Okayama Free & Easy Maple Light Grand Prix, Michelin-Starred Attractions Tour, Autumn Fruit Picking Fun

Text by Qidou Travel Network / Photos by Xiangsheng Travel

Autumn is the season of crimson leaves and also of harvests. One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, Okayama Korakuen, is covered in vibrant maple foliage in the fall. Visit the nearby Kurashiki Kuranomachi for an artsy mini-trip and experience the joy of grape picking, creating a delightful and memorable autumn adventure.

Kurashiki Kuranomachi, a Michelin 2-star rated area in Okayama, boasts white-walled traditional houses and willow-lined streets along the Kurashiki River. It is a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, thriving since the 1600s as a hub for transporting goods.

Under the influence of nostalgia and creative culture, Ivy Square—a red-brick complex repurposed from a former Kurashiki textile factory—is popular among locals and tourists alike. It houses the Kurashiki Folkcraft Museum, which showcases around 700 folk art pieces, the Kurashiki Archaeological Museum, as well as hotels, shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores. The blend of Japanese and Western styles gives it a unique charm.

When visiting Kurashiki, how can you miss the “Kurashiki River Cruise”? Small boats glide along the river through the city center, offering scenic views of the white-walled streets—especially captivating during autumn.

In the evening, change into a kimono or yukata with friends and stroll through the old streets, savor local Japanese cuisine, browse famous pastry shops, and enjoy the beauty of illuminated nightscapes. The atmosphere, different from daytime, is unforgettable every moment.

During your trip to Okayama, grape-picking is a must, no matter how tight your schedule. The "Sunshine Country" of Okayama provides the perfect environment for grapes to thrive. There are many grape varieties here, such as Muscat of Alexandria—Japan’s top-producing variety—and the new seedless Muscat Sunshine King that you can eat with the skin on, as well as the sweet and rich Muscat Bailey A. The autumn grape-harvest experiences hosted by various farms are loved by both adults and children. Tasting Okayama grapes fills your heart with their delightful sweetness.

Alongside Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en and Mito’s Kairaku-en, Okayama Korakuen is one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Built about 300 years ago, it is a representative daimyo (feudal lord) garden and a symbol of samurai power, also holding a Michelin 3-star rating. Visiting Korakuen is like a baptism into Japanese history and culture.

Korakuen uses the technique of “borrowed scenery,” with Okayama Castle and surrounding mountains as its backdrop. From En’yotei near the main gate, you can take in the full beauty of the garden. Located at the heart of the garden, Ryuten was designed with flowing water passing beneath the building, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing flow of water. It offers a cool retreat in summer and served as a perfect spot for lords to reflect in tranquility. In autumn, the crimson foliage creates the most picturesque scene of the season.

Besides Korakuen, the Old Saijo School—the oldest civilian school in Japan—is another great spot for maple viewing. Full of nostalgic charm, the Old Saijo School is Japan’s first designated Heritage site and the only school building designated as a National Treasure. The best time for maple viewing is from early to late November when two large hackberry trees turn brilliant shades of red and yellow, decorating the school with vivid colors. Additionally, the school offers exclusive evening illuminations, providing a unique way to enjoy the maple spectacle at night.

More related information
▲ Okayama Group Free & Easy 5-Day Tour　https://goo.gl/N9pPR3
★ Sign up now and receive a special Okayama Prefecture gift (limited quantity, while supplies last)!
★ Tours depart every Thursday from October 2017 to March 2018, starting from just ¥9,999—call now to book!

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