Introduction to Instagrammable Photos in Okayama Prefecture
Okayama Prefecture offers charming tourist destinations where you can enjoy both historical sites and natural wonders. Notable spots include Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, Tsuyama Castle, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Kibitsu Shrine, and Kurashiki. Additionally, the area features natural attractions such as the stunning Makido and Ikurado limestone caves and breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea from Washuzan Mountain.
Okayama Castle
Built by Ukita Hideie and completed in 1597 under the guidance of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Okayama Castle is also known as “Ujo” (Crow Castle) due to its black exterior walls. Though it was destroyed during World War II, its exterior was restored in 1966. Inside, there are historical exhibits, a Bizen pottery experience corner, and you can take photos while riding in a palanquin. The castle is also beautifully lit up at night during special events.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 9 minutes by bus from Okayama Station
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Renowned as a mountain castle floating in a sea of clouds, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is the highest-altitude remaining castle in Japan and the only one surrounded by clouds. The spectacular cloud scenery is best seen from late September to early April when there is a significant temperature difference and the wind is calm with high humidity. The observation deck opposite the castle offers the best view of this majestic sight.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 4 minutes by bus and a 1-hour walk from Bitchu-Takahashi Station
Tsuyama Castle
Located in Kakuzan Park, Tsuyama Castle was built by Tadamasa Mori, the younger brother of Ranmaru Mori, who perished in the Honnoji Incident. Known as the most famous cherry blossom spot in Okayama Prefecture, the Tsuyama Sakura Festival held every spring attracts many visitors. The sight of approximately 1,000 cherry trees blooming against the backdrop of the castle’s stone walls is breathtaking. Especially enchanting is the night illumination from 18:00 to 22:00 when the cherry trees are lit by paper lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 24-minute walk from Tsuyama Station
Kibitsu Shrine
Dedicated to the legendary hero Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto and his enemy Ura, Kibitsu Shrine is known for its demon-slaying legend, which inspired the famous folktale “Momotaro.” The shrine features a beautiful 360-meter-long wooden corridor that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. It is also a popular power spot for blessings related to marriage, marital harmony, and safe childbirth, especially among women.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 9-minute walk from Kibitsu Station
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kurashiki is a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, characterized by beautiful townscapes that preserve the atmosphere of the Edo period. A stroll along the Kurashiki River, lined with white-walled houses, is particularly popular, offering a picturesque view with its rows of willow trees.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 16-minute walk from Kurashiki Station
Okayama Korakuen
Awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japon, Okayama Korakuen is a large-scale garden created by Ikeda Tsunamasa, a feudal lord of Okayama, during the Edo period. The garden features a variety of flowers that bloom in different seasons, offering a beautiful landscape that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Special nighttime illumination events, such as the “Fantasy Garden,” can also be enjoyed.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 12 minutes by bus from Okayama Station
Makido Cave
Known for its beauty and mysterious atmosphere, Makido Cave spans approximately 450 meters in length and 25 meters in width, filled with countless shining stalactites. The LED-lit stalactites are like nature’s artwork. One of the highlights is the “Ryugu Bridge” over an underground lake, a popular photo spot that enhances the cave’s beauty.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:40 minutes by bus from Ikura Station
Ikurado Cave
Located about 20 minutes by car from Makido Cave, Ikurado Cave was discovered during marble quarrying in 1957 and opened to the public in 1959. The cave features about 30 unique rock formations, particularly the “Jellyfish Rock,” which looks like a natural work of art. With a total length of 1,200 meters and a height difference of about 90 meters, the cave offers many highlights, such as the “Water Robe” and “Silver Door.” A full tour takes about 40 minutes, but a thorough exploration may take around an hour.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 41 minutes by bus from Ikura Station
Washuzan Mountain
Washuzan Mountain, named after its shape resembling a spread eagle’s wings, offers a panoramic view of over 50 islands in the Seto Inland Sea and the magnificent Seto Ohashi Bridge from its 133-meter summit. The mountain has two observation decks that provide popular viewing spots for the islands, the bridge, and even the opposite shore of Shikoku.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 29 minutes by bus from Kojima Station
