Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 and Okayama Tourism Guide - Enjoy the Expo and Okayama-

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Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 and Okayama Tourism Guide - Enjoy the Expo and Okayama-

If you are visiting the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, take a little trip to Okayama(about 45 minutes by Shinkansen). You can enjoy the history of the castle town, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Setouchi art, hot springs, fruit picking, and more. We will introduce a 2 Tomari, 3-day itinerary and the charms of Okayama!

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Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

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Okayama Prefecture is located in the Chuo of Western Japan, and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It is conveniently located halfway between famous tourist spots such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and is also the gateway to Shikoku via the Great Seto Bridge. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Kingdom," and the fruits that grow in the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea and sunshine are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-famous tourist spots such as Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which are renowned for their history, culture, and art!

What is Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025? Check out the highlights

Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 and Okayama Tourism Guide - Enjoy the Expo and Okayama-

The Osaka -Kansai Expo 2025, which will be held in Yumeshima, Osaka from April 13 to October 13, 2025, is a global event spanning 184 days.

The theme of the expo is "Designing a Future Society for Life," with the sub-themes of "Saving Life," "Empowering Life," and "Connecting Life." 158 countries and regions from around the world and nine international organizations have announced their participation (as of February 2025), and each country's pavilion will allow visitors to directly experience cutting-edge technology and diverse cultures. The entire expo venue is designed with the concept of a "People's Living Lab," and is full of interactive features that allow visitors to experience a new society, such as a virtual expo using AR/VR. The Osaka-Kansai Expo, where ideas and technologies from around the world come together, is a great opportunity for everyone to be excited, from technology lovers to culture lovers.

EXPO 2025 Official Website

A journey starting from the Osaka Kansai Expo | GOOD LUCK TRIP Official

Get away from the Expo! Access guide to Okayama

Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 and Okayama Tourism Guide - Enjoy the Expo and Okayama-

After enjoying the Kansai Expo, why not take a little trip to the "Land of Sunshine,"Okayama ? Okayama is easily accessible from Osaka City and Kansai Airport.

Speedy by Shinkansen

JR Okayama Station<br>
JR Okayama Station

From Osaka City , board the Sanyo Shinkansen at Osaka Station, which is one stop from JR Osaka Station. The fastest "Nozomi" train will take you from Osaka to Okayama in a straight line in about 45 minutes.

The fare is about 6,000 yen one way (unreserved seat), making it comfortable and ideal for saving time. The Shinkansen will take you to Okayama Station without any transfers, so you don't have to worry even if you have large luggage.

Easy access from Kansai Airport

If you go directly from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Okayama, it takes about 2 hours by JR + Shinkansen. The most common route is to travel from the airport to Osaka Station by JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service or the Limited Express "Haruka", then transfer to the Shinkansen. There are also limousine buses that connect to Osaka City(Namba OCAT, etc.), and you can reach Okayama Station in about 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you have time and want to keep travel costs down, it is also a good idea to use the express bus.

When using conventional trains or express trains

If you go from Osaka City using only JR conventional lines, it will take about 3 hours via Himeji, but it is an option for cost-conscious travel, such as during the period when the Seishun 18 Ticket is valid. Also, Okayama is a major station on the Sanyo Shinkansen, so you can arrive from Kyoto(about 1 hour 20 minutes) and Kobe(about 1 hour from Sannomiya via Shin-Kobe) with just one transfer. Please choose a convenient route according to your travel plans.

*The Seishun 18 Ticket allows you to use unreserved seats in ordinary cars on all JR local and rapid trains for three or five consecutive days.

JR-WEST ONLINE

Have a special experience in Okayama!

Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 and Okayama Tourism Guide - Enjoy the Expo and Okayama-

If you want to combine your trip to Okayama with the Osaka -Kansai Expo, be sure to check out the Okayama Experiences Feature Articles page on the EXPO 2025 official travel site. There are Toyotomi of experiences that are popular with foreign visitors tourists. Many programs can be booked in advance, making it convenient for planning your trip.

Here is a list of experiences you can have in Okayama(EXPO official website)

Okayama sightseeing itinerary(2 Tomari, 3 days) – An itinerary packed with highlights

Okayama Castle<br>
Okayama Castle

After the Kansai Expo, why not take your time to explore Okayama prefecture over a three- Tomari, two-night trip? Here we will introduce a model itinerary that combines Okayama City , home to the famous Okayama Korakuen Garden and the land associated with the itinerary ; Kurashiki City , a tourist city famous for its Kurashiki Bikan Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and jeans; Tamano City , home to Uno Port , the gateway to each island of the Setouchi Triennale ; and the northern part of the prefecture, with its naturally rich hot springs and terraced rice fields. You can enjoy the diverse charms of Okayama, from history to art and nature.

Day 1: Okayama City– Historical exploration of famous castles and gardens

Okayama Castle as seen from Okayama Korakuen Garden<br>
Okayama Castle as seen from Okayama Korakuen Garden

When you arrive at JR Okayama Station, head first to Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden, the symbols of Okayama . Okayama Castle is a famous castle affectionately nicknamed "Ujo (Crow Castle) Castle" due to its black wooden walls, and its castle tower was just reopened in 2022. The latest exhibition equipment and comprehensive explanations in multiple languages, including English, make it a fun way to learn about the history of Okayama from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. From the castle tower observation deck, you can get a panoramic view of the city and Korakuen Garden across the Asahikawa River, making it a great photo spot.

Okayama Korakuen Garden , located just a short walk from Okayama Castle , is a stroll-style garden that is counted among Japan's three most famous gardens. The vast garden is decorated with flowers and trees that change with the seasons, and you can enjoy the magnificent view of Okayama Castle towering in the background. The fresh greenery of spring, lotus flowers in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery in winter make it a very picturesque sight no matter when you visit. Pamphlets and audio guides in English and Chinese are available for foreign visitors, so you can fully enjoy the beauty of the Japanese garden. It is also recommended to experience Japanese culture by experiencing matcha tea in the garden.

Okayama Castle (Ujo)

Okayama Castle (Ujo)

2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-0823
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.
Okayama Castle Bizen Ware Workshop

Okayama Castle Bizen Ware Workshop

700-0823 2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture,...
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!
Okayama Korakuen Garden

Okayama Korakuen Garden

703-8257 1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
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.

⇒ [Fruit Kingdom] Okayama strawberry picking experience + beckoning cat painting experience day trip<br>

⇒ [Fruit Kingdom] Okayama strawberry picking experience + beckoning cat painting experience day trip

⇒Choose your favorite scent and gold brocade and make your own scented sachet<br>

⇒Choose your favorite scent and gold brocade and make your own scented sachet

⇒Purchase a digital travel ticket that allows you to enjoy popular spots in Okayama Prefecture at a great price<br>

⇒Purchase a digital travel ticket that allows you to enjoy popular spots in Okayama Prefecture at a great price

Okayama specialty demi-katsudon<br>
Okayama specialty demi-katsudon

Spend the night in Okayama City and enjoy local cuisine. Why not try dinner at a long-established restaurant such as Ajitsukasa Nomura , which serves Okayama 's specialty Demikatsudon (rice with shredded cabbage + pork cutlet with special demi-glace sauce). It is said to have originated at Nomura, which was founded in 1931, and has now become a representative local dish of Okayama. The harmony of the rich demi-glace sauce and crispy cutlet is so delicious that it will blow away the fatigue of your journey.

Day 2: Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and Setouchi Art Tour

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter<br>
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

On the second day, in the morning, travel to Kurashiki City from JR Okayama Station by train for about 15 minutes (get off at Kurashiki Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line or Hakubi Line). The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter , which is within walking distance of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter , is a street full of Edo atmosphere, with white-walled and namako-walled storehouses. Strolling along the Kurashiki River lined with swaying willow trees, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time. In the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, stop by the Ohara Museum of Art , famous as Japan's first museum focusing on Western art. It houses world-famous paintings by Monet and Gauguin, and is a unique spot where you can enjoy the contrast between traditional Japanese storehouse architecture and Western art. If you get tired of walking around the city, we recommend taking a break at a cafe renovated from an old house, or shopping for Kurashiki -made crafts such as Denim products.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

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.

JR Uno Station<br>
JR Uno Station

In the afternoon, we moved again by JR to the Uno Port area of ​​Tamano City along the Seto Naikai (about an hour from JR Kurashiki Station to JR Okayama Station via JR Okayama Station). Uno Port is the gateway to the islands of art, and unique artworks are scattered around the port. The year 2025 is the year when the Setouchi Triennale(Seto Triennale), which is held once every three years, will be held. If it is during the spring (April 18th to May 25th), summer (August 1st to August 31st), or autumn (October 3rd to November 9th), you can take a ferry from Uno Port to islands such as Naoshima and Teshima Island and experience the world-famous contemporary art festival.

Uno Port

Uno Port

70600002 Chikko 1, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture
It is a departure and arrival point for important shipping routes to Naoshima, where the Chichu Art Museum is located, and Teshima, where the Teshima Art Museum is located, which is the venue for the Setouchi Triennale, an art festival held on the islands. There are various art works scattered around Uno Port, and you can walk around them, so we recommend enjoying a stroll while looking out at the port.
Uno's Chinu

Uno's Chinu

706-0002 1-chome Chikko, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture
The object ``Uno no Chinu'' (ⒸYodogawa Technique) was created at the first ``Setouchi Triennale 2010'', which was created using floating debris collected from the coast around Uno Port and mainly Lake Kojima. Waste that has drifted across the ocean from all over the world to the Seto Inland Sea has taken on a new form and is now on display at Uno Port as a work of art. In addition, "Cochinu" next door was created in 2016 and is a slide that goes from head to butt. "Uno no Chinu" Yodogawa Technique © Yodogawa Technique

Permanent art such as Yayoi Kusama's "Pumpkin" object on Naoshima and the Chichu Art Museum can be viewed even outside of the exhibition period, so art fans should definitely visit. The beautiful evening view of the islands seen from around Uno Port is also exceptional, and watching the sun sink into the calm Setouchi Sea will add to the romance of your trip.

On this day, you will return to Kurashiki or Okayama City for the night. If you stay in Kurashiki, you can enjoy the luxury of strolling around the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter at night under the lights, and if you return to Okayama, you will be able to smoothly depart for the northern part of the prefecture the next day.

Day 3: Experience the nature and history of northern Okayama Prefecture

Hiruzen-kogen Heights<br>
Hiruzen-kogen Heights

On the final day of the trip, we will travel to the northern area of ​​Okayama Prefecture by rental car or tour. This is a greedy plan that combines magnificent nature, historic townscapes, and hot springs.

In the morning, we depart Okayama City and head Kitakami on the Chugoku Expressway to Maniwa City and the Hiruzen-kogen Heights(about an hour and a half by car). The Hiruzen-kogen Heights, at an altitude of 500 to 600 meters, is a summer resort where Jersey cows graze and where refreshing breezes blow through.

Hiruzen Plateau

Hiruzen Plateau

Hiruzen, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture 717-0501
Hiruzen Highlands, home to magnificent nature and a variety of tourist spots, is one of the best highland resorts in western Japan. In addition to seeing cute Jersey cows grazing, there is Hiruzen Jersey Land, where you can enjoy eating and shopping at restaurants and shops, Hiruzen Winery, which brews wine from home-grown mountain grapes, lavender, herbs, etc. There are many spots you'll want to visit, including Hiruzen Herb Garden, where seasonal plants are grown. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy in nature, making it perfect for camping and cycling. Also pay attention to the gourmet foods unique to Hiruzen, such as sweets and dairy products made with Jersey milk, and local gourmet dishes such as Hiruzen Yakisoba and Genghis Khan.
Hiruzen Herb Garden herbill

Hiruzen Herb Garden herbill

1480-64 Hiruzen Nishikabe, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture 717-0604
This facility was built in Nishi-Kayabe, Hiruzen, Maniwa City, overlooking the Hiruzen Sanza, with the aim of interacting with people in the city through plants. The site, which has a total area of 3 hectares, includes one of the largest lavender fields in western Japan, an herb garden full of herb flowers, a mountain park with a collection of local wild plants and wild plants, a hydrangea garden with about 3,000 hydrangeas, and a wreath-making facility. There is a Kaori-no-Yakata with a workshop and a shop/restaurant. Hydrangea: Late June to early July (approximately 3,000 plants) Lavender: Early July to early August (approximately 10,000 plants) Herbs: Mid-May to late November (approximately 200 types) Wreath making experience: About 1 hour Price: From about 1,500 yen

Hiruzen Fried Noodles<br>
Hiruzen Fried Noodles

First, fill up on the specialty Hiruzen Yakisoba. Hiruzen Yakisoba is the champion of B-class gourmet food, made with chewy medium-thick noodles, juicy chicken meat, and Takaharu cabbage, stir-fried in a special miso sauce. It won the B-1 Grand Prix in 2011 and quickly gained nationwide fame. The rich miso sauce and chewy chicken meat make this a superb dish that will become addictive. After the meal, rent a bicycle to explore the Takaharu, enjoy Hiruzen Jersey milk soft serve ice cream, and refresh yourself in the great outdoors.

Open-air bath

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Open-air bath "Sand bath"

Drive about 30 minutes south from Hiruzen to Yubara Onsen in Maniwa City . Yubara Onsenkyo is an atmospheric hot spring resort with many hot spring inns along the Asahikawa, and the most famous of these is the open-air bath "Sunayu". The sand bath is a rustic open-air bath that is surrounded by rocks and has a natural spring source that springs from the riverbed. It is open 24 hours a day, free of charge, and for mixed bathing. There are three baths, and the high-quality alkaline spring water, also known as the beauty bath, fertility bath, and longevity bath, is known for making your skin smooth. Soaking in the hot spring while looking out at the clear waters of the Asahikawa Asahikawa and the dam in front of you is truly special, and is an experience that hot spring fans will drool over. Bathing clothes are available for rental and changing rooms are available for women, so why not give it a try? The sand bath alone is enough for a day trip, but if you have time, you can also take advantage of the day trip plans and foot baths at hot spring inns to relieve the fatigue of your trip.

Yubara Onsen Sand Bath

Yubara Onsen Sand Bath

717-0402 Yubara Onsen, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture
A popular hot spring located downstream of Yubara Dam and spreading along the Asahi River. There is a large amount of hot water, and the quality of the spring water is highly alkaline, making it smooth on the skin. The symbol of the hot spring town is Sunayu, a large natural open-air bath made from hot springs gushing out from the river bed. Thanks to the cooperation of local people, it is open 24 hours a day for free, so you can enjoy the natural hot springs in the middle of nature anytime. It has been rated as the ``Yokozuna of the West'' in the national open-air bath ranking, and you can enjoy baths with different temperatures: Bijin-no-yu, Kotara-no-yu, and Choshu-no-yu. ・As it is a mixed bathing area, women are recommended to wear bathing clothes (rental). There is a simple changing room

Joto District Townscape Preservation District<br>
Joto District Townscape Preservation District

After enjoying the hot springs in Yubara, another place you might want to stop by before heading home is Tsuyama City , about an hour's drive Higashi . Tsuyama is a castle town associated with Mori Ranmaru, and in the center you can still see the Ishigaki of Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park) and historic roads such as Joto Old Town (a preservation district of the Joto area), which has been designated a Japanese Heritage site. The Joto townscape, lined with white-walled storehouses and samurai residences, is full of charm, and if you're lucky, you can take a rickshaw for a guided tour.

Joto Townscape (Important Preservation District for Groups of Tra...

Joto Townscape (Important Preservation District for Groups of Tra...

7080837 Hashimotocho-Higashishinmachi, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefectur...
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.

Tsuyama Hormone Udon<br>
Tsuyama Hormone Udon

Additionally, the local delicacy Tsuyama Horumon Udon (a stamina boosting dish of stir-fried horumon and noodles in miso sauce) is the perfect way to end your trip.

If you return to Okayama Station by evening, you can take the Shinkansen back to Osaka. There is some distance between the Kansai region, where the Expo is being held, and northern Okayama Prefecture, but if you make good use of cars and bus tours, you can make a fulfilling day trip here. With magnificent nature, historical culture, and soothing hot springs, you are sure to have a very satisfying trip.

A digital passport to explore Okayama at great value

This digital travel pass lets you enjoy popular spots in Okayama Prefecture. You can choose five of your favorite facilities from the eligible facilities. It's packed with exciting benefits such as recommended spots, gourmet food, and shopping!

Enjoy the food, hot springs and experiences in Okayama

Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 and Okayama Tourism Guide - Enjoy the Expo and Okayama-

To make your trip to Okayama even more enjoyable, be sure to try some of the local cuisine and experiences.

Fruit picking in Okayama, the kingdom of fruits

Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 and Okayama Tourism Guide - Enjoy the Expo and Okayama-

Okayama Prefecture is one of the leading fruit producing areas in Japan, famous for the white peach known as "Muscat of Alexandria" and the Momotaro legend. In the summer (July to August), you can pick mellow-smelling white peaches, and in early autumn (August to September), you can pick fresh Shine Muscat grapes.

At tourist farms, you can taste freshly picked fruit on the spot, and you'll be amazed by its juicy sweetness. Depending on the season, you can also enjoy strawberry picking (winter to spring) and blueberry picking. Freshly picked fruit makes a perfect souvenir, and is a luxurious experience that can only be found in the "fruit kingdom of Okayama."

Taste the local cuisine

Kibi Dango<br>
Kibi Dango

Taste the local delicacies: Okayama has a wide variety of unique local delicacies other than Demikatsudon and Hiruzen Yakisoba. Around Okayama Station, restaurants serving mamakari sushi (sushi made with pickled herring fish) and yabarazushi (Okayama-style chirashi sushi with colorful toppings) are popular. Kibi Dango is a famous confectionery associated with the Momotaro legend and is a popular souvenir. Trying out the local delicacies from each region will surely deepen your memories of your trip.

Traditional culture and activities

Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 and Okayama Tourism Guide - Enjoy the Expo and Okayama-

In the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, you can change into traditional Japanese clothing and enjoy taking commemorative photos, or try your hand at pottery making in the area around Bizen City , the birthplace of Bizen Pottery . In Ushimado , Setouchi Setouchi City , you can enjoy a variety of experiences, such as making olive oil in an olive orchard. Seasonal events also offer a chance to experience traditional Japanese events. If you have time in your itinerary, try incorporating some experiential sightseeing into your plans.

Kurashiki Kimono Komachi Bikan Historical Store

Kurashiki Kimono Komachi Bikan Historical Store

5-10 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 710-0054
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.
Ushimado Olive Garden

Ushimado Olive Garden

412-1 Ushimado, Ushimado-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture 701-43...
This is a farm owned by Nippon Olive Co., Ltd., which grows approximately 2,000 olive trees on a 10ha site. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ushimado, which is also called "Japan's Aegean Sea." We also sell olive products and souvenirs, as well as olive trees and lemon trees. On the second floor of the building where the observation deck is located, there is also a moody cafe with no lighting. Pets are allowed inside the park, except inside the building.
Imbe (Bizen Pottery Village)

Imbe (Bizen Pottery Village)

705-0001 Ibe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture
There are shops displaying Bizen ware, which has a unique earthy taste and a calm atmosphere, reminiscent of the past, as well as brick chimneys and rows of houses surrounded by mud walls. The Bizen Ware Museum in front of the station displays masterpieces of ancient art as well as representative works by modern pottery artists. In addition, the town of Inbe is home to many pottery makers and artists.
Okayama Momotaro Matsuri (Festival)

Okayama Momotaro Matsuri (Festival)

10 Saiwaicho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-0903
Performed by dancers made up as ogres, Uraja is very famous. The climax of the festival is a dance that includes everyone, organizers and visitors alike.
Bizen Pottery Festival

Bizen Pottery Festival

1657-7 Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture 705-0001
This event is held where certified Japan Heritage Bizen Pottery is produced. Visitors are offered Bizen pottery created by local artists at a 20% discount, and the chance to try their hand at making pottery using a potter’s wheel.

Various support information for foreign visitors tourists

Okayama Prefecture and each city and town offers multilingual support and convenient services to help international visitors enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind. Check out the points below to make your "Expo + Okayama" trip a fulfilling one.

Multilingual support and information

Tourist brochures for visitors to Japan are provided in multiple languages ​​with detailed information. Each city and town also creates various guide maps. Major tourist facilities such as Okayama Castle and Okayama Korakuen Garden also have brochures and information boards written in multiple languages, and some information centers have English-speaking staff on hand. The Momotaro Momotaro Tourist Information Center inside Okayama Station also offers tourist consultations in foreign languages, so feel free to stop by if you need help.

Multilingual brochures and guide maps

Okayama City Momotarou Tourism Center

Okayama City Momotarou Tourism Center

700-0024 1-1 Ekimotomachi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture,...
This is an Okayama City tourist information center located on the second floor of JR Okayama Station, east of the Shinkansen exit. We provide information on tourism in Okayama City, the prefecture's municipalities, and the Chugoku-Shikoku area through pamphlets, books, magazines, posters, videos, etc. We also provide seasonal recommendations and gourmet information. Staff with experience working at a travel agency provide information on sightseeing, as well as staff who can speak Chinese and Korean in addition to English (not full-time).

A convenient transportation information app

Smartphone route search apps are extremely useful for travelling around Japan. For example, "Japan Transit Planner" and "NAVITIME for Japan Travel" are transit guide apps available in English, Chinese and Korean that allow you to easily search for train and bus routes, timetables and fare information.

Of course, you can also search for routes on Google Maps. You can easily find the best route to your destination, so you won't get lost when traveling. We recommend downloading it in advance.

Japan Transit Planner: App Store

NAVITIME for Japan Travel: App Store

Japan Transit Planner: Android

NAVITIME for Japan Travel:Android

Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi spots are available in major tourist areas and public transportation in Okayama City and Kurashiki City. "Okayama Free Wi-Fi" and "Japan Free Wi-Fi" are available at Okayama Station, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama Airport, etc. Wi-Fi is also available at the Expo site and on JR Shinkansen trains. Travelers who want to save on their smartphone data roaming can use apps such as Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi to connect to nearby free Wi-Fi. For added peace of mind, it is a good idea to rent Wi-Fi or purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport if necessary.

Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect

Transportation passes and IC cards

If you are traveling between Kansai and Okayama, you should also consider using the JR West Area Pass, which is available only to visitors from overseas. If you use the JR Kansai- Hiroshima Area Pass, you can ride the Shinkansen between Osaka and Okayama as much as you like, making it a great way to travel. You can also use national transportation IC cards (ICOCA, Suica, etc.) in Okayama to pay for trains and buses. If you charge your card in advance, you can travel smoothly with just one touch on the Okayama Electric Tramway (streetcar) or bus. If you are on a "Expo + Okayama" trip that visits multiple cities in a short period of time, make good use of these passes and IC cards to save time and money.

How to use Japan's transportation IC cards: Suica, PASMO, ICOCA

Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass Information​

summary

Okayama Korakuen Garden<br>
Okayama Korakuen Garden

A trip to Okayama combined with the Osaka -Kansai Expo will give you the opportunity to experience technology and the future, as well as encounter Japan's Hara landscapes, culture, and delicious food. After the excitement of the Expo, be sure to spend some time relaxing in Okayama. Combining a cutting-edge Expo with Okayama's abundant tourist resources is sure to double your satisfaction with your trip. If you are visiting the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, why not plan an excursion to Okayama as an extra trip?

Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Okayama Prefecture is located in the Chuo of Western Japan, and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It is conveniently located halfway between famous tourist spots such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and is also the gateway to Shikoku via the Great Seto Bridge. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Kingdom," and the fruits that grow in the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea and sunshine are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-famous tourist spots such as Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which are renowned for their history, culture, and art!

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