Okayama by Car: A 2-Day Itinerary Exploring the Road Less Traveled

Access to Okayama

Osaka to Okayama

Train: Take the Sanyo Shinkansen line from Shin-Osaka Station to Okayama Station. The entire journey should take around 45 minutes.

Highway bus: You can grab a ticket at the JR Expressway Bus Terminal in Osaka Station. It should take around 3 hours to reach Okayama Station.

Tokyo to Okayama

Train: Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Okayama Station. The whole journey should take between 3-4 hours.

Airplane: You can take the JAL or ANA from Haneda Airport to Okayama Airport, which will take about 1 hour 30 minutes. An airport bus will take you straight to Okayama Station in around 30 minutes. Of course, you can also use a taxi to get to the Okayama city center.

Fukuoka to Okayama

Train: Take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Okayama Station. The entire journey should take just under 2 hours.

Day 1: Set Off on a Journey to Takahashi

AM: Witness Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in a Sea of Clouds

Access: Take a rental car or taxi from Okayama Station, which should take around 50 minutes in total. If you want to save some money, take the train to Bitchu-Takahashi Station, then take a taxi to the observation platform. It takes the same amount of time.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Okayama Prefecture, appearing to float above a vast sea of clouds. From September to April, if you arrive before dawn on a mostly clear day, you’ll have the chance to witness this breathtaking scene. It’s a favorite destination for both tourists and photographers alike!

AM: Explore Japan’s Last Original Mountain Castle Keep at Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Access: Take the rental car or taxi again to Fuigo-toge Pass Parking Lot, then walk for around 20 minutes to reach the castle. The total journey time is around 40 minutes.

Once you’ve admired the castle from afar, it’s time to get a closer look and explore it in person. Known also as Takahashi Castle, it was originally constructed in 1240 and remains the only mountain castle in Japan that still retains its original keep.

The castle is encircled by towering stone walls reaching 10 meters high, earning it a reputation in the past as being nearly impenetrable. If you visit in autumn, the combination of vibrant fall foliage and ancient stonework creates a breathtaking scene. Keep an eye out for Sanjuro, the castle’s feline guardian, who might be making one of his rounds. But remember not to feed him, as it’s not good for his health!

Lunch: Enjoy Exquisite Tofu Creations at Kumojiro

Access: Head back to the Fuigo-toge Pass Parking Lot and then take the rental car or taxi over to the restaurant. The total journey should take just under 40 minutes.

Kumojiro is a tucked-away treasure in Takahashi City, celebrated for its wholesome and flavorful soybean-based dishes. Using locally sourced soybeans, the restaurant creates a wide array of delightful offerings—from creamy, smooth tofu to fresh soymilk and even okara (tofu dregs), which are far more delicious than the name suggests. They also offer set meals built around these soybean specialties, giving you the chance to experience the incredible variety and taste that soybeans have to offer.

PM: Explore the Historic Streets of Takahashi City

Access: Take the rental car or taxi. It should take around 45 minutes.

Now it’s time to discover more of what Takahashi City has to offer. The city originally grew around the base of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, and while much of it has been modernized, several streets still retain their historical charm—earning it a reputation as one of several “Little Kyotos.” As you wander through these preserved areas, you’ll come across clusters of traditional buildings and other architectural features that reflect its rich past.

Be sure to explore the city’s historical landmarks, such as Raikyu-ji Temple, home to a dry garden designed by one of Japan’s most famous garden designers, Kobori Enshu. Don’t miss the Haibara Samurai Residence and the Orii Samurai Residence, once occupied by prominent samurai families. These well-preserved homes offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of samurai in centuries past.

PM: Discover the Old-Time Charm of Fukiya Furusato Village and Its Old Schoolhouse

Access: Take a rental car or taxi for around 35 minutes.

Nestled in the hills of Takahashi City lies another district rich in preserved historical charm — Fukiya Furusato Village. Once a thriving hub for copper mining and dye production, the village is especially known as the birthplace of “bengara,” or “Japan Red,” a pigment made from red iron oxide. Lining the narrow main street are clusters of traditional wooden buildings, distinguished by their muted red roof tiles and reddish-brown walls that give the town its unique character. Visitors can try their hand at dyeing with bengara to create their own Japan Red handkerchiefs or fabric bags. While you're there, take time to explore and uncover the many hidden gems this storied village has to offer.

Also located in the village is the Former Fukiya Elementary School, a designated Important Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture. Renovated in 2022, this historic building offers a glimpse into what Japanese school life was like in earlier times.

Dinner: Grab Some Local Fare at Cafe Shoeikan

Access: It's practically in the center of the village, at the busy main road. If you're already there, it'll take a minute of walking.

Shops in Fukiya Furusato Village tend to close early, so if you're planning to stay overnight, it's a good idea to grab a meal beforehand. Located along the main street, Cafe Shoeikan is a great spot to do just that. Housed in a beautifully preserved building that once belonged to the Katayama family—a prominent bengara merchant family—it offers visitors the chance to admire the traditional architecture while enjoying a tasty bite. The cafe is especially known for its "dango" rice dumplings, which you can grill yourself over a charcoal fire on weekdays. The menu also includes heartier dishes like soba and udon noodles, as well as casual bites such as hotdogs and "onigiri" rice balls.

Stay the Night: Fukiya Senmai - A Former Showa-Era Stationery Shop

Access: About a 3-minute walk.

End your exploration for the day with an overnight stay that offers a true local experience. Fukiya Senmai, originally a stationery store built in 1882, now serves as a cozy guesthouse that welcomes just one group per day. Its exterior blends seamlessly into the traditional townscape, while the interior is outfitted with modern comforts, including electric heaters, floor heating, cypress wood bathtubs, and Western-style beds. You can enjoy a comfortable stay without sacrificing the nostalgic charm of old Japan. The name “Senmai” comes from the area's former name, and in earlier times, the guesthouse offered sweeping views of the entire village below.

Day 2: Continue Northwards, Exploring Niimi, Tsuyama, and Kagamino Town

AM: Experience the Natural Wonder of the Ikurado Limestone Cave

Access: Take the rental car or taxi. The entire journey should take around 40 minutes.

Located in Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture, Ikurado Cave is a massive limestone cavern stretching 1,200 meters along the Takahashi River. In some areas, the cave boasts an impressive vertical height of up to 90 meters. Inside, you'll find a variety of striking and unusual rock formations that make for an unforgettable experience. The cave maintains a cool, steady temperature of around 15℃ (59°F) year-round, making it a popular destination for those seeking both adventure and a refreshing escape from Japan’s hot, humid summers.

Just near the exit, there’s also a shrine dedicated to the god of matchmaking, drawing visitors who hope for success in love.

AM: Find Relief from the Heat with a Scenic Stop at Rashomon

Access: 20-minute drive by rental car or taxi from Ikurado Cave.

Another remarkable spot in Okayama Prefecture is Rashomon, a natural bridge standing 40 meters tall, formed from the remnants of a collapsed limestone cave. Cool, refreshing air flows through the cave, creating an ideal environment for moss and a variety of plant life to thrive. Stroll along the paved path and immerse yourself in the lush greenery and serene atmosphere. Close by, there's also a park that's quite popular during cherry blossom season—visit in the spring and you might catch around 700 trees in full bloom.

PM: Delight in the Unique Tastes of Tsuyama

Access: Approx. 1 hour drive by rental car or taxi from Rashomon.

The next stop is Tsuyama City, so why not kick things off with some delicious local cuisine? Historically, Tsuyama was a major center for cattle and horse trading, which led to the development of many meat processing facilities. Thanks to this, the meat in the area became known for its freshness and minimal odor.

Offal, in particular, gained popularity and remains a local favorite today. You’ll find it served stir-fried with udon noodles or simmered in curry—casual yet widely loved local comfort foods.

Tsuyama is also known for its top-quality processed meats. Dried meat products are especially popular, often bought as souvenirs or treats to take home. Keep an eye out—they’re definitely worth trying!

PM: Top Hilltop Views and Blossoms Await at Tsuyama Castle

Access: 5-minute drive from the center of Tsuyama City by rental car or taxi.

Once you’re done eating, make your way to Tsuyama Castle. With over 400 years of history, it stands as one of Japan’s prominent hilltop castles and is also listed among the country’s top 100 castles. On top of that, it’s recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots!

In spring, around 1,000 cherry trees bloom across the grounds, drawing visitors from all over. If you visit between late March and early April, you can catch the Tsuyama Sakura Festival and enjoy the blossoms in a vibrant, festive setting. The trees are also illuminated at night, offering a completely different and enchanting atmosphere after dusk.

PM: Stroll Through the Picturesque Shurakuen Garden

Access: Around a 40-minute drive by rental car or taxi from the castle.

Shurakuen Garden was constructed between 1655 and 1657 for Nagatsugu Mori, the second lord of the Tsuyama Domain. To create this stunning landscape centered around a large pond, he brought in expert gardeners from Kyoto. The design is said to have been inspired by the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

The garden’s beauty shifts with the seasons, offering scenes that look like they belong in a painting—cherry blossoms in spring, water lilies in summer, vibrant red and gold foliage in autumn, and serene snow-covered views in winter. In 2002, it was officially designated a national scenic spot under the name “Former Tsuyama Domain Villa Garden (Shurakuen).”

PM: Uncover the Natural Grandeur of Okutsukei Valley

Access: 5-minute drive by rental car or taxi from the garden.

Okutsukei Valley is one of Okayama’s most popular spots for autumn foliage, stretching about 3 kilometers from the Okutsu Onsen area. While it's especially stunning in fall, its natural beauty can be enjoyed throughout the year.

One of the valley’s unique highlights is the Usubuchi churn holes—natural formations carved over time by the force of flowing water. This rare geological feature is well worth a visit.

In autumn, the surrounding mountains burst into shades of gold and crimson, creating a breathtaking scene. The colorful leaves reflected in the valley’s waters become even more enchanting at night, when the area is softly illuminated, giving it a magical, almost otherworldly feel.

PM: Relax Above the Clouds at Notoro Onsen Tenku no Yu

Access: 30-minute drive by rental car or taxi from the valley.

Wrap up your day with a soak at the highest hot spring in Okayama Prefecture! Perched at 700 meters above sea level, this mountaintop onsen offers sweeping views of the stunning seasonal landscapes below—all while easing away the fatigue of your travels. The mineral-rich waters are known for their soothing effects on everything from nerve pain to joint and muscle aches. And when night falls, you just might be treated to a beautiful view of the star-filled sky, making the experience even more magical.

By the time you reach the end of this itinerary, you’ll likely see Okayama Prefecture in a whole new light. It’s a vast region filled with diverse attractions, and what we’ve shared here is just a small glimpse. We hope you’ll take the time to spend a few more days exploring—there’s so much more waiting to be discovered!