A course to enjoy the nature and history of Okayama, Kurashiki, Maniwa, and Kagamino.

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.

Take a leisurely stroll on the Asahi River, which flows between Okayama Korakuen and Okayama Castle, on a peach-shaped boat.
There are also swan boats and row boats.

This castle was built by Ukita Hideie, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and one of the Five Elders of Toyotomi. The unusual scalene pentagonal, three-story, six-storey castle tower has a dignified appearance, and its black clapboard exterior has earned it the nickname "Ujo Ujo (Crow Castle)." From the Mogami, you can look down on the Asahikawa, and enjoy a 360-degree view of Okayama Korakuen Garden and the city. The original castle tower was destroyed in an air raid in 1945 (Showa 20), but has now been rebuilt, with the lord's room and other areas restored. On the first floor, there is a Bizen Pottery workshop where you can try your hand at clay twisting. In addition, the popular " U-jo (Crow Castle)Togenkyo " event is held in spring, summer and autumn, where the Okayama Castle tower and surrounding area are lit up.

This workshop is located in Karasujo Park, where Okayama Castle is located, where you can experience twisting Bizen baked clay. Our experienced staff will carefully teach you, so anyone from children to adults can easily enjoy making Bizen ware.
We have everything you need including an apron, so you don't have to bring anything!

[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.

Would you like to wear a kimono or yukata and walk through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter? If you rent a kimono or yukata, they will help you put it on.
Advance reservations are required.

You can enjoy parfaits, crepes, gelato, juices, etc. made with plenty of seasonal fruits.

``GREENable HIRUZEN'' is a base facility to spread awareness of the value of sustainability to as many people as possible. This facility was designed and supervised by architect Kengo Kuma, and was relocated from a wooden building that was once used in Harumi, Tokyo.
The removable building, which is not possible with conventional concrete buildings, has become a symbol of the brand, as a decarbonized and sustainable architecture, and as a symbol of the exchange of resources and culture between cities and regions.
The facility consists of a visitor center and shop that sells goods that allow you to practice sustainability, the Maniwa City Hiruzen Museum that disseminates art and culture, a cycling center that offers experiential programs, and the CLT Pavilion ``Kazenoha''.

Located at the foot of Kami Hiruzen Mountain, you can see the majestic sight of Hiruzen Sanza and Jersey cows grazing leisurely. You can see through the window a factory that manufactures dairy products such as Jersey yogurt and cheese made from Jersey milk, which has a refreshing and rich flavor, and you can enjoy soft-serve ice cream and assorted Jersey sausages at the restaurant and shop. There are also dishes made with Jersey beef, and in addition to steaks and curries, there are more than 10 dishes that allow you to enjoy the deliciousness of red meat, such as roast beef bowls.

Okutsu Gorge is a 3km long valley where you can enjoy a beautiful and varied valley. It is known as a famous spot for autumn leaves in Okayama Prefecture, and many tourists from outside the prefecture visit during the season. The ``Autumn Leaves Walk'' with a local guide is also popular at this time of year, and it is said that if you take a walk along the mountain stream while enjoying nature and history, you will be energized by the negative ions. We recommend walking while enjoying the kobushi and rhododendrons in the spring, and the cool fresh greenery in the summer. There is a promenade along the river where you can enjoy the rare group of potholes.

The symbol of Tsuyama City, which has been selected as one of Japan's ``100 Famous Castles'' and ``Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.'' The castle was built in 1616 by Tadamasa Mori, the younger brother of Ranmaru Mori, who was killed in the Honnoji Incident. All of the buildings were demolished due to the Meiji Castle Abandonment Order, but Bicchu Yagura was restored in 2005 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the castle's construction. It has become a new popular spot along with the stone wall that boasts a height of over 10 meters. It is also known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture, and the scenery with about 1,000 cherry blossom trees in full bloom is spectacular.
Cherry blossom season: Early April to mid-April (approximately 1,000 trees)
Wisteria season: Late April to early May
Azaleas season: Late April to early May
Hydrangea season: Mid-June to late June
Autumn leaves season: Late October to mid-November

The Joto Townscape Preservation District faces the Old Izumo Highway on the east side of the castle town of Tsuyama. It is a series of buildings that still retain the features of those days, such as sea cucumber walls, side walls, and insect cage windows. Must-see spots include the Sakushu Joto Residence with its impressive fire watch tower and the Joto Mukashi Machiya, a preserved townhouse built in the Edo period! You can feel the remnants of the castle town even in the small alleys, each with its own name. In 2013, it was selected as an important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings.

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