Okayama/Bizen

Okayama/Bizen

The city of Okayama, a former castle town, is currently the prefectural capital of Okayama Prefecture. Many of the major places of interest are found along the Asahi River that runs through the city from the south to north. For example, there is the Okayama Korakuen, a huge 130,000-square-meter park considered as one of Japan's three major gardens, and close to it stands the Okayama Prefectural Museum. On the other side of the river is the Okayama Castle while you will find Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art and Okayama Orient Museum as well. The city of Bizen is known as the production center of Bizenyaki (Bizen pottery) characteristic of its simple texture unique to earthenware. You will find many stores selling this type of pottery in the area around JR Inbe Station. At the Bizenyaki Dento Sangyo Kaikan, pottery classes are offered so that you can actually experience making Bizenyaki with your own hands (reservation must be made by the day before). 14 islands of various sizes found on the eastern side of Bizen City are collectively called the Hinase Islands which all make up the Setonaikai National Park. Among them, the Kakui Island is where you can experience the lifestyle of ancient people.