What to do in Okayama

Activities, attractions and tours

Okayama
Okayama
Okayama
Okayama
Okayama

Places to Visit in Okayama

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Okayama attractions from NZ$26, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Okayama tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 12 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Okayama. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Okayama University

Okayama University is a great place to learn Japanese, but you'll also hear other languages spoken on campus. Thoroughly international, the university has a robust exchange program that brings people from all over the world to study on its modern campuses.
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Okayama University showing heritage elements

2. Okayama Castle

Jet black, adorned only with gilded gargoyles, Okayama Castle is an imposing sight. Built in the 16th century as the home of the Ikeda clan, Okayama’s feudal rulers, it was the center of governance in Okayama and Kyushu for hundreds of years until its destruction during World War II. It was reconstructed in 1966. Arrive today to explore a modern museum dedicated to giving visitors, especially children, hands-on experiences of Okayama culture.
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Okayama Castle, Okayama, Okayama, Japan

3. Aeon Mall Okayama

AEON Mall Okayama provides the perfect setting for the exhilarating experience of visiting a Japanese mall. Occupying a modern building, the 300 shops that sell their wares over the mall’s nine levels bring a taste of Japan and the world to the very center of Okayama. The location is extremely convenient, right across from Okayama Station. Purchase something to eat on arrival or before departure, pick up last-minute souvenirs or dedicate a whole day to exploring every floor and corridor.
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Aeon Mall Okayama featuring a city, night scenes and signage

4. Korakuen Garden

Visiting Okayama without touring the Korakuen Garden means you’d miss out on a whole dimension of Okayama’s art and history. Created in 1687 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, who was looking to create a place of rest near his palace, the garden offers a retreat from the bustle of the city for commoners as well. Go on a quick stroll to see its various vistas or spend the whole day exploring all the surprises, from teahouses to plum groves. You’ll soon understand why it is consistently ranked as one of Japan’s top three gardens.
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Korakuen Garden

5. Kibitsu Shrine

In the story most closely associated with the Kibitsu Shrine, a boy, Momotaro, comes to Earth in a giant peach and defeats a demon with the help of a dog, pheasant and monkey. The story is famous in Japan, echoed in the peach-shaped “Momomamori” romance amulets sold in the shrine’s shop. It was inspired by the slightly more realistic legend of Prince Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto, who defeated an evil prince by shooting arrows from this spot. Visit the shrine for its stories and distinctive architectural style, not replicated anywhere else in Japan.
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Kibitsu Shrine

6. Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art

Given the natural beauty surrounding Okayama, it perhaps isn’t surprising that the Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art possesses an impressive collection of art by local artists. Dedicated to displaying art that has “a connection to Okayama Prefecture,” the museum gives a glimpse into the sensibility of Okayama’s artists. Look at traditional-style brush paintings or admire the more modern art being produced in the region, looking forward to the future.
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Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art

What to do in Okayama

Discover the most popular places to visit in Okayama

Okayama University

Okayama University

4/5(1 review)

A dynamically modern university, resolutely open to the whole world, occupies a set of campus buildings scattered near Okayama’s downtown.

Okayama University
Okayama Castle

Okayama Castle

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Try on a kimono or attempt to sculpt some Bizen pottery while you tour an accurate reconstruction of Kyushu’s famous “crow castle.”

Okayama Castle
Aeon Mall Okayama

Aeon Mall Okayama

4/5(5 reviews)

One of Western Japan’s biggest shopping malls has more than 300 shops, restaurants and more, just a few steps from the train station.

Aeon Mall Okayama
Korakuen Garden

Korakuen Garden

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Tradition and innovation mingle in a remarkable riverside landscaped space, founded in the 17th century and considered one of Japan’s best gardens.

Korakuen Garden
Kibitsu Shrine

Kibitsu Shrine

5/5(1 review)

Kibitsu-zukuri style architecture has an excellent example in is this sprawling temple complex considered the origin of the Momotaro story.

Kibitsu Shrine
Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art

Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art

4/5(1 review)

Some of the city’s and region’s most influential artists, going far back into history, provide a sense of Okayama through artists’ eyes.

Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art
Saijoinari Temple

Saijoinari Temple

After visiting Saijoinari Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Okayama. Amble around the area's gardens or seek out its cycling trails.

Saijoinari Temple
Hayashibara Museum of Art

Hayashibara Museum of Art

Swords and Bizen pottery are part of an astounding private collection that has been expanded into a full museum on the grounds of the former palace.

Hayashibara Museum of Art
Okayama Prefectural Museum

Okayama Prefectural Museum

Thousands of years of history and a certified national treasure are housed in a museum dedicated to the preservation of Okayama’s long heritage.

Okayama Prefectural Museum

Explore areas of Okayama

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Kita Ward

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Kita Ward, Kanko Stadium and Momotaro Arena are top sights worth seeing.

Kita Ward
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Minami Ward

If you're spending some time in Minami Ward, Setonaikai National Park and Okayama South Village are top sights worth seeing.

Minami Ward
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Naka Ward

If you're spending some time in Naka Ward, Parade Hill Park and Yumeji Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Naka Ward
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Higashi Ward

Check out nearby sights like Bizen Osafune Knife Museum while you're spending some time in Higashi Ward and the surrounding area.

Higashi Ward
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Omotecho

While visiting Omotecho, you might make a stop by sights like Okayama Performing Arts Theatre and Sunny Country Okayama-kan.

Omotecho
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Nakasange

Nakasange might not have many top sights, but Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art and Okayama Performing Arts Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Nakasange

 

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Day trip destinations from Okayama

Kurashiki

Kurashiki

Frequently asked questions

Is Okayama worth visiting?
Known for its views and nature, finding awesome things to do in Okayama is easy. Don't forget to add Okayama Castle to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Okayama?
After you've visited key attractions like Okayama Castle, spend some time enjoying the shopping and food scene in Okayama.
What is the top tourist attraction in Okayama?
Spend a day at Okayama Castle and discover why it's rated as the top tourist attraction near Okayama.
Is three days enough to stay in Okayama?
With a three-day stay in Okayama, it'll be easy to discover the area's many fabulous attractions, including Okayama Castle and Orient Museum.
Is Okayama a walkable neighbourhood?
If you love walking, Okayama is perfect. You can reach key attractions like Okayama Castle and Orient Museum on foot. At 3 kilometres from the centre, the neighbourhood of Naka Ward is also close enough for a pleasant stroll. So too is Omotecho, roughly 0.97 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Okayama with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary makes all the difference. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Okayama with kids.

What to do in Okayama for adults?
From regional food and cultural highlights to outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are loads of interesting things to do in Okayama for adults.
Are there free things to do in Okayama?
Near Okayama, Omoto Central Park is a terrific spot for anyone wanting to experience the area at no cost. Also, check out the green spaces and other nearby neighbourhoods, and don't hesitate to ask a local tour guide for their tips. It's a good way to find the best free things to do in Okayama.

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