Okayama Date Spots [Spring] | Enjoy a Spring Holiday with Cherry Blossom Viewing and a Drive

• Table of Contents
• A walk for two! Okayama's cherry blossom-lined streets and a cherry blossom viewing date
• Surrounded by the sweet scent! Enjoy a romantic moment at Fuji Park
• Feel the spring breeze! Enjoy a scenic drive in Okayama
• Related articles by season and theme can be found here

A walk for two! Okayama's cherry blossom-lined streets and a cherry blossom viewing date

Spring in Okayama is the perfect season for a date, as the city and mountains are bathed in the pink of cherry blossoms. In the center of Okayama City , the Okayama Sakura Carnival is held on the Asahikawa riverbed east of Korakuen Garden. You can enjoy the 400m-long row of cherry blossom trees along with food stalls during the day, and at night, the lights are on, creating a fantastical atmosphere.

A short walk away is Handa Botanical Garden, where a cherry blossom festival is held, with around 800 cherry trees in full bloom. The entire mountain is bathed in pink, and the area is lit up at night during the festival, making it the perfect place for a night cherry blossom viewing date.

Also, at Gaisen Sakura Street in Shinjo Village , 133 Somei Yoshino cherry trees line the historic streets, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sounds of the babbling river.

From lively cherry blossom viewing to quiet strolls, why not spend some springtime memories just for the two of you at one of Okayama's many cherry blossom spots?

Asahi River Sakura Road

703-8257 East Bank of Asahikawa, Naka Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Pref...

This is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the city, where cherry blossoms bloom for about 1km on the east bank of the Asahi River, which runs through Okayama City. The ``Okayama Sakura Carnival'' is held during the cherry blossom season. At night, the rows of cherry blossom trees are illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms at night. Cherry blossom season: Late March to early April

Okayama Sakura Carnival

1-8 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 703-8257

Beautiful cherry blossoms bloom along a 1.3 km long section of the Asahi River on the east side of Okayama Korakuen Garden. During the carnival, illumination provides visitors with a fantastic view of cherry blossoms at night.

Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden

3-1 Hokaiin, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-0004

It is a comprehensive botanical garden that manages and grows approximately 3,200 species and 150,000 plants. The entrance has a magnificent view that looks like an open-air opera theater. It is located on a hilly area with an altitude of 10m to 85m, and the view of Okayama from the top is very beautiful. This place is less crowded than the famous cherry blossom viewing spots, so it is highly recommended for people who want to escape from the hustle and bustle, or for families. You will be amazed by the harmony of cherry blossoms, sky, and green colors. Enjoy a leisurely tour of Handayama Botanical Garden, which is approximately the size of 11 Tokyo Domes.

Gaisen Sakura Street

717-0201 Kamimachi, Shinjo Village, Maniwa District, Okayama Prefectur...

The "Gaisen Sakura" cherry blossom avenue in this post town is rare nationwide, with 137 cherry trees planted in 1906 to commemorate the victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Currently, there are 133 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees, and the magnificent tunnel of cherry trees blooming every 5.5 meters is a representative spring scene in Shinjo Village. On both sides of the street, there are waterways that flow gently, and the gentle sound of the water has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Soundscapes of Japan" and "Top 100 Fragrant Landscapes of Japan." Cherry blossom season: mid- to late April

Surrounded by the sweet scent! Enjoy a romantic moment at Fuji Park

After the cherry blossom season has passed, beautiful wisteria flowers herald the arrival of spring in Okayama. Wake Town's Fuji Park boasts the largest variety of wisteria in Japan, with around 100 varieties of wisteria collected from all over the country in full bloom. The park features a wisteria trellis stretching for a total of 500 meters, and the sight of purple, white, and pink flower clusters falling from above is like a shower of flowers.

Walking while surrounded by the sweet scent is perfect for a romantic spring date. The Wisteria Festival is held from late April to early May, when the wisteria is at its best, and the nighttime illuminations create a fantastical view that is different from the daytime. Events such as taiko drumming and sword dancing are also held, making for a special memory for the two of you.

Furthermore, Okayama is dotted with famous wisteria spots, such as the "Achi Wisteria" in Tsurugatayama Park, located around the grounds of Achi Shrine in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter , and " Shibukawa Park" in Tamano City . Be sure to enjoy spring in Okayama on a wisteria spot date in the prefecture!

wisteria park

709-0412 1893 Fujino, Wake-cho, Wake-gun, Okayama Prefecture

Fuji Park is a tourist spot that represents Wake Town. Approximately 100 types of wisteria have been collected from all over the country, making it one of the best in the country in terms of variety! The wisteria with clusters of flowers hanging down for 1 meter and the huge wisteria trellis with a total length of 500 meters are quite impressive. The flowers come in a variety of colors, from deep purple to light purple, pink and white, making for plenty of photo opportunities. You can take a walk in the enchanting scent. *Normally, the park is free to enter, but during the best flower viewing period (late April to early May), an admission fee is required for the Wisteria Festival.

Fuji Matsuri (Festival)

1386-2 Fujino, Wake-cho, Wake-gun, Okayama Prefecture 709-0412

Fuji Park features wisteria gathered from around the country, from as far away as Hokkaido in the north and Kagoshima in the south. The park is home to about 100 varieties, making it No.1 in Japan. Visitors are invited to enjoy the beautiful blossoms while strolling along the 500 m long wisteria trellis.

Shibukawa Fuji Matsuri (Festival)

2-9 Shibukawa, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture 706-0028

Visitors are treated to a magnificent view of purple and white wisteria petals blooming on a 900 m long trellis, one of the largest in Japan. On national holidays during the festival period, drum performances, games, and other fun events take place.

Feel the spring breeze! Enjoy a scenic drive in Okayama

Spring in Okayama is the perfect season for a drive date, enveloped in warm sunlight and a pleasant breeze. In the southern part of the prefecture, the panoramic views of the Seto and the Seto Naikai from Mt. Washuzan and Mt. Ojigatake are popular.

If you drive along the coast, you will come across many beautiful sandy beaches and cafes, such as Sami Beach, Nishiwaki Beach, and Aosana Beach, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxing spring date.

If you head further north, you can also enjoy a drive through the fresh greenery of the Hiruzen-kogen Heights and Maniwa area. You can spend a special time just for the two of you while gazing out the window at the rows of cherry blossom trees and the colorful mountains. Okayama is unique in that you can freely combine a variety of courses, including the islands of the Setouchi and the scenery of retro Port town .

Okayama changes its appearance with each season, but spring is especially great for driving. Be sure to find your favorite route!

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.

Brazilian Park Washuzan Highland

303-1 Shimotsui Fukiage, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0926

This is an amusement park built on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. In addition to attractions, there are plenty of facilities where you can enjoy a slider pool and inline skating. The famous samba show is held every day.

Washuzan Observation Deck

Shimotsuidanoura, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0925

This observation deck is located near the summit of Mt. Washuzan, which is a representative scenic spot in Seto Inland Sea National Park and is also designated as a nationally designated scenic spot. There are two locations near Washuzan Rest House and Washuzan Visitor Center. It is a popular viewing spot where you can see the idyllic islands of Seto Inland Sea, the majestic Seto Ohashi Bridge, and even Shikoku on the opposite shore.

Ojigatake

4-chome Shibukawa, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture 706-0028

Mount Ojigatake, which straddles Tamano City and Kurashiki City, is a viewing spot where you can see the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea and the majestic Seto Ohashi Bridge at the same time. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt. Shikoku. There are many strangely shaped rocks with fun names such as ``Ojisan Rock'', ``Smile Rock'', and ``Hitsuji Rock'', and looking for them is part of the fun. You will be amazed by the scenery made up of huge rocks and strangely shaped rocks. There is also a promenade, and it is a popular hiking course where cherry blossoms and azaleas are in full bloom in the spring. It is also famous as a place where you can enjoy paragliding and bouldering.

Seto Ohashi Bridge

Shimotsuidanoura, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0925

One of the Honshu-Shikoku connecting bridges that opened in 1988 (Showa 63), connecting Okayama and Kagawa prefectures. With a bridge section of 9,368m and 13.1km including the elevated section, it is one of the world's largest bridge complexes with two levels, upper and lower, passing over roads and railways. The sight of six types of bridges spanning the strait, including suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges, and truss bridges, is breathtaking. Seto Ohashi Bridge is lit up mainly on weekends, creating an elegant and romantic atmosphere.

Sami Beach

Tamashima Kurosaki, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 713-8126

Said to be Japan's oldest beach, this beautiful sandy beach has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Beaches, and is visited by many swimmers every year. Nishihama, where Japan's first artificial beach nourishment work was carried out over a six-year period starting in 1983 (Showa 58), and which became an "artificial beach" in 1989 (Heisei 1), is also one of the highlights.

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.

Related articles by season and theme can be found here