Okayama

Located in the northeastern part of the city, from Okayama to Soja, the Kibiji District was once the center of the Kingdom of Kibi 吉備国 kibi no kuni, whose power was said to equal to that of the Yamato. Located strategically between the Yamato and civilizations on the Korean peninsula, the Kibi Kingdom was highly influential. Its leaders continued to influence the Yamato government even after the Kibi Kingdom fell.

Many of the historical and cultural sites are associated with the legend of Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto see Understand.

The Kibiji District is best visited by bike see Do. However, all sites can be reached by using the train and then walking or taking a bus, for certain locations. The information office at JR Okayama Station can provide a map of the Kibiji Zone, including a cycling route. If you begin your travels from Bizen Ichinomiya Station, the following sites are listed in the order in which you will see them.

This shrine, rebuilt in 1697, is dedicated to Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto, and has a unique architectural style. To get there, turn right after exiting the station and cross the train tracks.

Last rebuilt in 1425, this shrine is important for two reasons: it was once the head shrine of the entire Kibi Kingdom, and legend holds that Prince Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto fought the demon Ura on this site. He shot arrows at the demon, but the demon evaded his attacks by throwing boulders at the arrows. Finally, the prince shot two arrows at the same time, hitting the demon directly in the eye but not yet killing him — read on.

Koikui Shrine

If you walk the trail with no prior knowledge of the area or the sites, Koikui Shrine will seem quite disappointing in comparison to the other shrines. However, Koikui is much more interesting than it appears. After the demon was shot by the prince's arrows, he transformed into a carp and swam away. The prince turned into a cormorant and followed him. Koikui Shrine is located on the site where the prince is believed to have caught and killed the demon.

Tsukuriyama Ancient Burial Mounds

Along the trail there are actually two burial mounds 古墳 kofun with the name "Tsukuriyama" that can be distinguished only when viewing the characters used to write the names. The tomb on the Okayama side of the trail 造山古墳 is the most interesting. This burial mound, believed to have been completed in the fifth century, was the largest in the nation at the time it was built. Because the tomb within the mound has never been excavated, it is not certain who is actually buried here; however, it is believed to be one of the former rulers of the Kibi Kingdom, as tombs of this size were reserved only for those in the highest positions. Although the best view of Japanese burial mounds is always from above to see the key-hole shape, at this mound, visitors are actually permitted to walk on top of it. Atop the mound there is a shrine.

Komori-zuka Burial Mound

Although the mound itself is quite small, this burial mound contains the one thing missing from the Tsukuriyama mound: a look inside the tomb. This tomb is believed to date back to the sixth century. Aside from this, not much else is known about it.

A museum with nice displays of artifacts from the ancient Kibiji Kingdom. There are also lectures and interactive demonstrations for children. It's behind Kokubunji and Koumori-zuka Burial Mound.

Bitchu Kokubunji

The Kokubunji temples were designated by the Emperor Shomu as provincial temples. This one represents the Bitchu area western Okayama prefecture. The five-story pagoda, constructed in 1844, is one of the highlights of the Kibi Trail. The area surrounding the temple is known as the Kibiji Fudoki-no-oka Prefectural Forest Park. To visit without travelling the trail, catch a bus from Soja.

The following sites are not on the trail, but in the area.

Tokoen

With Korakuen in the city, many visitors don't think of visiting other gardens, but Tokoen deserves a look. Though not as big as Korakuen, it is quite beautiful and less crowded. Also, it's almost a century older.

Yet another excellent place in Okayama to view flowers best in May and June. As the name suggests, this garden features roses, and it is the largest rose garden in Japan. Although the roses are the main attraction, there are also other blossoming plants, such as irises, peonies, and plum trees.

Sogen-ji

A large Zen temple located at the base of Mt. Misaoyama at the end of the path between Tendai-ji right side and Daiko-in left side. It is a well known place for western Zen students. Free meditation sessions from 8-9AM most Sundays are usually followed by a simple tea ceremony. The garden behind the temple is famous for having one of the largest cherry blossom trees in Okayama and a lake which beautifully reflects the tree and the surrounding countryside. This garden was designed by the same architect who built Korakuen. Although the mountain is near the center of the city, the area around it maintains a rural atmosphere. It can be very pleasant to hike over around this hill and visit the various small temples and shrines. If Zen meditation at Sogen-ji gives you a backache, you can relieve your aches and pains at a ganban onsen rock hot spring. This style of hot spring does not have a large bathing area but instead has gravel and hard rock beds where steam passes up from under you or down from above like a sauna.

This is the location of the famous Naked Man Festival see "Do" section. The priest Yasutaka founded this temple. It is said that while meditating in Hasedera Temple, an oracle came to him instructing him to repair the Kannon Hall in Bizen Kanaoka. He immediately departed for the West. On his way, he met a dragon deity carrying a rhinoceros horn who told him to build the temple and then vanished. The priest did as he was told and called it Saidaiji 犀戴寺 "rhino temple", but the characters were later changed by retired Emperor Gotoba to its current spelling 西大寺 after prayer-writing revealed to him the new name.

Hokai-in

One of the temples of the Chugoku 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage. It's a short distance from Handayama Botanical Garden.

Ikeda Zoo offers many of the typical zoo animals: elephants, giraffes, tigers, lions, and a variety of birds and monkeys. The most unique animals here are perhaps the tapirs and the red pandas. It's a short distance northwest of JR Okayama Station.

A botanical garden filled with various types of flowers. It's particularly beautiful during the spring cherry blossom season; however, one can easily enjoy this garden anytime of the year. It's a 10 minute walk from Hokaiin Station on the JR Tsuyama Line. There are also buses from JR Okayama Station.

Keikaen

Because of its remote location, near the northern border of the city in the Takebe area, this garden is a great refuge for those looking to get out of the city. Keikaen is said to have begun as a local man's private garden that he just kept expanding. Visitors can also enjoy viewing the variety of birds housed here, as well as a greenhouse.

An odd museum that uses modern technology to showcase the city's history, local culture, and nature.

A small museum showcasing fossils found in Japan, particularly ammonite.

A museum established to honor Okayama native and Olympic marathon medalist Yuko Arimori. Here you can see her silver medal from Barcelona, bronze medal from Atlanta, and other Olympics memorabilia.

A museum devoted entirely to the famous good luck cats seen in many shops and restaurants throughout Japan.

Yahata no Sato

Three interesting yet completely unrelated sites. First up is a Yogurt Factory (http://www.takebeyouguruto.com) ヨーグルト工房 where you can see how they make yogurt and then taste it, too. From there, the Toy Museum おもちゃの宿 has displays of traditional Japanese toys and some for children to play with. Finally, there is the Killifish Research Center (http://www10.oninet.ne.jp...) めだかの学校, which studies the fish of the same name. Yahata no Sato is most enjoyable for those travelling with kids, particularly if they understand Japanese.

Statues of Momotaro are a popular Okayama photo-op. Arriving by train, you'll see your first at the east exit of JR Okayama Station, but there are Momotaro motifs all over the city — there is a Momotaro mailbox at the east exit of the station, and even manholes often feature the Peach Boy. You will also find individual statues of his travel companions the dog, monkey, and pheasant aligning both sides of Momotaro-odori. At the end of the island where Korakuen is located, look for the Riverside Peachbaby, a statue of Momotaro holding a peach to the heavens.

culture zone

Many of central Okayama's main sights are clustered on the eastern side of the Central Business District in the area known as the Culture Zone. From JR Okayama station, take the tram three stops east to Shiroshita on the Higashiyama Line. All of the sites are within short walking distance.

English-speaking guides are available for free tours of the castle and garden. The guides are volunteers, so it's best to call ahead +81 086-224-1166 to ensure that they will be available.