Bizen Pottery Experience & Okayama Castle Walk
Active
1h - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
・Enjoy a hands-on Bizen pottery workshop for beginners
・Guided by a bilingual (English–Japanese) local expert
・Optional international pottery shipping
Bizen-yaki, one of Japan’s oldest ceramic traditions, originated in Okayama. Its earthy tones and natural textures reflect wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection. Once favored by samurai and tea masters, it remains a living link to Japan’s heritage.
Course options:
Simple Okayama Castle & Korakuen Walk – No pottery included
Pottery + Castle & Garden – Entrance fees included
Pottery + Matcha at Castle or Garden – Includes tea break
Pottery + Ryotei Lunch – Includes seasonal cuisine
Notes:
Bizen pottery is very popular; booking 1+ month ahead is recommended.
Ending location depends on selected option.
Available options
Pottery + Castle & Garden
Okayama Castle & Korakuen Grdn: Visit the main keep of Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden. Entry fees included.<br/>Duration: 3 hours<br/>Bizen Pottery & Okayama Castle: Join a Bizen pottery workshop, then visit Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden. Entry fees included.
Bizen Pottery Okayama
Bizen Potter(German guided)
German guided tour: This is a guided tour conducted in German: the Okayama Pottery & Heritage Tour.
Okayama Castle Walk Only
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Okayama Castle & Korakuen: Enter Okayama Castle’s main keep and stroll through Korakuen Garden. Admission included. Pottery experience not included.
What's included
Bizen pottery workshop
English-speaking guide
Detailed itinerary
1
【Experience】Bizen Pottery Workshop (Approx. 60 min)
Take part in a hands-on Bizen pottery session, one of Japan’s oldest ceramic traditions. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll shape your own unique piece. The staff’s careful support ensures even beginners can create something beautiful. Your pottery will be kiln-fired and ready in about two months, with international shipping available (note: shipping to the U.S. may be restricted).
2
Stop 2
Pass by
【Choice of Ending Point】Okayama Castle or Korakuen Garden
After the pottery experience, your guide will escort you to either Okayama Castle or Korakuen Garden, depending on your preference. The tour concludes at your chosen destination, where your guide will assist with ticket purchases before you continue exploring at your own pace.
What's not included
pottery shipping costs
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
JA
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
For the Okayama Castle & Korakuen Garden Walk Plan, please meet in front of the main entrance to the Okayama Castle keep.
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
![[From Okayama] Okayama & Kurashiki Full Day Tour](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-674x446/15/52/23/a6.jpg)
