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OKAYAMA -The Kingdom of Kibi-
Aptly named 'Hare-no-kuni' meaning 'land of sunshine' Okayama enjoys a
benign climate, nature's abundant gifts in bountiful sea harvests, fresh farm produce and
stunningly gorgeous scenery. Centrally located in Western Japan, Okayama P refecture is
bathed by Seto Inland Sea and guarded by the splendid Chugoku Mountains; it's a well-located
gateway to a region rich in culture and history, museums, art galleries, notable Korakuen
Garden and beautifully preserved ancient sites.
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| History easy to enjoy! |
Once upon a time the prefecture was the
cultural and historic center of what long
ago was known as the 'Kingdom of Kibi'
where a unique, indigenous culture was
created and thrived. The ancient Kibi road (Kibiji), best started from
Kibitsu Shrine in Okayama City and ending at Hofukuji Temple in
Soja City, provides a historical road map illustrating the historic,
economic and cultural growth of the region. Beautiful Bitchu
Kokubunji Temple is reached traveling amid bucolic rural scenes that
yet echo the kingdom in its glory days. To fully enjoy these historical
sites the 21 km long 'Kibiji' cycling lane is ideal with numerous
stopping places including ancient tombs, fine temples and shrines
while enjoying an exhilarating day of cycling amidst rustic scenery.
Bike rentals are available at Soja Station, Bitchu Kokubunji Temple
and Bizen-Ichinomiya Station.
* Click available spot name
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| 1. Hofukuji Temple | 2. Kinojo Castle |
 Prospered during the Kamakura Period (1192-1133) this temple
belonged to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. In the Muromachi
Period that followed, the splendid architectural buildings harbored
and trained Sesshu, the noted priest and renowned painter.
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 "The Legend of Ura", one of the
models for the Momotaro story
tells that Ura hid himself in
Kinojo Castle, the huge ancient
Korean castle constructed on
the top of 400 meters high
mountain. Only the castle walls
remain today.
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| 3. Bitchu Kokubunji Temple | 4. Tsukuriyama Tomb |
 Bitchu Kokubunji Temple with a gracious, five-stage
pagoda, towers gracefully over Kibiji's pastoral landscape;
its bucolic surroundings are preserved and maintained as
Kibiji Fudoki-no-oka Prefectural Forest Park.
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 Archaeologically important in
Okayama Prefecture, the fourth
largest in all of Japan, it's probably
the impressive tomb of
Tsukuriyama, Emperor of the
ancient Kingdom of Kibi, which in
its hey-days rivaled powerful
Yamato in wealth and influence.
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| 5. Kibitsu Shrine | Momotaro |
 Designated a National Treasure,
Kibtsu Shrine is an architectural
jewel; it retains many of the
traditions associated with Prince
Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto. A 400
meter long corridor within the
structure is a remarkable sight.
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 Once upon a time there was a nasty ogre named Ura!
Generations of children (and adults) have delighted in
this folk tale commemorating the daring-do of Prince
Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto. Ura dwelled in Kinojo from
whence he played mean-spirited tricks on local folks.
Dispatched by the Emperor, the Prince, a great
bowman, after an epic struggle managed to strike
Ura's eye who immediately metamorphosed into a
carp and escaped in a river of blood. But, the brave
Prince changed into a cormorant, dove after and
captured Ura, right where Kibitsu Shrine now stands.
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| >> Go To Top [ OKAYAMA ] |
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Natural beauty to treasure!
Okayama Prefecture is as close
to an earth-bound Eden as one
can find in Japan. The Seto
Inland Sea is a generous
seafood provider; verdant isles that dot the blue waters beckon
each passing sailor to step ashore and enjoy local hospitality.
Golden sunrises and red sunsets set against majestic
Seto-oahshi Bridge leaves the onlooker gasping for
superlatives. There's a plenitude of mountain vistas too,
Mt. Washu-zan and the Hiruzen-kogen
Highlands in Daisen-Oki National Park
abound with grand panoramas and
reminiscent of Alpine pastures, Jersey cows
peacefully graze close to a splendid resort
area. Ikura Cave, carved out of limestone and
Maki Cave is a mysterious locale to be explored
by the daring visitor. After a day of exciting
excursions, popular 'onsen' hot springs are at hand
for a relaxing dip at Yubara, Okutsu or Yunogo,
each spa offering a spectacular view and different
amenities. Okayama's scenic beauty is as varied
as it is admirable, a feast for the eyes and the
photography enthusiast.
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| 6. Okutsu Canyon | 7. Daigo Cherry Blossom |
Beautifully diverse as it traverses through
the four seasons, Okutsu Canyon
beckons nature lovers especially in
autumn as foliage changes from green
to a kaleidoscope of colors.
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This huge, millenary cherry tree is
an outstanding example of
longevity, even where ancestry is
routinely counted in centuries and
millennia. Adorned in blossoms
abundant as snowflakes, Daigo
towers over a secluded valley in
Ochiai, near Maniwa City.
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| Enjoy Okayama's specialties! |
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| Okayama Prefecture, 'land of sunshine' offers delicious, fresh
seafood from Seto Inland Sea and seasonal mouth-watering
varieties of fruit and farm produce. Choose gifts from traditional
crafts, famed Bizen pottery, Sakushu textiles to take home!
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| Delicious fruit | Bizen Pottery |
Okayama's warm and sunny
climate is particularly
propitious for producing sweet
and flavorful fruit such as juicy
white peaches, tasty Muscat
and seedless Pione grapes,
melons of all kinds. Fall is the
optimal time to visit and enjoy.
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Dating over one thousand years, Bizen pottery is the
most ancient of the six Japanese ceramic styles. Its warm
color and distinctive texture is
achieved without glazing, thus
producing a harmonious
equilibrium with earth and fire.
Cherished over the centuries,
its unique, much admired
technique has been
lovingly handed
down generations
of skilled artisans.
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| Okayama Beef | Bara-zushi |
Japan prides itself on a fine variety of
superlative beef and Okayama stands
equal to the very best with Okayama
Beef (black cattle). Treat your palate to a
succulent slice of tender marbled beef.
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Favored by a benign climate, Okayama is a
cornucopia of seafood and fresh farm
produce. 'Bara-zushi', rice with vinegar topped
with sliced raw fish and vegetables is a
scrumptiously delicious traditional local dish.
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Access to Okayama
 Okayama City has developed as the
cross-road for the Chugoku-Shikoku
region; interstate highways, domestic
and international airport, rail transport
and the speedy Shinkansen (bullet
train) allow convenient access to all
points on the compass.
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| >> Go To Top [ OKAYAMA ] |
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