Okayama, Japan-5-day-itinerary

August 6, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Okayama City

Morning: Arrive at Okayama Airport or Kansai International Airport and take a train or bus to your hotel.
10:00 AM: Visit the Okayama Castle, a majestic castle that has been designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. You can explore the castle’s museum, which features exhibits on Japanese history and art.
12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, a popular restaurant serving delicious Tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet) dishes.
1:30 PM: Explore the nearby Korakuen Garden, a beautiful traditional Japanese garden that is also one of Japan’s Top 100 Gardens. The garden features a serene pond, teahouses, and walking paths.
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Sudachi no Yakata, a restaurant serving fresh seafood and sushi dishes.
8:00 PM: Return to your hotel for rest.

Day 2: Kurashiki City and Bikan Historical Quarter

9:00 AM: Take the train from Okayama Station to Kurashiki Station (approximately 20 minutes).
10:00 AM: Visit the Bikan Historical Quarter, a charming district filled with traditional Japanese buildings, shops, and restaurants. The quarter features a beautiful canal, which is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season.
12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Kurashiki Kibune Shrine’s restaurant, which serves delicious local cuisine.
2:00 PM: Visit the Ohara Museum of Art, a museum featuring a collection of Western art and sculptures. The museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking paths.
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Kurashiki’s restaurant, serving local specialties such as Kibi Dango (rice ball) dishes.

Day 3: Takahashi City

9:00 AM: Take the train from Kurashiki Station to Takahashi Station (approximately 20 minutes).
10:00 AM: Visit the Bichu Matsuyama Castle, a historic castle that has been designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. The castle features a beautiful garden and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Takahashi’s restaurant, serving local specialties such as Japanese curry rice dishes.
2:00 PM: Explore the nearby Kikusei Park, a beautiful park featuring walking paths, gardens, and a lake.
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Takahashi’s restaurant, serving local cuisine.

Day 4: Okayama City (Shopping and Relaxation)

9:00 AM: Return to Okayama City by train from Takahashi Station (approximately 20 minutes).
10:00 AM: Visit the Okayama Prefectural Museum, a museum featuring exhibits on the history, art, and culture of the region.
12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Okayama’s restaurant, serving local specialties such as Tonkatsu dishes.
2:00 PM: Visit the Korakuen Garden again, or explore the nearby Okayama Castle Museum to learn more about Japanese history and art.
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Sudachi no Yakata, a restaurant serving fresh seafood and sushi dishes.

Day 5: Departure

9:00 AM: Check out of your hotel and head back to the airport or Kansai International Airport for departure.
10:00 AM: Visit the Okayama Castle one last time, or explore the nearby shops and restaurants before departing.

Train: Take a train from Okayama Station to Kurashiki Station (approximately 20 minutes) and then to Takahashi Station (approximately 20 minutes).
Bus: Take a bus from Okayama Airport or Kansai International Airport to your hotel.
Taxi: Use a taxi to travel between cities, but be aware that it may take longer due to traffic.

Learn some basic Japanese phrases to communicate with locals, such as “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
Try local cuisine, including dishes like Tonkatsu, Kibi Dango, and Japanese curry rice.
Explore traditional Japanese gardens and castles to appreciate the country’s rich history and culture.

Hotel: Okayama Station Hotel or Kurashiki Station Hotel
Guesthouse: Traditional Japanese guesthouses in Takahashi City or Kurashiki City