Invitation to Okayama – Land of Sunshine ｜晴れの国

Please see the video that Okayama's junior high school students are trying hard to appeal to their area. Okayama prefecture faces the Seto Inland Sea, It is well known for fine weather and mild climate, You can enjoy this throughout the year.

1. Korakuen,the Japanese style landscape garden, which is counted as one of the three great gardens of Japan and cultural heritage site for the world to treasure. You can enjoy breathtaking view in this garden, as well as serenity and harmony.You'll be surprised at its elaborate design.

後楽園岡山 Korakuen and Okayama Castle

*In 1687, Ikeda Tsunamasa, daimyo (feudal lord) ordered his vassal Tsuda Nagatada to begin construction of Okayama Korakuen. It was completed in 1700, and it has retained its original appearance from the Edo Period up to the present day, except for a few changes by various daimyo. Korakuen is one of the few Daimyo gardens in the provinces where historical change can be observed, thanks to the many Edo Period paintings and Ikeda Family records and documents left behind.

The garden was used as a place for entertaining important guests and also as a retreat for daimyo, although regular folk could also visit on certain days. In 1884, ownership was transferred to Okayama Prefecture and the garden was opened to the public. The garden suffered severe damage during the floods of 1934 and during World War II bombing in 1945, but has been restored based on Edo Period paintings and diagrams. In 1952, Korakuen Garden was designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, and is managed as a historical cultural asset to be passed to future generations.*

*http://www.okayama-korakuen.jp/english/history/index.html

2. Kurashiki Bikan historical Area

Kurashiki Bikan historical Area is national historical preservation district and he most picturesque merchants' quarter in Japan, It is nestled along the narrow canal and against the base of the low-lying hill trusugata-yama. Its townscape preserves history stretching from the Edo period. (1603-1868) when samurai were still commonplace, to the Meiji and Taisho period (1868-1926).

You can enjoy old good Edo Atmosphere as well as Commerce history.

https://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/for/en/bikan.html

Bichu Matsuyama Castle

3. Bitchū Matsuyama Castle "A castle in the sky" - you can enjoy Majestic beauty!

Built in 1240, Bicchu Matsuyama Castle is both an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is counted among Japan’s top 100 castles. The castle is located atop a mountain at an altitude of 430 m, making it the highest fortress with an existing castle tower in Japan. Visitors to the castle are treated to a spectacular sight, especially in the early mornings of fall and winter when the clouds spread out to form a “sea of clouds” around the castle. Also in fall, when the trees change color, the landscape becomes painted in a deep vermilion as if the castle walls were aflame, offering visitors a truly majestic sight.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5777.html

Okayama Fruit

Okayama Fruit Parfait

 

Okayama is also known as a fruit prefecture, and it is one of the leading production areas such as peach and grape.

https://www.okayama-kanko.jp/feature/souvenir/01

Lastly, Okayama is known as solid financial condition. It will be good business partner for you!