Okayama/Kurashiki's classic spot tour & shopping course

Miyajima, whose symbol is the large vermillion torii gate standing on the sea, and Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float on the sea, are both world cultural heritage sites.

It is the only mountain castle in Japan with a castle tower remaining, and is one of 12 castles with surviving castle towers from the Edo period. Huge rock walls over 10 meters high tower around the mountain castle, and it still has the appearance of an "impregnable castle." Recently, it has become a popular photo spot nationwide as a "mountain castle floating in the sea of clouds," and many fans visit from early in the morning during the season when the sea of clouds can be seen. If you want to take photos of the fantastical mountain castle scenery, head to the Unkai Observatory. Try to visit at dawn between September and April, when the sea of clouds appears.

[Beautiful white-walled townscape filled with history and art] The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter offers a quaint landscape with white-walled warehouses, sea cucumber walls, and rows of willow trees. The townscape created by traditional buildings and the retro-modern scenery along the Kurashiki River continue to fascinate people from all over the world. It is lined with stylish shops selling Kurashiki brands such as Kurashiki Canvas and Kurashiki Denim, as well as cafes in renovated townhouses, and is crowded with tourists all year round. There are many cultural facilities such as the Ohara Museum of Art and Ivy Square, so you can spend a whole day walking around this area.

It is Japan's first private Western art museum, established in 1930 (Showa 5). It was founded by Magosaburo Ohara, a businessman who contributed to the cultural development of Kurashiki. The main building displays many famous Western masterpieces, including El Greco's ``The Annunciation,'' Claude Monet's ``Water Lilies,'' Renoir, and Gauguin. The museum also houses approximately 3,000 works of art, including ancient Egyptian art, modern Western art, and modern and contemporary Japanese art. It is one of the tourist spots that you must visit when visiting the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.

One of the Kokubunji temples built throughout the country at the request of Emperor Shomu during the Nara period. It was built to protect the country from natural disasters and famine with the help of Buddhism. The buildings that remain today were rebuilt during the Edo period. A five-storied pagoda with a height of approximately 34 meters rises within the precincts, and is famous as one of the most representative views of Kibiji. The only five-storied pagoda in Okayama Prefecture is designated as an important cultural property. It is becoming increasingly popular as a cycling spot, where you can take photos of the five-storied pagoda built in the countryside, rape blossoms, astragalus, and sunflowers.

A large garden built by Tsunamasa Ikeda, the second lord of the Okayama domain, as a place for relaxation. The spacious garden, decorated with seasonal flowers, is a different world just like the Edo period. In 1952, it was designated as a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty” as a historical and cultural heritage site, and received a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Various events are held throughout the four seasons, such as tea gathering and moon viewing, and for a limited time, you can enjoy the ``Fantasy Garden,'' which is specially opened at night and lights up the garden in a different way than during the day. Volunteer guides (free of charge) are also popular with tourists.

A castle built by Hideie Ukita, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and one of the Five Elders of Toyotomi. The three-story, six-story castle tower, which has a rare scalene pentagonal shape, has a dignified appearance, and is also called ``Ujo'' because of its black clapboard exterior. From the top floor, you can see Asahikawa below, and enjoy a 360-degree view of Okayama Korauen Garden and the city. The original castle tower was burnt down in an air raid in 1945 (Showa 20), but it has now been rebuilt, with parts such as the castle lord's room restored. There is a Bizen ware workshop on the first floor, where you can try your hand at making clay. In addition, the ``Ujo Togenkyo'' event, in which Okayama Castle's castle tower and its surroundings are lit up in spring, summer, and autumn, is gaining popularity.

The largest shopping mall in western Japan. There are plenty of restaurants as well as shops selling various Japanese apparel and miscellaneous goods brands. We also recommend looking for souvenirs at Haremachi Special Zone 365, which specializes in Okayama's local manufacturing.

Enjoy shopping at Osaka Station City, Grand Front Osaka, Umeda, where department stores and hotels are located, and Shinsaibashi, where directly managed shops of luxury brands from around the world are located.

Kansai International Airport is an international hub airport with an extensive international and domestic flight network.
It is used by many people as a 24-hour maritime airport with multiple 4000m-class runways, and as an airport that coexists with the local community and environment.​