AM: Visit the Okayama Museum of History, located near the JR Okayama Station. This museum showcases the history and culture of the region.
11:30 AM: Explore the nearby Okayama Prefectural Library, a beautiful library featuring a stunning garden and tea house.

1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, which serves high-quality tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet) cuisine.
2:30 PM: Visit the Okayama Prefectural Art Museum’s outdoor sculpture garden, which features over 60 modern sculptures by Japanese artists.

6:00 PM: Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Korakuen (Koraku-en-ko), located nearby. Take in the beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and enjoy traditional snacks and drinks.
8:30 PM: End your day with a delicious dinner at Shinramen, which serves high-quality ramen (Japanese noodle soup).

Okayama is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.
Visit the local markets, such as Okayama Central Market, to experience the local food scene.
Don’t miss the stunning views of Okayama City from the top floor of the JR Okayama Station.

Continue using buses or walk/bike around the city. Taxis are also available for transportation within the city.

Other Recommendations

Visit the Okayama Castle Museum, located inside the castle, which showcases the history and culture of the region.
Explore the charming streets of Okayama’s old town (Kurashiki Bikan area) on the second day.