Okayama, Japan

Okayama is the capital city of Okayama Prefecture in the Chūgoku region of Japan. The city is the site of Kōraku-en gardens and the black Okayama Castle, which is ranked among the best 100 Japanese castles. It is also known as the setting for the Japanese fairytale Momotaro or “Peach Boy”. There are plenty of statues of Momotaro around the city.

The construction of the Kōraku-en gardens 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.

Okayama Castle is a striking black color. In the tower is a museum documenting the castle's history.

Things to See & Do

* Momotaro statues
* Okayama castle
* Kōrakuen - gardens
* Kibiji district
* Art museums

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Yen (JPY)
Language – Japanese
Population –approx
Land Area – km2
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus hours nine hours
International Country Telephone Code – 81

Port Location – The port of Uno, located at Okayama is centrally located, approximately 3 minutes on foot from Uno Station.

Travel Links – 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, reaching Okayama in about 3 1/2 hours; one Hikari Rail Star per hour makes the trip in 4 hours and 15 minutes. Hikari trains also make frequent runs, stopping at Okayama between Osaka and both Kokura Station in Kitakyushu and Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

Okayama Airport has arrivals from Tokyo, Sapporo, Sendai, Kagoshima, Okinawa, and others. There are also direct international flights between Okayama and Seoul, Shanghai, Dalian, Beijing, and Guam. Buses make a 40-minute run to JR Okayama Station.