Exciting things in Okayama during summer!

Visiting Okayama during the summer is mandatory. So this season is a holiday period, lots of festivals, and lots of fresh fruits!

What can you do in Okayama? Let's see the list below!

1. Seeing Sunflowers Blooming in Hiruzen

Sunflower, or in Japanese called Himawari, is a sign that summer has arrived. This photo was taken in the city of Maniwa, precisely at Hiruzen Jersey Land which is still in the area of ​​Hiruzen National Park.

2. While in Hiruzen Jersey Land, don't forget to eat ice cream from this jersey cow!

Jersey cattle bred in Hiruzen have unique milk characteristics. It feels very buttery and soft, with a strong body character, indicating a lot of fat. If it is made into ice cream, of course it becomes ice cream that is very spoiled for the tongue.

Pssst, of course this ice cream is rather expensive than if you buy the usual ice cream.

3. Soak in Yubara Onsen, Outdoor Onsen under the valley!

Already know onsen right? Soaking in a warm pool for Japanese style does make the body of the seals all day after work, so it's very enjoyable.

Still in Maniwa City, there is one very famous onsen pool named Yubara. The famous onsen pool here is a natural outdoor pool, just below the valley, in the Asahi river and the dam.

4. River Trekking!

Yamanori River is located in Maniwa city. It lies under dense valleys and forests. Here, we can trekking the river, while swimming under the waterfall.

We should be grateful if we live in a tropical country. We can do activities like this throughout the year. But for a four-season country like Japan, things like this can only be done at the height of summer. Unless you want to jump into this river during winter, Haha.

5. Stay at a local homestay

Japan is usually rather conservative in accepting foreigners. Finding a host for coachsurfing is also rather difficult compared to other countries. But when we got info from Tourism Okayama about a homestay in Kibichou town, we were very happy and immediately stayed at Michan Homestay!

Starting from picking vegetables in the garden, helping michan cooking, to eating and sleeping Japanese-style in this quite traditional house.

6. Eat Kobe Beef!

Kobe is Japan's number one beef. The most expensive in Japan, maybe even the most expensive in the world. For a beef, it gets the kobe beef label, many requirements must be met. Like having to be raised in a special area in Japan, the food, to the fat marble stage.

When I was in Okayama City, I tried kobe beef in the Megu restaurant. Because this Megu restaurant provides kosher Kobe meat! For the sukiyaki menu set here, get ready to spend around $ 79 per person.

The meat, amazingly soft and does not need effort to chew it. It's also very fresh! Guests eat with sukiyaki style. Boiled in a rather sweet sauce, then dipped in a very creamy egg. Oh my god ......

7. An Emperor-style photo in Okayama Castle

It's in the middle of Okayama city. Like the castles in Japan, this Okayama castle has a long history that made it destroyed and rebuilt.

Well, besides you can enjoy the museum, in this castle you can also take pictures with this emperor-style Kimono! It's free! It's only because the quota is limited per day, so if you can come early in the morning to get a photo opportunity using this traditional Japanese dress!

8. Enjoying Okayama Korakuen Garden Beauty

It is located not far from Okayama castle. This Korakuen is one of the three best and most beautiful traditional parks in Japan. According to the info found at the Gate, this place enters the recommendation of a three-star Michelin Green Guide.

This park is really cute. Super aesthetic. In any season it must be cute. In spring there are cherry blossoms. Colorful autumn. When the summer is green, it is sluggish. The snowy winter must also be cute.

9. Take a walk in Kurashiki's "Old City"

Kurashiski is a historic area. It has been around since the 16th century as a trading area that was divided by rivers.

The buildings here are mostly in the form of traditional Japanese houses, colored. dominant white with black accents.

There are many museums, souvenir shops, and do not forget to tour around the city by boat. You can also hire Kimono or Jinbei. This Jinbei is traditional Japanese men's clothing in the summer. Seen from the short pants and lots of air vents around the armpit haha!

10. Uraja Parade at the Momotaro Festival

The Momotaro Festival is the biggest summer event in Okayama. The schedule is in the first week of August. Many exciting events around the city center at this time. But the main event is twofold: the fireworks display and the Uraja Parade!

So, next time you go to Osaka, don't forget to stop by Okayama well! Especially if you have a JR pass, it's only 40 minutes to take the Shinkansen to this place.

Thank you!