Winter Romance in Japan’s San’in and San’yō Regions: Meet the Sunny Land of Okayama!

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network; Photos provided by Xiangsheng Travel

The San’in and San’yō regions of Japan have been peaceful and prosperous since ancient times, boasting unique natural scenery and preserving rich cultural heritage: Okayama Korakuen Garden, ranked among Japan’s Three Great Gardens; Adachi Museum of Art, which received three stars from the Michelin Guide in 2015…… and many more historic sites that together tell the remarkable story of this land.

To the north and bordered by the Sea of Japan, the San’in region is infused with the ocean’s essence. In Shimane Prefecture, located in the northern part of the area, lies one of the San’in region’s premier peony cultivation gardens—Yoshiume Garden. Here, peonies bloom year-round, featuring a wide variety of large, vibrant blossoms. The outdoor Japanese stroll garden surrounding the greenhouse boasts arched bridges over flowing streams, lush pines and cypresses, and in late autumn, dancing red maples. Each season offers its own unique charm, making it a truly breathtaking sight.

Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, is a famous garden from the Edo period. Built in 1686 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the lord of Okayama Domain, as a place for relaxation and receiving guests, it has a history of over 330 years. Spanning more than 130,000 square meters, Okayama Korakuen Garden is expansive, with its unique wooden bridges, architecture, and landscaping incorporating elements from various eras and regions.

The garden is meticulously designed with Mount Kanzan and Okayama Castle in the background, centered around Mount Risshin and the Sawa Pond. This classic strolling pond garden offers endless charm in every corner. Visitors can wander along exquisitely designed landscapes and immerse themselves in a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Aside from traditional Japanese gardens, the natural beauty of Okayama’s Mount Daisen Plateau is also worth a visit. Within the plateau resort, you can gaze at the majestic ridgeline of Mount Daisen’s three peaks. In summer, Jerseys graze and stroll across the grasslands; in winter, the vast land is covered with soft snow, and the warm sunshine of sunny Okayama in the San’yō region bathes the snowy plains, making it feel far from cold. Beyond sightseeing, the Mount Daisen Plateau offers exciting outdoor activities. At the KIDS SNOW PARK, riding a sled offers an exhilarating experience, a rare seasonal treat.

Soaking in an onsen (hot spring) is a unique aspect of Japanese culture. Okayama is home to the centuries-old Yunogawa Onsen, which preserves a traditional Japanese ambiance. Its fine-quality waters are gentle on the skin, making it popular among Japanese women. The nearby onsen town features dozens of lodging facilities, ranging from small to large. Visitors can also easily enjoy a day-trip soak or a complimentary foot bath, fully immersing themselves in the Japanese lifestyle. Here, consider purchasing a “Hot Spring Roaming Cup” that allows entry to three different hot springs—the stamp on the cup serves as a unique travel souvenir.

In Japan’s onsen towns, besides relaxing your body and mind in the baths, the refined Japanese cuisine served at hot spring hotels is also irresistible. To the south of Okayama lies the Seto Inland Sea, where the freshest seafood is delivered daily. Crab dishes boast sweet, oceanic flavors, complemented by other seafood sashimi, vegetables, and pickles, adding even more to the journey through the San’in and San’yō regions.

Adachi Museum of Art, ranked first for 13 consecutive years by the U.S.-based magazine “The Journal of Japanese Gardening,” also resides in Shimane Prefecture in the San’in region. It received three stars from the Michelin Guide in 2015. Boasting a 50,000-tsubo Japanese garden landscape that frames the views of the Izu Mountains, it features various creative gardens such as karesansui (dry landscape), moss garden, pond garden, and white sand with green pine garden, attracting countless domestic and international visitors every year.

Visit Adachi Museum of Art with an artistic mindset, from different perspectives and in different seasons—each visit is a brand-new journey that brings deep inspiration.

More related information
Recommended itinerary: New Year’s Trip – San’in and San’yō Hot Springs and Gourmet Feast (4 Days), Departing January 28
Xiangsheng Travel Agency (02)2507-4688
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