The mascot of the city. Picture taken from http://www.pref.okayama.jp/kikaku/kokusai/momo/e/
I grew up watching Superman, Batman, Robin Hood and Spiderman who are fictional superheros from the West, they fought against the baddies to protect civilians. Momotaro "Peach Boy" is the name the Japanese famous legendary superhero born out of peach. He fought the Ogres on Ogre island with the help of a monkey, a dog and a pheasant. And came back victoriously with all their treasures. The legend can be read here Click here for the song on his triumph over evil!
Therefore do catch sight of (1)Momotaro Statue in front of JR Okayama Station,(2)The Momotaro statues along Momotaro-Odori Street & around the town which depict the characters from the legend and the young Momotaro. (3)Momotaro Festival from the end of July to the beginning of August
If you are feeling peckish do try - (1)Kibi Dango(Millet Dumplings) (2)Peaches
Okayama Castle & Koraku-en
Okayama Castle aka Crow Castle(烏城, U-jo) It is a refreshing change seeing a black castle compared to a white castle. There is also a museum inside the castle but the text is mostly in Japanese.
Pink vs Green Trees
*The highlight of the museum is the dress up section, which allow visitors to don on an Edo Period Costumes & headgear and have their pictures taken in them for FREE! There is even an attendant who will help the visitors to dress up! However there is a catch, there is a limit to the number of visitors who can dress up in an hour!
Day Trip from Osaka
Opening Hours 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
A combination ticket for the castle and Kōraku-en is also available.
Kurashiki - 15 Mins JR ride from Okayama to Kurashiki
Kurashiki has a waterway with Willow Trees surrounding it, running through the Bikan historical district. And in the warmer months(Mar-Nov), take a boat ride down the Kurashiki River.
*This place reminded me of Suzhou in China
You might also like to visit:
2) Ivy Square
3) Seto Ohashi Bridge
You might be interested in
Matsumoto Castle The other "crow castle in Japan)
Information on what to do in Okayama Prefecture
Accomodation in Osaka(Japan Stay Club)
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