Okayama Prefecture is often called the “land of sunshine” — a fitting nickname for a region that sees more sunny days than almost anywhere else in Japan. Located in the Chugoku region along the Seto Inland Sea, it strikes a balance between accessible city life and deeply rural charm, making it an ideal stop for visitors looking beyond the well-worn tourist trail.
The prefectural capital, Okayama city, is home to Okayama Castle — known as the Crow Castle for its striking black exterior — and Korakuen Garden, considered one of the top three traditional gardens in Japan. The garden was commissioned by the local feudal lord in 1687 and features sweeping lawns, ponds, streams, walking paths and a hilltop viewpoint. Together, the castle and garden form the heart of the city’s sightseeing scene and can easily be explored in a single afternoon.
Just outside the capital, the city of Kurashiki is famous for its canals and beautifully preserved Edo and Meiji-era townscape in the Bikan Historical Quarter. The Ohara Museum of Art, located in the center of town, was Japan’s first Western art museum. Further afield, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is one of the oldest remaining castles in Japan and holds the distinction of being the highest-elevation castle in the country.
