Okayama Private Tours
Book a Private Okayama Tour with a Local Tour Guide
Okayama Highlights Tours
Kurashiki Bikan historical area and Korakuen Park and Okayama Castle in Okayama
We visit Kurashiki Bikan historical area and walk along the stream with willows beside it. You see old houses and rice warehouses. Now they are used as a museum or shops. After that we visit Korakuen Park. It was one of three most famous parks in Japan. It was created for Tsunamasa Ikeda , the lord of Okayama Han in Edo Period. We also visit Okayama Castle.
Kurashiki Bikan historical area and Korakuen Park and Okayama Castle in Okayama
Okayama Korakuen Garden , Okayama Castle, and Yumeji Museum
Korakauen Garden is one of three most beautiful gardens in Japan. It was constructed by the lord of Okayama Castle. We can walk and enjoy the beautiful view. Okayama Castle is covered with black board, so it is called crow castle. Yumeji Museum is the art museum of Takeshita Yumeji, who was born in Okayama and a very popular painter.
Okayama Korakuen Garden , Okayama Castle, and Yumeji Museum
Kurashiki Bikan historical area and Seto Inland Sea and Seto Ohashi Bridge from Washuzan Hill
First we will go to Kurashiki Bikan historical area. We will walk along the stream called Kurashiki River. We will see big and old merchants' houses and old warehouses. We will watch and buy Japanese folkcraft there. We will go to Ivy Square and eat lunch. After that we will go to Washuzan in Kojima by bus and taxi. We will see many small islands and Seto Ohashi Bridge in Seto Inland Sea.
Kurashiki Bikan historical area and Seto Inland Sea and Seto Ohashi Bridge from Washuzan Hill
Traditional Bizen ware and Kurashiki Bikan historical area
Bizen ware is one of six most popular potteries in Japan. Superior clay is used and put in the tunnel kiln unglazed and fired with pine wood at 1250°C for 20 days . It acquires various subdued colors. You visit the potteries and learn the process of Bizen ware. You can make your own china with the help of the potter. You also visit Kurashiki Bikan historical area.
Traditional Bizen ware and Kurashiki Bikan historical area
Okayama Day Trip Tours
Explore small and charming Kurashiki
Explore Kurashiki, which is like a small but charming gem, still untouched by many tourists. The city is rich in history and culture and has a friendly atmosphere. We will visit several places including local shrine and temples, craft shops like pottery and blue jeans. (You know Kurashiki is the home of Japanese blue jeans. ) We can rest at charming cafe if you like.
Explore small and charming Kurashiki
Art Island "Naoshima” one day trip
Naoshima is an art island. There are good art museums in this island, Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum, Valley Gallery, Lee Ufan Museum, and so on. Art House Project in Honmura Area is also interesting. Some of them are made by a Japanese architect, Tadao Ando. They are very wonderful. You can enjoy outside works in the island. The most famous outside works are two red and yellow pumpkins by Yayoi Kusama.
Art Island "Naoshima” one day trip
Okayama Art, Culture, & Historical Tours
Naoshima Art Island Excursion Day Tour
This is a wonderful day exploring the art on Naoshima, one of three islands creating a contemporary art experience set amidst the rice fields and mountains on the island and merging with the rural setting in the surrounding Seto Inland Sea. It features architecture by Tadao Ando. We will ferry from Uno Port to Naoshima and travel by local bus, or if you would like, hire bicycles and cycle around to visit the Chichu Art Museum and other art project installations in the town.
Naoshima Art Island Excursion Day Tour
Teshima Art Island Excursion Day Tour
This is a wonderful day exploring the art on Teshima, one of three islands creating a contemporary art experience set amidst the rice fields and mountains on the island and merging with the rural setting in the surrounding Seto Inland Sea. We will ferry from Uno Port to Teshima and travel hire (electric assisted)bicycles and cycle around to visit the Teshima Art Museum and other art project installations in the town.
Teshima Art Island Excursion Day Tour
Okayama Off the Beaten Path Tours
Okayama Food & Drink Tours
Okayama Tour Reviews
Jason O.
“Naoshima wouldn’t have worked without Hugh”
Naoshima is an amazing place. Each member of the family found many things to love. However it took the amazing efforts of our guide Hugh to properly book each location with appropriate timings and routes between. It would have been impossible to do it on our own. Hugh has deep knowledge of the art and Japan. His unique perspective and background as a schoolteacher kept our teens engaged with the experience. I can imagine there are other good guides out there but probably none better than Hugh to make the island really come alive.
Viktoria S.
“Very good guide! ”
Yoko was very informed and provided a lot of information. It was the excellent tour!
Yoko M.
Thank you for a nice comment. I am very happy to hear that. I had a good time with the guests.
Stella G.
“Thank you, Hugh!”
We were fortunate to spend October 25th of this year with Hugh on a one-day tour of Naoshima. Not only did he guide us through museums and art installations, but he also introduced us to the island’s lesser-known corners and took us to the best local coffee spots.Hugh was incredibly accommodating, ensuring our day trip was comfortable and enjoyable. He went above and beyond, picking us up from our hotel in Okayama and dropping us off at the end of a long, fulfilling day.Having lived in Japan for decades, Hugh is deeply immersed in its culture. He has a fascinating life story and is an accomplished calligrapher, martial artist, painter, and overall intellectual. Our day with him was not only filled with art but also enriched by fascinating conversations and stories.Hugh had carefully planned our itinerary to ensure we made the most of our time on the island, and we are grateful for his thoughtful approach, especially since this was our only opportunity to experience Naoshima. If you're looking for a guide who speaks both English and Japanese, and who not only shares insightful information about exhibits but also offers a deep understanding of Japanese culture and customs, Hugh is an excellent choice. Be sure to book his time in advance!
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