Want to visit by car! 5 Recommended Road trips in Okayama Prefecture

Okayama Prefecture is a prefecture with beautiful nature and a rich historical culture. By driving around, you can enjoy a variety of landscapes including mountains, the sea, and historical townscapes. In this issue, we will introduce five of the best driving spots in Okayama Prefecture. You will be able to fully enjoy the charms of Okayama through driving.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area is an area where traditional buildings from the Edo period have been beautifully preserved. Visitors can enjoy the Japanese atmosphere as they stroll through the historic streets. It features beautiful white-walled streets and rows of willow trees, making it a great place for taking pictures. Walking along the canal path, visitors can feel the history of the area and enjoy local specialties at the many cafes and restaurants in the town. There is also a wealth of cultural facilities, including the Kurashiki Folk Crafts Museum and the Ohara Museum of Art.

Washuzan Observatory

From Washuzan Observatory, visitors can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto-ohashi Bridge. Especially at sunset, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea and the sky. From the observatory, you can see islands in the Seto Inland Sea, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Shikoku in the distance. Stop by during your drive to enjoy the spectacular view of nature. There are also walking paths around the observatory, where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy nature.

Hiruzen highland

The Hiruzen highlands are characterized by beautiful nature and expansive pastures. Visitors can enjoy a farm tour and Jersey milk tasting while driving through the area. The scenery of the plateau varies from season to season, with fresh greenery in spring, refreshing breezes in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter. At Hiruzen Jersey Land, visitors can see the scenery of grazing Jersey cows up close, and ice cream and cheese made from dairy products are also popular. There are also hiking and cycling trails for active visitors.

Korakuen Garden

Korakuen Garden is a beautiful garden known as one of the three best gardens in Japan. Each season offers a different landscape, so you will discover something new each time you visit. The spacious garden is surrounded by ponds, streams, and mountains, and is filled with flowers of the four seasons. The cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter are especially beautiful. Visitors can stroll through the garden and enjoy a moment of relaxation in a quiet environment. There is also a tea ceremony room in the garden, where visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is a historical castle located on top of a mountain and is the only mountain castle with an existing castle tower in Japan. Visitors can drive up the mountain road and feel the history as well as the view from the top. The view from the castle is spectacular, especially in the fall when the leaves turn beautiful colors. Inside the castle, visitors can view historical materials and exhibits and learn about the history of Okayama in depth. There are also hiking trails in the surrounding area, allowing visitors to enjoy a walk in nature. Visitors can experience the different beauty of the different seasons.

Summary

Okayama Prefecture is home to many historical towns, scenic spots, and beautiful nature. By visiting these driving spots, you can fully enjoy the charm of Okayama Prefecture. We encourage you to plan a drive in Okayama Prefecture when you visit Japan.