Recommended by Okayama residents! 10 autumn foliage spots in Okayama

• Table of contents
• 1. Sogenji Temple (Okayama City )
• 2. Old Shizutani School(Bizen City )
• 3. Okayama Prefecture General Ground (Okayama City)
• 4. Okayama Korakuen Garden(Okayama City )
• 5. Okutsukei Valley(Kagamino Town)
• 6. Koshihata Hometown Village (Kagamino Town)
• 7.Hokaiin (Okayama City)
• 8. Kasaiyama Yakushiin Myohoji Temple ( Okayama City)
• 9. Shiraga Valley (Kagamino Town)
• 10. Mt. Sanpei (Maniwa City)
• There's more! Recommended comments from Okayama residents

1. Sogenji Temple (Okayama City )

This is the family temple of the Ikeda clan, the feudal lords of Okayama . It is a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, famous for being the place in Okayama City where you can see beautiful autumn leaves. The strolling garden with a pond is also very picturesque.

[Sogenji Temple]
Address: 1069 Maruyama , Naka Ward, Okayama City
TEL: 086-277-8226
Parking: Available

[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
This is the family temple of the Ikeda clan, the feudal lords of Okayama . It is a sight to behold in the autumn foliage season. The gardens are also well-maintained and beautiful. (Female, 50s, Part-time worker)
●It's not a tourist temple, so the parking lot isn't large, but it has a great atmosphere and you can see beautiful autumn leaves! Most of the trees in the temple have beautiful autumn leaves. (Female, 20s, office worker)
●It's a spot close to my home that I can get to easily. It's a popular spot for pre-wedding photo shoots. I like the quiet and relaxing atmosphere. (Female, 60s, office worker)

2. Old Shizutani School(Bizen City )

It was Japan's first public school for commoners, founded in 1670 by Ikeda Mitsumasa, the lord of Okayama Domain. The irimoya-style auditorium has an atmosphere worthy of being called the "Hall of Learning," and has been designated a National Treasure.

[ Old Shizutani School ]
Location: 784 Shizutani , Bizen City
TEL: 0869-67-1436 (Historic Site Reception)
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: December 29th to 31st Parking: Available

[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
The park is famous for its Chinese lantern trees, but the autumn leaves are also beautiful. There is a period when the park is lit up, so it's a great place to spend some relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The photos of the national treasure auditorium and the autumn leaves are truly picturesque. (Female, 50s, office worker)
●I think people think of this place as the place to see Okayama leaves in Okayama. It's lit up, and the contrast between the auditorium and the autumn leaves is amazing, so no matter where you take a photo, you'll get a great atmosphere. Also, the parking lot and grounds are spacious, so you can relax and enjoy the fresh autumn air. (30s/female/office worker)
The gradation of the two Kaiwa trees is beautiful! (Female, 20s, Office Worker)
●In addition to the oak trees, there are many autumn leaves on the premises, so you can enjoy them quietly and at your own pace. The night illumination is also recommended. (Male, 40s, Civil Servant)

3. Okayama Prefecture General Ground (Okayama City)

This sports facility, which boasts a site area of ​​approximately 35 hectares, hosts many large-scale competitions and events. You can freely stroll or jog within the grounds, and the park is bustling with activity during cherry blossom viewing and autumn foliage seasons.

[Okayama Prefecture General Ground]
Address: 2-1 Kita Ward , Okayama City
TEL: 086-252-5201
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Parking: Available (paid)

[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●This is a spot for viewing autumn leaves that is sure to be Instagram-worthy!! If you are near the sub-grounds of the athletics stadium, you can see the stadium in the background, which is beautiful. I took my daughter there last year when she was 0 years old, and there were many other people there taking photos of the autumn leaves with their children. (Female, 20s, Office Worker)
●It's like a scene from a TV drama. The road is lined with tall, beautiful autumn leaves. It's located in the city center and has a large parking lot, so it's easy to access even when you're out shopping. (30s/female/full-time housewife)

4. Okayama Korakuen Garden(Okayama City )

Built by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the second lord of the Okayama domain, as a place of relaxation, this daimyo garden offers beautiful seasonal scenery. It has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, and is visited by many tourists from both Japan and abroad.

[Okayama Okayama Korakuen Garden ]
Address: 1-5 Korakuen , Kita Ward, Okayama City
TEL: 086-272-1148 ( Okayama Korakuen Garden Office)
Opening hours: March 20th to September 30th: 7:30am to 6:00pm, October 1st to March 19th: 8:00am to 5:00pm (last entry 15 minutes before closing)
*Opening and closing times may change due to events. Closed: Open daily. Parking: Available (fees apply).

[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
You can still enjoy the autumn leaves at Okayama Korakuen Garden in December. (Male, 60s, Other)
●The autumn leaves in "Chishio no Mori" (Seniri Mori) within the park are very beautiful. "Seniri" is a metaphor for dyeing deeply, and the name of the Mori , which expresses the deepening autumn leaves, is lovely. It is said to have been named by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the lord of the Okayama domain. When the leaves fall, the ground turns bright red. (40s/female/office worker)

5. Okutsukei Valley(Kagamino Town)

This is one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Western Japan, where you can enjoy the beautiful and varied scenery of the approximately 3km long valley. The potholes, formed by the source of the Yoshii River and granite over hundreds of thousands of years, are said to be "the best potholes in the Orient."

[Okutsukei Valley ]
Location: Oku , Kagamino Town
TEL: 0868-52-9100 ( Kagamino Tourism Bureau General Incorporated Association)
Parking: Available *During the autumn foliage season, there are traffic restrictions such as one-way streets and days when general vehicles are not allowed to enter.

[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
The crimson leaves are reminiscent of Japanese autumn leaves and are very emotional. The mountain stream-like atmosphere is also nice. There are also hot springs and roadside stations nearby, which is nice. (Female, 50s, Part-time worker)
●It's one of the best spots in the prefecture for viewing autumn leaves, and you can enjoy it alone or with friends, so it's recommended for everyone! (40s/Male/Office worker)

6. Koshihata Hometown Village (Kagamino Town)

This village, with its thatched roofs, stone pavement, terraced rice fields and waterwheels, has been home to the ancient tatara iron smelting method. During the rice harvest, the contrast between the golden rice fields and the surrounding mountains creates a picturesque scene.
[Koshihata Hometown Village]
Location: Tomata County, Kagamino Town, Tomata-gun
TEL: 0868-52-9100 (Kagamino Tourism Bureau General Incorporated Association)
Parking: Available

[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●In recent years, it has become known as an Instagrammable spot, but I've been going there to see the autumn leaves change color even before that. The autumn leaves form a beautiful carpet. (Male, 60s, Other)

7.Hokaiin (Okayama City)

This temple is said to have been founded by Hoon Daishi during the Tenpyo era (729). It is well worth seeing, with its majestic Niomon Gate and the main hall with its gabled hip-and-gable roof. The principal image, made from a single piece of cypress, is said to have been made by Prince Taishi .

[Hokain Temple]
Address: 6-1 Hokaiin , Kita Ward, Okayama City
TEL: 086-252-1769
Parking: Available

[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●Hokaiin Temple, an ancient temple in Kita Ward , Okayama City . The autumn leaves on the steps of the temple gate create a tunnel of autumn leaves, welcoming you, and the Jizo statues under the bell tower, wrapped in fallen autumn leaves, are heartwarming. (Male, 60s, Other)

8. Kasaiyama Yakushiin Myohoji Temple ( Okayama City)

This temple was founded by Hoon Daishi in the first year of the Tenpyo Shoho era (749) as one of the 48 temples of Bizen . The principal image, which is kept secret, is Yakushi Nyorai, who heals illness, relieves suffering, and guides people to enlightenment. It is counted as one of the three great Yakushi in Japan.

[Kasaiyama Yakushiin Myohoji Temple]
Location: 67 Hataayu, Kita Kita Ward, Okayama City
TEL: 086-228-0926 (inside Kanayamaji Temple)
Parking: Available

[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●The grounds of a temple in the mountains of Mt. Kasai, overlooking Okayama city, are covered with fallen yellow ginkgo leaves, creating a beautiful contrast with the autumn leaves. (Male, 60s, Other)

9. Shiraga Valley (Kagamino Town)

At approximately 5km, this gorge is one of the largest in the prefecture. You can see rare plants such as wild cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, mountain hydrangeas, and beech trees blooming among the strangely shaped rocks and clear streams. There is also a walking trail.
[Shiraka Valley]
Location: 209 Tomata County, Kagamino Town, Tomata-gun
TEL: 0867-57-2111 (Kagamino Town Tomoshinko Center)
Parking: Available

[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●The Shiraga Valley in the former Tomi Village offers a beautiful 5-kilometer valley, and the colors of the leaves in the autumn season are also spectacular. It is less well known than the Okutsu Valley, but it is a highly recommended spot. (Male, 60s, Other)

10. Mt. Sanpei (Maniwa City)

Located at the western edge of the Hiruzen-kogen Heights, this 1,010m-high independent Mine has a well-maintained hiking trail. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the majestic surrounding mountains, including the Hiruzen Sanza and Daisen .

[Mount Mihira]
Location: Hiruzen Kamitokuyama , Maniwa City
TEL: 0867-66-3220 ( Hiruzen Tourism Association)

[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●As you climb the well-maintained mountain trail, you can enjoy the scenery changing from Aka to the yellow of the larch trees and then to the fields of Japanese silver grass. Furthermore, at the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains, including Daisen and the Hiruzen Sanza. (Female, 40s, Civil Servant)

There's more! Recommended comments from Okayama residents

[Family temple]
Address: 1528 Takamado, Nagi Town, Katsuta-gun
[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
The large ginkgo tree that stands majestically at the temple in the mountains is a spectacular sight. Depending on the weather conditions, you can even see a sea of ​​clouds. (40s/Male/Other)
●For a limited time, the leaves are lit up at night. Even after the leaves have started to fall, the ground is covered with fallen leaves, creating a beautiful carpet. (Female, office worker, 40s)

[Komorehi no Mori Campsite]
Address: 286 Kuroki , Kamo -cho, Tsuyama City City
[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●It feels so good to camp here while watching the autumn leaves. My kids love playing here and feeling the nature. I plan to visit again this year! (40s/female/office worker)

[ Miyama Park]
Address: 2-4490 Tai , Tamano City
[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
There are toilets, you can feed the ducks, there are playground equipment for children to play on, and there is a roadside station so you can buy fresh vegetables and fish to take home! (30s/female/office worker)

[Myooji Oji ]
Address: 185 Takehara , Higashi-ku, Okayama City
[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●As I walked along the walking course from Santoku-en Garden, I came across a temple and saw many maple trees. It's a wonderful place surrounded by Mori, and a hidden gem of a spot to see the autumn leaves. I didn't know there was a place like this in Okayama City. (Woman, 50s, Full-time Housewife)

[Meotoiwa (Couple Rocks)]
Address: 2787 Fuyori, Takahashi City Nariwa Town
[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●The balance between the surrounding autumn leaves and the rock face is a highlight. (Male, 60s, self-employed)

[Hattoji Furusato Village ]
Location: Kagami, Yoshinaga Town cho, Bizen City [Voices from Prefectural Citizens]
The tranquil atmosphere on top of the mountain and the old-fashioned buildings are lovely, and the vibrant autumn leaves are amazing. (Female, 50s, Office Worker)

[Shokinji Temple]
Address: 4-2-29 Kadotahonmachi , Naka Ward, Okayama City
[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●Shokinji Temple in Mount Higashiyama , Okayama City is a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect. The scenery of autumn leaves decorating the long staircase is not well known, and it is a hidden gem that few people visit. (Male, 60s, Other)

[Nodoro Tunnel North]
Location: Hiruzen Honkayabe, Maniwa City (Prefectural Route 58)
[Voices of Prefectural Residents]
●Once you exit the Nodoro Tunnel, a vast landscape unfolds before your eyes, making you wonder what prefecture you're in. The view of the Japanese pampas grass near Hiruzen Bear Valley Ski Resort and the majestic views of Hiruzen and Daisen in the background is truly moving. (Male, 50s, Other)