Culture of Okayama. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Okayama Castle is considered the main historical and architectural symbol of Okayama. The exact date of its construction remains unknown, while the first official mention of the castle appears in the middle of the 14th century. From the moment of construction, the castle was used for defensive purposes. Originally, it was distinguished by an enormous scale. Besides the donjon, its structure consisted of more than 20 gates and 34 towers. In the 14th century, it was one of the largest castles in the world. Over the centuries, it has gone through many battles and has been repeatedly destroyed and restored.
Okayama has many Japanese restaurants where you can try traditional regional dishes. However, tourists are much more interested in food markets and street stalls where they sell exotic local … Open
Today, the castle houses a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the province. Among the exhibits presented here are archaeological and historical artifacts, art collections, and antique furniture. Visitors to the castle will find many interesting entertainments. They will be able to visit the tea room and try the best varieties of tea brewed in antique ceramics. The castle also houses a souvenir shop where you can buy lovely handicrafts. Okayama Castle is located in a beautiful park, a walk along which is an indispensable part of the tour.
Kōraku-en Park is an outstanding historical attraction itself. It is considered one of the three most famous landscape parks in Japan. The area of the park is 13 hectares, and work on its foundation started back in 1687. The park was opened to the public only at the end of the 19th century. Many of its original elements and decorations have been preserved to our days. Apart from age-old trees and ornamental plants, visitors to the park can see several ponds inhabited by fish and turtles. The well-designed park became home to various bird species, and traditional Japanese-style structures are among its main decorations. The park was badly damaged during the Second World War, but thanks to the preserved ancient mock-ups and drawings, it was possible to restore its original appearance. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Okayama will be a great vacation destination for travelers who have long dreamed of getting closer to the traditions and culture of Japan. The national color is felt in everything, including … Open
Okayama has one of the largest concert halls in Japan - Okayama Symphony Hall. Opened in 1991, the hall can accommodate up to 2,000 visitors at a time. Okayama Symphony Hall hosts all kinds of cultural performances. Here you can watch symphony concerts, performances by local folk groups and contemporary musicians. The Okayama Symphony Hall building is a remarkable monument of modern architecture. Its facade is decorated with mirror tiles making the whole building look especially impressive on a sunny day. The area of the concert hall is very popular among tourists who can choose from a variety of cafes and souvenir shops.
A must-have for fans of unusual tours is the Museum of Pears located within the province. The name of the museum speaks for itself. For over a hundred years, Okayama farmers have grown special varieties of pears, which are the real pride of the local agriculture. Among the museum's main exhibits are samples of various types of pears that were brought here from different parts of the world.
Okayama will appeal to hiking and nature enthusiasts who will have many beautiful gardens to explore in the prefecture. A great place to relax in the fresh air is Omizu en, a historic garden … Open
The most unusual exhibit is a large pear tree, which grows right in the middle of the museum. It was grown in such a way that visitors could even see its root system. Now the museum has many interactive exhibits and information stands, which makes it ideal for families. In a museum shop, you can buy fresh pears, as well as sweets made from them. Marmalade and sweets made from pears in local factories are popular souvenirs among tourists.
Portal at Okayama station Okayama has some ancient shrines and temples to visit. The Kumano Nachi Taisha built in the middle of the 19th century can be found in a picturesque mountainous area. Lots of valuable religious artifacts are put on display within the walls of the temple. Every year on July 14, it hosts an incredibly beautiful and sumptuous holiday, which is considered one of the most important religious events in the country. The area around is no less attractive to tourists. They can walk in a beautiful forest, which is considered to be sacred, as well as see a wonderful waterfall, the highest in Japan.
1. in Okayama, fans of original souvenirs should pay attention to porcelain goods, as well as traditional tatami mats. Unlike other cities in Japan, they are still made by hand here. 2. … Open
The Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art was opened in 1988. Presenting painting, sculpture, and photo art expositions, the museum often holds temporary exhibitions and presentations. Tourists are also attracted by its regular master classes at which they can learn how to create works of art on their own. Master classes are available only for adults but also for children.
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Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Okayama

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