Great Seto Bridge Okayama Korakuen

Okayama Prefecture is located on the southern side of the Chugoku region with mountains and hot springs in the northern part while the beautifully colored Seto Inland Sea with approximately 90 small and large islands spread in its southern part. This entire region was one of the famous local governments in ancient times.

Having the most number of sunny days nationwide, Okayama is famous as a "sunny land" with mild climate and long daylight hours. Lots of fruits such as grapes and white peaches are harvested while its three major rivers (Yoshii River, Asahi River and Takahashi River) are well-suited for sake (rice wine) making.

Okayama's sake has a long history indeed, being written in the "Manyoshu," the nation's oldest collection of poetry. Additionally, the prefecture has a smoothly operating transportation base with highway networks, Okayama Airport, and the Shinkansen (bullet train), serving an important role in the transportation system of the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. Because of such geographical factors, it has prospered along with the Yamato region as a birthplace of cultures. Indeed, it is a region that has contributed greatly to various industries and cultures to this date.