![[From Okayama] Okayama & Kurashiki Full Day Tour](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-674x446/15/52/23/a6.jpg)
[From Okayama] Okayama & Kurashiki Full Day Tour
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable day trip to discover the hidden charms of Okayama and Kurashiki, guided by a National Government Licensed English-speaking expert. You'll explore Okayama Korakuen, one of Japan's "Three Great Gardens," and wander through the picturesque Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
This tour offers flexibility with your choice of a plan including a unique "Kakushi Sushi" making and tasting experience for lunch, or a plan without lunch for more freedom.
We also offer additional plans including round-trips from Osaka, or Kyoto, as well as one-way journeys from Osaka or Kyoto to Hiroshima. Please explore these options to perfectly match your travel itinerary.
Available options
No Lunch
Lunch: This tour does not include lunch
With Lunch
Lunch: If you would like a vegetarian meal, please indicate them when booking. On the day of the tour, the meal can NOT be changed. <br/>Please note: Vegan, allergy-friendly, halal, gluten-free, and other meal requests are not available.
What's included
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
Sushi Making Experience & Lunch (Only if you select "With Lunch" Option)
Admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Hop on the charming Okayama Electric Tramway at Okayama Station! After a quick 4-minute ride to Shiroshita Station, walk to Okayama Korakuen Garden
2
Stop 2
One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Okayama Korakuen is a beautiful landscaped garden from the Edo period (1603-1868) covering an area of approximately 13 hectares. With vast ponds, elegant teahouse, and lovely seasonal flowers, the garden showcases the changing atmosphere throughout the four seasons for visitors to enjoy. The neighboring Okayama Castle is also known as "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior, and is quite spectacular when viewed from across the garden.
3
Head to Okayama Station by tram and on foot
4
[Lunch Option Only] Kakushi Sushi Making Experience & Lunch: Experience Japanese cuisine by crafting your own Chirashi sushi on our hands-on tour. Arrange fresh sashimi, seafood, and colorful vegetables on sushi rice. Then savor your creation as a delightful and authentic lunch. [For No Lunch Option] You will have free time around Okayama Station to purchase your own lunch
5
Take the JR local train from Okayama to Kurashiki
6
The Inoue House is one the largest, most iconic townhouses in the Important Traditional Building Preservation District of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. This 300-year-old house was designated as an important cultural property of Japan in 2002.
7
Stop 7
Free time for sightseeing. Enjoy a special time experiencing history and tradition while taking in the riverside scenery, appreciating art at the museum, and touring around charming cafes.
8
Take the JR local train from Kurashiki to Okayama
What's not included
Fees other than those listed in Includes
Sushi Making Experience & Lunch (Only if you select "No Lunch" Option)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.9
15 reviews
5★
14
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All seats in the Okayama/Kurashiki area are unreserved, as public transportation is used. Please note that seating is not guaranteed
The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations
If the Inoue House cannot be entered, the tour will visit the Former Ohara House or the Ohashi House instead
As this is a walking tour, please wear shoes and clothing that are suitable for walking. The total walking distance for this tour is approximately 3 miles
[Lunch option Only] For lunch, the menu includes kakushi sushi made by customers during the experience, side dish, red miso soup, and dessert
[Lunch option Only] For those who would like a lacto-ovo‐vegetarian meal (vegetables will be used instead for kakushi sushi; eggs and dairy products are used in other menu items), please be sure to request at the time of booking. If requests are not provided in advance, same-day changes cannot be accepted
[Lunch option Only] Allergy-friendly, halal, gluten-free, and other meal requests are not available
[For No Lunch option] Lunch is not included on this tour. There will be time allotted for the Okayama Station vicinity. Please purchase your own lunch
Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with lunch
Tour's total duration is 7 hours 40 minutes, although the total duration listed in the itinerary is 4 hours 30 minutes. The remaining hours are allotted for travel time
Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour
Meeting point
Meet your guide holding a JTB Sunrise Tours sign in front of Momotaro Tourist Information Center, JR Okayama Station 2F. You may meet up with fellow travelers from Osaka and Kyoto
Important notes
• If you have arrived at the pickup location but have trouble finding the meeting point, you can call the local operator JTB Sunrise Tours on +81 3 5796 5454 (Operated between 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.
• In case bookings have been made separately, you may be assigned to be on separate tour buses.
About Okayama
Okayama is a vibrant city in western Japan known for its stunning castle, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage. Often called 'The Land of Sunshine,' it offers a mix of historical sites, modern attractions, and delicious local cuisine. The city is a perfect blend of traditional Japanese charm and contemporary urban life.
Top Attractions
Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior, is a stunning example of Japanese castle architecture. It offers panoramic views of the city and houses a museum.
Historical
1-2 hours
¥300
Korakuen Garden
Korakuen Garden is one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens. It features ponds, tea houses, and a variety of seasonal plants and flowers.
Nature
1-2 hours
¥300
Okayama Art Museum
The Okayama Art Museum houses a diverse collection of Japanese and international art, including works by famous artists and contemporary pieces.
Museum
1-2 hours
¥300
Omoto Shrine
Omoto Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of the sun. It is known for its stunning torii gate and serene atmosphere.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Okayama Orizuru Tower
The Okayama Orizuru Tower is a modern landmark in the city, offering panoramic views from its observation deck. The tower is shaped like an orizuru, or paper crane.
Architecture
1 hour
Free to enter, observation deck fee applies
Must-Try Local Dishes
Okayama Ramen
A local ramen variety with a rich, soy-based broth and thick, curly noodles, topped with pork, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.
Dinner
Contains pork and eggs, vegetarian and vegan options may be available upon request.
Momiji Manju
A sweet, maple-leaf-shaped cake filled with red bean paste or custard, a popular souvenir from Okayama.
Dessert
Vegetarian, may contain gluten and soy.
Bara-zushi
A local sushi variety where vinegared rice is spread on a seaweed mat and topped with fresh fish, then sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Lunch
Contains fish and seafood, gluten-free.
Kibi Dango
Sweet rice dumplings skewered on a stick, often coated in soybean flour, kinako, or brown sugar.
Snack
Vegetarian, may contain gluten and soy.
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby mountains
Cycling along scenic routes
Kayaking or canoeing in the Asahi River
Visiting hot springs (onsen)
Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony
Strolling through Korakuen Garden
Exploring Okayama Castle and its museum
Visiting local temples and shrines
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Spring brings cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn offers cool temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. These are the best times to visit for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Okayama is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
- • Only use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey
Getting there
By air
- Okayama Airport • 17 km from city center
By train
Okayama Station
By bus
Okayama Station, Central Okayama
Getting around
Public transport
The tram system is efficient and covers most major attractions in the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kita-ku
Naka-ku
Asahi-ku
Day trips
Kurashiki
30 km from Okayama • Half day to full day
Kurashiki is a charming town known for its well-preserved Edo-era merchant district, the Bikan Historical Quarter, and its beautiful gardens and museums.
Kojima
40 km from Okayama • Full day
Kojima is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, scenic views, and fresh seafood. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying local delicacies.
Tsuyama
50 km from Okayama • Full day
Tsuyama is a historic town known for its well-preserved castle, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a mix of historical sites and natural beauty.
Festivals
Okayama Matsuri • Late April to early May
Korakuen Garden Illumination • Late November to early December
Okayama Summer Festival • July
Pro tips
- Visit Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photos.
- Try Okayama's local specialties, such as Okayama ramen, Momiji manju, and Bara-zushi, for an authentic culinary experience.
- Explore the historic streets of Sendaimachi Suji and the Bikan Historical Quarter in nearby Kurashiki for a glimpse into Japan's past.
- Take a day trip to Kojima to relax on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.
- Visit Okayama during the cherry blossom season (late March to early April) or the fall foliage season (November) for stunning natural beauty.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
