Discovering the hidden gems of Okayama Prefecture can be a delightful adventure.
Known for its blend of scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and unique cultural spots, this region offers a lot more than meets the eye.
Get ready to enjoy the quirks and wonders of Okayama!
Experience these facts about Okayama for real:
Here are 20 fun facts about Okayama.
- 1) Momotaro, the Peach Boy Legend
- 2) Bizarre Naked Man Festival
- 3) Okayama's haunted number plate
- 4) Kojima Jeans Street
- 5) Okayama beef
- 6) Korakuen Garden's ancient tea house
- 7) Stunning Kibitsu Shrine
- 8) Yumeji Art Museum
- 9) Okayama's famous Kibi Dango
- 10) Unusual coexistence of swans and wild boars
- 11) Okayama's mysterious stone circles
- 12) Ancient Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle
- 13) The Okayama White Peach
- 14) Inujima Art Project
- 15) Learn how to make traditional 'fusuma' paper
- 16) Oldest remaining Kabuki theatre
- 17) Okayama's eerie vampire folklore
- 18) Unique Maneki-Neko Museum
- 19) The legend of Uraja
- 20) Bizen-yaki pottery uniqueness
1) Momotaro, the Peach Boy Legend
You’ve probably heard of Momotaro, also known as the Peach Boy.
He’s one of Japan’s most beloved folklore heroes.
The story begins with an old couple who find a giant peach floating down a river.
When they cut it open, they discover a baby boy inside.
They name him Momotaro, meaning Peach Boy.
Growing up, Momotaro becomes strong and brave.
One day, he decides to go on a quest to defeat ogres on Ogre Island.
His adoptive mother makes him millet dumplings called kibidango for energy.
Momotaro sets off on his journey and soon gains animal companions—a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant.
Together, they defeat the ogres and bring peace back to their land.
This legend is connected to Okayama Prefecture.
2) Bizarre Naked Man Festival
Hadaka Matsuri, or the Naked Festival, is one of Okayama’s most famous events.
It takes place every third Sunday of February at the Saidaiji Temple.
Around 10,000 men participate, wearing only white loincloths.
They gather to compete for sacred shingi sticks, which bring good luck.
The crowd gets lively, with participants jostling and pushing to catch these sticks.
It’s an event you have to see to believe!
The festival’s origins date back over 500 years.
3) Okayama’s haunted number plate
In Okayama, there’s a spooky myth about a haunted number plate.
People think vehicles with “42-19” have bad luck.
People believe this number means “shini-ku” in Japanese, which sounds like “going to die”.
Many drivers in Okayama avoid this number because of this eerie superstition.
4) Kojima Jeans Street
Kojima Jeans Street is a must-visit if you’re in Okayama Prefecture.
Kurashiki City is known as the birthplace of Japanese denim.
This street is lined with local jeans manufacturers, creating a unique and stylish atmosphere.
Many shops offer custom-made jeans, where you can personalise your pair.
There are also museums where you can learn about the history and process of denim making.
Visitors to Kojima can find everything from raw denim to vintage styles right along this 400-metre street.
5) Okayama beef
Okayama beef, known as Chiya beef, is a local speciality in Okayama Prefecture.
This beef comes from a Japanese black breed linked to Japan’s oldest Tsune beef lineage.
It has moderate marbling and lean meat, making it delicious and tender.
You can find this exquisite beef in many restaurants in Okayama.
6) Korakuen Garden’s ancient tea house
When you visit Korakuen Garden in Okayama, you must see the ancient tea house, Shiosei-an.
This tea house, built in the Edo period, still stands today.
7) Stunning Kibitsu Shrine
Kibitsu Shrine in Okayama is a place you won’t want to miss.
It has a unique double gable roof, a design you won’t see everywhere.
It has stood since at least the 9th century, although it was rebuilt in 1425 after being destroyed twice.
8) Yumeji Art Museum
The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama is dedicated to Yumeji Takehisa, a famous poet and painter who was born there.
The museum has about 40 pieces of his artwork.
His paintings often feature beautiful women, which are popular among visitors.
The museum is in Naka-ku, Okayama, close to Korakuen Garden.
It’s easy to get to, just a short walk from the garden’s North Gate.
9) Okayama’s famous Kibi Dango
Kibi Dango is a well-known treat from Okayama Prefecture.
It’s a type of wagashi (Japanese sweet) made from glutinous rice flour and millet.
Kibi Dango is shaped into round balls because of its chewy and soft texture.
This sweet has a long history, dating back to the latter half of the Edo period.
Originally, Kibi Dango was associated with Kibitsu Shrine, but it had a different form.
10) Unusual coexistence of swans and wild boars
In Okayama Prefecture, you might encounter an unusual sight.
Swans and wild boars sharing the same habitat.
This rare coexistence occurs near rivers and lakes.
The swans glide peacefully on the water while wild boars forage nearby.
The swans and wild boars have different needs and behaviours, which allows them to coexist without much conflict.
11) Okayama’s mysterious stone circles
In Okayama, you can find ancient stone circles that have puzzled historians for years.
These stone formations are all over the Kibiji District.
Some believe these circles date back to ancient rituals or ceremonies.
Walking around these mysterious formations, you feel a sense of history and wonder.
12) Ancient Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle
Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle sits high atop a 430-metre mountain in Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture.
It’s one of only 12 Japanese castles with its original keep.
This place is also the highest castle in Japan, often surrounded by a sea of clouds.
The castle grounds include massive rock walls and old remnants of a daimyō palace.
Built in the Edo period, it once served as the domain office for the Bitchu-Matsuyama domain.
13) The Okayama White Peach
Okayama is famous for its white peaches.
These peaches have a sweet, juicy flavour and a unique pearly white colour.
They’re often shielded from direct sunlight during cultivation to achieve this look.
Peach cultivation in Okayama dates back to 1875 when China introduced them.
Since then, they have become a symbol of the region.
14) Inujima Art Project
Inujima, a small island in Okayama Prefecture, is well-known for its unique art project.
This art project aims to breathe new life into the island through contemporary art.
Various installations are part of the Inujima “Art House Project.”
These installations blend with the island’s natural and industrial backgrounds.
One of the standout pieces is the “Seirensho Art Museum.”
It’s located in a renovated copper refinery and combines historical elements with modern art.
15) Learn how to make traditional ‘fusuma’ paper
Making traditional ‘fusuma’ paper is an art deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Fusumas are sliding doors made from wooden frames covered in thick paper.
You start by choosing the right paper. It’s typically made from mulberry bark, which gives it strength.
Next, the paper is treated with special glues to make it more durable.
It’s then carefully applied to the wooden frames.
After that, you have the fun part—decorating.
Traditional designs often include motifs of nature, such as flowers and mountains.
Finally, the paper is left to dry and trimmed to fit perfectly in the fusuma frame.
This process requires patience and a steady hand, but the results are beautiful.
16) Oldest remaining Kabuki theatre
When you visit Okayama Prefecture, you must check out the Kanamaruza Kabuki Theatre.
It’s the oldest surviving Kabuki playhouse in Japan and is in Maniwa, Okayama.
Kanamaruza Kabuki Theatre dates back to 1835 and has a rich history.
All the Kabuki actors are male and wear elaborate makeup and traditional costumes.
You’ll see fantastic stage mechanisms like revolving stages and trapdoors.
17) Okayama’s eerie vampire folklore
In Okayama, there are old tales about creepy vampire-like creatures.
These stories tell of beings that come out at night to scare and harm people.
Locals believe these mysterious creatures haunt some areas.
18) Unique Maneki-Neko Museum
If you love quirky museums, then the Maneki-Neko Museum in Okayama is a must-see.
This charming spot has over 700 beckoning cat figurines.
The cats come in all sizes and colours.
Some even carry gold coins, symbolising wealth and good fortune.
Located in an old Japanese house, the museum feels cosy and inviting.
19) The legend of Uraja
You’ll find Uraja to be one of Okayama’s most exciting legends.
The story is based on a demon god, Ura, who once terrorised the region.
Ura eventually defeated a hero named Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto.
The Uraja Festival celebrates this victory every summer in Okayama City.
The festival features energetic dances and colourful costumes.
It’s a must-see event if you’re visiting Okayama in August.
20) Bizen-yaki pottery uniqueness
Bizen-yaki pottery comes from Okayama Prefecture, specifically Bizen City.
It’s known for its earthy and rustic look.
Unlike most pottery, it’s fired without glaze, making each piece unique.
The clay used in Bizen-yaki comes from the area around Bizen City.
Its unique properties give the pottery its distinctive texture and colour.