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

Momotaro statue at Okayama Momotaro Airport

Okayama is a city deeply connected to one of Japan's most famous folk tales, "Momotaro." Momotaro is loved as a symbol of courage, kindness, and unity, and there are many spots where you can experience this legend when you visit Okayama. From the bronze statues in front of Okayama Airport and Okayama Station, to the shrines where the legend is set, to fortune-telling slips and charms with a peach motif, and souvenirs with a Momotaro theme, let's go 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 stories in Japanese folklore. One day, an old woman was washing clothes by the river when she found a big peach. When she cut the peach open, a lively little boy was born. The old man and woman named the child "Momotaro" and raised him with care.

As he grew up, Momotaro decided to set out on a journey to defeat the demons that were tormenting the villagers. He shared his special "Kibi Dango" with a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant he met along the way, 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 & 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 sightseeing. (*Currently being temporarily relocated due to construction work to allow tram access. It is scheduled to be reinstalled near the new tram stop in the station square around March 2027.) Statues of Momotaro and his animal friends are dotted all over 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 Kanabou Guard, so you can enjoy the world of Momotaro throughout the entire street.

Kibitsu-jinja Shrine:

Kibitsu-jinja Shrine, designated as 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 stretches a total of 398 meters and is known as a masterpiece of architectural beauty. You can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season, from 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, has a solemn atmosphere that blends traditional shrine architecture with deep greenery. The main hall is designated as an Important Cultural Property by the prefecture and is located on Kibi no Nakayama, which has long been worshiped as a sacred mountain. On the summer solstice, the sun rises directly in front of the torii gate, so the shrine is also known as Asahi no Miya, or "Palace of the Morning 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's Castle)

This ancient mountain castle in Soja City is said to be the castle of the demon that Momotaro defeated. It has been selected as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan, and the remains of the ancient mountain castle remain in this area, so it is often linked to the Momotaro legend. A magnificent view spreads out from the castle ruins, and you can feel as if you are standing on the stage where Momotaro fought the demon.

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

If 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 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 products with Momotaro motifs, such as stuffed toys, key chains, and miscellaneous goods exclusive to Okayama. Charms and stationery with Momotaro designs are especially popular with tourists.

Momotaro Manhole

In Okayama City, manholes with designs based on the Momotaro legend have been installed throughout the city. These manholes were designed by Okayama City employees and began to be installed in 1986.

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

Local Manhole Feature Articles

Momotaro related products / Sunny Country Okayamakan Online Shop

White peach related products

Okayama is also famous for its white peaches. In honor of Momotaro's "peach," 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 / Sunny Country Okayamakan Online Shop

Okayama Prefectural souvenir shop Harenokuni-okayamakan

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 carefully selected 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 the largest summer festival in Okayama Prefecture, held every August, and was born from the Momotaro legend that depicts the battle between Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto (Momotaro) and Ura (the demon god), which is passed down in Okayama.

At Uraja, dancers dressed in colorful costumes dance through the town to the Uraja Ondo and original choreography. With their faces made 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 halfway between major tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and is easily accessible by Shinkansen. It also occupies an important position as a gateway to Shikoku via the Great Seto Bridge.

There are also many historical tourist spots, such as Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, Okayama Castle, and the atmospheric Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Okayama, known as the "Fruit Kingdom," is especially 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 is still deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Okayama. Why not go on a journey following in Momotaro's footsteps, visiting historical spots and enjoying traditional flavors? Come and find your own Momotaro experience in Okayama.

Okayama Prefecture's Japan Heritage Story