Step back in time at Asahi-ken, a beloved local gem that has been winning hearts since the Showa era. With its nostalgic downtown charm and welcoming atmosphere, this spot is all about simple, comforting, home-style flavors. Enjoy sushi, rice bowls, set meals, and more-or pick up beautifully prepared side dishes and bento boxes to go!

Asahi-ken
* Japanese only

A true local gem since 1950, Fuji-ya serves straight, thin noodles in a rich, soul-warming pork-bone-based soy sauce broth. It even earned a Michelin Plate in the 2021 Michelin Guide Okayama-how cool is that? To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting during off-peak weekday lunch hours.

okayama.chukasoba.fujiya
* Japanese only

Get ready for a sweet treat! Founded in 1877, Kikko-do began with the founder’s dream to create a local signature sweet-leading to the now-legendary Mura-suzume. At their Sansute Okayama location, you can even watch fresh Mura-suzume being baked right before your eyes and grab some to go!

Kikko-do

Cheers to discovery! Nihonshu Bar Kamon is nestled in the lively shopping district just outside Okayama Station. This charming spot offers a chance to sample both local Okayama sake and varieties from all over Japan-beautifully paired with their creative, delicious small plates.

nihonshu_kamon
* Japanese only

Step into a masterpiece of tranquility. Built by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the second lord of the Okayama domain, this vast strolling garden was designed as a place for peaceful retreat. Wander through open lawns, serene ponds, gentle hills, tea houses, and seasonal blooms.
Recognized as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty since 1952, it’s also a cultural heritage site and boasts three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan!

Okayama Korakuen Garden

Prepare to be awed by this striking landmark! Built in 1597 by Ukita Hideie, a close ally of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle’s three-story, six-tiered tower stands on a rare pentagonal base-an architectural curiosity in Japan.
With its dramatic black clapboard exterior, it’s famously nicknamed Ujō, or Crow Castle.

Okayama Castle

Luxury awaits! Directly connected to Okayama Station, Hotel Granvia Okayama is a top-rated city hotel known for its spacious lobby, extensive facilities, and warm hospitality. It proudly holds three stars in the Michelin Guide. Their on-site restaurants are popular not just with guests, but with locals too!

Hotel Granvia Okayama

Talk about convenience! Located inside JR Okayama Station, Via Inn Okayama offers direct access from both the central entrance and the Shinkansen exit. Head up to the 5th floor of the Sun Station Terrace Okayama West Building, where you’ll be welcomed by bright, open views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Plus, the building is packed with restaurants, souvenir shops, clothing stores, and more-perfect for a quick shopping spree!

Via Inn Okayama

A true local legend since 1948! Named after its Kansai-born founder, this beloved eatery has been delighting generations with its hearty, affordable meals. Dive into traditional Japanese comfort food-especially the fish set meals-in a warm, homey space full of local charm.

Osaka-ya Shokudo
* Japanese only

Dine with a view! Savor beautifully crafted dishes while gazing out over the tranquil Seto Inland Sea. Featuring seasonal ingredients and the chef’s signature Tamanozen, this restaurant is a feast for all the senses. Want to truly relax? For a small fee, you can also enjoy the adjoining natural hot springs and wellness facilities.

Setouchi Onsen Tamanoyu Kairou

Your perfect escape. This cozy book café, located next to the library in the shopping mall, is an inviting space for both solo relaxation and casual meetups. With comfy sofas, spacious tables, and plenty of power outlets, it’s great for reading, chatting, or even getting some work done. Light meals and drinks are available-and the chill atmosphere might just make you want to linger.

Unomachi Coffee Shop
* Japanese only

Sweetening Tamano! This beloved local confectioner pours Tamano’s spirit into every handmade treat. The must-try? Their Banda Sweet Potato-a rich, flavorful delicacy made with Tamano-grown Banda sweet potatoes. You’ll also find a tempting variety of Japanese and Western-style sweets, including Mebaru-ko (shaped like Tamano’s official city fish!), Mikasa, and assorted cookies.

Nakaya Muneyoshi
* Japanese only

Craving pastries? Hanamaruco specializes in homemade doughnuts fried to perfection in rice oil. With custom-blended flour for each flavor, the result is a delightfully fluffy, crispy, and chewy texture! They offer more than 10 varieties daily-from classic plain to vibrantly decorated treats-making it a must-visit for sweets lovers.

Hanamaruco
* Japanese only

Burger lovers, rejoice! Located on the ground floor of the Higashiyama Building near Uno Port, #8WIRE is a takeout-only burger shop renowned for some of the best burgers in the prefecture. Grab one of their juicy, satisfying burgers and enjoy it in the nearby park or on the scenic sea embankment-pure bliss!

8_wire
* Japanese only

A fruity wonder by the sea! Founded in 2004, this beloved dessert shop near Uno Port is famous for fluffy shaved ice, vibrant fruit jams, delicious mixed juices, and seasonal baked treats-all made with fresh produce from the central wholesale market. Don’t miss their seasonal shaved ice while soaking in the ocean breeze!

omachido_honten
* Japanese only

Get ready for coastal beauty! Stretching about 1 km, Shibukawa Beach is one of Okayama Prefecture’s largest and most scenic beaches. With soft white sand and a backdrop of lush pine trees, it’s ranked among Japan’s “100 Best Beaches” and “100 Best Swimming Beaches.” Enjoy marine sports like yachting and windsurfing-or just relax by the waves.

Setouchi Tamano Tourist Guide
Shibukawa Beach

Fun for all ages! This spacious waterfront park includes a lawn plaza, an adventure area, and a seawater-fed artificial beach where you can watch the tide. With great playgrounds and open space, it’s perfect for families and anyone wanting to unwind.

Setouchi Tamano Tourist Guide
Tai Minato Park

Dive into the Seto Inland Sea’s wonders! This aquarium features 34 tanks with around 2,000 marine creatures from 180 species. Outdoors, you can also see sea turtles, spotted seals, and rare northern fur seals-an endangered species.

Setouchi Tamano Tourist Guide
Shibukawa Marine Aquarium

Stylish and convenient! Inspired by denim and the sea, UNO HOTEL features cool blue interiors and a sleek, relaxed design. Just a minute from Uno Station and three minutes from Uno Port, it’s an ideal base for exploring the islands.

UNO HOTEL

A Japan-first: hotel meets stadium! Overlooking a bicycle race track, this design-forward hotel blends sustainability, creativity, and community. Enjoy Setouchi-sourced meals at the restaurant, and admire art celebrating the sport of cycling.

KEIRIN HOTEL 10 by Onko-chishin

Glamping with sea views! This private resort features just nine glamping units, a sea-view sauna, and a cozy campfire zone under the stars. Perfect for a luxurious, nature-immersed stay by the Seto Inland Sea.

SETONITE