A drive through Okayama Prefecture’s railway heritage and history—recommended for families and railway buffs

Welcome to this one-day excursion by car through western Japan’s Okayama Prefecture. From classic Okayama sights to train-lover delights, this trip is also ideal for families looking for a short getaway. Moreover, there are lots of stores and restaurants along the way, as well as a ton of regional cuisine and local specialties.

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Update 2023.08.07

DAY1

2018-07-24
- Fukiya Furusato Village
  
  10:00
- Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
  
  11:45
- Tsuyama Castle Ruins・Tsuruyama Park
  
  14:00
- Yanahara Mine Park
  
  15:30
- Mimasaka-Takio Station
  
  17:30

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DAY1

- Fukiya Furusato Village
  
  10:00
  
  60min
  
  From the Edo era (1603-1868) onward, the Fukiya region prospered thanks to the mining of copper and red iron oxide, also known as “bengara.” Town houses from this boom period, as well as the homes of local merchants, survive to this day, creating a unique atmosphere that has not gone unnoticed. The village is now preserved, having been recognized by the government as an area of important traditional architecture.
  
  Address
  - Fukiya Furusato Village
- Car
  
  42min
- Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
  
  11:45
  
  60min
  
  Castle / Ruins of Castle
  
  The sea of clouds that appears here in the fall and lasts throughout the winter has made this castle something of a legend. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, which retains its original keep, is today recognized as one of the top three castles in Japan. Located 430 meters above sea level, it is also known as the “Mountain Castle in the Sky.” Bring comfortable walking shoes.
  
  Address
  
  Okayama Pref. Takahashishi Uchisange 1
  
  Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
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  - Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
- Car
  
  71min
- Tsuyama Castle Ruins・Tsuruyama Park
  
  14:00
  
  60min
  
  Castle / Ruins of Castle
  
  TEXT IS MISSING HERE
  
  nearby in the spring. It’s ranked one of the top 100 sakura-viewing spots in Japan. Another must-see is the 45-meter-high remains of the stone castle walls.
  
  Address
  
  Okayama Tsuyama-shi Sange 135
  - Tsuyama Castle Ruins・Tsuruyama Park
- Car
  
  29min
- Yanahara Mine Park
  
  15:30
  
  60min
  
  Park / Green Space
  
  In 1991, the railway yard at Kichigahara Station on the Katakami Line was taken out of service and turned into a park. However, this place is more than a park. The museum here has a fine display of freight trucks that once transported iron ore along this line, as well as the passenger cars used by the people who lived in these mining towns in the 1950s. There are regularly held exhibitions, and visitors can even test-drive the old engines.
  
  Address
  
  Okayama Kume-gun Misakicho Kichigahara 394-2
  - Yanahara Mine Park
- Car
  
  44min
- Mimasaka-Takio Station
  
  17:30
  
  30min
  
  Station
  
  Rural Japan on every side, this unmanned station, with its wooden architecture, is a throwback to another era. There is only one rail line so there is only one platform. At the north end of the station is the old freight platform and rail shed, now covered in vines and weeds but still surviving. Built in 1928, this little station brings back to life a long-forgotten era. With that in mind, it is a must-see for train aficionados.
  
  Address
  
  Okayama Pref
  - Mimasaka-Takio Station
- FINISH
  
  18:00