Foodie Road Trips Across the World in Okayama, Okayama, Japan
1. Bizen Ochazuke Museum
Explore the history and art of ochazuke, a traditional Japanese dish made with rice, tea, and fish or pickles. The museum offers interactive exhibits and delicious samples.
- Cultural Experience: Immerse in the history of Bizen ochazuke, a dish with over 500 years of history.
- Interactive Exhibits: Learn about the preparation and significance of ochazuke through interactive exhibits.
- Delicious Samples: Enjoy delicious samples of Bizen ochazuke in the museum café.
2. Kibitsu Shrine
Visit this ancient shrine dating back to the 9th century, famous for its beautiful architecture and delicious kibidango dumplings made from sweetened rice flour.
- Historical Significance: Explore a shrine with over 1200 years of history.
- Delicious Kibidango: Taste the traditional kibidango dumplings, a specialty of Okayama.
- Beautiful Architecture: Admire the intricate carvings and elegant architecture of Kibitsu Shrine.
3. Kurashiki Bettei Sake Brewery
Learn about the traditional sake-making process at this brewery in Kurashiki. Taste a variety of sakes and enjoy a tour of the historic facility.
- Traditional Sake Making: Discover the traditional methods used to make sake at this brewery.
- Wide Variety of Sakes: Taste a diverse selection of sakes, each with its unique flavor profile.
- Historic Facility Tour: Explore the historic brewery facility and learn about its rich history.
4. Okayama Korakuen Garden
Stroll through one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, featuring ponds, bridges, and teahouses. Don't forget to try the traditional sweets available in the tea houses.
- Beautiful Scenery: Enjoy the stunning views of Okayama Korakuen Garden, a designated National Site of scenic beauty.
- Traditional Sweets: Taste traditional Japanese sweets while enjoying a tea break in one of the garden's teahouses.
- Historic Tea Houses: Visit historic tea houses that have been serving visitors for over 300 years.
5. Yumebutai Seafood Market
Experience the bustling atmosphere of a local seafood market, where you can sample fresh sushi and other seafood dishes.
- Fresh Seafood: Sample some of the freshest seafood available in Okayama at Yumebutai Market.
- Bustling Atmosphere: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market, filled with local vendors and visitors.
- Sushi Sampling: Taste a variety of sushi dishes made from fresh seafood caught daily.
6. Kibitsu-ji Sake Brewery Museum
Learn about the history of sake brewing in Okayama at this museum. Taste samples of the brewery's award-winning sakes.
- Historical Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the history and techniques of sake brewing.
- Award-Winning Sakes: Taste sakes that have received numerous awards both domestically and internationally.
- Hands-On Experiences: Participate in hands-on experiences such as sake tasting and brewery tours.
7. Kurashiki Ivy Square
Walk through the charming streets lined with traditional white-walled houses and covered in ivy. Enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.
- Charming Atmosphere: Experience the unique charm of Kurashiki Ivy Square, a well-preserved Edo period townscape.
- Local Restaurants: Taste local dishes at one of the many restaurants in the area.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the picturesque streets and houses covered in ivy.
8. Ushiori Seafood Restaurant
Enjoy fresh seafood dishes at this popular restaurant in Okayama. Known for its delicious oysters and sushi.
- Fresh Seafood: Taste the freshest seafood, sourced daily from local fishermen.
- Delicious Oysters: Savor the famous oysters that Ushiori is known for.
- Traditional Sushi: Experience traditional sushi made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
9. Kurashiki Omori Bekkan
Explore this historic warehouse district filled with shops and cafes. Take a boat ride along the canals for a unique perspective.
- Unique Perspective: Take a boat ride along the canals to see the district from a different angle.
- Local Shops and Cafes: Discover local shops selling traditional crafts and cafes serving delicious treats.
- Historic Warehouses: Explore the well-preserved historic warehouses that date back to the Edo period.
10. Kibitsu Shrine Ota Kobo
Learn about the traditional pottery-making techniques at this workshop. Create your own pottery piece to take home.
- Creative Workshop: Create your own unique pottery piece using traditional techniques.
- Learning Experience: Gain insights into the history and process of pottery-making.
- Souvenir to Take Home: Take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir made by your own hands.
11. Okayama Castle
Visit this stunning castle, built in the 16th century and known for its beautiful white walls. Explore the castle grounds and museum.
- Historical Architecture: Admire the beautiful architecture of Okayama Castle, a symbol of Okayama.
- Castle Grounds: Stroll through the peaceful castle grounds and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
- Museum: Learn about the history of Okayama Castle and its surrounding area at the on-site museum.
12. Bizen Pottery Town
Visit this town famous for its traditional Bizen pottery. Browse shops selling unique ceramics and watch artisans at work.
- Traditional Pottery: Discover the beautiful, rustic ceramics that are a hallmark of Bizen pottery.
- Artisan Demonstrations: Watch skilled artisans demonstrate their traditional pottery techniques.
- Unique Shops: Browse shops selling a wide variety of Bizen pottery, each piece unique and handcrafted.
13. Mt. Daishobo
Hike up Mt. Daishobo for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Enjoy a meal at the mountain's restaurant.
- Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the summit.
- Hiking Trail: Experience the beautiful scenery along the hiking trail leading to the summit.
- Restaurant: Refuel at the mountain restaurant, offering delicious local dishes and stunning views.
14. Tsuyama Onsenkyo
Relax in natural hot springs (onsen) at this picturesque onsen town. Enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.
- Natural Hot Springs: Relax and rejuvenate in the soothing hot waters of Tsuyama Onsenkyo.
- Picturesque Setting: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Tsuyama Onsenkyo, nestled among the mountains.
- Local Restaurants: Savor local dishes at one of the many restaurants in the onsen town.
15. Ushirogawara-yaki Pottery Town
Visit this town famous for its Ushirogawara pottery. Browse shops selling unique ceramics and watch artisans at work.
- Traditional Pottery: Discover the distinctive, rustic ceramics that are a hallmark of Ushirogawara pottery.
- Artisan Demonstrations: Watch skilled artisans demonstrate their traditional pottery techniques.
- Unique Shops: Browse shops selling a wide variety of Ushirogawara pottery, each piece unique and handcrafted.