History & Highlights

Originally developing as a castle town during the Edo Period (1603-1867), it only became an official town at the start of the 20th century. Nowadays, it is a large university city that is a major hub between the middle and the west side of Honshu island. Okayama Castle, the Koraku-en Garden (one of the three major gardens in Japan), and a number of art museums and science museums are found here.

Okayama Castle was built in the 16th century, but it was destroyed in WW2. The castle tower has been rebuilt, but the Tsukimi-yagura turret and other structures are original. The resurrected castle was finished in 1966, and now it is a fun and educational place to visit. You will like the many exhibitions and activities that they organize on the castle’s 6 floors.

The Okayama Korakuen took 14 years to be completed in the 17th century, was the first lawn garden in Japan. The garden is 133,000 square meters, and visitors have great views of Okayama Castle and the garden.

Museums

Okayama is home to two amazing art museums: the Prefectural Museum of Art, and the Hayashibara Museum of Art.  The former boasts classical and modern art from the prefecture, while the latter showcases historical and cultural artifacts. If you want to focus more on the region’s history, you will like the Okayama Prefectural Museum.

Cycling on the Kibiji Plain

Are you looking to get out of the city and into nature for a day? A cycling trip on the Kibiji Plain might be just what you are looking for. You can find bicycle rental places around Soja station, which is a direct train ride of 30 minutes from Okayama station. There is a comfortable bicycle path of 17km long that will take you along beautiful little temples and local farmer’s fields. The trip ends at Bizen-Ichinomiya station.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Okayama. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Okayama Area Map

History of Kurashiki

Because of its central location, Kurashiki used to be a center for rice distribution during the Edo period. The Ohashi River runs through the center of Kurashiki, and a network of canals and rivers makes it a city of water. These canals were dug to expedite the transportation of rice to and from the storehouses on the quays. In fact, the name Kurashiki literally means ‘town of storehouses’.

During the industrialization period of the Meiji Restoration that followed, many factories were constructed here. The Ohara Spinning Mill became Ivy Square, a popular tourist attraction.

Attractions in Kurashiki

The Ohara Museum of Art boasts worldwide famous collections including pieces by El Greco, Gauguin, and Monet. It is the first museum of western art in Japan, attracting a constant stream of visitors from both home and abroad. The earlier-mentioned Ivy Square is right next to the museum and a must-see.

Are you looking for a short hike with a view of the Seto Ohashi bridge on top of the mountain? Mt. Washu will give you just that.

In the Bikan Chiku historical area, two small boats are always combing the river where, during the daytime, visitors can enjoy a view of the riverbanks while experiencing a gondola-style boat ride. With many small museums and Important Cultural Properties concentrated in this area, this is the highlight of the city. Furthermore, many of the old storehouses have been converted to boutiques and cafes.

When it gets dark, the streets are gently enveloped by soft illumination, making the area enjoyable at night time as well. The Bikan Chiku area is growing as one of the greatest tourist spots in the prefecture, a unique cultural city in Japan.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Kurashiki. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Area Map

The total length is 13.1 km and the average height of the pillars is 200 meters. It took 10 years to complete construction. To cross the bridge, a toll of 3,500 yen per way (approx. 30 USD) is charged to cross the bridge. Compared to the one-hour ferry between Uno and Takamatsu, the drive across the bridge takes only 15 minutes. The bridge is earthquake and typhoon proof.

Things to Do Near Seto Ohashi

Besides driving or riding over the bridge, you should not forget to stop by a few places of interest along the way! Near the start of the bridge at the Honshu side is Kurashiki, where you can find the Bikan Historical Quarter. Here, you can get a taste of how Japan must have felt in the Edo period. The nearby Ohara Museum of Art is great if you are interested in modern art. And do you like to wear jeans? Then Jeans Street in Kurashiki should be on your to-do list!

On the way to Shikoku, it is nice to make a stop on a small island called Yoshima for a walk outside. And in Shikoku, you can make a stop at 2 of the temples that are part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage route. Finally, you can visit the Seto Ohashi Museum if you want to learn more about the bridge itself.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Okayama. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Seto Ohashi Area Map