Okayama Korakuen garden, Kurashiki’s historic canal quarter and the gateway to the art island of Naoshima.
Okayama is a Sanyo Shinkansen stop and the junction for Shikoku and San-in. Kurashiki is 15 minutes away by train.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesKorakuen is one of Japan’s three great gardens, with ponds, tea houses and lawns. Across the river stands Okayama Castle, known as the Crow Castle for its black walls.
Trams run from Okayama Station toward the garden and castle.
Read this area guide →The Bikan historical quarter has white-walled storehouses along a willow-lined canal, with boat rides. The Ohara Museum of Art holds Western masterpieces, and Kojima is known for jeans.
The quarter is a 10-minute walk from Kurashiki Station; evenings are quieter after tour groups leave.
Read this area guide →From Uno Port, ferries cross to Naoshima (Kagawa Prefecture), with the Chichu Art Museum and Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkin. The Setouchi Triennale art festival is held every three years.
JR trains run from Okayama to Uno in about an hour. Some museums need timed tickets.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Korakuen garden and Okayama Castle.
Barazushi or demi-katsu-don lunch.
Train to Kurashiki; Bikan quarter and Ohara Museum.
Dinner in Kurashiki’s lit-up quarter.
Try white peaches and Muscat grapes in summer, barazushi, kibi dango and demi-katsu-don.
Stay near Okayama Station for transport or in Kurashiki for atmosphere. Naoshima has a few inns that sell out early.
All Sanyo Shinkansen trains stop at Okayama. JR lines run to Kurashiki, Uno, Shikoku (Marine Liner) and San-in (Yakumo).
