Okayama Outdoor Feature Articles| Enjoy nature experiences from stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea to cycling and stargazing

Gentle. Wide. Yours. – Okayama Outdoors

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The sea, the mountains, the rivers, and the sky.

Everything is at just the right distance, offering endless comfort.

In Okayama, pristine nature thrives right next to the city.

The calm Seto Inland Sea, the clear breeze of the Hiruzen Highlands, unique cycling routes, and starry skies preserved by the locals.

The door to adventure might be surprisingly close to the ordinary.

Outdoor experiences in Okayama will gently embrace you as they expand your world.

• Table of Contents
• Seto Inland Sea
• Hiruzen Jersey Land
• Hareiro Cycling OKAYAMA Katetsu Roman Route
• Hareiro Cycling OKAYAMA Bitchu History Loop Route
• Kuroiwa Plateau Trail(Nunotaki Falls)
• Starry Sky Pension Comet
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Seto Inland Sea

The Seto Inland Sea , which stretches south of Okayama Prefecture , is an Utsumi surrounded by Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and is known for its calm waves throughout the year. Dotted with many islands, the area offers an open, clear landscape, coupled with a climate with a high rate of sunny days.

The coastal areas allow you to feel close to the sea and islands, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature without stress, such as on cruises, cycling, or strolling along the coast. The Seto Inland Sea Sea area is easily accessible from urban areas, and its unique feature is that you can experience the seascape as an extension of your daily life.

Seto Ohashi Bridge (Marine Liner)

The Seto Ohashi Bridge , which connects Okayama Prefecture and Kagawa Prefecture , is a combined road and rail bridge made up of multiple bridges, approximately 13 km in length. The JR Seto Ohashi Bridge's rapid train, the Marine Liner , crosses the Seto Inland Sea across this bridge.

As the train travels over the ocean, you can see islands and sailing ships up close from the windows. It is a major means of access from Okayama to Shikoku, and is used by many travelers as a route that allows you to enjoy the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea while traveling.

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.

Seto Ohashi sightseeing boat

3-23 Kojima Ekimae, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0921

Departs from Kojima Kanko Port. A 45-minute cruise where you can enjoy the beauty of the Seto Inland Islands while enjoying the pleasant sea breeze. The sightseeing boat has a capacity of about 70 people and is fully air-conditioned.

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.

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.

Setouchi Yacht Charter

Chartering a yacht on the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea is an activity that allows you to enjoy the scenery of islands scattered throughout the sea. Because the waves are relatively calm, it is easy for even beginners to cruise, and stable navigation is possible regardless of the season.

The private plan allows you to spend a relaxing time with a small group, and is also suitable for taking photos or spending time on the sea.The unique feature is that you can experience the topography of the Seto Inland Sea and the arrangement of the islands from a different perspective than on land.

Setouchi Yacht Charter

SETONITE

SETONITE , located in Tamano City , Okayama Prefecture , is a glamping-style accommodation facility facing the Seto Inland Sea. All buildings are located close to the sea, and you can enjoy views of the Setouchi from the guest rooms and common areas.

The architecture features a simple, open design, and the space is designed to harmonize with the natural environment. There are many tourist attractions in the surrounding area, making it an ideal base for a stay by the sea and a trip around the Setouchi area.

SETONITE

5-28-30 Tai, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture 706-0001

``SETONITE'' is a glamping-type resort that opened in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, where the Seto Inland Sea spreads out in front of you. You can spend a relaxing time in an extraordinary space.

Hiruzen Jersey Land

Located in the Hiruzen Hiruzen-kogen Heights in northern Okayama Prefecture , Hiruzen Jersey Land is a tourist ranch with vast grasslands and grazing landscapes. Located at an altitude of approximately 500-600m, it is relatively cool even in summer and maintains an open Takaharu environment.

On the premises, you can see Jersey cows grazing, giving you a close-up experience of the nature and livestock culture of the Hiruzen-kogen Heights. The adjacent facility also serves dairy products and gourmet food made with Jersey milk, making it a great place to stop by or take a break.

The surrounding area offers a panoramic view of the Hiruzen Sanza, making it an easy place to visit while driving or walking around the Takaharu. Hiruzen Jersey Land is characterized by its ability to enjoy nature, animals, and food all in one place.

Hiruzen Jersey Land

956-222 Hiruzen Nakafukuda, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture 717-0501

Located at the foot of Kami Hiruzen Mountain, you can see the majestic sight of Hiruzen Sanza and Jersey cows grazing leisurely. You can see through the window a factory that manufactures dairy products such as Jersey yogurt and cheese made from Jersey milk, which has a refreshing and rich flavor, and you can enjoy soft-serve ice cream and assorted Jersey sausages at the restaurant and shop. There are also dishes made with Jersey beef, and in addition to steaks and curries, there are more than 10 dishes that allow you to enjoy the deliciousness of red meat, such as roast beef bowls.

Hareiro Cycling OKAYAMA Katetsu Roman Route

One of the most popular routes in Hareiro Cycling OKAYAMA is the Katetsu Roman Route. This cycling road runs along the abandoned tracks of the former Katakami Railway, and features little elevation change overall, making it easy for even beginners to ride.

Along the route, there are rest spots that utilize the station buildings and platforms of the time, allowing you to ride while getting a feel for the local lifestyle and history. Many sections pass through the mountains and there is little car traffic, making this a course suitable for those who want to enjoy cycling in a peaceful environment.

Katetsu Roman Route Route

Katatetsu Roman Road

Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture - Misaki Town, Kume District 7013-204

This is a 76km long route that makes use of abandoned railroad tracks, and the scenery with the Yoshii River gives you a nostalgic feeling. You can enjoy local gourmet foods such as Yunogo Onsen, seafood from Hinase, and Tsuyama Hormone Udon in the castle town of Tsuyama.

Hareiro Cycling OKAYAMA Bitchu History Loop Route

The Bitchu History Loop Route is a cycling course that travels around the Bitchu area in western Okayama Prefecture, connecting castle towns, temples, shrines, and historical townscapes.The course alternates between urban areas and nature, allowing you to enjoy the changing scenery as you ride.

There are many tourist facilities and stopover spots along the route, so you can enjoy walking around town and touring historical sites in addition to cycling.Since the sights are concentrated in a relatively short section, it is a route that can be flexibly organized according to time and stamina.

Bitchu History Loop Route

Hareiro Cycling Okayama

Kuroiwa Plateau Trail(Nunotaki Falls)

The Kuroiwa Plateau Trail is a walking trail that spans the Takaharu in the Awa district of Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture . Located along the trail is Nunotaki Falls, a waterfall where water flows down along the rock face, and is characterized by its natural scenery that blends in with the surrounding forest.

The route is relatively well maintained, and even a short walk will allow you to feel the Takaharu air and the tranquility of the forest. The scenery changes with the seasons, with fresh greenery and autumn leaves, making it suitable for nature observation and light hiking.

Although it is located a little away from the city center, it is easily accessible and is a spot where you can experience the nature of northern Okayama Prefecture up close.

Starry Sky Pension Comet

Starry Sky Pension Comet is a lodging facility located in a naturally rich area in northern Okayama Prefecture. There are few large light sources in the surrounding area, making it an ideal environment for stargazing at night.

On and around the premises, you can enjoy stargazing with the naked eye, binoculars, or an astronomical telescope, and you can see different constellations and celestial bodies depending on the season. Another feature is that you can relax at night when you stay overnight, which allows you to enjoy a different experience from the outdoor activities you have during the day.

Located in a quiet location surrounded by nature, it is popular for stargazing stays and as a base for trips around northern Okayama Prefecture.

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