Complete Guide to Okayama and Hiroshima's Photogenic Sights and Tourist Destinations

• Table of Contents
• About Okayama Prefecture
• 1. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter(Kurashiki City)
• 2. GREENable HIRUZEN (Maniwa City)
• 3. Kuroshima Venus Road (Setouchi City)
• 4. Fukiya Furusato Village(Takahashi City)
• 5. Kibitsu-jinja Shrine(Okayama City)
• 6. Mt. Washuzan(Kurashiki City)
• 7. Kojima Jeans Street(Kurashiki City)
• 8. Fruit Parfait
• About Hiroshima Prefecture
• 9. Itsukushima Shrine (Hatsukaichi City)
• 10. Beach Nagahama Miracle Sea Road (Etajima City)
• 11. Orizuru Tower (Hiroshima City)
• 12. Rabbit Island/Okunoshima (Takehara City)
• 13. Tomonoura (Fukuyama City)
• 14. Senkoji Temple and Senkoji Temple Summit Observation Deck (Onomichi City)
• 15. Lemon Hotpot

About Okayama Prefecture

Okayama Prefecture is known as the "Land of Sunshine" and enjoys sunny weather throughout the year. It is also famous for its beautiful natural scenery, historic townscapes, and rich fruit production, making it a place filled with a wide variety of attractions.

Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Site

1. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter(Kurashiki City)

This is a tourist area with a historic atmosphere, with white-walled townhouses, storehouses with namako walls, and stone-paved streets. The townscape that dates back to the Edo period has been beautifully preserved, and it is popular as a spot where you can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere.

This area is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and the beauty of the four seasons, with plenty of photogenic spots no matter what season you visit, so just strolling around with a camera in hand is a special experience.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

710-0046 1-4-8 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

[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.

2. GREENable HIRUZEN (Maniwa City)

It is a sustainable tourism and culture hub designed and supervised by architect Kengo Kuma. It is made up of relocatable wooden buildings, and includes a visitor center and shop, a museum, a cycling center, and a CLT pavilion called "Kaze no Ha." The beautiful architecture that blends in with nature and the scenery that changes with the seasons are attractive, and the lush scenery from spring to summer and the autumn foliage season are especially great for strolling around with a camera in hand.

GREENable HIRUZEN

717-0602 1205-220 Hiruzen Kamifukuda, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture

``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''.

3. Kuroshima Venus Road (Setouchi City)

Kuroshima Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea, is known for the sand road called "Venus Road" that appears at low tide. This natural phenomenon makes you feel as if you are walking on the sea, creating a romantic atmosphere. If you plan to visit, we recommend that you check the tide times in advance.

Kuroshima Venus Road

Ushimado, Ushimado-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture 701-4302

On Kuroshima, floating off the coast of Ushimado in Setouchi City, a romantic sandy road appears during low tide. Kuroshima Venus Road, where three islands are connected in a bow shape, is a power spot for lovers. Walk along the mysterious 800m-long sand path created by nature and look for the ``Heart Stone,'' which is said to bring about love if two people touch it. *Please check the Hotel Limani website for days when you can walk along Kuroshima Venus Road. *You cannot cross on foot from the mainland.

4. Fukiya Furusato Village(Takahashi City)

Fukiya Furusato Village , located in Takahashi City , is a historic village lined with buildings with distinctive red copper-colored Sekishu tiles and bengala-colored exterior walls from the Edo to Meiji periods. This unique color and charming townscape captivates all visitors.

Fukiya Furusato Village

719-2341 Fukiya, Nariwacho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture

[A nostalgic landscape unified with the red color] Fukiya, nestled in the heart of the Chugoku Mountains, is a town built by wealthy merchants who amassed enormous wealth from the production of red red iron and its raw material, loha. The red-colored townscape is impressive with its copper-colored Sekishu tiles and red-colored exterior. The elaborately designed mansions of wealthy merchants are worth a visit. It has also been designated as a ``Furusato Village'' in Okayama Prefecture. The experience plan where you can make handkerchiefs and bags using red red paint is also popular.

5. Kibitsu-jinja Shrine(Okayama City)

Kibitsu-jinja Shrine in Okayama City is an ancient shrine dedicated to Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, who was the model for the Momotaro legend. It is famous for its 400-meter-long corridor, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery that blends in with the nature of the four seasons.

Kibitsujinja shrine

701-1341 931 Kibitsu, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

There is a legend surrounding Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto and Ura, who are said to be the origin of the Momotaro (demon slaying) legend. You can experience legendary settings such as Yagi Rock, where it is said that an arrow was placed to kill demons, and Okamaden, where it is said that the head of a demon was buried. The Narukama Shinto ritual, in which fortune is predicted by the sound of a kettle, is familiar to many people. The main shrine and worship hall, which were rebuilt in 1425, are the only ones in Japan to adopt the architectural style Kibitsu-zukuri (hiyoku irimoya-zukuri, hiyoku irimoya-zukuri), and have been designated as national treasures. Additionally, the beautiful 360m corridor that extends from the main shrine is a historic building that is worth seeing.

6. Mt. Washuzan(Kurashiki City)

Mt. Washuzan , located in Kurashiki City , is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park and offers a panoramic view of the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea, known for its many islands. At dusk, the sea and sky are dyed orange, creating a particularly beautiful sight.

Mt. Washuzan

1-1 Shimozuidanoura, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0925

Mt. Washu is known as a representative scenic spot in Seto Inland Sea National Park, which became Japan's first national park. The name comes from its resemblance to an eagle with its wings spread. The panoramic view of the blue sea and Seto Ohashi Bridge from there is truly spectacular. There is a promenade from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain, so it's fun to take a walk while admiring one of the most beautiful islands in the Seto Inland Sea! It has been selected as one of ``Japan's Top 100 Sunsets'' as a place where you can see the finest sunset view.

7. Kojima Jeans Street(Kurashiki City)

The Kojima area of ​​Kurashiki City is known as the birthplace of domestically produced jeans. Kojima Jeans Street is lined with numerous Denim shops and cafes, and is dotted with art pieces and photo spots that make use of Denim material. Just by visiting this area you can enjoy the fusion of fashion and art.

Kojima jeans street

711-0913 Kojima Mino, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

Kojima Jeans Street is attracting attention in Kojima, the sacred place for domestic jeans. Local jeans manufacturers are lined up along the approximately 400m street from the ``Former Nozaki Family Residence'' to the Nozaki Monument. Recently, many tourists from overseas have been visiting here, as they can purchase the original jeans made by the world-famous Japan Denim brand. The surrounding area is full of attractive shops and cafes selling everything other than jeans, making it an area you can enjoy all day long.

8. Fruit Parfait

Okayama Prefecture is also known as the kingdom of fruit, and is especially famous for its peaches and muscat grapes. Cafes and restaurants in the prefecture offer gorgeous fruit parfaits made with an abundance of fresh seasonal fruit, which are a delight to look at and enjoy in taste.

Kurashiki Momoko Kurashiki main store

710-0054 4-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

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

About Hiroshima Prefecture

Hiroshima Prefecture is a region with rich natural scenery and a deep history, and is full of diverse attractions, including World Heritage Sites, beautiful islands, and unique cuisine.

Hiroshima Official Tourism Site (Dive Hiroshima)

9. Itsukushima Shrine (Hatsukaichi City)

Itsukushima Shrine, a registered World Heritage Site, is symbolized by its large vermilion torii gate that stands on the sea. At high tide it appears to be floating on the sea, and at low tide you can approach it on foot. It is especially picturesque at sunrise and sunset.

Itsukushima shrine

1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588

A solemn shrine built in the 16th century. At high tide, the famous vermillion torii gates that symbolize the shrine appear to float above the surface of the sea.

10. Beach Nagahama Miracle Sea Road (Etajima City)

Human Beach Nagase, located in Etajima City, is a spot where you can experience the sensation of walking on the sea at certain times. This phenomenon only appears on spring tide days when the tide level reaches about 350m, and is also called the "reverse Angel Road."

The bank is maintained like a promenade, so you can walk there barefoot without worry. Even at high tide, the water is only ankle-deep, so even small children can walk there safely. This spot allows you to take photos that make you look like you're one with the sea, which is sure to look great on social media. Be sure to check the tide levels and times before you visit!

11. Orizuru Tower (Hiroshima City)

Located near Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Orizuru Tower is a facility themed around folded paper cranes, which represent wishes for peace. From the observation deck you can get a panoramic view of Hiroshima city, and inside there are many exhibits and artworks related to folded paper cranes.

HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER

730-0051 Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima City, Naka Ward, Otemachi 1-2...

Located to the east of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER is a complex commercial facility housing a variety of facilities, including the rooftop observation deck "HIROSHIMA HILLS," which offers a panoramic view of the Atomic Bomb Dome and the city, the 12th floor "ORIZURU SQUARE," where you can experience a variety of digital attractions, a product center with a selection of Hiroshima's finest products, and the cafe "Akushu Cafe ORGANIC," which you can stop by during your sightseeing or stroll.

12. Rabbit Island/Okunoshima (Takehara City)

Okunoshima Island in Takehara City is commonly known as "Rabbit Island" and is home to approximately 500 to 600 wild rabbits. When you visit, you will be greeted by friendly rabbits, allowing you to spend a relaxing time. In spring, canola flower bloom, making photos with the rabbits even more beautiful.

13. Tomonoura (Fukuyama City)

Tomonoura, which still retains the atmosphere of an old port town, features beautiful scenery overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The townscape from the Edo period has been preserved, and it is especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset. It is also known as a filming location for movies and anime.

14. Senkoji Temple and Senkoji Temple Summit Observation Deck (Onomichi City)

Senkoji Temple is a historic temple founded by Kobo Daishi in 806 and is a symbol of Onomichi.

Located on the middle of Mount Senkoji at an altitude of about 140m, the temple grounds offer a panoramic view of Onomichi city, the Onomichi Channel, and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Within Senkoji Park is the observation deck "PEAK," which reopened in March 2022. From the bridge-shaped observation deck, which is about 63m long, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Onomichi Channel.

Senkoji Park/Top Observation Deck (PEAK)

722-0033 20-2 Higashidodocho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

From the 63-meter-long observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Onomichi Strait and the cityscape of Japan Heritage. There is also an elevator connected to the ropeway's summit station, so it is safe for strollers and wheelchairs. The long and narrow observation deck is a famous spot where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Seto Inland Sea islands from any point.

15. Lemon Hotpot

"Lemon hotpot," made with Hiroshima's specialty lemons, is a new specialty dish that has attracted attention for its refreshing aroma and visual appeal. The way the hotpot is covered with sliced lemons makes for a great photo opportunity. Served at local izakayas and restaurants, it is a unique gourmet dish that allows you to experience Hiroshima's food culture.

Hiroshima Official Tourism Site (Dive Hiroshima)