[2025 Okayama Attraction] Travel Guide for Saijo Inari (Updated Apr)

Okayama is located in the Sanyo region of Japan. It borders Hyogo Prefecture to the east, Hiroshima Prefecture to the west, faces the Seto Inland Sea and Shikoku region to the south, and borders Tottori Prefecture in the Sanin region to the north. It is a major transportation hub in the Chugoku region. Okayama has many attractions worth visiting. Here are some of the main ones: History and Culture - Okayama Castle: Also known as Crow Castle, it was originally built in 1597 and rebuilt in 1966 after being destroyed in World War II. Its black walls make it unique. The museum inside the castle displays the history of Okayama Castle and important archaeological finds. You can overlook the entire city of Okayama from the top of the castle. - Saijo Inari: One of Japan's three great Inari shrines, it is a rare syncretic Shinto-Buddhist temple. The huge vermilion torii gates are very eye-catching and distinctive. - Momotaro Statue: Located in front of JR Okayama Station, it is a representative statue of Okayama as the hometown of Momotaro. There are a monkey and a dog at the foot of the statue, and a pheasant stands on Momotaro's shoulder. Momotaro raises his left hand to his brow and looks towards Onigashima (Demon Island). Gardens and Landscapes - Korakuen Garden: Along with Kairakuen in Mito and Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, it is considered one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. It was originally built in 1687. The garden has a large lawn, ponds, and small hills. Its design incorporates the strengths of gardens and landscapes from various dynasties and places. You can also enjoy unique landscapes such as the "O-tateishi" (large standing stone) and "Yushinzan" (Mount Yushin). - Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter: With a history of over 400 years, it is a nationally protected historical district in Japan. The townscape of the Edo period is well preserved, with white walls and black tiles along the riverbanks, weeping willows, and rickshaws passing through the stone-paved alleyways. Visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the old streetscape where white walls and earthen storehouses blend together. - Handayama Botanical Garden: This is a hillside botanical garden with 1,000 cherry trees. It is especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Visitors can relax and picnic on the grass here and enjoy a pleasant time. Leisure and Entertainment - Washuzan Highland: Located in Kurashiki City, it is one of the best amusement parks in Okayama, with daily samba performances, bungee jumping, and many other attractions. The four-story Sky Cycle is very famous, and you can see Kagawa Prefecture across the water from here. - Kojima Jeans Street: Kojima is known throughout Japan as a top denim manufacturer. Visitors can shop at the many denim stores here and participate in custom jeans workshops to experience making their own jeans.

Walk the old town, shop for Japanese jeans, and taste white peaches in Okayama (岡山) in the Chugoku region . “Okayama”, when thinking of this place, you may think of Momotaro , the legendary god who was made into a famous cartoon. But in fact this place has charm from both traditional samurai era and contemporary Western architecture in the same place. From castles, old towns, beautiful gardens, and also located next to the Seto Inland Sea , which are all ranked as the best in Japan. And received the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities too! . In addition, it produces the first jeans (Okayama Denim) in Japan, a specialty of the prefecture that jeans lovers should not miss . And it is a source of white peaches and famous Muscat green grapes in Japan. So sweet and delicious that there are fruit picking tours all year round . Okayama is a place to visit. Have you tried to visit all around yet? ～ . • Interesting places to visit 1. Okayama Castle 2. Kojima Jeans Street 3. Kibitsu Shrine 3. Korakuen Garden 4. Shizutani School 5. Gokei Valley 6. Nishiyama Farm 7. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter 8. Tsuyama Castle 9. Saijo Inari Shrine 10. GREENable HIRUZEN 11. Achi Shrine 12. Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki 13. Yorishima Oyster Market • Must-try foods in Okayama! 1. Okayama Barazushi Vinegar rice topped with vegetables and seafood such as oysters, squid and mackerel on a giant plate with soup 2. Ebi Meshi Shrimp rice topped with black sauce Sweet and spicy at the end, it looks like rice mixed with shrimp paste 3. Murasuzume Murasuzume Crepe-like sweet bean paste 4. Kibi dango Chewy mochi from the legend of Momotaro • Access: Kansai Airport is the closest. Oh! Then take the train from Kansai-Airport Station to Shin Osaka Station (52 minutes), then take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station (45 minutes).

#2024wish Saijo Inari is located in lush green serenity that is about 30-minute drive away from the heart of Okayama City. As you approach the Temple, you will pass through O-torii (Grand Gate) that is erected over the road. Standing at 27.5 meters tall with pillars 4.6 meters in diameter, it is known as one of the biggest torii in Japan. Built in wish of world peace and road safety, this massive red gate is a remarkable local symbol that watches over residents and visitors. I want to go to this place again in 2024.

#2024wish Saijo Inari is one of the three main shrines in Japan dedicated to Inari, the god of crops and rice. However, it is also a Buddhist temple, and the juxtaposition is extremely fascinating for those interested in how religion was adapted in Japan. The modern Indian-style gate includes both Shinto kitsune foxes and Buddhist guardian figures, and the grounds contain just as mixed an assortment of imagery. The large torii gate at the entrance road is visible from a great distance, but subtler details such as the old shrine from the 1700s tucked into the background are also very picturesque. The shop-lined approach was mostly shut the day we went, giving it a forlorn air, but would be wonderful to explore if the shops are open. In 2024, I want to visit this place again.