Okayama Prefecture (岡山県) is one of the prefectures in the Chugoku Region facing the Seto Inland Sea. It has developed as a transportation hub between Honshu and Shikoku. The Bikan Historical Area (美観地区) in Kurashiki City (倉敷市) and Korakuen Garden (後楽園) in Okayama City (岡山市) are popular tourist spots.
Okayama prefecture is divided into the following 6 areas.
- Okayama (岡山), Tamano (玉野) Area
- Kurashiki (倉敷), Kasaoka (笠岡) Area
- Soja (総社), Ihara (井原), Takahashi (高梁) Area
- Bizen (備前), Setouchi (瀬戸内) Area
- Nimi (新見), Maniwa (真庭) Area
- Tsuyama (津山), Mimasaka (美作) Area
Okayama, Tamano Area
This area consists of Okayama City and Tamano City. Okayama City is the prefectural capital of Okayama Prefecture, and is the second largest city in the Chugoku region after Hiroshima City. Tamano City is located in the south of Okayama City, and ferries to Shikoku and the islands in the Seto Inland Sea depart and arrive. Okayama Castle (岡山城) and Korakuen (後楽園) are famous tourist destinations in this area.
Kurashiki, Kasaoka Area
Kurashiki City is the second largest city in Okayama Prefecture. There is the Seto Ohashi Bridge (瀬戸大橋) that connects Honshu and Shikoku. Bikan Histrical Area (美観地区) lined with old Japanese streets is especially famous and crowded with many tourists.
Soja, Ihara, Takahashi Area
This area is located in the northern part of Kurashiki city. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城) is a particularly popular tourist destination, and if conditions are met, you can see the castle in the sky floating in the sea of clouds.
Bizen, Setouchi Area
This area is located in the eastern part of Okayama prefecture. In this area, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the calm Seto Inland Sea. It is also famous for producing oysters, and the dishes made with oysters are excellent.
Nimi, Maniwa Area
This area is located in the northern part of Okayama prefecture. Nature such as plateaus and limestone caves spreads in this area. Those who want to refresh themselves surrounded by nature are recommended to visit this area.
Tsuyama, Mimasaka Area
This area is located in the northern part of Okayama prefecture. Tsuyama City is the largest city in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture. In addition, Mimasaka Santo (美作三湯), which consists of three famous hot springs, Yubara Onsen (湯原温泉), Yugo Onsen (湯郷温泉), and Okutsu Onsen (奥津温泉), is known as one of the most famous hot spring areas in western Japan.