A road trip from Okayama to Kagawa : A itinerary to enjoy Japanese gardens, Setouchi islands, stunning scenery, and gourmet food.

A wide-ranging tour of the Seto Inland Sea , visiting Okayama and Kagawa Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter . We introduce recommended spots where you can enjoy stunning bridges, gardens, and island scenery, along with local cuisine, including Seto Ohashi Bridge Okayama Korakuen Garden Quarter, Okayama Korakuen Garden, Seto Ohashi Memorial Park, Shodoshima Garden, and Angel Road and Olive Park on Shodoshima Island.

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Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Okayama Prefecture is located in the Center of Western Japan and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It's conveniently located halfway between famous tourist destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It's also the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Okayama," and the fruits that are sun-drenched in the warm climate of the Setouchi are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-class tourist spots, including Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which boasts history, culture, and art!

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• Table of Contents
• The allure of a wide-area tour around the Seto Inland Sea
• Enjoy history and gardens in Okayama
• Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
• Okayama Castle
• Okayama Korakuen Garden
• To a breathtaking view overlooking the Setouchi | Mt. Washuzan , a must-visit before crossing over to Kagawa
• Enjoy the scenery of the Setouchi in Kagawa
• Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Park
• Ritsurin Garden
• Enjoy an island trip to Shodoshima
• Angel Road
• Shodoshima Olive Park Roadside Station
• Twenty-Four Eyes Film Village
• Kankakei Gorge
• Kinryo Soy soy sauce
• Setouchi cuisine
• access
• Recommended travel season
• summary
• FAQ

The allure of a wide-area tour around the Seto Inland Sea

Above Mt. Washuzan

Okayama Prefecture and Kagawa Prefecture face each other across the Seto Inland Sea, making them an easily accessible tourist area by combining bridges and ferries.

The Seto Ohashi Bridge , connecting Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture and Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture , is part of a series of bridges approximately 13 km long that link Honshu and Shikoku, weaving its way through the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the calm sea and the many islands that make up the "Tashimabi" landscape.

Furthermore, you can access Shodoshima in the Seto Inland Sea by taking a ferry from Takamatsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture or Shin Okayama Port in Okayama Prefecture . The biggest appeal of this wide-area sightseeing route is that you can enjoy both driving across bridges and taking ferries across the sea.

You can experience the diverse charms of the Seto Inland Sea in a single trip, including the history and culture of Okayama, the garden culture of Kagawa, and the nature and food culture of Shodoshima .

Enjoy history and gardens in Okayama

Okayama Prefecture boasts numerous tourist attractions where you can experience Japanese history and culture. From the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which retains the streetscape of the Edo period (around 1603-1868), to Okayama Castle, which conveys the atmosphere of the Sengoku Okayama Castle (late 15th to late 16th century, an era when Japanese warlords fought battles throughout the country), and Okayama Korakuen Garden Three Great Gardens of Japan 's three most famous gardens (three representative daimyo gardens), Okayama is home to many places where you can experience traditional Japanese landscapes and garden culture.

Okayama's charm lies in its relaxed atmosphere, allowing visitors to stroll through historic streets and enjoy the seasonal scenery in beautiful Japanese gardens. Blessed with a mild climate along the Seto Inland Sea, it offers different scenery in each season, from the fresh greenery of spring to the vibrant autumn foliage.

Here, we introduce some of Okayama's most representative historical and garden spots.

Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Website

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a representative historical district of Okayama Prefecture, lined with white-walled storehouses and townhouses. The townscape from the Edo period to the Meiji period remains, and willow trees line the Kurashiki.

The scenery of riverboats slowly making their way along the cobblestone streets is popular for its distinctly Japanese atmosphere. The area also boasts many attractions, including the Ohara Museum of Art, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to enjoy sightseeing while strolling around.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

710-0046 1-4-8 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

[Beautiful white-walled streets with a hint of history and art] Kurashiki Bikan Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter where you can enjoy quaint scenery, such as white-walled storehouses, namako walls, and rows of willow trees. The streets created by traditional buildings and the retro-modern scenery along the Kurashiki continue to fascinate people from all over the world. Lined with stylish shops selling Kurashiki brands such as " Kurashiki Hanpu" and "Kurashiki Denim ," as well as cafes renovated from traditional townhouses, the area is bustling with tourists all year round. There are also many cultural facilities such as the " Ohara Museum of Art " and "Ivy Square," so you won't get bored even if you spend the whole day exploring the area. We also recommend the " Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Nighttime Landscape Lighting" produced by the world-renowned lighting designer, Ishii Ishii. The special nighttime production, colored with an elegant sensibility, gracefully reflects the townhouses, white-walled buildings, and retro Western-style buildings, allowing you to enjoy a different view from the daytime. Traditional paper lanterns are available for rental (free of charge, limited number) exclusively to guests staying at participating facilities. Enjoy a stroll through Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter at night, lit up by the lights.

Okayama Castle

Okayama Castle was built during the Sengoku period (Warring States period) and is also known by the nickname "Ujo (Crow Castle)" (Crow Castle) due to its black exterior.

The current castle tower is a reconstruction, but the interior houses exhibits showcasing Okayama's history and the culture of its castle town. From the top floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Asahikawa and Korakuen Garden.

Okayama Castle【Ujo (Crow Castle)】

2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture Kita Ward,...

This castle was built by Ukita Hideie, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and one of the Five Elders of Toyotomi. The unusual scalene pentagonal, three-story, six-storey castle tower has a dignified appearance, and its black clapboard exterior has earned it the nickname "Ujo Ujo (Crow Castle)." From the Mogami, you can look down on the Asahikawa, and enjoy a 360-degree view of Okayama Korakuen Garden and the city. The original castle tower was destroyed in an air raid in 1945 (Showa 20), but has now been rebuilt, with the lord's room and other areas restored. On the first floor, there is a Bizen Pottery workshop where you can try your hand at clay twisting. In addition, the popular " U-jo (Crow Castle)Togenkyo " event is held in spring, summer and autumn, where the Okayama Castle tower and surrounding area are lit up.

Okayama Korakuen Garden

Okayama Korakuen Garden is a daimyo garden and is considered one of Three Great Gardens of Japan gardens. It was built by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the lord of the Okayama domain during the Edo period.

This open garden features a large lawn, a pond, artificial hills, and tea plantations, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of each season. It is within walking distance of Okayama Castle and is a representative tourist spot in Okayama.

Okayama Korakuen Garden

703-8257 1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

A large garden built by Tsunamasa Ikeda, the second lord of the Okayama domain, as a place for relaxation. The spacious garden, decorated with seasonal flowers, is a different world just like the Edo period. In 1952, it was designated as a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty” as a historical and cultural heritage site, and received a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Various events are held throughout the four seasons, such as tea gathering and moon viewing, and for a limited time, you can enjoy the ``Fantasy Garden,'' which is specially opened at night and lights up the garden in a different way than during the day. Volunteer guides (free of charge) are also popular with tourists.

To a breathtaking view overlooking the Setouchi | Mt. Washuzan , a must-visit before crossing over to Kagawa

If you're heading to Kagawa across the Seto Ohashi Bridge , you should definitely stop by Mt. Washuzan beforehand. It's known as one of Okayama 's most spectacular viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge .

From the mountaintop and observation decks, you can enjoy both the tranquil scenery unique to the Setouchi, with its numerous islands of varying sizes, and the dynamic Seto Ohashi Bridge. The scenery changes depending on the time of day, and especially at sunset, a fantastical landscape unfolds as the sea and sky are beautifully colored.

Before embarking on your journey Setouchi, why not start by enjoying the scenery and getting yourself in the mood?

Mt. Washuzan

1-1 Shimozuidanoura, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0925

Mt. Washu is known as a representative scenic spot in Seto Inland Sea National Park, which became Japan's first national park. The name comes from its resemblance to an eagle with its wings spread. The panoramic view of the blue sea and Seto Ohashi Bridge from there is truly spectacular. There is a promenade from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain, so it's fun to take a walk while admiring one of the most beautiful islands in the Seto Inland Sea! It has been selected as one of ``Japan's Top 100 Sunsets'' as a place where you can see the finest sunset view.

Washuzan Observation Deck

Shimotsuidanoura, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0925

This observation deck is located near the summit of Mt. Washuzan, which is a representative scenic spot in Seto Inland Sea National Park and is also designated as a nationally designated scenic spot. There are two locations near Washuzan Rest House and Washuzan Visitor Center. It is a popular viewing spot where you can see the idyllic islands of Seto Inland Sea, the majestic Seto Ohashi Bridge, and even Shikoku on the opposite shore.

Enjoy the scenery of the Setouchi in Kagawa

Kagawa Prefecture is a region that boasts beautiful scenery created by the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea Sea and its many islands. The Seto Ohashi Bridge (a series of bridges approximately 13 km long that opened in 1988) connects Honshu and Shikoku, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique scenery of the Setouchi with its expansive sea and islands.

Around the bridge, there are parks and observation spots where you can get a close look at the Seto Ohashi Bridge and experience the magnificent scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Also, at Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu City(a Japanese garden developed during the Edo period, from the 1600s to the 1800s), you can enjoy the scenery of a beautifully arranged Japanese garden with ponds, artificial hills, and pine trees.

Here, we introduce some of Kagawa 's most representative spots where you can experience the breathtaking scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and the culture of Japanese gardens.

Kagawa Prefecture Official Tourism Website

Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Park

Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Park is a popular spot on the Kagawa Prefecture side where you can get a close-up view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge .

The park features a large lawn area and water features, offering magnificent views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the Seto Inland Sea. It's a great place to stop by during a drive and truly appreciate the scale of the bridge.

Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Park Official Website

Ritsurin Garden

Ritsurin Garden is a Japanese garden designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, located in Takamatsu City.

As one of the largest cultural heritage gardens in Japan, it boasts a vast area with six ponds and thirteen artificial hills, and approximately 1,400 pine trees creating a beautiful landscape. Visitors can also enjoy matcha tea ceremonies and traditional Japanese boat rides within the garden, allowing them to leisurely enjoy Japanese garden culture.

Ritsurin Garden

760-0073 1-20-16 Ritsurin-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture

Ritsurin Garden is a Japanese garden consisting of six ponds and thirteen artificial hills. Mount Shiun stands tall in the background, integrating with the garden to create a magnificent landscape. The illumination in autumn is particularly noteworthy. The bright red leaves are illuminated, and the park is enveloped in a mystical atmosphere.

Enjoy an island trip to Shodoshima

Shodoshima Island, accessible by ferry from Takamatsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture , is the second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and a popular tourist destination known for its natural scenery and unique food culture. Blessed with a mild climate, the island has fostered a culture that takes advantage of the Setouchi 's climate, including olive cultivation and soy sauce production.

The island is dotted with spots where you can enjoy unique island scenery, such as Angel Road, a sandy path that appears from the sea at low tide, and Shodoshima Olive Park, which spreads across a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea . Furthermore, Shodoshima's charm lies in the fact that you can enjoy nature, history, and food culture all at once, with attractions such as Shodoshima Gorge, known for its valley scenery, and facilities where you can experience soy sauce culture.

Here, we introduce the highlights of Shodoshima , where you can fully enjoy a trip to an island in the Seto Inland Sea .

Shodoshima Tourism Association Official Website

Angel Road

Angel Road is a sandy path that only appears from the sea at low tide. It is said that if you cross it hand in hand with someone special, your wish will come true.

Because the scenery changes with the ebb and flow of the tides, this is one of Shodoshima's most representative scenic spots, where you can enjoy different views depending on the time of day you visit.

Angel Road

24-92, Ko, Tonosho Town, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture 761-410

Angel Road is a mysterious sand road that appears and disappears depending on the tides. The time the sand road appears varies each day depending on the tides, so we recommend checking the tide table in advance and planning your schedule.

Shodoshima Olive Park Roadside Station

Shodoshima Olive Park Roadside Station is a roadside station park surrounded by approximately 2,000 olive trees spread across a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.

The landscape, featuring Greek-style white windmills and rows of olive trees, harmonizes beautifully with the tranquil scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, making it a popular photo spot.

Roadside Station Shodoshima Olive Park

1941-1 Nishimura, Shodoshima Town, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture...

The garden, which spreads out on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, is home to approximately 2,000 olive trees and over 130 types of herbs. The set used in the filming of the live-action version of Kiki's Delivery Service is now open as a general store, allowing you to enjoy the world of the film. The garden also offers free rental of "magic brooms," allowing you to take photos pretending to be Kiki, the main character from the film.

Twenty-Four Eyes Film Village

This facility recreates the world of the classic film "Twenty-Four Eyes," which is set on Shodoshima. The scenery of a school and village from the early Showa period has been recreated, and you can enjoy old-fashioned school lunches at the restaurant inside the facility, allowing you to experience the lifestyle of old Japan and the culture of the seaside.

Twenty-Four Eyes Film Village Official Website

Kankakei Gorge

Kankakei Gorge is one of Japan's three most beautiful gorges and a symbol of the Seto Inland Sea National Park. The Kankakei Ropeway, which connects the foot of the mountain to the summit, is the only ropeway in Japan where you can enjoy views of the sky, sea, and gorge all at once.

Taking the ropeway, you can reach the mountaintop in about 5 minutes and enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. It's a particularly popular spot during the autumn foliage season, attracting many tourists.

Kankakei

Kamikake Street, Shodoshima Town, Shozu District , Kagawa Prefecture 7...

Kankakei

Kinryo Soy soy sauce

Shodoshima has long been a region where soy sauce production thrives, and the tradition of brewing in wooden barrels still remains today.

Kinryo soy sauce is made in cedar barrels located in a registered cultural property warehouse, aged and fermented for two to three years, and is rarely sold outside the island. By experiencing the traditional flavor created by the warm climate of the Setouchi and its fermentation culture, you can gain a deeper understanding of the island's food culture.

Kinryo soy sauce Official Website

Setouchi cuisine

The Setouchi region, blessed with a mild climate and abundant marine resources, has fostered a diverse food culture. Okayama, Kagawa, and Shodoshima each have their own unique charm, and a major feature is the opportunity to enjoy food while driving around the area.

Okayama| Seasonal fruits and seafood

Okayama is known as a "Fruit Kingdom," and its White Peach and Muscat Grape are highly popular throughout Japan. In the summer, parfaits and sweets made with seasonal fruits can be enjoyed in various locations, making it one of the highlights of sightseeing. In addition, seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea is abundant, and visitors can enjoy fresh sashimi and sushi.

Kagawa| Authentic Sanuki Udon Culture

Kagawa Prefecture is famous for its Sanuki udon, characterized by its firm noodles and simple broth. Many restaurants offer a self-service style, making it easy to compare different types of udon. Numerous famous restaurants are scattered around Takamatsu, and "udon hopping," visiting several restaurants in one day, is a popular way to enjoy the area.

Furthermore, Shodoshima boasts a distinctive food culture that takes advantage of the Setouchi climate, featuring olives and soy sauce . Food-themed tourism is abundant, including dishes and sweets made with olive oil, and tours of traditional soy sauce breweries. The island also has many cafes and restaurants serving dishes made with local ingredients, making the culinary experience truly special.

access

From Okayama to Kagawa(by car)

The most common route from Okayama Prefecture to Kagawa Prefecture is via the Seto- Chuo Expressway, crossing the Seto Seto Ohashi Bridge. From the bridge, you can enjoy a scenic drive with views of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The drive from Okayama City to Takamatsu City takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

From Okayama to Kagawa(by train)

From JR Okayama Station, you can take the Rapid Marine Liner train, which crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge to reach Sakaide Station and Takamatsu Station. The journey to Takamatsu Station takes approximately one hour.

JR Odekake Net | Marine Liner

From Takamatsu Port to Shodoshima(ferry)

The ferry ride from Takamatsu Port to Tonosho Port on Shodoshima takes about an hour. The fare for foot passengers is 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for children.

Jumbo Ferry | Official Website

From Okayama to Shodoshima(by ferry)

The ferry ride from Shin Okayama Port in Okayama Prefecture to Tonosho Port on Shodoshima Island takes approximately 70 minutes. Passenger fares are 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children.

Shodoshima Ferry | Official Website

Kankakei Ropeway

The Kankakei Ropeway takes approximately 5 minutes from the base station (Kountei Station) to the summit station. Round-trip fares range from 2,160 yen to 2,700 yen for adults, depending on the season.

Kankakei Ropeway | Official Website

Recommended travel season

The Okayama and Kagawa areas offer different charms in each season, and the way you enjoy them varies greatly depending on when you visit. It's recommended to choose the best season to suit your purpose.

Spring (late March to May)

Spring is a beautiful season with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, and it's when the charm of gardens and scenic spots is at its peak. At Okayama Korakuen Garden and Kagawa Ritsurin Garden, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms and Japanese gardens at the same time. The weather is also mild, making it ideal for a road trip.

Summer to early autumn (June to September)

From summer to early autumn, it's the perfect season to enjoy seasonal fruits like Okayama's White Peach and Muscat Grape. The blue waters and islands of the Seto Inland Sea are particularly beautiful during this time, making it ideal for scenic drives and island hopping. It's recommended to take precautions against the heat while sightseeing.

Autumn (October to November)

Autumn is a time when many places are famous for their autumn foliage, and Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima, in particular, is known as one of Japan's leading spots for viewing autumn leaves. The view of the gorge from the ropeway is breathtaking and is a popular spot for photography. The weather is also pleasant, making it the perfect season for sightseeing.

If you're unsure which time to visit, we recommend spring or autumn, when the weather is stable and the scenery is beautiful.

summary

A wide-ranging tour of the Seto Inland Sea , encompassing Okayama and Kagawa , allows you to enjoy the historic townscape of Kurashiki, the beauty of Japanese gardens, the spectacular views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, the island scenery and valleys of Shodoshima, and the local food culture, including soy sauce and olives, all in one place.

Driving across bridges, taking ferries to islands, strolling through gardens and historical districts—the journey itself is a part of the charm of traveling in the Setouchi.

For travelers visiting Okayama or Kagawa, this wide-area route will allow you to experience the charm of the Seto Inland Sea more deeply.

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