Seishun 18 Ticket: Osaka to Okayama Edition | Day Trip Photography Spots | Focus #281

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a place with an atmosphere as if time has stopped. The area is lined with white-walled storehouses and old townhouses, and as you walk along the stone-paved streets, you'll find picturesque scenes wherever you look. In the soft light of dusk, the view of willow trees and traditional buildings along the river offers a nostalgic scene that photographers who love retro landscapes will find irresistible.

• Location: 1-4-8 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 710-0046
• Phone: 086-422-0542 (Kurashiki Tourist Information Center)
• Access: About a 15-minute walk from Kurashiki Station (JR Sanyo Main Line)
  • Access to Kurashiki Station: Osaka Station ~ (JR Kobe Line) ~ Himeji Station ~ (JR Sanyo Main Line) ~ Okayama Station ~ (JR Sanyo Main Line) ~ Kurashiki Station (Approx. 3 hours)

Okayama Castle, affectionately known as 'Ujo' (Crow Castle) due to its black exterior, is an attractive photography spot for history buffs and photographers. Especially at dusk, the silhouette of the castle against the sunset creates a magical atmosphere. Additionally, the castle is illuminated at night during limited periods, offering a different charm from its daytime appearance. The summer illumination 'Ujo Tokyogyo' runs until August 31, 2024.

• Location: 2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, 700-0823
• Phone: 086-225-2096 (Okayama Castle Main Keep)
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM)
  • [Summer Ujo Tokyogyo] August 1 (Thu) - August 31 (Sat), 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
• Admission Fee: 400 yen for high school students and above, 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from Shiroshita Station (Okayama Electric Tramway Higashiyama Main Line)
  • Access to Shiroshita Station: Osaka Station ~ (JR Kobe Line) ~ Himeji Station ~ (JR Sanyo Main Line) ~ Okayama Station ~ (Okayama Electric Tramway Higashiyama Main Line (one-way 120 yen)) ~ Shiroshita Station (Approx. 3 hours)

Adjacent to Okayama Castle, Korakuen is famous as one of Japan's three great gardens, featuring a vast landscape that retains the beauty of the Edo period. As you stroll through the garden, you'll encounter picturesque scenes with seasonal flowers, ponds, and tea houses. The nighttime illumination event 'Fantasy Garden' is limited to specific periods. The summer illumination, like Okayama Castle, runs until August 31, so visit soon.

• Location: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, 703-8257
• Phone: 086-272-1148 (Okayama Korakuen Office)
• Opening Hours: March 20 - September 30: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, October 1 - March 19: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • [Summer Fantasy Garden] August 1 (Thu) - August 31 (Sat), 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
• Admission Fee: 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for those aged 65 and over, free for high school students and younger
• Access: Same as the route to Okayama Castle.

Kibitsu Shrine, famous for the legend of Momotaro, is a sacred place where history and mythology intersect. The grand shrine buildings and long corridors are particularly notable, and the visual beauty of these corridors makes them a perfect subject for photographers. The shrine grounds preserve the ancient landscapes of Japan, offering visitors a sense of tranquility and solemnity. The seasonal flowers and autumn leaves are also beautiful, allowing you to capture the changing seasons with your camera.

• Location: 931 Kibitsu, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, 701-1341
• Phone: 086-287-4111
• Opening: 5:00 AM, Closing: 6:00 PM (Gift Shop 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM / Prayer Reception 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM)
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from Kibitsu Station (JR Kibi Line (JR Momotaro Line))
  • Access to Kibitsu Station: Osaka Station ~ (JR Kobe Line) ~ Himeji Station ~ (JR Sanyo Main Line) ~ Okayama Station ~ (JR Kibi Line) ~ Kibitsu Station (Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes)

Washuzan is located within Setonaikai National Park and offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. From the summit, you can see the many islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and the magnificent Seto Ohashi Bridge. Especially at sunset, capturing the scene where the sky turns red provides a perfect contrast between nature and man-made structures for your camera.

• Location: Shimotsui Tanoura, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 711-0925
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from 'Washuzan Second Observatory' bus stop, reachable by Shimotsui Loop Bus from Kojima Station (JR Seto Ohashi Line) in about 30 minutes
  • Access to Kojima Station: Osaka Station ~ (JR Kobe Line) ~ Himeji Station ~ (JR Sanyo Main Line) ~ Okayama Station ~ (Seto Ohashi Line: Rapid Marine Liner) ~ Kojima Station (Approx. 3 hours 15 minutes)