My trip to Okayama allowed me to spend some quiet time with my family. The beauty of the historical gardens, the chic streets, the famous half-pig rice bowl, and the experience of making your own pair of jeans. All of these moments were precious, and here are some of the things I discovered with my family on this trip that I would recommend to anyone looking to enjoy the best of Okayama. Whether it’s the serenity of Korakuen Park, the retro vibe of Kurashiki, relaxing in a cozy hotel, or sampling the local cuisine, you’ll love everything about Okayama. Why not make memories with your family and friends?
Morning: Start your journey at Okayama Korakuen
In the morning, your first stop after getting off at Okayama station is Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the top three gardens in Japan. The garden was created by the lord of Okayama around 300 years ago, and is a charming landscape with large lawns, ponds, and seasonal flowers. It was fall when we visited, and we were fascinated by the reflection of the fall leaves in the water. The children were enthusiastic about feeding the koi fish in the pond, saying “look how big they are! I admired the view of Mount Yushin and took a family photo with my husband, with Okayama Castle in the background. It was also a special experience to spend some quiet time with a cup of green tea at the tea room in the garden. Korakuen is an ideal place for families and couples to relax.
The admission price is affordable: 410 yen for adults and 210 yen for children. You can buy a combined ticket with Okayama Castle (630 yen) to visit both. The park opens at 8 am, so if you come early in the morning, you can enjoy a quieter and less crowded park. For opening times (March 20 to September 30: 7.30 am – 6 pm, October 1 to October 19: 8 am – 5 pm) and information on events, please visit the official website ( Okayama Korakuen Garden).
Lunch: Nomura Katsudon, Okayama’s specialty, half katsudon.
After spending two hours in Korakuen Park, head to Nomura Katsudon for lunch, in search of Okayama’s signature dish, demi-katsudon. Located about a seven-minute walk from Okayama Station, the restaurant is close to Momotaro Boulevard and is considered by locals to be the birthplace of demi tonkatsu. The interior is cozy and, as I sit at the bar, the aromas wafting from the kitchen heighten my anticipation. The half-tonkatsu rice bowl (¥950 for a bowl of rice) I ordered was filled with crispy slices of pork and a rich demi-glace sauce. The edamame added a splash of color and the whole thing was very appetizing to look at and eat. My children’s eyes lit up as soon as they saw the cutlet, exclaiming, “It’s huge!” and my husband was delighted, saying, “The balance between the sauce and the rice is perfect”. I was also impressed by the sweet and rich flavor of the sauce. The cabbage was refreshing and, despite the large portion, not too heavy. We shared it with our family and enjoyed the taste of Okayama’s culinary culture.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 3pm and for dinner on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays. It is a popular restaurant, so if you arrive before 12 noon, you won’t have to wait long. For more information, visit the official website (Katsudon Nomura ). Shrimp rice and mamakari sushi are great options if you’re looking for a hearty meal in Okayama, but half katsudon is a dish the whole family can enjoy.
Afternoon: rest and relaxation at Granvia Okayama hotel.
After lunch, check in to Hotel Granvia Okayama for a restful afternoon. Directly connected to Okayama station, this hotel was an ideal starting point for our trip. The living room was spacious and I breathed a sigh of relief to find the kids sleeping comfortably in their beds. From the window we could see Korakuen Garden and the lights of Okayama Castle, and the nighttime atmosphere added to the memories of our trip. Dinner was served at the hotel’s buffet restaurant, with fresh Okayama vegetables and seafood. Pickled makari and desserts made from local fruit were a big hit with the kids, who were pleasantly surprised by the sweetness of the mini tomatoes. The breakfast buffet was impressive, with freshly baked croissants and Okayama peach juice. The warm hospitality of the staff made our stay enjoyable and relaxing for the whole family. The hotel is directly connected to the train station, making it easy to get around, even with lots of luggage.
Accommodation rates start from around ¥20,000 per night, including breakfast. Early booking discounts are also available. For more information, visit the official website (Hotel Granvia Okayama ). With easy access to Korakuen Park and Kurashiki, this hotel is also an ideal place to stay for sightseeing.
Morning: cowboy workshop in the historic village of Kurashiki Bikan.
After fueling up with breakfast, take the 20-minute train ride to the historic district of Kurashiki Bikan. The white-walled warehouses and willow-lined streets give a sense of being back in the Edo period. My family enjoyed the Kurashiki denim workshop. At this workshop located in the historic Bikan district, we took an hour-long course (about 3,000 yen per person) to make small denim bags. I was also impressed by the depth of denim culture in Okayama. The artisans guided us carefully, which meant even beginners could complete their creations happily. I still use the bag I made as a souvenir of my trip. Afterwards, we had the opportunity to explore the artworks at the Ohara Art Museum, admiring works by Monet and Elle. The kids played in the museum garden while the whole family discovered culture and history.
Entry to the historic district of Bikan is free, and it’s great fun to stroll around. Admission to the Ohara Museum of Art is ¥1,500 for adults. For more information, visit the official website (Kurashiki Tourism Association ). Visit in the morning for a more relaxing experience.
Tips for a smooth trip
To make the most of your trip to Okayama, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is best to go to Okayama station by train and tram. You can visit Korakuen and Kurashiki parks in one day, but if you are traveling with children, it is more practical to take a taxi. Visit Korakuen in the morning to enjoy the peace and quiet of the park. In the historic district of Kurashiki Bikan, you can stroll around in comfortable shoes and bring snacks for the kids. The half katsudon is delicious, so grab it for lunch and balance it with the hotel’s light menu for dinner. Granvia Okayama is directly connected to the train station and has a luggage storage service, so I was able to enjoy sightseeing without feeling rushed. Check out the seasonal events (Korakuen Garden Light Up, Kurashiki Denim Fest) on the official website to make your trip even more enjoyable.
As a small town, the relaxed itinerary is refreshing. The smiling faces of families and the warmth of the locals reminded me of the value of traveling. The kids said to me, “I want to come back again” while carrying their bags.
Summary of personal wisdom
Our trip to Okayama gave us the spiritual and emotional enrichment that we cherish at Private Wisdom. The serene beauty of Korakuen Park was soothing, while the retro streets of the historic Kurashiki Bikan district gave the family a taste of history and art. Half a katsudon (a bowl of rice with pork cutlet) at Nomura Katsudon epitomizes Okayama’s warm culinary culture, while the comfort of the Granvia Okayama hotel eases travel fatigue. The denim workshop was a wonderful opportunity to discover the joy of making your own denim and the proud culture of Okayama. This trip left an unforgettable impression, and I encourage you to discover the peaceful charm of Okayama and take your family or loved ones on a heartwarming journey. Tell us about your favorite Okayama travel experience in the comments.
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