Top 25 Scenic Spots in Okayama Prefecture!

Start with Hiruzen’s breezy plateau, then Seto sunsets at Mt. Washu and Mt. Ojigadake, Ushimado, Matsuyama Castle’s cloud sea, Kanba Falls—30 Okayama views.

Hiruzen Highlands is the perfect place to kick off an Okayama scenic trip. Wide green meadows, grazing cattle, and cycling routes with views toward Mt. Daisen make it feel spacious and refreshing, and you can top it off with dairy sweets or Hiruzen-style yakisoba. Northern Okayama is dotted with seasonal scenic spots: the fall colors along the Okutsu Gorge, the powerful Kanba Waterfall, and the mysterious Ikura and Maki limestone caves. On misty mornings, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle can appear to be floating in a sea of clouds, and the old mountain fortress of Kinojo offers sweeping ridge-line panoramas.

Head down toward the Seto Inland Sea and the mood shifts to coastal views. Mt. Washu looking out to the Great Seto Bridge, the granite boulders of Mt. Ojigadake, and the island-dotted scenery of Ushimado are especially stunning at sunset—no wonder people call it “the Aegean of Japan.” At Shibukawa Beach you can feel the sea breeze, then enjoy local seafood: octopus in Shimotsui, winter oysters and oyster okonomiyaki (“kaki-oko”) in Hinase. Island-hopping to Inujima for contemporary art, strolling through Kojima’s denim town, or taking a small boat out from Uno Port or to the Hinase islands gives you that slow, relaxing Seto Inland Sea vibe.

Don’t skip the photogenic mountain towns either. The preserved streets of Katsuyama and the red-ochre roofs of Fukiya Village look beautiful against the surrounding greenery and are great for walking shots. Finish your day at Yubara Onsen’s riverside open-air “sunayu” bath, and you’ll have experienced the full range of Okayama scenery—highlands, gorges, the Seto coast, and historic townscapes. Classic spots like Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and Okayama Korakuen still fit nicely if you add them to this “best views of Okayama” route.