王小鈞's Reviews Page 8/38

Tsuyama Castle is a hirayama-style castle with towering stone walls and is also a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot in Okayama. Unfortunately, I visited in the summer and missed the season when the castle grounds are covered in cherry blossoms, but seen from a different perspective, it still has its own unique charm.

I think the most interesting thing about Tsuyama Castle is that it’s perfect for people who enjoy “climbing up high.” Many stone stairways remain throughout the castle ruins, allowing you to keep making your way upward and look out over the Tsuyama cityscape from different heights. The view is a little different from every spot.

Although I missed cherry blossom season, the blooming azaleas still added plenty of color to the old stone walls. It also wasn’t crowded, and there was plenty of shade, so walking around in the summer wasn’t too difficult.

Tsuyama Castle doesn’t have a huge castle keep, and the admission fee is relatively affordable, but you can still get a strong sense of the history of the castle ruins. If you happen to be in Tsuyama, I highly recommend setting aside some time to walk around here, taking your time climbing and looking while enjoying a leisurely stroll through the castle ruins.

When visiting Okayama, don’t miss Kibitsuhiko Shrine, a shrine steeped in the legend of Momotaro. It is also the ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of the former Bizen Province.
From Okayama Station, take the Momotaro Line and get off at Bizen-Ichinomiya Station. The shrine is about a 5-minute walk away, making it very easy to reach. Although it isn’t very large, the grounds are quiet and elegant, and there aren’t many visitors on weekdays, so it’s especially pleasant to stroll around.

There are no bustling crowds—just a gentle breeze, greenery, and the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine. It lets you slow down and take in Okayama’s history and legends. Allowing about 1 hour is enough to explore the grounds at a leisurely pace.

If you like Japanese shrines and historical stories, or are interested in the legend of Momotaro, this place is definitely worth stopping by.

When visiting Kurashiki, besides exploring the beautiful Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, you can also stop by the Momotarou Karakuri Hakubutsukan for some fun! This is an entertaining museum themed around the classic Japanese legend of Momotaro. Rather than simply viewing exhibits, visitors can operate and interact with various fun mechanisms throughout the museum while following the story and exploring the world of Momotaro.

The overall atmosphere is very relaxed, and both adults and children can find something to enjoy. You can learn about the legend of Momotaro while having fun, making it very different from a typical traditional museum. It's also very close to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, so it's easy to include on a day trip to Kurashiki. After strolling through the old streets and admiring the historic scenery, you can experience the fun Momotaro mechanisms, making for a varied itinerary without feeling too rushed.

Located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Achi Shrine is well worth a stop while strolling around Kurashiki. I walked all the way through the shopping street, looked up, and spotted the shrine’s west approach, so I decided on the spur of the moment to enter from there and pay my respects. The walk from the west approach to the shrine isn’t very long, and it’s quiet along the way, creating a completely different atmosphere from the lively streets of the historical quarter. When I visited in summer, everything was lush and green, making the walk feel even more peaceful.

Even though it’s only a short walk, it feels like you’re gradually leaving the noise of the streets behind and entering the shrine grounds. While shopping and taking photos in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, consider following the west approach up to the shrine to pay your respects and experience a different side of Kurashiki.

If you enjoy art, I highly recommend stopping by the Ohara Museum of Art when visiting the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. The museum has quite a few outstanding modern and contemporary paintings. In the Main Gallery alone, you can see works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Although there’s only one work by each artist, it still feels very worthwhile to see original works by these world-famous painters in Japan.

The Annex happened to be closed during this visit, but the Asian Art Gallery was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect it to have ceramic works from different periods, including the Sui and Tang dynasties, which was very different from the Western art museum I had imagined. I think you should allow at least 1 hour for the whole visit. If you like taking your time to appreciate the works, I recommend setting aside even more time. The museum’s visitor survey was also quite interesting. This time, I saw many visitors from France, South Korea, and Mexico.

Located next to JR Kurashiki Station, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the station, making it extremely convenient to get to. The mall has more than 100 specialty stores, with everything from clothing, cosmetics, and household goods to all kinds of dining options, so there’s a wide variety of shops to choose from.

There weren’t too many people when I visited early in the morning, which made it especially comfortable to browse around at a leisurely pace. The mall is clean and bright overall, and the food court also has plenty of dining options. It’s a great place to grab something to eat and take a break when you’re tired from walking. It’s also directly connected to Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki next door, so you can visit both places and get all your shopping done at once!

If you’re planning an independent trip to Kurashiki, consider setting aside some time to walk around here. Besides sightseeing in the historic streets, you can also experience Kurashiki’s convenient and lively shopping scene. Visiting early in the morning is comfortable and relaxing, making it a great way to start the day.

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is one of the must-visit attractions in Okayama. Traditional Japanese buildings line the streets in neat rows, creating a strong sense of nostalgia. I really love it here. Strolling along the clean, well-kept streets without too much noise and bustle feels especially relaxing and comfortable. Simply walking slowly and taking in the scenery lets you appreciate the joy of traveling.

During the day, Kurashiki is quite lively, with one shop after another and plenty of souvenir shops, unique boutiques, restaurants, and general stores to choose from. It's a great place to browse, shop, and explore at a leisurely pace. The streets are also clean, and pedestrians are separated from vehicles, so it's easy to walk around without constantly dodging cars. You can take your time admiring the historic buildings and scenery along both sides of the street.

Kurashiki at night feels completely different. There are noticeably fewer visitors, and most stores have already closed. The daytime liveliness gives way to a sense of peace and romance. The streetlights remain bright at night, and their reflections gently shimmer with the ripples on the Kurashiki River. It's truly a beautiful sight.

The gentle evening breeze makes walking through the streets especially pleasant. Without the bustling crowds, quietly admiring the historic streetscape makes it even easier to appreciate Kurashiki's unique charm.

Daytime is ideal for browsing shops, shopping, and enjoying good food, while nighttime is perfect for taking a walk, admiring the scenery, and soaking up the atmosphere. The same place has completely different charms during the day and at night. If you visit Okayama, I think the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is definitely worth including in your itinerary. Don't rush—leave some time to walk around slowly and take everything in, and you'll come to love this nostalgic place even more.

When visiting the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, don't miss the distinctive Kurashiki Denim Street in addition to the charming historic streetscape. Here, you can easily experience the appeal of denim from Kojima. The street is filled with denim elements, offering everything from denim clothing and jeans to all kinds of bags, accessories, and small items, with a very wide selection.

After browsing around, I felt that the products were all very good quality, with distinctly Japanese designs. The prices weren't as high as I had expected, either. Whether you like denim or want to buy some souvenirs with Japanese character, this is a great place to hunt for something special. The blue denim elements paired with the classic scenery of Kurashiki's old streets create a very distinctive atmosphere that's also great for photos.

If you're visiting the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, I recommend setting aside some time to explore Denim Street. You might find a denim item you really like.

Okutsu Valley, located upstream of the Yoshii River, is a well-known scenic gorge in Okayama Prefecture and a popular spot for viewing fall foliage. This time, I visited in the summer. Although there were no colorful autumn leaves, the fresh, natural greenery had its own charm. Walking along the gorge, I was surrounded by dense forest, with the gentle sound of the flowing stream blending into the mountain scenery. The whole area was exceptionally peaceful and relaxing.

The weather was beautiful that day, and sunlight filtered through the lush green forest, making the gorge scenery even brighter. I enjoyed the natural scenery along the way without much noise or commotion. It was the perfect place to slow down and take in the tranquility of Okayama's mountains.

Tucked away in lush greenery, Ikeda Zoo has around 100 species of animals. Although the grounds aren't very large, you can take your time strolling around. I visited on a weekday this time, and there were very few visitors and almost no crowds. I could enjoy seeing each animal at my own pace without having to worry about it being packed.

The zoo is full of greenery, the overall grounds are quite well maintained, and the animals are well cared for. It feels relaxing and comfortable to walk around. If you're planning a trip to Okayama and like animals or are looking for a more laid-back attraction, Ikeda Zoo is also a good choice.