The Legend of Momotaro: A Journey through the Heroes of Okayama

Momotaro statue at Okayama Momotaro Airport

Okayama is a city deeply connected to "Momotaro," one of Japan's most famous folk tales. Momotaro is beloved as a symbol of courage, kindness, and unity, and there are many spots in Okayama where you can experience this legend. From the bronze statues in front of Okayama Airport and Okayama, to the shrines where the legend is said to have taken place, to peach-themed fortune-telling slips and amulets, and Momotaro-themed souvenirs, embark on a journey to experience the world of Momotaro.

• Table of contents
• What is Momotaro?
• A journey through the legend: Places associated with Momotaro
• Momotaro-themed gourmet food and souvenirs
• "Uraja" adds color to Okayama's summer
• Access and tourist attractions
• Experience the world of Momotaro in Okayama

What is Momotaro?

Momotaro is one of the most beloved Japanese folk tales. One day, an old woman was washing clothes by the river when she found a huge peach. When she cut the peach open, a lively boy was born. The old man and woman named the child "Momotaro" and raised him with great care.

As he grew up, Momotaro decided to set out on a journey to defeat the demons that were tormenting the villagers. Along the way, he met a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, all of whom he shared his special "Kibi Dango" (millet dumplings), and they became his loyal servants. Momotaro, who joined forces with his friends and successfully defeated the demons of Onigashima, is still remembered today as a true hero.

A journey through the legend: Places associated with Momotaro

Okayama is dotted with tourist spots related to Momotaro.

Momotaro Statue and Momotaro Street

In front of Okayama Station, there are bronze statues of the story's protagonist, Momotaro, along with a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, making it the perfect starting point for your sightseeing. (Note: Currently being temporarily relocated due to construction work to open a tram line, it is scheduled to be reinstalled near the new tram stop in the station square around March 2027.) Statues of Momotaro and his animal companions are scattered throughout Momotaro Street, which continues from the station, allowing you to experience the legend as you stroll along the street. There is also a guardrail post modeled after the demon's iron club, called the "Oni no Kanabao Guard," which allows you to enjoy the world of Momotaro throughout the entire street.

Kibitsu-jinja Shrine:

Kibitsu-jinja Shrine, designated a national treasure, is a historic shrine dedicated to Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, who is said to be the inspiration behind the Momotaro legend. Its magnificent corridor, stretching a total of 398 meters, is known as a masterpiece of architectural beauty. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season, with cherry blossoms in the spring, hydrangeas in early summer, and autumn leaves in the fall.

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.

Kibitsuhiko-jinja Shrine

Kibitsuhiko-jinja Shrine, which also enshrines Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, is attractive for its solemn atmosphere, where traditional shrine architecture harmonizes with deep greenery. The main shrine is designated as a prefectural important cultural property and is located on Nakayama no Nakayama, which has long been worshipped as a sacred mountain. On the summer solstice, the Asahi rises directly in front of the torii gate, so it is also known as Asahi no Miya, or "Palace of the Asahi Sun," and is popular as a power spot.

Peach-themed charms and fortune-telling slips are popular.

Kibitsuhiko Shrine

1043 Ichinomiya, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 701-1211

A highly prestigious shrine that was created as a branch of Kibitsujinja shrine. Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto, the model for Momotaro, is enshrined here. The combination of traditional shrine architecture and deep green trees creates a majestic and splendid atmosphere. The main shrine is designated as an important cultural property by the prefecture. Kibi Nakayama, which has been worshiped as a mountain of the gods since ancient times, is known as a power spot and the place where the gods descend. It is also called "Maya of the Asahi" because the morning sun rises in front of the torii gate on the day of the summer solstice. You can see Japan's largest stone lantern.

Kinojo Castle(Demon Castle)

This ancient mountain castle in Soja City is said to be the castle of the ogre that Momotaro defeated. It has been selected as one of Japan's 100 most famous castles, and the remains of the ancient mountain castle remain in this area, making it a place often associated with the Momotaro legend. A magnificent view unfolds from the castle ruins, making you feel as if you are standing on the stage where Momotaro fought the ogre.

Kinojo Castle

Okusaka, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture 719-1101

One of Japan's 100 Famous Castles. An ancient mountain castle said to have been built by the Yamato Imperial Court for the defense of the country. Kinojo Castle is not mentioned in any history books, and its history remains a mystery. Currently, historical sites are being surveyed, maintained, and restored, and you can visit the ruins of the corner tower and castle gate. The panoramic view from the restored west gate is spectacular. In front of the summit, there is the Soja City Kinojo Visitor Center, which introduces the restoration process and what the ruins looked like when they were excavated. We also recommend the 2.8km long walking course that follows the castle walls.

Momotaro-themed gourmet food and souvenirs

When you visit Okayama, be sure to enjoy the local specialties and gourmet food associated with Momotaro.

Kibi Dango

Kibi Dango, famous for being served by Momotaro to his friends, is a specialty sweet of Okayama. It originally came from the food culture of the Kibi region, which has been passed down since ancient times, and was also eaten as a portable food by samurai. Due to the influence of the story, it is now widely loved as a symbol of Momotaro.

Momotaro Goods

Momotaro Goods: There are many Momotaro-themed products available, including stuffed toys, key chains, and Okayama exclusive goods. Charms and stationery with Momotaro designs are especially popular with tourists.

Momotaro Manhole

Okayama City has manhole covers with designs based on the legend of Momotaro installed throughout the city. These manhole covers were designed by Okayama City officials and began to be installed in 1986.

The main locations for the manhole covers are around Okayama Station, Omotemachi Shopping Arcade, and near Korakuen Garden, and are located in areas that are easy for tourists to visit. In particular, the Okayama Shopping Arcade and Prefectural Office Street (near Omotemachi Shopping Arcade) have been outfitted with colorful manhole covers in collaboration with the popular game "Momotaro Dentetsu."

Local Manhole Feature Articles

Momotaro related products / Specialty store of Okayama, the Land of Sunshine Online Shop

White peach related products

Okayama is also famous for its white peaches. In honor of the "peach" in Momotaro, sweets, juice, cosmetics, and other products made with white peaches are sold as local specialties. Okayama's white peaches in particular are known for their strong sweetness and refined flavor.

White peach related products / Specialty store of Okayama, the Land of Sunshine Online Shop

Specialty store of Okayama, the Land of Sunshine

700-0822 1-1-22 Omotemachi, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefectur...

This is a select shop that has collected a large number of "good things from Okayama ," including souvenirs, of course, but also local foods, Bizen Pottery , and other folk crafts, that will make you say, "Wow, there are such great things in Okayama!?" and make you want to tell others about them.

"Uraja" adds color to Okayama's summer

"Uraja" is one of the largest summer festivals in Okayama Prefecture, held every August. It was born from the legend of Momotaro, which is passed down in Okayama and depicts the battle between Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto (Momotaro) and Ura (the demon god).

At Uraja, dancers dressed in colorful costumes walk through the streets performing "Uraja Ondo" songs and original choreography. With their faces adorned with unique "Ura makeup," the streets of Okayama are filled with energy and smiles. Both local residents and tourists can participate, making it a rare opportunity to experience Okayama culture up close.

Uraja official website

Access and tourist attractions

Okayama is located Nakama between major tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima , and is easily accessible by Shinkansen. It also occupies an important position as the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto.

Okayama is also home to many historical tourist spots, including Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, Okayama Castle, and the atmospheric Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Okayama, known as the "Fruit Kingdom," is particularly famous for its white peaches, and you can also taste Muscat and Pione grapes.

Experience the world of Momotaro in Okayama

Kibitsuhiko-jinja Shrine

The story of Momotaro is not just a folk tale, but a symbol of courage, friendship, and justice that remains deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Okayama. Why not embark on a journey following in Momotaro's footsteps, visiting historical spots and enjoying traditional flavors? Come and find your own unique Momotaro experience in Okayama.

Okayama Prefecture's Japan Heritage Story