Travel Guide to Okayama, Japan

Okayama is an important transportation and education center in Japan, as well as a city with rich cultural heritage and complex history. It was founded in 1889 and was considered a major industrial area. During the years of the Second World War the city was completely destroyed and so it had to be completely rebuilt. Today Okayama is very attractive in terms of tourism; here you will find numerous attractive buildings, cultural centers and entertainments.

The Museum of Art is one of the most beautiful buildings, where guests can look at collections of paintings by prominent Japanese artists. The building is located on a small hill and looks like an ancient temple. This is a majestic and graceful place. Hayashibara Museum of Art is no less remarkable. In addition to the exhibition of paintings, several rooms of the museum are devoted to collections of antique furniture, knives and national costumes. Many of the items exhibited in this museum are considered national treasures.

Besides numerous cultural institutions Okayama is famous for a magnificent nature reserve, which is called Korakuen Garden. It was founded back in 1700. Nowadays you can see numerous unusual plants, large ponds and canals, as well as artificial islands in this garden. In the center of this national park you will see Okayama Castle, which is surrounded by cherry and apricot groves. In the garden are built several tea houses, where visitors can make a break and enjoy the tea ceremony. Today the castle is turned into a museum that exhibits collections of weapons and armor, which have been used by samurai. Tourists should also visit Yumedji Art Museum where they will find a large exposition of amazing landscapes, and the Museum of East that features a rich collection of ancient artifacts. Lovers of classical music will definitely enjoy visiting the Symphonic Concert Hall.