Before my most recent trip, I had not heard of Okayama! And it is honestly one of Japan’s most underrated gems – full of so much history, beautiful gardens, and loads of museums (which I love). It’s also, only 50 minutes by the Shinkansen from Osaka, so a great day trip or perfect stop for a few days.

Don’t forget to use my discount code OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK to get extra savings on your bookings.

Visit Okayama Castle & Korakuen Garden 🏯

Your first stop in Okayama defs needs to be Okayama Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior. There is so much ruch history to see inside too, and your ticket with Klook gets your a free sundae!

Right next to the castle is Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens, featuring stunning ponds, scenic tea houses, and beautiful seasonal flowers. It is apparently absolutely breathtaking in spring during cherry blossom season! I was there in February, and they had begun to come out!

Entry to Okayama Castle is included with the Have Fun Okayama Pass. Book via Klook and use OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK for discounts.

Explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter 🏛️🚣‍♂️

Kurashiki is a well-preserved Edo-period town, famous for its canal-lined streets, historic warehouses, and charming museums. You can:

• Take a traditional boat ride through the canals.
• Visit the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s first museum of Western art.
• Enjoy quaint cafés and boutique shops selling handmade goods.

Entry to museum and experiences in Kurashiki are included with the Have Fun Okayama Pass. Book your activities on Klook with OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK for discounts.

Try Okayama’s Famous Peach Desserts 🍑

Okayama is Japan’s “Peach Prefecture”, known for its white peaches and delicious peach-based treats! I’m told you must try their Peach parfaits, Momotaro-themed sweets & local peach wine and jams. I saw lots of these around

Discover Okayama’s Best Museums 🏛️

Okayama is home to several fascinating museums, showcasing art, history, and culture. If you love museums, don’t miss:

• Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art – Features works from local and international artists, including pieces inspired by Okayama’s history.
• Yumeji Art Museum – Dedicated to the works of Yumeji Takehisa, a famous Taisho-era artist.
• Okayama Orient Museum – One of Japan’s few museums focused on ancient Middle Eastern art and artifacts.
• Okayama Digital Museum – A modern interactive museum featuring digital installations and innovative exhibits.
• Takahashishi Nariwa Museum – A unique museum showcasing contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
• Okayama Okaden Museum – Showcasing the history and evolution of Okayama’s local tram and transportation system.

Many of these museums are included in the Have Fun Okayama Pass. Use OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK for discounts when booking museum tickets on Klook.

Relax at Washu Blue Resort Hot Spring

For the ultimate hot spring experience, this is the only natural hot spring in the area, located 30 minutes from Okayama. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Bisan Seto and the Seto Ohashi Bridge from 110 meters above sea level.

This luxurious resort offers stunning ocean scenery and rejuvenating natural hot springs, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Entry to Washu Blue Resort Kasago Hot Spring is included with the Have Fun Okayama Pass. Book via Klook and use OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK for additional savings.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a small towel and follow proper onsen etiquette before entering the baths!

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Getting Around Okayama 🚆

Okayama has an efficient transportation system making it easy to explore!

Local Trams & Buses

• Okayama Electric Tramway is a convenient way to reach major sites like Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden.
• Buses connect Okayama Station to Kurashiki, making it an easy day trip.

JR Rail & Shinkansen

• Okayama is a major Shinkansen hub, with bullet trains connecting to Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo.
• JR Pass holders can use the Sanyo Shinkansen for free travel.

The Have Fun Okayama Pass has an option for a JR rail pass which we used from Osaka to Okayama and return!!

Tip: Get an IC card (ICOCA or Suica) for contactless payments on trams, buses, and trains. The tram also took coins!

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Save $$$ With The ‘Have Fun Okayama Pass’ 🎟️

The Have Fun Okayama Pass is a multi-attraction pass that gives you access to Okayama’s top sights at a discounted price. The pass saves you tons of money compared to buying individual tickets!

What’s Included?

• 1 x Have Fun in Okayama Pass (1 Week Free Pass)
• 1 x Kansai Wide-Area 5-Day Rail Pass 🚆
• Entry to 3 facilities of your choice during the valid period

The pass saves you tons of money compared to buying individual tickets, and bundling it with a 5-day JR Rail Pass makes traveling around Okayama and beyond even easier!

I also booked my accomodation and stayed at the APA hotel next to the train station, and highly recommend – it was a great location!!

Okayama was truly a hidden treasure of Japan, offering a perfect mix of history, nature, and cultural experiences. Book your Have Fun Okayama Pass, accommodations, and more on Klook! Don’t forget to use OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK for extra savings!

Have an amazing time in Okayama! Let me know if you have any questions or need more travel tips!