7 Cultural Tours in Okayama That You Shouldn't Miss

January 15, 2022 Oliva Fomby

Okayama (岡山市, Okayama-shi, Japanese: [okaꜜjama]) is the capital city of Okayama Prefecture in the Chūgoku region of Japan. The city was founded on June 1, 1889.
Restaurants in Okayama

1. Yakage Town Historical Walking Tour

Yakage Contents Association

Uncover the little-known treasures of Yakage Town on a one-day insider walking tour with a local guide. Explore the ancient route that the feudal lords took when they walked to Edo (the old name for Tokyo), visit Yakage Honjin where samurai and dignitaries stayed, local businesses that have been in operation for over 200 years, still making the same goods.  Marvel at the Edo architecture and visit specialty food shops to sample artisan Japanese sweets, sample freshly picked fruit and vegetables. As you walk, you'll learn the history of this town and meet locals that have lived in the town for generations.

Inclusions: Lunch, Local guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Hotel pickup and drop-off

2. Discover Bohemian Nakazakicho

Osaka, Japan City Unscripted Osaka

Join one of our local Osaka hosts to explore the enchanting and quirky neighborhood of Nakazakicho. Explore the narrow streets packed with historic buildings (repurposed as community spaces), miniature themed cafes, off-the-wall concept stores and vintage shops. You could visit a hidden gem like Irorimura and browse one of its many quirky galleries. Home to bohemians and artists, Nakazakicho is one of Osaka’s best-kept secrets. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: A private and personalized experience, 3 hours with a host, Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options ), Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location )

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs , Gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By Renaiika

Our guide Haruhi was very nice and told us a lot about specific characterics from Osaka. We tried Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and Kushikatsu which was all very tasty. She also showed us some secret passages in Osaka and gave us tips where we could spend time Osaka on our next days. The only thing that I was missing was to try out some other foods that are maybe not too known too. But in overall we had a lot of fun!

3. Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency

This value-packed trip with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Naoshima! Once a rural island on the verge of becoming a ghost town, Naoshima is now a world-class center for contemporary art due in large part to contributions from Japan's top achitects, including museums, a boutique hotel, and bathhouse. The area features a captivating result of avant-garde blending with rural natural beauty. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a eight-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Entrance fee (for yourself), Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide), Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Private transportation

Reviewed By Cwshaman

The flexibility to chose locations that suited our wants and abilities was great. Hiro San was very quick to put together an itinerary that accommodated a family with a stroller-baby (no monkey park due to long unpacked walking paths). Taking in the beautiful temples and view of the Kyoto from the west was breath taking and the guide was able to explain many things we as new Japanese learners could not read or know through cultural knowledge. Overall a great experience, a wonderful and lively guide, and some great memories.

4. Okayama Custom Half Day Tour

Okayama, Japan Japan Awaits

This private and customizable tour for Okayama is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.

Inclusions: 4-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf, English-speaking professional tour guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation within the city only

Exclusions: Gratuities (optional), Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide, Meals, food and drinks not specified

Reviewed By 926maggieh

While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.

5. Okayama Custom Full Day Tour

Okayama, Japan Japan Awaits

This private and customizable tour for Okayama is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.

Inclusions: 8-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf., English-speaking professional tour guide (or other language may be available based on request), Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center), Transportation within the city only.

Exclusions: Gratuities (optional)., Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide., Meals, food and drinks not specified.

Reviewed By 926maggieh

While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.

6. Okayama on a standing bicycle

STAND6-10 石関町店, 6-10 Ishizekichō, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0813, Japan MITATE Ltd.

A hands-on tour around the center of Okayama City using the "Walking Bicycle (WBC)" vehicle from Okayama. It takes about 2 to 3 hours. Experience the tradition and new Japan by visiting the castle town of Okayama and the pleasant riverside at the first experience WBC.

Inclusions: Walking Bicycle (WBC) Rental Fee, Guide fee, insurance, Sweets, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Private transportation, Okayama Castle, Korakuen facility entrance fee

7. Private Walking Tour to Feel the Japanese Beauty in Kurashiki

Okayama Station, 1 Ekimotomachi, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0024, Japan otomo travel

Okayama City and Kurashiki City, two of the most popular areas in the Chugoku and Setouchi regions of Japan, are home to many of Okayama Prefecture's most distinctive tourist attractions. Okayama City is dotted with spots where you can enjoy art, focusing on traditional Japanese beauty such as the gorgeous tower of Okayama Castle and a Japanese garden. Kurashiki City is also a must-see for its historical townscape, which was once a place for the stocking of goods, as well as offering a unique taste of Western culture. Some of the highlights of the tour include Okayama Korakuen Garden which has been awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide for its beautiful scenery, and the historical Kurashiki Bikan Area, which has been compared to the streets of Kyoto and is of great historical value. This tour is recommended for those who want to explore not only the popular sightseeing spots, but also an in-depth exploration of Japanese cultural sensibilities.

Inclusions: Private Tour Guide, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Entrance fees for the 5 attractions (JPY3,700 /person), Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Reviewed By muhammadkamranalinak

Very good ???? experience I really enjoyed it fully fantastic I never forget it weather no pollution everything is perfect and appreciated.

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