Okayama Travel Logistics and Destinations
Okayama Travel Logistics and Destinations
1. Traveling to and from Okayama to join the Okayama Tour 2025
[Monday Mar 10]
The meeting point is at the lobby of ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama at 12.30 PM. The ANA Hotel is right next to Okayama station. The easiest way to get there is to take the west exit from the train station and cross the walkway bridge (one minute walk) to the ANA hotel.
[Friday Feb 15]
We will finish the tour at JR Okayama Station at 5 PM. (You will have an option to fly from Okayama Airport. We will stop at Okayama Airport at around 4 PM before returning to the train station.)
Monday: Tokyo to JR Okayama Station
There are two ways to get to Okayama.
1. Flight
ANA 653: Haneda (HND)10:15 AM - Okayama (OKJ) 11:35 AM.
From Okayama Airport, take a shuttle service to JR Okayama (30 minutes.)
See “4 Flights to/from Okayama” for more information.
2. JR Shinkansen
From Tokyo to Okayama by JR Shinkansen, it takes 3 hours 20 min by Nozomi.
From Kyoto to Okayama by JR Shinkansen, it takes about 1 hour or from Shin Osaka, it
takes less than 1 hour.
See “3 Purchasing Train Tickets” for more information.
12:30 PM The group will meet at the lobby of ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama.
Friday: Okayama to Tokyo
1. Flight
ANA 658 will depart Okayama Airport at 5:20 PM.
2. Shinkansen
If you are taking JR Shinkansen, please schedule your train for after 5:30 PM.
If you are purchasing your train tickets, please see section 3 for details.
Map: Courtesy of Okayama Kanko.jp
2. Travel Ideas before/after Sake Tours Okayama 2025
Recommended Sightseeing Spots
Okayama is a hub city in the Chugoku Region. From here, you can easily access major cities in Western Japan.
Naoshima Art Island
Take JR Uno line for 50 mins to Uno. Then 5 minute walk and 20 minute ferry to Naoshima Miyanoura Port.
Naoshima is a tranquil island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, famous for its stunning art and modern architecture. Known as the "Art Island," it features world-class museums like the Chichu Art Museum and the Benesse House, blending contemporary art with nature. The island is dotted with outdoor sculptures, including the iconic Yayoi Kusama pumpkins. Visitors can explore peaceful beaches, charming villages, and unique installations, making Naoshima a must-visit destination for art lovers and those seeking a serene getaway. Hotels need to be booked well in advance. For more info please visit https://naoshima.net/en/
Onomichi
Shinkansen from Okayama to Shin-Onomichi Station takes about 35 mins.
Onomichi, a charming port town in Hiroshima Prefecture, is known for its scenic landscapes, temples, and vibrant cycling routes. The town’s narrow, hilly streets are dotted with historical temples, offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Onomichi is also the starting point for the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling route, which connects several islands via bridges. Visitors can explore quaint alleys, enjoy local seafood, and take leisurely walks along the waterfront, making Onomichi a delightful destination for culture and nature enthusiasts. For more info visit https://www.japan.travel/japan-heritage/popular/5bca15cb-078a-4992-a6de-81631516a607
Hiroshima
Shinkansen from Okayama to Hiroshima takes 35 - 40 minutes.
Hiroshima is a city rich in history and resilience, best known for its Peace Memorial Park and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, honoring the lives lost in 1945. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers a poignant look into the city’s past and hopes for peace. Beyond its historical significance, Hiroshima boasts beautiful attractions like the serene Shukkeien Garden and nearby Miyajima Island, famous for the floating torii gate. Visitors can also enjoy local delicacies, like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and Kaki fry (crumbed fried oysters). For more about Hiroshima visit https://dive-hiroshima.com/en/
Miyajima / Itsukushima (Hiroshima)
About 40 minutes by local train and ferry from Hiroshima station to Miyajima.
Miyajima, officially known as Itsukushima, is a picturesque island near Hiroshima, famous for its floating torii gate at the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At high tide, the gate appears to float on the water, creating a breathtaking view. The island is home to friendly wild deer, scenic hiking trails on Mount Misen, and stunning temples like Daishoin. Visitors can also explore charming streets filled with local crafts and taste fresh oysters, making Miyajima a great destination for nature and culture lovers.
https://dive-hiroshima.com/en/feature/world_heritage-about_miyajima/
Himeji
Shinkansen from Okayama to Himeji takes about 20 minutes.
Himeji, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is renowned for its stunning Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Japan's most famous and well-preserved samurai fortress. Often called the "White Heron Castle" for its elegant, white appearance, it offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. Surrounding the castle are beautiful gardens like Koko-en, perfect for a peaceful stroll. The city also features cultural spots and local cuisine, making Himeji a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. For more info visit https://visit-himeji.com/en/
Kobe (Hyogo)
30-minute direct Shinkansen ride from Okayama to Shin-Kobe.
Kobe, nestled between mountains and the sea, is a vibrant port city in Hyogo Prefecture known for its cosmopolitan flair and scenic beauty. Famous for its world-renowned Kobe beef, the city also offers a mix of traditional and modern attractions. Visitors can explore the historic Kitano district, with its Western-style houses, or enjoy panoramic views from Mount Rokko. Kobe's waterfront, including Meriken Park and Kobe Harborland, provides lively shopping and dining experiences. Fort more info https://www.feel-kobe.jp/en/travel_guide_en/
Osaka
45-minute direct Shinkansen ride from Okayama to Shin-Osaka.
Osaka, Japan's vibrant metropolis, is famous for its dynamic food scene, lively entertainment, and historical landmarks. Known as the "Kitchen of Japan," Osaka offers iconic dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in bustling districts like Dotonbori. The city’s rich history is showcased at Osaka Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens. For shopping and nightlife, areas like Shinsaibashi and Umeda are must-visit spots. Osaka also features Universal Studios Japan (USJ). For more info visit https://osaka-info.jp/osaka/
3. Purchasing Train Tickets
Purchase In-Person:
To purchase train tickets at the JR Ticket Office once you are in Japan.
Website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/ticket/purchase.html
Purchase Online:
Now, you can book your JR tickets online. It’s a one-stop ticket booking service that will make cross-sectional JR transit easy and simple. You will receive a QR code to issue the physical tickets at JR Station.
Please note that an administrative fee will be added to the fare when purchasing via the service.
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/booking/jr/
User guide
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/booking/jr/support/operation/
Reserved Seat means - regular/ordinary class
Green means - larger seats/business class
Do not select “Purchase tickets such as the Super (Limited) Express Train ticket only.”
JR Pass
If you are traveling to many other areas before or after the Okayama Tour, Japan Rail Pass is perfect and gives you so much flexibility.
You can now purchase the JR Pass online and reserve your seats online. (You must pick up the pass at a ticket office in Japan with your passport.)
For more information, please visit:
San-yo San-in Area Pass
Sanyo-San’in Area Pass is a rail pass for exclusive use by foreign tourists. For the guests who plan to travel around Hiroshima, Shimane, Tottori, before or after the Okayama tour, the pass might be useful - 7-day pass available.
It provides pass holders with four consecutive days of unlimited travel on designated JR train and bus lines (including unreserved seats on limited express trains) in the Chugoku Region.
4. Flights to/from Okayama
Image courtesy from https://www.okayama-airport.org
Okayama Momotaro Airport
https://www.okayama-airport.org/en/
Okayama Airport is a hub gateway of the Chugoku Region.
(*What is Momotaro? - It’s a mythical tale from the old times about the adventure of a brave boy named Momotaro, a “peach boy” who was born from a giant peach. It is one of the most popular kid’s nursery tales, and it is said to have originated in Okayama. You will find many designs of Momotaro and his friend animals in the region.)
As a domestic flight from Tokyo, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have scheduled flights - total 10 round trips per day.
Timetable: https://www.okayama-airport.org/en/timetable
[Monday, Mar 10] You can travel from Tokyo to Okayama on the first day by taking these flights.
ANA653 Haneda 10:15 - Okayama 11:35
Or earlier flights by ANA and JAL.
From Okayama Airport, you can take a shuttle bus to JR Okayama station. (30 minutes)
https://www.okayama-airport.org/en/access/bus
[Friday, Mar 14] Bus will arrive at Okayama Airport at around 4 PM. If you are returning to Tokyo, this is our recommended flight.
ANA658 Okayama 5:20 PM - 6:35 PM Haneda
Or later flights by ANA and JAL
For details and reservations, please visit;
All Nippon Airways: https://www.ana.co.jp/en/sg/
Japan Airlines: https://www.jal.co.jp/sg/en/?m=header_logo&city=SIN
GENERAL JAPAN TRAVEL INFORMATION
In general, mid to end of March is the peak travel time in Japan. It is the beginning of the spring and the end of the school year. Please book your accommodation before or after the tour as soon as possible.
Please be sure to see other pages below in the Travel Tips section on the website for general travel information.
In particular - Helpful Information and Traveling on Trains