Most Scenic Road Trips in Okayama, Okayama, Japan
1. Kurokami-Neari Quadrangle
A scenic road trip taking you through four beautiful temples surrounded by autumn foliage.
- Autumn Colors: Offers breathtaking views of vibrant autumn leaves
- Historical Temples: Visit the ancient Kurokami-dera and other temples steeped in history.
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy the harmony of architecture with the natural surroundings
2. Boseki-no-Michi
A picturesque road trip filled with beautiful weeping cherry blossoms in spring.
- Cherry Blossoms: Experience the enchanting pink blooms along the winding route.
- Historic Buildings: See well-preserved Edo period merchant houses and factories.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Asahi River and mountain ranges
3. Tsuchiyoshi Kaido Route
Follow this historic route to discover stunning sea views, charming villages, and ancient shrines.
- Coastal Scenery: Marvel at the turquoise waters and jagged coastline.
- Historical Significance: Explore a route once used by samurai during the Edo period.
- Village Charm: Visit quaint fishing villages filled with local culture and cuisine
4. Shimokawabata-gawa Valley
A scenic drive through a lush valley lined with cherry blossoms and maple trees.
- Cherry Blossoms: Witness the stunning display of pink cherry blossoms.
- Autumn Foliage: Enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn leaves in fall.
- Natural Beauty: Discover beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails along the way
5. Irohanihoheto Trail
A scenic road trip taking you through a mountainous region with panoramic views.
- Mountain Scenery: Marvel at the majestic mountains and deep valleys.
- Historical Landmarks: Discover ancient burial mounds, petroglyphs, and sacred sites.
- Hiking Opportunities: Explore numerous hiking trails offering incredible views.
6. Kibichuo Ohashi Bridge
Cross this iconic bridge to enjoy stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Experience panoramic vistas of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands.
- Historical Significance: Stand on a bridge with over 1,000 years of history.
- Maritime Life: Observe the bustling maritime activity below.
7. Tsutsugaki-dori Scenic Route
A scenic drive through a rural area known for its traditional indigo dyeing techniques.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about the local art of tsutsugaki indigo dyeing.
- Rural Scenery: Enjoy the peaceful countryside and farmland views.
- Historical Sites: Visit ancient shrines, temples, and old-fashioned townscapes
8. Okayama Alps Scenic Route
A scenic drive through the beautiful Okayama Alps with stunning mountain vistas.
- Mountain Scenery: Experience breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.
- Hiking Opportunities: Enjoy numerous hiking trails with panoramic views.
- Natural Beauty: Discover beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and forests along the way
9. Ritsurinkaku Garden
A scenic drive ending at a beautiful garden with stunning autumn foliage.
- Autumn Colors: Enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn leaves.
- Historical Significance: Visit a historic garden dating back to the Edo period.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Okayama Castle and surrounding hills
10. Iya Valley
A scenic road trip through a rural valley famous for its vine bridges and traditional villages.
- Cultural Experience: Discover the unique customs and architecture of Iya.
- Rural Scenery: Enjoy peaceful countryside views and rolling hills.
- Natural Beauty: Explore verdant forests, waterfalls, and vine bridges.
11. Kurashiki Canal Area
A scenic drive through a historic canal town lined with beautiful willow trees.
- Historical Significance: Discover the well-preserved Edo period architecture.
- Rural Scenery: Enjoy peaceful countryside views along the canal.
- Cultural Experience: Visit traditional weaving workshops and museums.
12. Iwami Silver Mine
A scenic road trip through a historic silver mine area with stunning coastal views.
- Historical Significance: Learn about Japan's silver mining history.
- Coastal Scenery: Marvel at the stunning coastline and sea views.
- Natural Beauty: Explore beautiful beaches, cliffs, and caves.
13. Tottori Sand Dunes
A scenic drive through a vast sand dune area leading to the Sea of Japan.
- Natural Beauty: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the sand dunes.
- Recreational Activities: Try riding a camel or sledding down the sand dunes.
- Coastal Scenery: Marvel at the stunning coastline and sea views.
14. Shimane Peninsula
A scenic road trip through a peninsula featuring beautiful coastal views, temples, and shrines.
- Coastal Scenery: Marvel at the stunning coastline and sea views.
- Historical Significance: Visit ancient temples, shrines, and historic sites.
- Natural Beauty: Explore beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and forests.
15. Izumo-Taisha Shrine
A scenic road trip ending at the most important shrine in Shintoism.
- Historical Significance: Visit Japan's most important Shinto shrine.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about the religious traditions and customs of Izumo.
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside and forests.