Continuing from Chugoku Winter Itinerary Day 1 - 3: Tottori & Okayama

Day 4: Okayama (Kojima District, Kurashiki City)

RIDE | From Kurashiki to Kojima

Take a local JR train from Kurashiki to Okayama and transfer to the Seto-Ohashi Line for Kojima – the entire journey takes about 45 minutes. The route offers scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea as you approach Kojima, known as the birthplace of Japan’s denim culture. Alternatively, travelers can take a local bus from Kurashiki to Kojima, which takes about one hour.

Kojima Jeans Street

EXPLORE | Denim, design, and local craft

Before heading south, take a relaxing morning stroll around Kurashiki Ivy Square, a red-brick complex filled with cafés, boutiques, and museums set within former textile mills. Then, make your way to Kojima Jeans Street and the Betty Smith Jeans Museum, where Japan’s denim story began. Browse through craft shops, watch artisans at work, and even try your hand at making your own pair of jeans – a fun way to bring home a unique handmade souvenir.

Kojima tako shio yakisoba (octopus fried noodle). Photo credit: Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

SEASONAL DELIGHT | Warm delicacy by the sea

After exploring, sample local favorites such as Kojima tako-ten (octopus tempura), Kojima tako shio yakisoba (octopus fried noodle) or a steaming bowl of Kojima udon, a comforting winter dish. As the day comes to a close, travel back to Okayama City for the night, where a wide range of dining and shopping options await.

Day 5: Hiroshima (Hiroshima City)

RIDE | From Okayama to Hiroshima

Take a quick and comfortable 40-minute ride on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Okayama to Hiroshima. It’s an easy day trip that connects two of western Japan’s most vibrant cities, letting you experience Hiroshima’s moving history, modern energy, and winter delectables all in one day.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

EXPLORE | Peace, reflection, and city views

Begin at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a tranquil space dedicated to remembrance and hope. Stroll through the park’s tree-lined paths to see the A-Bomb Dome, one of the few structures that survived the 1945 bombing and now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearby Peace Memorial Museum offers moving exhibits that tell the story of Hiroshima’s past and its enduring message of peace for future generations.

After this reflective visit, continue exploring Hiroshima’s vibrant cityscape. Stop by Hiroshima Castle, a graceful reconstruction surrounded by a moat and cherry trees that offers a glimpse into the city’s samurai-era history. Then, make your way up to Orizuru Tower for sweeping city views and the chance to fold a paper crane – a heartfelt symbol of peace and hope – to add to the building’s colorful glass wall. You may also purchase various paper crane inspired accessories from the souvenir shop located on the ground floor of Orizuru Tower.

Okonomiyaki Teppei serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

SEASONAL DELIGHT | Savory and seasonal Hiroshima

No visit to Hiroshima is complete without Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which is a hearty layered pancake with noodles, cabbage, egg, and sauce. Try a hands-on okonomiyaki-making session at OKOSTA, located right by Hiroshima Station. In winter, the city’s other culinary highlight is its fresh oysters, best enjoyed grilled at fishermen’s huts near the station or at local seafood markets. After a full day, return to Okayama City for a restful night.

Day 6: Okayama (Okayama City)

RIDE | Getting around Okayama

Spend your final day exploring Okayama, a city known for its beautiful gardens, historic castle, and easygoing pace. Local trains and buses make it simple to move between the city’s main attractions, while many sights are also within pleasant walking distance from central Okayama.

Kibitsu Shrine’s 400-meter wooden corridor. Photo credit: Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden in autumn.

EXPLORE | Gardens, castles, and sacred corridors

Begin at Kibitsu Shrine, famous for its striking 400-meter wooden corridor and scenic mountain setting. The shrine is said to be linked to the legend of Momotaro, the “Peach Boy” hero of Japanese folklore. Next, visit Okayama Castle, nicknamed the “Crow Castle” for its black exterior, and take a stroll through Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Its wide lawns, teahouses, and seasonal scenery make it an ideal spot for a calm afternoon walk before wrapping up your journey.

Demi-Glace Katsudon. Photo credit: Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation

SEASONAL DELIGHT | A taste of Okayama

Before heading home, treat yourself to a comforting demi-glace katsudon, Okayama’s local twist on katsudon with crispy tonkatsu and a rich brown sauce. In winter, you can also enjoy seasonal fish from the Seto Inland Sea, especially sawara (Spanish mackerel), a regional favorite often served grilled or in warm dishes.

As your journey through Chugoku comes to an end, may the sights, flavors, and slow beauty of Japan’s west inspire A Japan For You to discover next.