This garden created roughly 300 years ago by a local daimyo (feudal lord) is considered one of Japan’s three great gardens. Its vast lawns, artificial hills, waterways and paths leading to the tea room provide the perfect setting for a scenic stroll.

Originally constructed in 1597, this castle was rebuilt in 1966 after it was destroyed in WWII. It is sometimes referred to as “U-jo” (Crow Castle) due to its black exterior walls. The 6th floor castle tower offers spectacular views over nearby Korakuen Garden and Okayama City.

As the largest zoo in the prefecture, this facility houses more than 100 species of rare and exotic animals, such as the hugely popular red pandas and flamingos. It is also a wonderful oasis of natural beauty that is surrounded by mountains.

This museum introduces artworks related to the region, its collection based around the idea of appreciating the beauty of one’s birthplace. It promotes artistic development in the prefecture and hosts a program of lectures and workshops led by curators and guest speakers.

This museum is one of only a small number of institutions throughout Japan that specializes in oriental art, its collection focusing on archaeological pieces from Western Asia that date from ancient times right through to the beginning of the modern period. The museum building itself is also well worth a look.

This area made its mark during the 17th century while prospering as a center of trade under direct control of the Edo shogunate. The traditional white-walled houses that remain well preserved to this day are typical of the period, and the stunning tree-lined canal now hosts galleries and various shops, some of which stock brands that began here in Kurashiki.

This toy themed amusement park is every child’s dream! There’s an indoor pavilion ideal for rainy days where children can enjoy playing with all kinds of toys. The 60-meter high ferris wheel, which offers fantastic views of the Seto Inland Sea on a clear day, also comes highly recommended.

This private museum built in 1930 to house a world-class art collection is located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical District. The forward-looking museum was the first institution in Japan to focus on Western art and is home to works by renowned art greats such as El Greco, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse.

This area became the first ever national park in Japan. Mount Washuzan is named after its shape, as it resembles an eagle (“washi”) spreading its wings (“u”). The summit, known as “Shoshuho,” offers an amazing view of the Great Seto Bridge, as well as the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. Sunset is one of the best times to enjoy this view.