Spots List | Viewdory

Suntopia Okayama Soja

Located in Soja City, surrounded by rich nature, this is a vast resort complex. The large-scale leisure pool that opens in summer is popular and crowded with families and groups. It is also fully equipped with sports facilities such as tennis courts and a gymnasium, as well as accommodation facilities. With many historical spots in Kibiji, a treasure trove of ancient heritage, in the surrounding area, it is a very convenient relaxation spot to serve as a base for traveling around nearby burial mounds and ancient shrines while enjoying active leisure.

Okayama
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Ohara Museum of Art

Located within the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, this is the first private museum in Japan centered on Western art. The main building, reminiscent of a Greek temple, houses masterpieces by world masters such as El Greco's "The Annunciation" and Claude Monet's "Water Lilies." The collection, gathered by businessman Magosaburo Ohara through his support of artist Torajiro Kojima, is of extremely high quality, providing an exceptionally luxurious and intellectual experience of touching world-class art within beautiful old Japanese streets.

Okayama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum

This is a railway museum utilizing the "Former Tsuyama Roundhouse," the second largest in Japan. The sight of steam locomotives and diesel cars, which were once the main players in railway transportation, lined up is spectacular. The "turntable" used to change the direction of locomotives by rotating them still exists, allowing you to see the high level of railway technology of the time. As a spot where you can learn about the history and charm of railways that supported Japan's modernization in a retro atmosphere, it is widely popular among children, adults, and overseas railway fans.

Okayama
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Ikura-do Cave

Ikura-do is one of Japan's leading limestone caves, boasting a total length of about 1,200 meters and a height difference of 90 meters, opening its mouth in a limestone cliff. Inside, various stone arts named "Silver Sudare" and "Kurushima of Seto" continue, and the roar of the waterfall flowing underground stirs a sense of adventure. The greatest highlight is the 70-meter-high "Ikura Falls" flowing down from the cliff near the exit. The contrast between the powerful waterfall and the surrounding canyon beauty seen after enjoying the cave exploration is spectacular. Along with the colors of the four seasons, it is...

Okayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Maki-do Cave

Maki-do is a 450-meter-long limestone cave in Niimi City, Okayama, named by poet Akiko Yosano who praised it as a "strange cave filled with wonders." The interior is intricately structured, and scenes such as the "Dream Palace," where illuminated stalactites and stalagmites are reflected on the water's surface, radiate a mystical beauty as if wandering into an otherworldly palace. Known also as a filming location for Seishi Yokomizo's mystery novel "The Village of Eight Tombs," it has a uniquely mysterious atmosphere. In the cool air that makes you forget the heat outside, you can fully enjoy the mysterious formations created...

Okayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Famous as the "Castle in the Sky," Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is built atop Mt. Gagu at an altitude of 430 meters, making it the highest castle with an existing original tower in Japan. In the early mornings of autumn and winter, the sight of the castle appearing to float on a white sea of clouds is breathtakingly mystical. The main tower, restored in 1683, retains its appearance from that time, allowing you to experience the robust defense from the Sengoku to Edo periods and the powerful architectural beauty that withstands harsh natural environments. The scenery where fragments of history and...

Okayama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Ibara City

Ibara City is a town attractive for its traditional craftsmanship and beautiful starry skies. It is known as the "Holy Land of Denim," producing high-quality denim fabric adopted by world-famous brands. You can tour textile factories and touch upon advanced dyeing techniques. Additionally, Bisei-cho within the city is famous as the first place in Japan to enact a "Light Pollution Prevention Ordinance to Protect Beautiful Starry Skies," and is certified as an International Dark Sky Park. At night, stars pour down, making you feel the universe close by. Located near the foot of the medieval mountain castle "Kinojo," it is...

Okayama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Otobi Island

Otobi Island is a small island in the Kasaoka Islands with mystical legends and history. Since ancient times, this island has been a strategic point for maritime traffic in the Seto Inland Sea, having a history as an "Island of Gods" where rituals to pray for maritime safety were held. Many precious relics such as Heian-period celadon have been discovered on the island, making it an interesting spot for history fans. Today, it is loved as a quiet resort where very transparent seas and unadorned fishing village scenery remain. Especially, the sand path (tidal island phenomenon) that appears between it...

Okayama
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Summer
Autumn

Okayama

Niimi City

Located in northwestern Okayama Prefecture, Niimi City is a town attractive for its mystical natural beauty created by limestone lands and its gastronomy. Giant limestone caves such as "Ikura-do" and "Maki-do" are underground art spaces drawn by nature over tens of thousands of years. Also, this is famous as the production center for "Chiya Beef," the oldest systematic breed of wagyu in Japan, where you can taste the highest quality marbled meat in its home. The area is also rich in seasonal flowers, such as the "Rhododendrons of Mimuro River" boasting the oldest history in Japan. It is an ideal...

Okayama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Inujima Island

Inujima, accessible by boat from Okayama City, is a quiet art island that revitalized the ruins of a refinery. The greatest highlight is the "Inujima Seirensho Art Museum," which utilizes the refinery's abandoned chimneys and brick walls as they are. The space, where industrial heritage that supported Japan's modernization, architecture, and modern art fuse perfectly, overwhelms visitors. "Art House Projects" are also scattered throughout the island, allowing you to walk around art that melts into the peaceful fishing village scenery. For travelers who want to immerse themselves in historical memories and silence, it is the best hideaway-like place.

Okayama
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Naoshima Island

Naoshima is an island floating in the Seto Inland Sea that attracts travelers from all over the world as a "Sacred Place for Modern Art." With the "Chichu Art Museum" designed by Tadao Ando and the "Art House Project" that revitalized old houses into art spaces, the entire island is like a museum. Yayoi Kusama's "Pumpkin" standing on the coast is an iconic scene of the island. The sudden appearance of avant-garde art pieces in the nature-rich island scenery provides an immersion that can only be tasted here. Touching the warm lives of local people while touring art—it is a...

Okayama
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Okayama Castle

Built in 1597, Okayama Castle is nicknamed "Ujo" (Crow Castle) due to its black-painted exterior walls. Its jet-black appearance exudes a heavy and valiant beauty, contrasting with the nearby white Himeji Castle. Inside, in addition to historical exhibits, there are corners to experience lord and princess costumes, and a workshop where you can experience "Bizen Pottery" clay throwing. From the top floor, you can overlook the adjacent Korakuen and Okayama city area, enjoying a superb view where samurai culture history and the modern cityscape fuse.

Okayama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Maniwa City

Located in northern Okayama Prefecture, Maniwa City is an area where grand nature and traditional culture coexist. Activities at "Hiruzen Kogen," one of Western Japan's leading highland resorts, and open-air baths at "Yubara Onsen" with its rustic atmosphere backed by a huge dam, are popular with adventurous travelers. On the other hand, in the "Katsuyama Streetscape Preservation District," where beautiful "noren" curtains color the town, you can enjoy traditional Japanese handiwork and sophisticated strolling. Sustainable town development in harmony with nature is progressing, making it a place to discover new charms of regional Japan.

Okayama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Misaki Town

Misaki Town is a place where you can encounter the original Satoyama landscape of Japan with rich greenery and terraced rice fields. Terraced fields selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields" are scattered here, and the geometric rural landscape that changes seasonally heals the hearts of visitors. This town is also known as the birthplace of "Tamago Kake Gohan" (raw egg on rice), and many people visit seeking simple but luxurious gourmet food using fresh eggs and local rice. Filled with hidden Japanese charms known to few, such as hiking in peaceful landscapes and industrial heritage mine...

Okayama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Tsuyama City

Tsuyama City is the central city of northern Okayama Prefecture, a city of history where the remnants of a castle town strongly remain. Its symbol, "Tsuyama Castle," is one of the best cherry blossom spots in Western Japan, and its towering, magnificent stone walls symbolize the strength of Japanese castle architecture. The "Joto Streetscape Preservation District," where Edo-period merchant houses line up, is ideal for those who want to enjoy quiet Japanese sentiment. Additionally, you can experience multi-layered charms such as unique food culture like "Tsuyama Hormone Udon" using fresh offal, and facilities where you can learn about railway heritage.

Okayama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Kitagishima Island

Kitagishima is known as the "Island of Stone," boasting the largest area in the Kasaoka Islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The "Kitagi Stone" quarried here is a top-quality product that has been used in historic Japanese structures such as the stone walls of Osaka Castle and the torii gate of Yasukuni Shrine. The quarry ruins still in operation are spectacular, and the contrast between the deep, vertically carved cliffs and the emerald green water has a mystical power reminiscent of ancient ruins. The unadorned daily life of a Japanese remote island remains, and cycling while feeling the sea breeze...

Okayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Fukiya Furusato Village

From the Edo period to the Meiji era, Fukiya Furusato Village was a special village that flourished through copper mining and the production of "Bengala," a red pigment made from iron oxide. The beautiful landscape, unified with copper-red Sekishu tiles and Bengala-colored walls, is designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Walking through the luxurious mansions built by wealthy merchants and the maze-like alleys, you can feel the prosperous appearance of Japan at that time. Bengala dyeing experiences are also popular. Hidden deep in the mountains, this "Red Town" is the best hideaway for photography...

Okayama
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Okayama

Okayama Prefecture

Okayama Prefecture is known as the "Land of Sunshine," boasting a mild climate, rich nature, and deep history. The area is dotted with spots where you can feel Japanese emotional scenery, such as Okayama Korakuen, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, and the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter with its beautiful white-walled streets. It is also attracting attention as a gateway to the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, as well as traditional industries like world-class Bizen pottery and high-quality Kojima denim. Famous as a production center for premium fruits like white peaches and Muscat grapes, it is a...

Okayama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Yamabuki Castle Ruins

A Sengoku-period mountain castle site built on the 291m-high Mt. Yogai, overlooking the Omori district in the center of Iwami Ginzan. As a military base for controlling the silver mine, it was a "stage of silver mine disputes" where powerful samurai like the Amago and Mori clans fought fiercely. While no castle buildings remain today, there are hiking trails leading to the summit and remains of fortifications (Kuruwa), allowing you to enjoy a hike while imagining the strategic castle structures of that time. The view from the top is magnificent, offering a complete overview of the World Heritage area. A...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Okubo-mabu Mine Shaft

The largest mine shaft (mabu) within the World Heritage site Iwami Ginzan. Unlike the Ryugenji Mabu, which is open to the general public, this is a more authentic site that can only be entered through limited guided tours. The experience of wearing a helmet and using a flashlight to explore the massive space—3m to 5m high—with vivid hand-dug marks and complex structures leading deep underground for silver mining is like a true adventure. The cool air still carries the traces of the incredible labor and passion of the people from that time. A special place for travelers wanting to feel...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Taikodani Inari Shrine

Situated on a mountain slope in Tsuwano Town, this magnificent shrine is counted among Japan's five major Inari shrines. The approach from the foot to the shrine is lined with about 1,000 vermilion "Torii" gates like a tunnel, boasting an overwhelming beauty and "Japaneseness" comparable to Fushimi Inari in Kyoto. After climbing the mountain through the torii gates, the shrine offers a panoramic view of the Tsuwano streetscape and SL steam trains, making it a top vantage point. Famous for finding lost items and fulfilling wishes, the unique culture of offering fried tofu is an interesting experience. The contrast between...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Mononobe Shrine

Located in Oda City, this is the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of Iwami Province, which has long gathered the deep faith of samurai as a god of both literary and military arts. The shrine buildings are among the largest in Japan for the "Kasuga-zukuri" style, and the heavy, dignified architectural style is well worth seeing. It is also known as a god of competition, attracting many who pray for success in sports or business. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, and in autumn, it is colored by foliage, offering a scene where Japanese traditional beauty and seasonal changes harmonize...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Susa Shrine

Enshrined in Izumo City, this shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, known from the "Yamata-no-Orochi" myth. Among numerous shrines, it is often introduced as "Japan's best power spot," attracting spiritual travelers from around the world. The top highlight is the "Great Cedar," a giant 1300-year-old tree soaring behind the main hall. Its overwhelming life force and the dignified, serene atmosphere enveloping the entire precincts instantly purify the hearts of visitors. Although lacking gaudy decorations, it is a place where one can most intensely feel the original form of Japanese nature worship—a quintessential sanctuary for those seeking deep spiritual peace and intense...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Gotsu City

Located where the Gōno River, the largest in the Chugoku region, flows into the Sea of Japan, this city has developed since ancient times through the blessings of water. The streetscape of "Iraka Street," lined with specialized red Sekishu tiles, conveys a powerful color beauty unique to the San'in region. Recently, it has gained attention as a city where highly sensitive people gather, focusing on "slow life" utilizing rich nature and creative activities in old buildings. With plenty of healing spots like the 1300-year-old "Arifuku Onsen" and panoramic views of the Sea of Japan, it is a must-visit for those...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter