Gold-Guide recommends this half-day tour to experience the charm of Okayama, a castle town!

• Table of Contents
• Morning Okayama Tour: Castle and Garden
• Guide's Recommended Points
• My Details
• Self-Introduction
• Detailed information regarding the warnings

Morning Okayama Tour: Castle and Garden

We will meet at a hotel near JR Okayama Station or at Okayama Station itself, and then efficiently tour the area by taxi. First, we will visit Okayama Castle, which has an impressive black exterior. We will learn about the castle's history and highlights with a guide's explanation, and enjoy a tour of the interior and the view from the keep (closed from December 29th to 31st). Next, we will move to Korakuen Garden. This spacious garden, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, allows us to stroll through the landscape created by the pond, lawn, and artificial hills, and enjoy the changing seasons. Lunch can be taken along the way if desired, and after the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel or Okayama Station.

*Itinerary

09:00 Meet at a hotel near JR Okayama Station or at JR Okayama Station → Travel by taxi

09:30 Okayama Castle (visit) *Closed from December 29th to 31st

11:00 Korakuen Garden (stroll)

12:00 Lunch (optional, separate charge; nearby restaurants can be recommended) → Travel by taxi

13:00 Disband at the hotel or JR Okayama Station. *If you wish to be dropped off near Korakuen Garden, please consult with your guide.

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Guide's Recommended Points

This half-day morning tour covers the essentials, ensuring a satisfying experience even for first-time visitors to Okayama. We'll provide a clear explanation of Okayama Castle, including why it's called "Crow Castle" and the history of the surrounding castle town. We'll point out the best viewpoints from the castle tower, making it easy to grasp the geography. Since the scenery of Korakuen Garden changes with the seasons and weather, we'll prioritize visiting the best viewing spots. We'll select locations and times suitable for photography and adjust the route to avoid crowds. The tour can end at the station, your hotel, or even near Korakuen Garden upon request.

My Details

Name: Eriko

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Self-Introduction

Hi! My name is Eriko. I live in Okayama and have enjoyed guiding tourists and doing interpreting jobs for guests from all over the world for about 20 years in total.

I used to work as a registered nurse in the ward of cardiovascular disease at a general hospital. Then I stayed in US to study and do an internship program for seven months.

Now I am an interpreter guide and also a peach farmer working with my husband, especially in summer. My hometown Okayama is peaceful countryside called "Land of Sunshine" and "Fruit Kingdom" that produces high-quality fruits like white peaches and grapes.

Okayama is not a big city, but I love to feel peaceful and comfortable being surrounded by nature, orchards, farms and traditional attractions like Okayama Castle, Japanese famous beautiful Korakuen Garden and Kurashiki Bikan Area.

In addition to Okayama, I also guide tourists around neighboring area: popular Art Islands in the Seto Inland Sea; Naoshima and Teshima and historical World Heritage sites; Hiroshima and Miyajima.

I am excited to guide you to fascinating destinations around Okayama as well as bring you to Japanese authentic local life!

Let's explore and have fun in Japan with me!

Detailed information regarding the warnings

Guide Experience：10 Years or more

Area: Okayama,Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

Languages: English

Qualifications: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00100

Certified Itinerary Control Manager, Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent), TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise:Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Traditional Culture,Textile,Pottery,Pop Culture,Shopping,Art Crafts

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