Okayama Prefecture - Prefettura di Okayama

Okayama Prefecture is a region of Japan.

To know

Geographical notes

It borders the prefectures of Hyōgo, Tottori and Hiroshima. The Bitchu region constitutes the western area of ​​the prefecture. The Bikan area contains many of the old merchant buildings to this day. It is among the largest in the country. The Mimasaka region, located in the north, is renowned for its nature and thermal springs. Many of the historic sites in the area are connected to the old Izumo pilgrimage route which runs through the region. Musashi Miyamoto, the reputed undefeated master samurai, is said to hail from Mimasaka. Half of his remains are also buried here.

When to go

With more sunny days and fewer rainy days than most other prefectures, Okayama is nicknamed the Land of the Sun (晴 れ の 国 hare no kuni ). When it rains in the surrounding prefectures, it's not uncommon for Okayama to be just cloudy or even sunny, which is great news for travelers.

Background

Okayama Prefecture was born from the combination of three former provinces; Bizen, Bitchu and Mimasaka. Bizen Province has been known throughout history for its high quality swords. It is also the home of the Bizen Pottery. The modern city of Bizen it is one of the "six kilns" of Japan, the six most famous and appreciated ceramic cities in the country.

During the Edo period, the city of Kurashiki emerged as a commercial center of the province.

Spoken languages

The language is obviously spoken, as in the rest of the state Japanese.

Territories and tourist destinations

Urban centers

Other destinations

How to get

By plane

• 34.756944133.8552781 Okayama airport (OKJ IATA). Fly to Tokyo (1 hour), Sapporo (2 hours) e Naha (2 hours). There are also international flights to Shanghai is Seoul (both 1.5 hours), Dalian , Beijing is Guam.  

By car

There Chugoku Expressway passes through Tsuyama is Niimi to the north and the Sanyo Expressway it crosses the southern part through the area of Bizen (including the city of Okayama) and the southern area of ​​Bitchu. There Chugoku Expressway starts to Nishinomiya and the Sanyo Expressway branches off from it in the north of Kobe. Both end in Shimonoseki in the west.

The 34.398333133.812 Seto-Ōhashi bridge connects Okayama prefecture with the city of Sakaide.

On the train

The prefecture can be reached by train from most of the country, thanks to the extensive railway network present. Okayama is an important railway hub in western Japan. All trains on the line Sanyo Shinkansen they stop at Okayama Station. Kodama trains also stop at Shin-Kurashiki station a Kurashiki. Anyone traveling by train from Shikoku must travel through Okayama from Sakaide on the Marine Liner.

How to get around

By car

While most travelers should be able to get around using public transportation, as always, having a car offers most options and allows you to cover multiple places in one day. Car rentals are available in many cities, such as Okayama, Kurashiki, Tsuyama and Takahashi.

It is best to avoid the Sanyo Highway on weekdays when people are coming home from work. Traffic jams are frequent.

On the train

Okayama Station is connected to almost every part of the prefecture. There Tsuyama line connects it to the northern region of Mimasaka, the Hakubi line rises to the northern parts of the Bitchu region and the Sanyo line serves the rest of the Bitchu area, as well as the Bizen area. Almost all stations in the prefecture can be reached directly or with a transfer from Okayama station. The vast majority of the prefecture's sites are accessible by train.

By bus

Many places in the prefecture that are not near train stations can still be reached by bus. Buses can be used to reach all three of the famous onsen's Mimasaka. There are also buses to other popular areas including Hiruzen Highlands, Hattoji and the historic village of Fukiya.

By bike

Despite the implications of its name, which translates to meaning "hilly mountains" or "hills and mountains", Okayama prefecture has some fantastic and very flat cycling options. The plains of Kibi are particularly famous, connecting the northwestern part of Okayama city to Soya. The Katatetsu Roman Kaido is a cycle path that runs from Bizen, through Wake and parts of Akaiwa, before ending in the northern city of Misaki. Most people only spend a day on these trails using rental bikes, but they are viable travel options for those who have their own bikes.

What see

• The Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, from which the province was once ruled, still exists as one of the few original castles left in Japan.
• Take a walk in the Korakuen garden, one of the three best gardens in Japan (Okayama)
• See the majestic Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, one of the few original castles left in Japan, as well as the tallest (Takahashi)
• Visit the shops and museums in the beautiful historic district of Bikan, one of the nation's largest and best-preserved historic neighborhoods (Kurashiki)
• Visit the Shizutani School, the first school in Japan to be open to all citizens regardless of rank or class (Bizen)
• Marvel at the world-class modern art museum, NAGI MoCA a Nagi or the artistic island of Inujima in inland sea of ​​Seto.
• See how the famous ones are made swords of Bizen, once among the best in the nation, at the Bizen Osafune Museum (Setouchi)
• Stroll through the grounds of Saijo Inari, considered one of the three great Inari shrines of Japan (Okayama)
• Visit the Iyama Hofukuji temple where the famous poet and priest Sesshu (Soya)
• See the vast collection of famous European works of art at Ohara Art Museum (Kurashiki)
• Explore the beautiful Ikura Ravine is Maki Cave (Niimi)
• Walk among the mysterious rock formations on Ojigatake Hill (Tamano)
• Relax on the Washuzan Hill and enjoy the view on the inland sea of ​​Seto and on the Seto Ohashi bridge (Kurashiki)
• Visit one of the nation's five national astronomical observatories (Asakuchi)
• Live an adventure. Go to Yorishima and see rural Japan with one side of the Seto Inland Sea (Asakuchi)
• Look at the thousands of cherry blossoms as you walk through the ruins of the Tsuyama castle (Tsuyama)

What to do

• Walk along Joto Street, Izumo's ancient pilgrimage route (Tsuyama)
• Learn about the history of Okayama Prefecture and the story that inspired the history of Momotaro while cycling (or hiking) along the trail of the Kibiji district (Okayama, Soja)
• Create your own Bizen pottery (Bizen)
• Take part in the festivities celebrating Momotaro al Momotaro Festival (Okayama)
• Enjoy swimming in the Glass House or play outdoor sports at Green Hills Tsuyama (Tsuyama)

Thermal baths

The most famous thermal springs in the prefecture are the Yubara hot springs (Maniwa), the Yunogo hot springs (Mimasaka) and the Okutsu hot springs (Kagamino), all located in the northern part of the prefecture. Each of these is a perfect destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday.

If these are too out of the way, you can also try Niimi Chiya Hot Springs to Niimi or Asagiri Onsen to Takahashi. The Seto Ohashi Spa Resort to Kurashiki it also offers a variety of baths and ways to relax. The first onsen founded in Yakage in 2015, the Yakageya it has become a popular respite for both locals and travelers.

At the table

The climate has also made Okayama a famous fruit region. Muscat grapes and peony grapes are well-known local fruits, and over half of the peaches sold in Japan come from Okayama. Peaches are particularly famous as Okayama is also known as the place where the folk tale originated Momotaro (Boy fishing). Those interested in history can visit many associated sites around the capital, and those with an interest in fruit should seek out one of the many restaurants and cafes in the city. parfait at the fruit.

• Okayama Muscat grapes and peaches are the tastiest in the nation.
• Treat yourself to the award-winning Hiruzen Yakisoba to Maniwa.
• Kibi Dango is a famous treat that originated in Okayama and is enjoyed by Momotaro in the famous folktale Peach Boy.
• Try the Okayama black pig, bred and raised in Nagi.
• Enjoy the Bizen Curry, a spicier variety than the typical Japanese curry.
• Tsuyama Manju is Tsuyama Senbei are sweet snacks of Tsuyama.

Drinks

As you might expect from a wine growing region, Okayama is famous for wine (at least in Japan). There Sapporo Okayama Winery to Akaiwa it is a popular place to taste and buy local wines. There is also a Kirin Brewery in Okayama which can be visited.

Safety

There are no particular differences from this point of view with the rest of the country.

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Okayama Prefecture
• Commons contains images or other files on Okayama Prefecture

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