By MOOK Scenic Spots & Lifestyle Network Editorial Department
Okayama Prefecture is situated in the center of Japan’s Shikoku region. The northern part is characterized by mountains and hot springs, while the southern part features the picturesque Seto Inland Sea formed by numerous islands. Blessed with rich natural landscapes of mountains, sea, and rivers, along with a warm climate and pleasant seasons throughout the year, the area enjoys a high percentage of sunny days, experiences few natural disasters, and offers a wealth of delicious food and local specialties—earning it the natural title of the “Sunny Kingdom – Okayama”!
The “Castle in the Sky”-renowned Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is a one-star rated site in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. (Photo provided by Okayama Prefecture Tourism Division)
Okayama offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions and features, with four highlights you shouldn’t miss!
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is a one-star rated site in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Its castle 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, thick sea of clouds often forms around Bitchu Matsuyama Castle. The castle keep then appears to float above the clouds like a “castle in the sky,” which is how it gained its fame.
A view of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle under a clear blue sky. (Photo provided by Okayama Prefecture Tourism Division)
Visiting the Matsuyama Grand Viewpoint allows you to gaze at Bitchu Matsuyama Castle surrounded by sea of clouds, making it a perfect spot for a morning excursion. Among Japan’s Three Great Mountain Castles, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is the only one where the castle keep can be seen amidst the sea of clouds. It attracts visitors from all over, offering different beautiful views in the morning, afternoon, and during sunset.
Kojima Jeans Street is adorned with jeans-themed street art throughout. (Photo provided by Okayama Prefecture Tourism Division)
Kojima Jeans
The birthplace of Japanese jeans is right here—it could be called the holy land of jeans. In fact, jeans could be considered a specialty product of Okayama. There is a wide variety of jeans to choose from, and even public infrastructure features jeans-inspired elements.
Kojima Jeans Street
The port town of “Kojima,” located right next to the Seto Ohashi Bridge, has long been known for its cotton cultivation and has been hailed as the City of Fibers since ancient times. In the 1960s, Japan’s first domestically produced jeans were manufactured here, marking it as the birthplace of Japanese jeans. Kojima Jeans Street is home to shops of local denim brands, where you can discover your favorite unique items.
Betty Smith Jeans Museum
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