Okayama: On the move

A long day on the train took us across 3 of Japan's 4 islands starting in Beppu on Kyushu and ending in Takamatsu on Shikoku via Honshu. And after the very helpful tourist office in Okayama pointed us to a special evening lantern lighting event taking place in Kurashiki the next evening we spent the next day training around Okayama.

Okayama City located on Honshu is just one hour from Takamatsu on Shikoku by express train via via the spectacular Seto Ohashi Bridge, the world's longest doubledecker bridge. Okayama also boasts one of the Big Three Gardens in Japan, a unique Shinto Shrine, and the nearby Betan Historical Quarter in Kurashiki. We'll visit them all in one day, and more.

Using our JR Seishun 18 Passes/Tickets we rode 7 local trains from Beppu to Takamatsu with many views of the Inland Sea.


With a beautiful sunset as we crossed the Seto Ohashi Bridge from Honshu to Shikkoku.


And ending the day with a Suntory whiskey and soda, aka Japanese Highball, on the top floor of our hotel.


The next morning we got going early made good use of 2 more "all-day-tickets" on our Seishun 18 by first riding the train to Kojima on Honshu and taking the bus up to Mt. Washuzan Observatory for some amazing views of the Inland Sea and Seto Ohashi Bridge.






The Seto Ohashi Bridge is a doubledecker with vehicles on top and trains below.


We spent nearly an hour watching the sky and water, and wandering between the various observation points.


We were purposefully walking back to Kojima Station when we ran into a Ladies All Stars Powerboat racing event. Stop.




Video.


Video link here.

Back to Okayama we hit the supermarket to provision for a picnic at Okayama Koraku-en, one of the Big Three Gardens of Japan.




Popular spot for wedding photos.


Some cherry trees are blooming.


Views to the Okayama Castle.


Using our train passes again, it's out to the Kibitsujinja Shrine, known for its unique architecture. It's an easy stroll from the nearby train station.






There is a long wooden corridor that was a pleasure to stroll.


And from which we watched a few minutes of traditional archery lessons/practice.








Seeing an extended walking route back to the station on our 'tourist map" we set off up and over the small mountain passing several old burial mounds.






The local train back to Okayama.


Not done yet, we rode the train back to Okayaman and then west "17 minutes" to Kurashiki (population 480,000) to stroll the Bikan Historical Quarter, a busy place due the special evening lantern lighting.






The canals and old building are part of a former textile mill.






Video.


Video link here.

Then back to our hotel in Takamatsu for onsen, evening drinks, and noodle bowls, all included.