Okayama

Okayama's documented history tends to get overshadowed by its folklore history, but of course it exists. The area has been one of the most important in Japan for centuries. In ancient times, the modern city was part of the Kibi Kingdom (吉備国 kibi no kuni). Situated between the Yamato to the east and Korea and other Japanese tribes to the west, the Kibi Kingdom excised a great amount of control over trade between the regions. At its peak, the Kibi Kingdom was said to have been equal in power to the Yamato and the large kofun (burial mounds) that still exist in the Kibi Plains are a testament to that.

In 645 AD the Kibi Kingdom was dissolved into four separate provinces; Bingo, Bitchu, Bizen, and Mimasaka. Most of modern Okayama City fell within Bizen Province. Development of the area into a large, unified city is accredited to Ukita Naoie who built up the domain as a castle town with Okayama as its capital. It was the same year he commissioned Okayama Castle to be constructed, although it was not completed until 1597. The Ukita continued to rule until they found themselves on the losing side in the Battle of Sekigahara. Kobayakawa Hideaki, who betrayed Ukita Hideie at Sekigahara, was given control of Okayama but he died after only 2 years as its leader, so the territory was awarded to Ikeda Tadetsugu, one of Tokugawa Ieyasu's grandsons. The Ikeda were powerful rulers that continued to foster growth and cultural development in the city, including the construction of Korakuen Garden from 1686 to 1700. The influence of the Ikeda extended well beyond the borders of their domain as they ruled until the Meiji Period when the provinces were reorganized into prefectures (1871) and they are still well-known and respected today. The city was bombed in World War II air raids in 1945, destroying much of the city center and Okayama Castle, which had been designated as one of Japan's great castles.

The city was rebuilt after the war. Although it had always been an important hub in Western Honshu, it experienced renewed importance with the extension of the Shinkansen from Osaka. Construction of the line began in 1965, a year after the line connecting Tokyo to Osaka opened and it began operation in 1972. Today Okayama ranks among Japan's most populated cities and a major economic center in the Chugoku Region.

Okayama Station Tourist Information Center, Okayama-eki 2F, 1-1 Ekimotomachi, Kita-ku (In Okayama Station, between the Shinkansen gates and JR gates). 09:00-18:00. Has maps and pamphlets in English, Chinese, and Korean. The staff here have a reputation for being both helpful and friendly to foreign visitors.

Momotaro Tourist Information Center, Basement No.6, Ichibangai Ekimotomachi (it's in the Okayama Ichibangai; exit Okayama Station, turn right and walk towards the Granvia hotel; there's an escalator/stairwell: the tourist information center is just below this stairwell), ☏ +81 86 222-2912, momotaro@okayama-kanko.net. 09:00-20:00. This is the city's primary tourist information center. The Okayama Station information center is best for quick questions and guidance, but those wanting more information should make their way here instead. They have an impressive array of pamphlets and information about Okayama City, as well as every other city/town in Okayama Prefecture. They even have information about places outside of Okayama. There are also travel books and magazines available to browse. They usually have at least one staff member that can speak English and sometimes serve free kibi dango and tea outside the center.

Izushi Shiromachi Studio, 1-6-6 Izushi-cho Kita-ku, ☏ +81 86 206-5124. 09:00-17:30. It's across the bridge from Korakuen Garden in a quieter part of town. It is most useful for drivers who won't go to the station or those who are already out and about. The information provided here is mostly limited to travel within Okayama City.

The local tourist association has a multilingual guide site.

Okayama is known as the "Land of Sunshine". The city is guarded by mountains which often take the rainfall before it can reach the city, so compared to the surrounding prefectures and most of the country, Okayama has more sunny days. It is not uncommon for it to be raining in the surrounding areas while Okayama is merely cloudy or even sunny. Likewise, snow is uncommon in the winter.

1 Okayama Momotarō Airport (岡山空港 OKJ IATA). In the late 2010s, it was renamed for the popular hero of Japanese folklore. It offers flights to/from Tokyo (Haneda), Sapporo, and Okinawa. There are also direct international flights between Okayama and Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Kaohsiung and Taipei. Buses make a 30-minute run to JR Okayama Station (¥780).

If you choose to fly to Kansai International Airport (KIX IATA), there is a bus that departs every 2-3 hours that can take you directly to Okayama from the airport in 3 hr 40 min for ¥4750. It is faster (2 hr), but more expensive (¥8320 reserved seating), to take the JR Haruka limited express train to Shin-Osaka, and transfer to the Shinkansen to Okayama station (2 or 3 stops on the Nozomi or Sakura; trains likely bound for Okayama, Hiroshima, Hakata or Kagoshima-Chuo). Not only is this option faster, JR services are much more frequent than the bus.

Okayama is a major stop on the San'yo Shinkansen. All trains passing through Chugoku stop at Okayama. Nozomi trains depart Tokyo at 20-minute intervals between 6:00 and 20:30, reaching Okayama in as little as 3 hr 13 min (¥17660 reserved); one Hikari per hour makes the trip in 4 hr 15 min (¥17130 reserved; free with the Japan Rail Pass). Hikari and Sakura trains also make frequent runs, stopping at Okayama between Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima.

The Sunrise Seto/Sunrise Izumo runs overnight from JR Tokyo Station, leaving Tokyo at 22:00 and arriving in Okayama at 06:27. The return trip to Tokyo departs Okayama at 22:34 and arrives in Tokyo at 07:08. The trip cost is the basic fare of ¥10670 (waived for holders of the Japan Rail Pass) plus additional fees depending on the accommodation used. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can book a carpeted floor space on this service at no charge (¥3830 without the JR Pass). Accommodation fees for compartments and rooms range from ¥9900 to ¥17280. There are showers on board. Note that these trains are subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.

Okayama is also the starting point/terminus of the Marine Liner rapid trains which travel on the famous Seto Ohashi Bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to/from Sakaide and Takamatsu, and limited express trains to other destinations on the island of Shikoku. Many of these trains to Shikoku are timed for seamless connections with Nozomi arrivals. If you travel on the Marine Liner using the Japan Rail Pass, you have the option to upgrade to a comfortable Green Car seat for a small surcharge.

If you do not have a Japan Rail Pass, it is possible to travel cheaply overnight from Okayama to Matsuyama, Kochi, and Fukuoka during University vacation periods using Moonlight Special Rapid services. These are very popular and tend to get fully booked a month in advance.

Yakumo Limited Express Trains also connect Okayama to Yonago at the Sea of Japan coast. It's a scenic 2-hour trip across the Chūgoku mountains with a magnificent view of Mount Daisen. From Yonago it is another 1/2 hour to Matsue, and 1 hour to Izumo in the San-in Region.

Super Inaba Limited Express services connect Okayama to Tottori, another Sea of Japan destination, in two hours.

Chugoku JR Bus operates two overnight bus services from Tokyo Station and the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) to Okayama:

The Dream Okayama-Hiroshima runs in a 4 seat per row configuration (2x2). ¥12200 each way, with advance purchase discounts starting at ¥4700.

The Keihan Kibi Dream operates with a more spacious 3 seat per row configuration (1x1x1). ¥13200 each way, with advance purchase discounts starting at ¥5100.

JR Buses take approximately 10 hr from Tokyo and 9 hr from Yokohama.

Ryobi Bus operates from Okayama, with more buses and location options in Tokyo to choose from. Their routes are generally cheaper than JR's walk-up fares and operate in conjunction with several other bus companies.

The Mamakari Liner runs from Tokyo Station (on nearby Yaesu Street), Asakusa and Ueno in a 4 seat per row configuration (2x2). ¥6300-6800 each way, advance purchase discount ¥5800. About 9 hr from Tokyo Station to Okayama.

The Muscat runs from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal in a 3 seat per row configuration (1x1x1). Buses take around 10 hr 15 min from Shinjuku. ¥10200 each way, advance purchase discount ¥7000.

The Tokyo LeBlanc runs from Tokyo Station (on nearby Yaesu Street) and YCAT in a 3 seat per row configuration (1x1x1). 11 hr from Tokyo Station. ¥10200 each way, advance purchase discount ¥6700.

Additional buses from Tokyo are operated by Odakyu Bus (10 hr from Shinjuku, ¥10200 each way) and Willer Express (10 hr from Shinjuku, starting at ¥6600 each way).

From Nagoya, Ryobi operates two buses per day to Okayama: a morning/evening bus (5 hr 20 min) and an overnight bus (7 hr). ¥6700 each way, advance purchase discounts from ¥4000.

Daytime buses operated by Ryobi Bus and other companies run hourly from Osaka (3 hr, ¥3150 one way, discount fare ¥2680), seven times daily from Kyoto (3 hr 30 min, ¥3650 one way, ¥6600 round trip) and between 4-8 times daily from Kobe (2 hr 40 min, ¥2900 one way, ¥3900 round trip).

From Kyushu, Ryobi Bus runs an overnight service departing Fukuoka (9 hr, ¥7540 one way, ¥13520 round trip) and Kokura (7 hr 15 min, ¥6500 one way, ¥11630 round trip).

Ryobi, Chugoku JR, and other bus service operators have additional buses from Matsue, Izumo, Yonago, Kurayoshi, Tottori, Matsuyama, Kochi, Tokushima and Hiroshima.

Two convenient tram lines of Okayama Denki Kido run from the east side of JR Okayama Station. The Higashiyama line runs along Momotaro-Odori to Okayama Symphony Hall (stopping at "Shiroshita" tram stop, which is the closest stop to Okayama Castle), and then turns south towards the prefectural government office before winding towards the terminus. The other line turns to the right about half-way along Momotaro-Odori, passes the central post office, and terminates at the Seikibashi intersection.

Buses run throughout the city. Trips within the city cost no more than a few hundred yen; from JR Okayama Station to Tenmaya/Omotecho shopping mall costs ¥100.

Perhaps the most confusing thing is that different companies offer similar routes that depart at different times from different bus-stops. The staff at bus information centers are very helpful, but might not give information on rival companies running similar routes unless asked. For the most recent departures from Okayama Station, there is a bus departure list complete with times and stop number straight outside the Okayama Station ticket gates.

Okayama can be an excellent place for biking. For those who want to bike from Okayama Station, there is a Rentacycle attached to the station. Upon exiting Okayama Station (Higashi-guchi Exit), turn to the right and walk straight along the station building. You'll pass the Hotel Granvia (left side) and the Renta-Car. It's about a 3 minute walk from the station exit.

Within the downtown area, the city also has its own Momochari. The name is a play on words. In Japanese, mama-chari is what they call women's bikes (typically bikes with baskets). Momo is the Japanese word for 'peach', a reference to the city's famous white peaches and Momotaro, the Peach Boy. To rent a Momo-chari, you must first get a membership card which can be purchased at any of the Momo-chari portals located by the bikes. They can be paid for with ICOCA/SUICA cards. The bikes cost ¥100 for the first hour and an additional ¥100 every 30 minutes after that. The maximum cost for a 24-hour period is ¥1000. If you keep the bike beyond 24 hours, it costs an additional ¥1000 per day. The Momo-chari Bike Portals are all located in the downtown area of central Okayama.

The Kibi Cycling Trail is a well-known cycling trail through the historic Kibi area of Okayama. There are Rentacycles located at Bizen-Ichinomiya Station and at Soja Station (Soja). If you rent a bike at one of these sites, you can return the bike at the other. This special system was designed to make the cycling course more enjoyable and appealing to travelers. You don't have to backtrack in order to return your bike. You can simply rent your bike at one station, cycle the trail, and then drop your bike off at the other station.

Upon exiting Okayama Station, the taxis are on the right side (toward Hotel Granvia). The base fair is ¥630.

Okayama is also home to Grace Taxi, a unique taxi service with all-female drivers. You must contact them by phone in order to use their services.

Many of central Okayama's main sights are clustered on the eastern side of the Central Business District in the area known as the Culture Zone. From JR Okayama station, take the tram three stops east to Shiroshita on the Higashiyama Line. All of the sites are within short walking distance.

English-speaking guides are available for free tours of the castle and garden. The guides are volunteers, so it's best to call ahead (☏ +81 86-224-1166) to ensure that they will be available.

1 Kōrakuen Garden (後楽園), 1-5 Korakuen (15-min walk from Okayama Station or 5-min walk from Shiroshita tram Stop), ☏ +81 86-272-1148. Apr-Sep: 07:30-18:00, Oct-Mar: 08:00-17:00. The name means "Garden of Pleasure After", a reference to a famous Confucian quote stating that a wise ruler must attend to his subjects' needs first and only then attend to his own. Construction started 1687 and was completed 13 years later. Despite slight changes, Korakuen largely keeps its form from the Edo era, with waterfalls, tiny shrines, teahouses, miniature maple forests, a lotus pond, and even a greenhouse filled with orchids and cacti. The rare red-crested white cranes are another notable feature. They are released for flying exhibitions on special occasions throughout the year. The large wooden building called the Enyo-tei was used to host daimyo (feudal lords), Emperor Meiji, and other members of the imperial family. The view from the veranda (usually off-limits to the general public) is considered the best in the park, and the strategic location of trees and hills/mounds in the park act as a natural frame. A local ordinance prevents high-rise buildings that would encroach on this view. The roof of a temple can be seen on the side of the distant Mt. Misaoyama, but it was built to enhance the view from the porch. There are two entrances to the garden: across from the Okayama Prefectural Museum, and across the Moon-Viewing Bridge (月見橋 Tsukimi-bashi). ¥400.

2 Okayama Castle (岡山城 Okayama-jō), 2-3-1 Marunouchi (15-min walk from Okayama Station or 5-min walk from Shiroshita tram Stop), ☏ +81 86-225-2096. 09:00-17:00. Popularly known as Crow Castle (烏城 U-jō), it is so named for its striking black color, rare among Japanese castles (which tend to be white, like neighboring Himeji Castle). Only a few protruding bits and the occasional lucky fish-gargoyle (金の鯱 kinnoshachihoko) are gilded. With the exception of one external turret, the current version dates from 1966, but the outside is much more accurate than most Japanese castle replicas, as the original blueprints were used to rebuild it. In the tower is a museum documenting the castle's history, although English explanations are few and far between. On the first floor of the castle, you can also make your own Bizen pottery for an extra fee. ¥300 (except during special exhibits).

The Kibiji District (吉備路), in the northeastern part of the city, from Okayama to Soja, was once the center of the Kingdom of Kibi (吉備国 kibi no kuni), whose power was said to equal to that of the Yamato. Strategically located between the Yamato and civilizations on the Korean peninsula, the Kibi Kingdom was highly influential. Its leaders continued to influence the Yamato government even after the Kibi Kingdom fell. Many of the historical and cultural sites are associated with the legend of Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto (see Understand).

The Kibiji District is best explored by bike along its famous cycling route (see Do). However, all sites can be reached by using the train and then walking (or taking a bus, for certain locations). The information office at JR Okayama Station can provide a map of the Kibiji area, including the cycling route. If you begin your travels from Bizen Ichinomiya Station (bike rental is just beside the station), the following sites are listed in the order in which you will see them.

9 Kibitsuhiko Shrine (吉備津彦神社), 1043 Ichimiya (Bizen Ichinomiya Station), ☏ +81 86-284-0031. This shrine, rebuilt in 1697, is dedicated to Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto, and has a unique architectural style. To get there, turn right after exiting the station and cross the train tracks. Free.

10 Kibitsu Shrine (吉備津神社), 931 Kibitsu (Kibitsu Station), ☏ +81 86-287-4111. Last rebuilt in 1425, this shrine is important for two reasons: it was once the head shrine of the entire Kibi Kingdom, and legend holds that Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto fought the demon Ura on this site. He shot arrows at the demon, but the demon evaded his attacks by throwing boulders at the arrows. Finally, the prince shot two arrows at the same time, hitting the demon directly in the eye (but not yet killing him - read on). Free.

11 Ancient Kibi Cultural Properties Center (岡山県古代吉備文化財センター), 1325-3 Nishihanajiri (20-min walk from Kibitsu Station; on the mountain/hill behind Kibitsu Shrine.), ☏ +81 86-293-3211. 09:00-17:00. A small museum housing artifacts from the ancient Kibi Kingdom. Although the information is all in Japanese, one does not need to be able to read the information to appreciate the artifacts, which are mainly clay figurines and pottery. It is located. Free.

12 Koikui Shrine (鯉喰神社), Kurashiki (Near the intersection of Route 270 and Route 73), ☏ +81 86-287-4111 (Kibitsu Shrine). If you walk the trail with no prior knowledge of the area or the sites, Koikui Shrine will seem quite disappointing in comparison to the other shrines. However, Koikui is much more interesting than it appears. After the demon was shot by the prince's arrows, he transformed into a carp and swam away. The prince turned into a cormorant and followed him. Koikui Shrine is located on the site where the prince is believed to have caught and killed the demon. Free.

The above sites are along the main cycling path however, there is another path that branches off the main path between Koikui Shrine and Tsukuriyama Burial Mound. There are a few signs to guide bikers, but they are not as frequent here, so a map will be useful. They are listed below in the relative order that you will see them in. Near the Ashimori area is Kino-jo (鬼ノ城) in Soja. Those interested in the Momotaro sites will want to make the journey here as it is said that the demon Ura lived in a cave near the castle. You can visit the cave and the reconstructed castle to complete your self-guided tour of the Legend of Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto.

16 Site of Takamatsu Castle (備中高松城跡), 558-2 Takamatsu Kita-ku (10-min walk from Bitchu-Takamatsu Station), ☏ +81 86-287-5554. Grounds always open, museum 10:00-15:00. While very little remains here of any part of the castle, it has great historical importance. In 1582, Toyotomi Hideyoshi defeated the ruling Mori Clan by diverting a river to flood the castle. The moat still exists, and is filled with lilies that bloom in the summer. You can also still see some of the old waterways. There is even a small museum with some artifacts and information on the site. Free.

17 Saijo Inari (最上稲荷), 712 Takamatsu Inari (5-min walk from Inariyama Bus Stop. Buses depart from Okayama Station and Bitchu-Takamatsu Station), ☏ +81 86-287-3700. Considered to be one of the Three Great Inari Shrines of Japan, Saijo Inari is a large shrine complex built on the side of Mount Ryuo. Legend has it that the shrine was commissioned by the priest Hoon-Daishi after prayers to Saijo (who came to him as a white fox in a dream) successfully cured two emperors of seemingly fatal illnesses. Buses run from outside the east exit of JR Okayama Station — disembark at 'Inariyama'. Free.

18 Former Ashimori Domain Samurai Residence (旧足守藩侍屋敷遺構 kyu ashimori-han samurai yashiki ikou), 752 Ashimori (50 min bus ride to AshimoriYubinkyoku-mae Stop from Okayama Station, 50-min walk from Ashimori Station), ☏ +81 86-295-0983. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30. This building was once the residence of one of the most influential samurai in the region. Free.

19 Former Ashimori Merchant, Fujita House (旧足守商家藤田千年治邸 kyu ashimori-shouka fujita sennenji tei), 916 Ashimori (50 min bus ride to AshimoriYubinkyoku-mae Stop from Okayama Station, 50-min walk from Ashimori Station), ☏ +81 86-295-0005. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30. Formerly a soy sauce factory, visitors can roam the building and see the tools used to make soy sauce. Free.

20 Omizuen Garden (近水園), 803 Ashimori (50 min bus ride to AshimoriYubinkyoku-mae Stop from Okayama Station, 55-min walk from Ashimori Station), ☏ +81 86-295-0981. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30. One of Okayama's largest gardens, Omizuen belonged to Lord Kinoshita of the Ashimori Clan. The garden was designed in the style of Kobori Enshu, famous man of culture. Free.

21 Handayama Botanical Garden (岡山市半田山植物園), 3-1 Hokaiin (15-min walk from Hokaiin Station), ☏ +81 86-252-4183. W-M 09:00-16:30. A botanical garden filled with various types of flowers. It's particularly beautiful during the spring cherry blossom season; however, one can easily enjoy this garden anytime of the year. It's a 10-minute walk from Hokaiin Station on the JR Tsuyama Line. There are also buses from JR Okayama Station. ¥308.

22 RSK Rose Garden (RSKバラ園), 1592-1 Natsukawa Kita-ku (40-min bus ride from Tenmaya Bus Station to Shimonatsukawa Bus Stop; 5-min walk from bus stop; 5-min taxi from Niwase Station), ☏ +81 86-293-2121. 09:30-17:00. Yet another excellent place in Okayama to view flowers (best in May and June). As the name suggests, this garden features roses, and it is the largest rose garden in Japan. Although the roses are the main attraction, there are also other blossoming plants, such as irises, peonies, and plum trees. ¥600.

23 Sogen-ji (曹源寺), 1069 Maruyama (Sogenji-mae bus stop via Ryobi Bus from Tenmaya Bus Station), ☏ +81 86-277-8226. 06:00-17:00. A large Zen temple at the base of Mt. Misaoyama at the end of the path between Tendai-ji (right side) and Daiko-in (left side). It is a well known place for western Zen students. Free meditation sessions from 08:00-09:00 most Sundays are usually followed by a simple tea ceremony. The garden behind the temple is famous for having one of the largest cherry blossom trees in Okayama and a lake which beautifully reflects the tree and the surrounding countryside. This garden was designed by the same architect who built Korakuen. Although the mountain is near the center of the city, the area around it maintains a rural atmosphere. It can be very pleasant to hike over around this hill and visit the various small temples and shrines. If Zen meditation at Sogen-ji gives you a backache, you can relieve your aches and pains at a ganban onsen (rock hot spring.) This style of hot spring does not have a large bathing area but instead has gravel and hard rock beds where steam passes up from under you or down from above like a sauna. ¥100.

24 Saidai-ji (西大寺), 3-8-8 Saidaijinaka (10-min walk from Saidaiji Station), ☏ +81 86-942-2058. 09:00-16:00. This is the location of the famous Naked Man Festival (see "Do" section). The priest Yasutaka founded this temple. It is said that while meditating in Hasedera Temple, an oracle came to him instructing him to repair the Kannon Hall in Bizen Kanaoka. He immediately departed for the West. On his way, he met a dragon deity carrying a rhinoceros horn who told him to build the temple and then vanished. The priest did as he was told and called it Saidaiji (犀戴寺) "rhino temple", but the characters were later changed by retired Emperor Gotoba to its current spelling (西大寺) after prayer-writing revealed to him the new name. Free.

Below are some of the most popular and onsen (hot springs) in Okayama City. If you are a fan of onsen and you have time, you should consider taking a trip to the northern parts of Okayama Prefecture to visit one of the Three Onsen of Mimasaka (美作三湯): Yubara Onsen (Maniwa), Okutsu Onsen (Kagamino), and Yunogo Onsen (Mimasaka).

7 Momotaro Onsen (桃太郎温泉), 2915-1 Musa (Kurotadanchi-mae bus stop. Bus departs from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-229-3900. 10AM-11PM. A decent onsen with some jacuzzi-style baths inside and a rotemburo (outdoor onsen). There is a hotel here, too, for those who really want to relax. ¥900.

8 Inariyama Kenko Center (稲荷山健康センター), 570 Takamatsu Kita-ku (Kenko-Senta bus stop. Buses depart from Okayama Station's Nishiguchi exit), ☏ +81 86-287-3900. 10AM-9PM. "Temporarily Closed" from 2020. Many of the baths here contain kampo (Chinese remedies), so they are supposed to have healing powers. In addition to the onsen, there is a home theater, game corner, manga corner, restaurants, chairs for relaxing, a souvenir shop and other facilities. ¥800 for 120 minutes, ¥1800 all-day.

9 Yuba Onsen (湯迫温泉), 644 Yuba Naka-ku (Jodoji-mae bus stop; bus departs from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-279-0545. 10:30AM-10PM (last entry at 9PM). "Temporarily Closed" Despite being within the city limits, this onsen is not well known even by locals. Although the exterior leaves much to be desired, inside is a genuine hot-spring with good facilities and a variety of baths. The onsen is part of Hakuunkaku Ryokan, but visitors can come and enjoy the onsen without staying at the ryokan. ¥1580 if not staying in the ryokan.

Naked Man Festival (Hadaka Matsuri 裸祭り). 3rd Saturday in February. During the coldest month of the year, men wearing only fundoshi (traditional Japanese loincloths) fight to obtain one of two lucky sticks thrown by the temple priests. The men who catch the sticks will have an entire year of good fortune and also receive a cash reward from the festival's sponsors. All the lights in the temple are temporarily blacked out and other "less-lucky" sticks are also thrown down into the crowd of participants to create even more confusion. Spectators too jostle for viewing spots, but you can choose to pay to watch from the temporary spectator grandstand. The festival originated in the 16th century when people would request special talismans thrown out by priests. As word spread that the talismans were bringing those who possessed them good luck, more and more people came to get them, fights broke out and the talismans were damaged. Later this all evolved into a midnight festival with only male participants dressed in loincloths. Today, the festival continues to evolve, with the midnight highlight of the festival has been moved forward 2 hours to finish at 10PM. Price depends on seating proximity.

Cherry Blossom Festival. Usually about two weeks at the beginning of April. One of Okayama's most popular destinations in cherry blossom season (usually about two weeks at the beginning of April) is along the Asahi River, which is on the east side of Korakuen Park. About three hundred cherry blossom trees are decorated with Japanese lanterns, and illuminated after sunset. On the first day, a lighting ceremony is held. There are many street stalls, selling for example cotton candy, octopus fritters, and crepes. Their prices are from three hundred to five hundred yen. People gather for barbecues and picnics under the cherry blossom trees. Barbecue sets hired from nearby yakiniku restaurants offer an alternative to supplying everything and then cleaning the tools afterward.

Momotarō Festival (桃太郎祭り), ☏ +81 86-803-1335. Two days at the beginning of August. Held annually in commemoration of the lead character of the children's fairytale and his rival, Ura the ogre. The festival involves Okayama's biggest display of fireworks and numerous public dances and parades throughout the city and its numerous shopping malls. The largest dance parade, the Uraja Dance (うらじゃ), is held in the center of Okayama on the street leading from Okayama Station towards City Hall (Shiyakusho-suji). Dance participants paint their faces to look like ogres and each team has its own unique homemade costumes. Some dance teams are active all year round, performing at smaller local festivals or as Uraja ambassadors at festivals throughout Japan. Free parking for the event is available around Okayama Dome.

1 Ajitsukasa Nomura (味司 野村), 1-10 Heiwa-cho (5-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-222-2234. 11AM-9PM. This restaurant serves a variety of katsu dishes, including Okayama's local specialty, Demi-katsudon, katsudon topped off with a demiglace sauce. Prices range from ¥560-1600.

2 Cafe.the Market Mai Mai, 1F K's Terrace (JR Kitanagase Station), ☏ +81 86-241-3141. 8AM-midnight daily. This bakery and dessert shop serves a variety of fresh breads and pastries. Try the Peach Juice (¥600), made from the delicious homegrown white peaches. ¥600–1200. (updated Nov 2020)

3 Fujiya (富士屋), 2-3-8 Hokan-cho Kita-ku (6-min walk from Okayama Station Nishiguchi exit), ☏ +81 86-253-9759. Th-Tu 11AM-8PM. A ramen restaurant that has gained fame for its delicious chuuka soba ("Chinese noodles", old name for ramen). Has another branch in GranVia. ¥680.

4 Ramen Ikki (一喜), 7-24-31 Ima Kita-ku (JR Kitanagase Station), ☏ +81 86-243-5520. Tu-Su 11AM-10PM. A very popular ramen shop with its own special Ikki Ramen dish. ¥600–700.

5 Tenjin Soba (天神そば), 1-19 Tenjin-cho Kita-ku (Shiroshita tram stop), ☏ +81 86-223-7057. M-F 11AM-4:40PM. Despite its name, this restaurant specializes in ramen, not buckwheat soba. Named after the dish it is most famous for, tenjin soba, soy sause-based ramen topped with four slices of boiled pork. This is considered to be the best ramen restaurant in the city, as the flavor of the tenjin soba is truly "heavenly". Average price ¥750.

6 Torisoba Ota (とりそば太田), 1-7-24 Omote-cho Kita-ku (Across from Kenchodori Tram Stop), ☏ +81 86-236-0310. Tu-Su 11AM-10PM. A great place to find cheap soba and udon dishes. ¥320-990.

7 Yamato, 1-9-7 Omote-cho Kita-ku (Near Kenchodori Tram Stop), ☏ +81 86-232-3944. 11AM-3PM, 4-7PM. One of the most popular ramen restaurants in the city. During mealtimes, it is not uncommon for there to be a line of people outside waiting to enter. Katsudon (pork cutlet on rice) is also popular. ¥700.

8 Milenga (ミレンガ), Oka bld. 1F 1-3-3 Nodayacho, Kita-ku (From the station, head down Momotaro Dori and turn left along the Nishigawa Park. The OkaBiru is two blocks away.), ☏ +81 86-206-2289. One of the best places in Japan to get authentic Bangladeshi meals (thali). Vegetarian meals are just ¥750 and Chicken is ¥850. There are also excellent dishes. Milenga is halal and has a prayer room. From ¥750. (updated Oct 2016)

9 Heartland and Ryoutei, 1-6-19 Tamachi (Near Yubinkyoku-mae Tram Stop), ☏ +81 86-233-3959. noon-midnight. Serves a wide variety of pasta, meat, and seafood dishes. ¥700–1,800.

10 Raccos Burger, 5-19 Togiya-cho Kita-ku (near Yanagawa Tram Stop or 7-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-221-5351. 10AM-midnight. A popular local burger joint, Raccos Burger has a very retro feel. The signature Raccos Burger is a burger topped with lettuce, onions, tomato, avocado, and cheese. They also have chili-cheese burgers, barbeque burgers, fish burgers, shrimp salad burgers, and spam burgers among others. Other offerings include toasted sandwiches, chili cheese fries, onion rings, tortillas, etc. Menus written in Japanese and English. Burgers ¥500.

11 Trattoria Mizuoci, 1-3-3 Uchisange (Near Kenchdori Tram Stop), ☏ +81 86-234-1122. noon-2PM, 6PM-9:30PM. This classy Italian restaurant serves delicious pastas, breads, and desserts. The price of food changes dramatically from lunch to dinner, so if you want to eat great food for a reasonable price, be sure to come during lunch hours. Lunch course ¥1200, dinner course ¥4000.

12 Senju (鮮寿), 1-6-15 Nodaya-cho (5-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-233-3110. Tu-Su 11AM-4PM, 5PM-midnight. Omakase nigiri is the order of the day at this sushi restaurant, where the chef is keen to serve samples of that morning's catch. Lunch ¥1500, dinner ¥2500 for what's in season or ¥4500 all out.

13 Teppan Ku-ya, 1-1-17 Kita-ku Nodaya-cho 1-1-17 (one block from train station), ☏ +81 86-224-8880. 6PM-midnight. Teppanyaki restaurant in the city center with à la carte or menu set. Great food/drink menu and the staff speaks English well. Seasonal menu (e.g. Sakura) is reasonably priced. Reservation is recommended as the place is small (about 20 places in total). (updated Apr 2015)

14 Asuka (飛鳥), 30-10 Eki-motomachi (1-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-252-4151. Th-Sa M-Tu 11AM-10PM. Serves aji sashimi, vinegared aji and deep-fried aji, along with a variety of other sashimi. It's also a decent place to try Okayama's mackerel (sawara) dishes and other seasonal specialties. Perhaps more of a drinking spot/pub than a restaurant, Asuka is still a fine place for food and drink and an excellent place to experience "after-work Japan" in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Prices vary and cheap options are available, but most dishes cost over ¥1100. Sets over ¥2000.

15 Hamasaku (浜作), 7-65 Omote-cho (Near Tamachi Tram Stop), ☏ +81 86-223-1515. 11:30AM-2PM, 5PM-10PM. A teppanyaki restaurant with local seafood specialties, including oysters. ¥3150 and up.

16 Korean Cafe and Dining Tanatana, 1-7-24 Ekimae-cho (5-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-225-3577. 6PM-midnight. One of Okayama's most popular (and expensive) Korean restaurants, most famous for its Korean-style hot pot. ¥3000 and up.

17 Kappo Mamakari (割烹ままかり), 3-9-2 Omote-cho (Near Saidaijicho Tram Stop), ☏ +81 86-232-1549. 11:30AM-1PM, 5PM-9:30PM. The best place in Okayama to dine on the city's famous mamakari, fresh from the Seto Inland Sea. Some of the cheapest dishes cost ¥2625, but some meals cost more than ¥10,000.

The two Internet cafes close to Tenmaya Bus Station, Megalo and Popeye, are open 24 hours and allow customers to stay overnight for around ¥2000. Showers and light snacks are available, though there isn't much space for luggage.

1 Okayama Central Hotel, 1-10-28 Tamachi, Kita-Ku (10-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-222-2121. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 10AM. This modern and clean family run hotel provides a perfect base for sightseeing in Okayama City, and beyond. Owners speak perfect English. Parking available ¥800 per night (free on Sundays), breakfast Japanese or Western style ¥600. Free coffee in lobby for guests. Dependable LAN internet access in every room. Rooms from ¥5,200 single, from ¥4,000 per person double.

2 KAMP Backpackers Inn & Lodge, 3-1-35 Hokan-cho, Kita-ku (650 m northwest of Okayama Station). Cool backpackers hotel. The bar area is one of the coolest in the city, and there are regular events. Dorm bed: ¥3,000. Japanese-style private rooms: ¥7,000.

3 Toyoko Inn Okayama-eki Nishiguchi Hiroba (東横INN岡山駅西口広場), 22-10 Ekimotomachi Kita-ku (2 minutes from Okayama Station's West Exit (Nishiguchi)), ☏ +81 86-251-1045. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 10AM. A nice and affordable hotel chain with a good reputation. Free Wi-Fi in rooms and lobby. Free breakfast from 6:30AM-9:30AM. There are three Toyoko Inns around Okayama Station, so if you're a fan of the chain, you may want to check the others if this one is full or to compare prices. Singles from ¥5,980.

4 Okayama Ekimae Universal Hotel (岡山駅前ユニバーサルホテル), 9-6 Saiwai-machi (7-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-232-2600. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 10AM. Business hotel with non-smoking rooms available by reservation only. Dinner and a buffet breakfast are included in the rate. There are a few other Okayama hotels in the same chain, so if this one is booked, they can check another branch. Rooms from ¥4,950 single, ¥8,810 double.

5 Hibari Terrace (ヒバリ照らす), ☏ +81 86-230-2833, info@hibari-t.com. A new dorm spot with a funky urban modern design in the main shopping street (Ometecho). Has a shop and cafe on the first floor. ¥3,500. (updated May 2017)

6 Okayama International Hotel (岡山国際ホテル), 4-1-16 Kadotahonmachi (15-min walk from Higashiyama Tram Station), ☏ +81 86-273-7311. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A decent hotel on a hill in the Naka-ku district. To compensate for the hotel's isolation for those traveling by train, there is an hourly bus that travels from Okayama Station to the hotel (and vice versa). No coin laundry. Singles typically priced around ¥5000. (updated Aug 2017)

7 Ark Hotel Okayama, 2-6-1 Shimoishii (7-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-233-2200. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. The rooms are average, but there's a touch of elegance to fit this hotel's reputation as a popular wedding spot, including a Christian-style chapel on premises. Rooms from ¥8,100 single, ¥11,600 double; heavy discounts for advance online booking.

8 Daiwa Roynet Hotel Okayama-Ekimae (ダイワロイネットホテル岡山駅前), 1−1−1 Ekimaecho, ☏ +81 86-803-0055. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. A decent hotel with comfortable beds. Rooms from ¥6,000.

9 Hotel Excel Okayama (ホテルエクセル岡山), 700-081, ☏ +81 86-224-0505. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A Centrally-located hotel with a popular restaurant on the ground floor. Free bicycle rental is available. They also offer pet-sitting services for a fee. Singles from ¥6000.

10 Hotel Maira (ホテルマイラ), 8-16 Nishikimachi, Kita Ward, ☏ +81 86-233-1411. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10AM. An affordable, traveler-friendly hotel with a free drink bar. Rooms from ¥5300.

11 Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama (三井ガーデンホテル岡山), 1-7 Ekimoto-machi (3-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-235-1131. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Average business hotel with breakfast and a nice hot bath-with-a-view on the top floor. Rooms from ¥7,800 single, ¥10,000 twin.

12 Okayama Koraku Hotel (岡山後楽ホテル), 5-1 Heiwa-cho (6-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-221-7111. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Rather nice business hotel with English speakers on staff, and non-smoking rooms by request. Rooms from ¥6,930 single, ¥9,200 double.

13 Okayama View Hotel (岡山ビューホテル), 1-11-17 Nakasange, ☏ +81 86-224-2000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Rooms range from typical rooms (economy) to their own "concept rooms", modern style rooms with Japanese futons. Singles from ¥5980.

14 Regalo Hotel Okayama (レガロホテル岡山), 8-3 Honmachi, Kita Ward (Nishigawa-Ryokudokoen tram station), ☏ +81 86-235-6300. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A business hotel with relatively spacious rooms by Japanese standards. There is a free fitness center open from 7AM-10PM. Prices from ¥6300.

15 Saidaiji Grand Hotel (西大寺グランドホテル), 2-12-9 Saidaiji Higashi-ku (11-min walk from Saidaiji Station), ☏ +81 86-942-8000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10AM. Located in the quieter Saidaiji area of the city, it is ideal for those who don't wish to stay in the inner city, those who want to explore sites along the Ako Line, and anyone planning to attend or participate in the Saidaiji Eyo. Book well in advance for the festival. Singles from ¥5,600.

17 ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Okayama (ANAクラウンプラザホテル岡山), 15-1 Ekimoto-cho (2-min walk from Okayama Station Nishiguchi Exit), ☏ +81 86-898-1111. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Two restaurants and a bar on-site. Business rooms from ¥9,000 single, ¥12,800 twin; if you're willing to spend more, there are a variety of bridal suites with amenities like cake & cocktails included.

18 Hotel Granvia Okayama (ホテルグランヴィア岡山), 1-5 Ekimoto-cho (There is a walkway within Okayama Station directly to the hotel or exit the station and turn right), ☏ +81 86-234-7000. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Plenty of luxury to be found here, including an indoor pool, sauna, gym, and eight restaurants & bars. Rooms from ¥13,860 single, ¥18,480 double, although rates escalate quickly above the standard class; suites begin at ¥69,300.

There are a couple internet cafes near Okayama Station. Others are scattered about the city.

1 Comic Buster, 4F Chugoku Kotsu Biru 2-1 Honmachi (3-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-212-0800. Open 24 hrs. An internet and manga cafe. For non-members it costs ¥250 for 30 min, ¥980 for 3 hrs.

2 Ekimae Cafe, 3F Honmachi K Biru 10-26 Honmachi (4-min walk from Okayama Station), ☏ +81 86-222-2442. Open 24 hr. An internet cafe with some magazines in Japanese available to read. ¥270 for 30 min, ¥739 for 2 hr, ¥925 for 3 hr (weekend rates are increased), private rooms cost slightly more.

There are post offices on both sides of Okayama Station as well as by Shiroshita Tram Stop that are convenient for travelers. Open weekdays only.

Okayama is also home to the Central Post Office, which is open later on weekdays and also has weekend and holiday hours.

3 Okayama Central Post Office (Okayama Chuo Yubinkyoku), 2-1-1 Nakasange (across from Yubinkyoku-mae Tram Stop), ☏ +81 86-227-2756. M-F 09:00-19:00, Sa 09:00-17:00, Su and holidays 09:00-12:30.