Okayama · Things to do
Things to Do in Okayama: 16 Places with Hours, Prices and Access
16 things to do · checked October 22, 2026
16 things to do in Okayama, from the city centre outward
Hours, prices and access checked against each place's own page on October 22, 2026. They change; check before you go.
1Okayama Korakuen Garden岡山後楽園
Landscape garden · Korakuen, Okayama city
A large landscape garden in central Okayama, which Okayama city's tourism site lists as one of Japan's three great gardens. It is open every day of the year.
- Access
- From the Korakuen-guchi (east exit) bus terminal at JR Okayama Station: Okaden bus from bay 1 bound for Fujiwara Danchi, 10–15 minutes to Korakuen-mae, or the Korakuen Bus, about 10 minutes. By tram: bound for Higashiyama, about 4 minutes to Shiroshita, then about 10 minutes on foot. About 25 minutes on foot from the station.
- Hours
- 20 March–30 September 7:30–18:00 (last entry 17:45); 1 October–19 March 8:00–17:00 (last entry 16:45). Times can change on event days.
- Closed on
- Open every day of the year
- Price
- Adults (15–64) ¥500; 65 and over ¥200; high school age and under free until 31 March 2027. Combined ticket with the Okayama Castle keep ¥800; with the castle and Hayashibara Museum of Art ¥1,280.
2Okayama Castle岡山城
Castle keep and museum · Marunouchi, Okayama city
The keep of Okayama Castle, which marks 60 years since it was rebuilt. The Reiwa-era renovation of the keep finished in November 2022, and Ujo Cafe is on its ground floor.
- Access
- Tram from JR Okayama Station bound for Higashiyama, about 5 minutes to Shiroshita, then about 10 minutes on foot. Several bus lines stop at Kenchomae, about 5 minutes on foot.
- Hours
- 9:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00)
- Closed on
- 29–31 December; may also close for bad weather or inspections
- Price
- Adults (15 and over) ¥500; junior high and under free. Free for everyone on 3 November. Combined tickets: with Korakuen ¥800; with Korakuen and Hayashibara Museum of Art ¥1,280; with Korakuen and Yumeji Art Museum ¥1,440.
3Hayashibara Museum of Art林原美術館
Art museum · Marunouchi, Okayama city
A museum built around the collection of Okayama businessman Hayashibara Ichiro, with paintings, crafts and the furnishings of the Ikeda family, lords of the former Okayama domain, including Noh costumes. The exhibition 'Urushi no Fukei' runs until 8 November 2026.
- Access
- Tram bound for Higashiyama to Kenchodori, then about 7 minutes on foot. Okaden bus bound for Takaya, or Uno Bus bound for Seto-ekimae or Shinogoze, to Kenchomae, then about 3 minutes on foot. About 25 minutes on foot from JR Okayama Station.
- Hours
- 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
- Closed on
- Mondays (the next day when Monday is a holiday), exhibition changeovers, and the New Year period
- Price
- General (including high school students) ¥600 for regular exhibitions; junior high and under free. Special exhibitions may differ.
4Yumeji Art Museum夢二郷土美術館
Art museum · Hama, beside Korakuen
A museum for Takehisa Yumeji, the Taisho-era painter, poet and designer, standing in the outer grounds of Korakuen; it opened in 1966. Its second site, the birthplace memorial museum, is in Oku-cho, Setouchi.
- Access
- Okaden bus from JR Okayama Station bound for Fujiwara Danchi or Korakuen, about 15 minutes to Horaibashi / Yumeji-kyodo-bijutsukan-mae. Or tram bound for Higashiyama, about 5 minutes to Shiroshita, then about 15 minutes on foot. About 10 minutes by taxi.
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
- Closed on
- Mondays (the next day when Monday is a public or substitute holiday) and the New Year period
- Price
- Combined ticket with Korakuen and the Okayama Castle keep ¥1,440 (sold by the castle); the single admission fee was not on the pages read
5Saidaiji Eyo (Naked Festival)西大寺会陽
Winter festival · Saidaiji Kannon-in, east Okayama city
Held at Saidaiji Kannon-in on the third Saturday of February. At 22:00 the head priest throws the sacred shingi sticks from a window into a crowd of near-naked men, and the scramble for them spreads across the temple grounds.
February only. In 2027 the third Saturday is 20 February.
- Access
- JR Ako Line to Saidaiji Station, then about 10 minutes on foot. Or bus from Okayama Tenmaya Bus Center to Saidaiji Bus Center, about 30 minutes, then about 10 minutes on foot.
- Hours
- Shingi thrown at 22:00 on the festival day
6Kibitsuhiko Shrine吉備津彦神社
Shinto shrine · Ichinomiya, Kibi Plain
The first-ranked shrine of the old Bizen province, at the eastern foot of Mt. Kibi-no-Nakayama, enshrining Okibitsuhiko-no-mikoto. The shrine links itself to the Momotaro legend, and six of its buildings were designated prefectural Important Cultural Properties in 2025.
- Access
- JR Momotaro Line (Kibi Line) from Okayama to Bizen-Ichinomiya, about 11 minutes; the shrine is about 300 m from the station.
- Hours
- Gates open 6:00–18:00; prayers from 9:00, last at 16:00
7Kibiji cycling route吉備路自転車道
Cycling route · Kibi Plain, Okayama city to Soja
A bike route across the Kibi Plain from Bizen-Ichinomiya Station past Kibitsuhiko Shrine (about 300 m), Tsukuriyama Kofun (about 6.5 km on), Bitchu Kokubunji (about 3 km on) and Sunroad Kibiji (about 1.5 km on) to JR Soja Station (about 3.8 km on). Rental shops at either end let you return the bike at another shop.
- Access
- JR Momotaro Line from Okayama to Bizen-Ichinomiya, about 11 minutes; rental shop right by the station. Back from JR Soja Station on the JR Hakubi Line, about 30 minutes.
- Hours
- Rental shops 9:00–17:00; same-day rentals until 15:30
- Closed on
- Uedo Rent-a-cycle at Bizen-Ichinomiya: 28 December–5 January (planned)
- Price
- Standard bike ¥1,500 (elementary age and under ¥500); sports bike ¥2,200; electric bike ¥2,800; child seat +¥500; returning to a different shop +¥500
8Kibitsu Shrine吉備津神社
Shinto shrine · Kibitsu, Kibi Plain
A shrine whose main hall and worship hall, built in the Kibitsu-zukuri style, are a National Treasure. Its main deity is Okibitsuhiko, and the shrine is popularly regarded as a model for the Momotaro tale; the Narukama kettle ritual is held most days.
- Access
- Train from JR Okayama Station to Kibitsu Station, about 30 minutes, then about 10 minutes on foot.
- Hours
- Gates 5:00–18:00. Narukama ritual 9:00–14:00 (not on Fridays). Goshuin and charms 9:00 to about 16:00.
9Bitchu Kokubunji and Kibiji Fudoki-no-Oka備中国分寺・吉備路風土記の丘
Temple and historic park · Soja, Kibi Plain
A temple with a five-storey pagoda in the Kibiji Fudoki-no-Oka historic area, which the prefectural tourism site calls the birthplace of Kibi culture. It is a stop on the Kibiji cycling route, and a rental shop stands to the south-east of the temple.
- Access
- About 10 minutes by taxi from JR Higashi-Soja Station, or by bike on the Kibiji route (about 3 km from Tsukuriyama Kofun). Takaya Rent-a-cycle by the temple is about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Hattori Station.
10Bizen City Art Museum備前市美術館
Ceramics museum · Imbe, Bizen
A museum for Bizen ware and contemporary ceramics that opened on 12 July 2025, replacing the former Bizen Ware Museum, with a café and museum shop. Exhibition Room 0 and the history room on the ground floor are free.
- Access
- Right by JR Imbe Station (JR Ako Line).
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
- Closed on
- Mondays (the next day when Monday is a holiday) and 29 December–3 January
- Price
- General ¥500; high school and university students ¥300; junior high and under free. Special exhibitions charged separately.
11Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum備前長船刀剣博物館
Sword museum and workshops · Osafune, Setouchi
A public museum of Bizen swords with workshops where resident craftsmen, including a swordsmith, work in view of visitors on most open days; polishers, scabbard makers and hilt wrappers come on set dates.
- Access
- About 10 minutes by taxi from JR Osafune Station.
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
- Closed on
- Mondays (the next weekday when Monday is a holiday), the day after a public holiday unless it is a weekend, 28 December–4 January, and exhibition changeovers
12Former Shizutani School特別史跡 旧閑谷学校
Historic school · Shizutani, Bizen
The grounds of a historic school founded by Ikeda Mitsumasa, in Bizen. Shizutani Shrine on the grounds was built in 1686 to enshrine him.
- Access
- From JR Yoshinaga Station, bus bound for Aoishi, about 10 minutes to Shizutani Gakko, then about 5 minutes on foot. Or from JR Ii Station, bus bound for Yoshinaga Station, about 15 minutes.
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00
- Closed on
- 29–31 December
- Price
- Adults ¥400; elementary and junior high ¥100; 65 and over ¥200
13Uno Port, for the ferry to Naoshima宇野港
Ferry port · Tamano
The mainland port for Shikoku Kisen boats to Miyanoura on Naoshima: about 20 minutes by ferry or 15 by passenger boat. Seats cannot be reserved and boarding is first come, first served.
Naoshima itself has its own page.
- Access
- About 5 minutes on foot from JR Uno Station. The passenger-boat counter is about 3 minutes on foot from the ferry counter.
- Hours
- Ferries to Miyanoura 06:10–20:25 (13 sailings); passenger boats at 13:30, 22:30 and 00:35 (timetable checked 22 October 2026)
- Price
- One way: adults ¥370, children 6–12 ¥190. The 00:35 late boat: adults ¥730, children ¥370.
14Bitchu Matsuyama Castle備中松山城
Mountain castle · Takahashi
The only mountain castle in Japan with its keep still standing, one of the twelve keeps surviving from the Edo period. It is known for views of the castle above a sea of cloud.
- Access
- From JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, shared taxi to Fuigo-toge (8th station), about 10 minutes, ¥1,000 per person one way, booked by 17:00 the day before; then about 20 minutes on foot to the keep. Shared taxis leave the station at 10:00, 11:30, 13:00 and 14:20 and Fuigo-toge at 11:50, 13:20, 14:40 and 16:10.
- Hours
- April–September 9:00–17:30; October–March 9:00–16:30 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed on
- 29 December–3 January
- Price
- Adults ¥500; elementary and junior high ¥200
15Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter倉敷美観地区
Historic canal district · Kurashiki
White walls, rows of willows and river boats along the Kurashiki River, with machiya turned into cafés and shops; the city's tourism site gives over 3 million visitors a year. River-boat tickets are sold on the day at the Kurashiki-kan tourist information office, and some can be booked online.
Kurashiki has its own page.
- Access
- About 15 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station.
16Ohara Museum of Art大原美術館
Art museum · Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The art museum inside the Bikan Historical Quarter. It is open every day in August; the annex is closed long-term.
- Access
- In the Bikan Historical Quarter, about 15 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station.
- Hours
- March–November 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); December–February 9:00–15:00 (last entry 14:30)
- Closed on
- Mondays (open when Monday is a holiday); no closed days in August; occasional temporary closures
- Price
- General ¥2,000; under 18 (high school, junior high and elementary) ¥500; preschool children free
Good to know
Start with Korakuen and Okayama Castle. Both are reached by bus or tram from the east exit of JR Okayama Station, and one combined ticket (¥800) covers the garden and the castle keep; add the Hayashibara Museum of Art for ¥1,280 or the Yumeji Art Museum for ¥1,440. From October to 19 March the garden's last entry is 16:45, and the castle's is 17:00 all year.
The day trips run out by train in every direction. The Kibi Plain is 11 minutes away on the JR Momotaro Line, with bikes for rent at Bizen-Ichinomiya and drop-off at Soja. East are the Bizen ware museum at Imbe, the sword workshops at Osafune and the former Shizutani School. South, Uno Port has ferries to Naoshima from 06:10 to 20:25. Kurashiki, and Takahashi for Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, are reached by JR to the west.
Dates to plan around: high school age and under enter Korakuen free until 31 March 2027, and Okayama Castle is free for everyone on 3 November. The Saidaiji Eyo festival is on the third Saturday of February, which is 20 February in 2027. The shared taxi to Bitchu Matsuyama Castle has to be booked by 17:00 the day before.
Okayama city, the Kibi Plain, or a day trip
How to get there from JR Okayama Station, what it costs to get in, and how late you can still start. Adult prices; children's prices are on each card above.
| Where | From JR Okayama Station | Entry (adult) | Latest start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korakuen, Okayama Castle and museums | Okaden bus from the east exit, 10–15 min, or tram about 5 min + about 10 min on foot | Korakuen ¥500 · castle ¥500 · both ¥800 · Hayashibara ¥600 | Korakuen 16:45 (Oct–19 Mar), 17:45 (20 Mar–Sep) · castle 17:00 · museums 16:30 |
| Kibi Plain: Kibitsuhiko, Kibitsu Shrine, Kokubunji | JR Momotaro Line to Bizen-Ichinomiya, about 11 min; to Kibitsu, about 30 min | Bike from ¥1,500 (+¥500 to return at another shop) | Same-day bike rental until 15:30 · Kibitsu Shrine gates close 18:00 |
| Bizen: Imbe, Osafune, Shizutani | JR to Imbe (museum by the station) · Osafune + taxi about 10 min · Yoshinaga + bus about 10 min | Bizen City Art Museum ¥500 · Shizutani ¥400 · sword museum fee not checked here | Museums 16:30 · Shizutani closes 17:00 |
| Uno Port for Naoshima | JR to Uno, then about 5 min on foot | Ferry ¥370 one way | Last ferry 20:25; passenger boats 22:30 and 00:35 |
| Bitchu Matsuyama Castle | JR to Bitchu-Takahashi, shared taxi about 10 min + about 20 min on foot | ¥500 | Last shared taxi up 14:20 · last entry 16:00 (Oct–Mar), 17:00 (Apr–Sep) |
| Kurashiki: Bikan quarter, Ohara Museum | JR to Kurashiki, then about 15 min on foot | Bikan quarter free · Ohara ¥2,000 | Ohara 16:30 (Mar–Nov), 14:30 (Dec–Feb) |
By kind of trip
First day in Okayama city
Korakuen and the castle keep share an ¥800 ticket, and the ¥1,280 and ¥1,440 tickets add Hayashibara or Yumeji. The museums close on Mondays; the garden is open every day.
Okayama Korakuen Garden · Okayama Castle · Hayashibara Museum of Art · Yumeji Art Museum
The Kibi Plain and the Momotaro shrines
Rent a bike at Bizen-Ichinomiya, ride past Kibitsuhiko Shrine, Tsukuriyama Kofun and Bitchu Kokubunji, and return it at Soja for ¥500 extra. Kibitsu Shrine is about 30 minutes from Okayama by train to Kibitsu Station.
Kibitsuhiko Shrine · Kibiji cycling route · Bitchu Kokubunji and Kibiji Fudoki-no-Oka · Kibitsu Shrine
Bizen ware, swords and history
The Bizen City Art Museum is by Imbe Station and its ground-floor rooms are free. Swordsmiths work in view at Osafune on most open days. All three are closed 29–31 December.
Bizen City Art Museum · Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum · Former Shizutani School
A day out by rail or ferry
Uno Port has 13 ferries a day to Naoshima's Miyanoura. Bitchu Matsuyama's shared taxi has four departures from the station, the last at 14:20. Kurashiki's Ohara Museum closes at 15:00 from December to February.
Uno Port, for the ferry to Naoshima · Bitchu Matsuyama Castle · Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter · Ohara Museum of Art
With children
High school age and under enter Korakuen free until 31 March 2027. Junior high and under are free at the castle keep, Hayashibara and the Bizen City Art Museum. Children's bikes are ¥500.
Okayama Korakuen Garden · Okayama Castle · Kibiji cycling route · Bizen City Art Museum
Questions
What are Korakuen's opening hours and how much does it cost?
From 20 March to 30 September, 7:30–18:00 (last entry 17:45); from 1 October to 19 March, 8:00–17:00 (last entry 16:45). It is open every day. Adults (15–64) pay ¥500, 65 and over ¥200, and high school age and under are free until 31 March 2027.
Is there a combined ticket for Korakuen and Okayama Castle?
Yes. Korakuen and the castle keep together cost ¥800. Adding the Hayashibara Museum of Art makes it ¥1,280, and adding the Yumeji Art Museum makes it ¥1,440. There are no senior combined tickets.
How do I get to Naoshima from Okayama?
Take the train to JR Uno Station and walk about 5 minutes to Uno Port. Shikoku Kisen ferries reach Miyanoura in about 20 minutes and passenger boats in about 15, for ¥370 one way. Boats cannot be reserved; boarding is first come, first served.
When is the Saidaiji Eyo naked festival in 2027?
Eyo is held on the third Saturday of February, which is 20 February in 2027. The shingi are thrown at 22:00. Saidaiji Kannon-in is about 10 minutes on foot from Saidaiji Station on the JR Ako Line.
Can I reach Bitchu Matsuyama Castle without a car?
Yes. From JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station a shared taxi goes to Fuigo-toge in about 10 minutes for ¥1,000 per person one way; book by 17:00 the day before. From there it is about 20 minutes on foot to the keep.