A US Marine Corps member of Japan danced “Da Pump” U.S.A. “.

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(09/07/2018)Welcome to Okayama Japan, the Land of Sunshine!!

Yakage Shukuba Matsuri (Festival)/Daimyo(feudal lord) Procession

                                         Yakage Town

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This festival features a parade of more than 80 participants in different costumes related to the old-time feudal lord’s procession in Yakage, which flourished between the 17th and 19th century as a post town for samurai from all around the country on their way to Tokyo.

Basic information

Date

The 2nd Sunday of the month

Hours

9:00am – 4:00pm

Address

Yakage, Yakage Town, Oda County

Location

Yakage Shopping Street

Access

5 min. on foot from Ibara Line Yakage Station

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(08/14/2018)Welcome to Okayama Japan, the Land of Sunshine!!

Okayama Korakuen Garden
Moon Viewing Ceremony
[Okayama City]

The Japanese traditionally celebrate the beautiful harvest moon in autumn with offerings of fruit, sweet rice dumplings and sake.

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Okayama Korakuen Garden extends its hours on Monday, September 24 to allow visitors to see the beautiful moon from the Garden’s lawn, which visitors are usually prohibited from entering.

 

This quintessential Japanese garden was created roughly 300 years ago by the area’s daimyo (domain lord). A symbol of the power of the samurai, Okayama Korakuen Garden is considered one of the three great gardens of Japan alongside Kanazawa City’s Kenroku-en and Mito City’s Kairakuen.
Centered around Enyo-tei House, which was built as living quarters, the garden covers some 13 ha and includes a Noh Stage as well as ponds, hills, plum groves, and a tea plantation. The garden is arranged with wide lawns for an open-mindedness that is not usually found in Japanese gardens. This circuit-style garden is devised so that visitors can enjoy the passing scenery while strolling atop through the garden, particularly atop Yuishinzan Hilll overlooking the garden and, as well as along the nearby waterways.
Looking out over the scenic park from Enyo-tei House near the main gate, visitors are treated to a spectacular backdrop that features Okayama Castle and the surrounding mountains just outside the park grounds. At the heart of the park lies Ryuten Rest House, which features a stream running through it. Through the flow of the waterway—directed to pass through underneath the building—visitors are able to enjoy the movement of the water flowing through the area. Taking refuge from the summer in the coolness, the former daimyo cherished spending time here staring peacefully and quietly at the water flowing by.
Japanese cranes are also bred in the park. Other attractions include the plum grove with 100 trees and seasonal flowers including spring cherry blossoms, azaleas, irises, and lotuses. The foliage in autumn also offers a beautiful sight.
During the popular “Special Late-Night Garden of Dreams” event held for a limited time in summer and autumn, the garden is opened at night and visitors can experience the garden illuminated by candles and the like. The fantastic nightscape offers an enjoyably different view than the daytime.
Shikisai, a washoku (Japanese cuisine) restaurant, is available in the park and offers cuisine made from seasonal ingredients locally grown in Okayama, and the teahouse offers visitors a chance to experience matcha (Japanese green tea). English, Korean, and Chinese guide services are also available (for a fee).

Basic information

Address

1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

Access

10 min by bus from JR Okayama Sta. to “Korakuenmae;” 10 min on foot from “Shiroshita” via tram from JR Okayama Sta.

Business Hours

7:30am – 6:00pm (March 20 – September 30) / 8:00am – 5:00pm (October 1 – March 19) *Last
admission 15 min before closing time

Closed

No closing days

Admission

General admission 400 yen;
seniors (65 and older) 140 yen;
students (elementary and junior high) are FREE *student ID card required

“Combined Tickets”
• Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle:
General admission 560 yen (15 – 64 years old); students 260 yen (elementary and junior high)
• Okayama Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle, and Hayashibara Museum of Art:
General admission 960 yen (15 – 64 years old)

Tel.

086-272-1148

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(08/08/2018)Welcome to Okayama Japan, the Land of Sunshine!!!

The night view of Okayama Castle and Okayama Korakuen Garden can be enjoyed until August 31!
[Okayama City]

Okayama Castle holds its Summer U-jo (Crow Castle) Togenkyo, and Okayama Korakuen Garden holds its Fantastic Summer Garden until Friday, August 31. Both are open until 9:30pm.

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A shining peach objet d’art welcomes visitors at the entrance of Okayama Korakuen Garden.

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Basic information

Date

Early August – Late August

Hours

6:30pm – 9:30pm

Address

Okayama Korakuen Garden

Location

Okayama Korakuen Garden・Okayama Castle

AdmissionGeneral admission 400 yen;
seniors (65 and older) 140 yen;
students (elementary and junior high) are FREE *student ID card required

“Combined Tickets”
• Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle:
General admission 560 yen (15 – 64 years old); students 260 yen (elementary and junior high)
• Okayama Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle, and Hayashibara Museum of Art:
General admission 960 yen (15 – 64 years old)

Tel.

086-272-1148

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(08/04/2018)Welcome to Okayama Japan, the Land of Sunshine!!!

Okayama Momotaro Matsuri (Festival)

                                   Okayama City

Notice of Fireworks Festival Cancellation

The Fireworks Festival scheduled for Saturday, August 4 at the Okayama Momotaro Matsuri that takes place on August 4 and 5, has been canceled. Other events such as the Uraja Dance and Disney Special Parade will proceed as planned.

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We are looking forward to seeing you!

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Okayama is ready to welcome you!

We are looking forward to seeing you!

Information regarding Okayama tourist destinations: …
Despite heavy rains (July, 2018)　and damage to some areas within the prefecture, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and Mt. Washuzan in Kurashiki City are open and safe. Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle in Okayama City are also open.

Yubara Onsen outdoor baths “Sunayu” and Kamba Falls in Maniwa City were reopen for tourists on July 14, and Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi City was also reopen on July 18. In addition, Maki-do Cave in Niimi City was reopen on July 23.

Tourist planning to visit Okayama,
While a few sections of local train lines are out of service, the Sanyo Shinkansen, expressways, and Okayama Momotaro Airport are fully open and operational. Okayama is ready to welcome you!

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(07/27/2018)Welcome to Okayama Japan, the Land of Sunshine!!!

Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum

                                     Setouchi City

A museum of Japanese swords where visitors can see how swords are crafted

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Located in Osafune, a town that once flourished as a major produce of Japanese swords, the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum is one of a limited number of sword museums and features a variety of Japanese swords on display. Visitors can learn about the history and manufacturing process for Japanese swords as well as experience the beauty and power of the swords up close. The museum features several special exhibitions throughout the year that combine animations and video games, making this a popular destination for sword fans from across the country. In the adjacent workshop, visitors can see the skill of Japanese sword artisans, including the process where tamahagane, steel made from iron sand, is heated to 1300°C and then hammered to make a plate. (limited dates and times)

Basic information

Address

966 Osafune, Osafune Town, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture

Access

7 min by taxi from JR Osafune Sta.

Business Hours

9:00am – 5:00pm (last admission 4:30pm)

Closed

Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), December 28 – January 4, day following a public holiday, during exhibition exchanges

Admission

General admission 500 yen; students 300 yen (high school and university); junior high and younger free; seniors 400 yen (65 and older, with proof of age)

Tel.

0869-66-7767

Website

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=ja&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://www.city.setouchi.lg.jp/token/index.html（English）

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(07/21/2018)Welcome to Okayama Japan, the Land of Sunshine!

Okayama Castle & Okayama Korakuen Garden
Fantastic Summer Night Event!
[Okayama City]

Between Wednesday, August 1 and Friday, August 31, Okayama Castle is home to the Summer U-jo (Crow Castle) Light Festival, and Okayama Korakuen hosts its Fantastic Summer Garden. Both are open until 9:30pm. …

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Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle are illuminated with traditional Japanese-style lighting such as candles and bamboo lanterns. The event offers visitors a wide variety of entertainment, including a beer garden, Noh performance, concerts, and a close-up view of traditional Japanese customs and culture.

Basic information

Date

Early August – Late August

Hours

6:30pm – 9:30pm

Address

Okayama Korakuen Garden

Location

Okayama Korakuen Garden・Okayama Castle

Access

Okayama Korakuen Garden

Hhone number

086-272-1148

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(07/10/2018)Welcome to Okayama Japan, the Land of Sunshine!

Mt. Washuzan

                      Kurashiki City

A dramatically beautiful view of the Great Seto Bridge and surrounding islands

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Mt. Washuzan offers visitors a view of the quintessential scenery of the Setonaikai National Park, known as Japan’s first national park. The park is a recommended site for viewing the Great Seto Bridge, newly listed in the Michelin Green Guide Japan as the longest two-tiered bridge system in the world. The view from the summit overlooking the Setonaikai (The Inland Sea), about 15 min on foot along the promenade from the parking lot, is highly recommended. Visitors will be treated to a view of the 50 or so variously sized islands dotting the Setonaikai and of Shikoku forming the opposite shore. The observatory’s rest house also offers a scenic resting place. The view from Mt. Washuzan of the sun setting in the Setonaikai has also been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful sunsets in Japan.

Basic information

Address

1-1 Shimotsuitanoura, , Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

Access

25 min by bus from JR Kojima Sta. to “Washuzan Daini Tenboudai,” and then 5 min on foot

Tel.

086-473-1115

Website

https://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/for/en/kojima.html（English）

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(07/03/2018)Welcome to Okayama Japan, the Land of Sunshine!

The secret world of the japanese swordsmith

The Japanese sword is the soul of the Samurai. The crafting of this work of art – which embodies beauty, strength and tradition – has been shrouded in secrecy for more than thousand years.
Because of the highly advanced techniques and numerous years of dedicated effort required in crafting Japanese swords, the skill has always been a closely kept and jealously guarded secret.
Yohindo Yoshihara is a consummate Japanese swordsmith and a very high regarded Mukansa craftman in Japan. He is also the best-known Japanes swordsmith outside of Japan.
His masterpieces have been purchased for exhibit by the Metropolitan Museum of art in New York City and the Museum of fine Arts in Boston. He has numerous fans worldwide, including His Royal highness, king Gustav of Sweden.
This video has been produced to appeal to all aficionados of Japanese sword around the world and is a treasure trove of sercrets to Yohindo Yoshihara’s truly outstanding Japanese sword craftsmanship.

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(06/22/2018)Welcome to Okayama Japan, the Land of Sunshine!

Yumeji Art Museum

                              Okayama City

Museum of art dedicated to Yumeji Takehisa, widely known as the “Japanese Toulouse-Lautrec”

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The Yumeji Art Museum features a collection of works by Okayama-born Yumeji Takehisa, a poet and artist who was active in the early 1900s. The museum is listed in the “Michelin Green Guide” with a rating of One-Star. The collection portrays numerous women with slender limbs posed in smooth S-shaped lines, an established characteristic of the style that came to be known as Yumeji’s “Bijin-ga.” At the museum shop, visitors can purchase original postcards, stationery, and other goods. In addition, visitors can also enjoy Yumeji’s favorite European baked snack, Garibaldi biscuits, only found at the museum’s cafe. Come and enjoy tea time just as Yumeji would have it

Basic information

Address

2-1-32 Hama, Naka Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

Access

5 min via tram from JR Okayama Sta. to “Shiroshita,” and then 15 min on foot; 15 min by bus from JR Okayama Sta. to “Horaibashi / Yumeji Kyodo Bijutsukan Mae”

Business Hours

9:00am – 5:00pm (last admission 4:30pm)

Closed

Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), New Year’s Holiday (Dec. 28 – Jan. 1)

Admission

General 700 yen; students 400 yen (junior high, senior high, and university), 300 yen (elementary)

Tel.

086-271-1000

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