Four Key Words to Explore Sunny Kingdom & Bask in Okayama’s Stunning Scenery

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department

Okayama Prefecture is situated in the central part of Japan’s Shikoku region. Its northern area features mountains and hot springs, while the southern part boasts the scenic Seto Inland Sea dotted with numerous islands. Blessed with abundant natural landscapes of mountains, sea, and rivers, along with a warm climate and pleasant seasons, it enjoys a high percentage of sunny days and experiences few natural disasters. With its rich culinary offerings and specialties, it has naturally earned the nickname “Sunny Kingdom – Okayama”!

Okayama offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions and features, with four highlights you shouldn’t miss!

Kurashiki Matsuyama Castle

Kurashiki Matsuyama Castle is a one-star attraction in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Its tenshu (main keep) was built in 1683 and still retains its original appearance to this day. From late October to early December each year, on cold and clear mornings, the area around Kurashiki Matsuyama Castle often sees vast sea of clouds, making the tenshu appear as a “castle in the sky” floating above the clouds—hence its fame.

Visiting Matsuyama Grand Viewpoint allows you to gaze at Kurashiki Matsuyama Castle surrounded by sea of clouds, making it a perfect spot for a morning excursion. Among Japan’s three great mountain castles, Kurashiki Matsuyama Castle is the only one where you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of its tenshu emerging from the sea of clouds. Visitors come from all over to witness the different charms it offers at dawn, noon, and sunset.

Kurashima Jeans

This is the birthplace of Japanese jeans—it can be called a holy land for denim. Jeans can even be considered a specialty product of Okayama, with a wide variety available for selection. Even the public infrastructure is infused with jeans-themed elements.

Kurashima Jeans Street
Located near the Seto Ohashi Bridge, the port town of “Kurashima” has long been known for its cotton cultivation and is famed as the “City of Fibers.” In the 1960s, it produced Japan’s first domestically made pair of jeans, becoming the birthplace of the industry. Jeans Street gathers shops of local denim brands, offering a treasure hunt for finding your favorite pieces.

Betty Smith Jeans Museum
This museum introduces the history of jeans worldwide and in Japan, and the second floor offers custom-made jeans services. The nearby outlet center is also stocked with many high-quality goods.

White Peaches

Thanks to its favorable geographical location, Okayama Prefecture is Japan’s top-ranked prefecture in terms of sunshine hours, earning the title “Sunny Kingdom.” It produces many premium fruits, with white peaches being the most famous representative. These juicy and sweet fruits are incredibly delicious. July and August are peak season for white peaches, and during this time, Okayama City offers many fruit sundaes to match the season. Additionally, there is an abundance of white peach-themed souvenirs—these are delightful fruits that bring happiness with every bite.