Okayama

Okayama (岡山) is where the legendary Peach Boy, Momotarō (桃太郎), is said to have lived as a boy and the city is proud of this fact. As soon as you step off the train you will be confronted by everything peach themed from the kitkats to the sewer covers and just outside the station is a giant Momotaro statue as well.

Things to See

• Okayama Castle (岡山城 okayama jō)

  In rivalry of Himeji - the White Egret Castle - the lord of Okayama built his own castle and painted it black, earning it the nickname of the Black Crow Castle. Like most castles this one has been rebuilt however two original watch towers are still standing.

  Inside the castle there is a dress up area where visitors can put on court garb, and during Golden Week it was free.

• Kohraku Garden (後楽園 kōrakuen)

  Directly behind Okayama Castle is one of the 3 Great Gardens of Japan (the other two are in Kanazawa and Mito, capital of Ibaraki Prefecture). Admission is ¥600 which gets you into a very spacious garden with many different themes, leave at least two hours to fully enjoy wandering. Inside are two tea houses where you can rest your legs and there is also a small aviary where you can see giant cranes.

  Between the gardens and Okayama Castle is a river where you can rent swan boats, dock closes at 5 though so plan ahead.