Okayama

Okayama Korakuen Garden (Okayama Korakuen)

One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and, like the others, a strolling garden. It is a representative daimyo garden of the Edo period (1600-1868), and cleverly utilizes the technique (the shakkei technique) of creating the illusion that external features and scenery are part of the garden itself, in this case Okayama Castle and Mt. Misao. In 2000, the garden commemorated its 300th anniversary.

Kamba Falls (Kamba no Taki)

Located to the north of Katsuyama town, in the Okayama Prefectural Natural Park, this waterfall is ranked among the 100 Most Beautiful Waterfalls of Japan. It is also the largest waterfall in the Chugoku region, with a height of 110 meters and width of 20 meters and a spectacular volume of water cascading over the long single drop. From the fresh green of spring to the bright foliage of autumn, the seasonal scenery in the gorge can be enjoyed throughout the year. The park also has the Tamadare Falls, which has a mysterious and romantic ambience.

Shizutani School (Shizutani Gakko)

Founded in 1666 by Lord Ikeda Mitsumasa, this is Japan's oldest Somei school. Even after 300 years, the various buildings retain a sense of history. Some 26,000 roof tiles are all Bizen ware; the school grounds and unique stone walls also have been well preserved and retain the ambience of their past.