Fukiya Bengara Lantern Festival

One of the few remaining original Japanese castles, dating back to the 17th century, it is the only original mountain castle in the nation. It is also the highest castle, built atop Mount Gagyu. Although you can take a taxi up most of the mountain, there is a point at which you must walk up (as no vehicles are allowed on the path leading to the castle). The ascent to the castle will take you through the well-preserved and highly impressive castle walls before you reach the top. The inside of the castle does not have many artifacts however, the uniqueness of the castle and the beauty of the surrounding area more than make up for it. It has gained fame as a "Castle in the Sky" when viewed from afar surrounded by clouds (See "Do" for details on how to access the viewpoint). Despite all of its beauty and outstanding features, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is one of the least visited of all the original castles, making it a true gem.

A zen temple of the Rinzai sect that dates back to 1504. The beautifully constructed garden within the temple grounds was designed by Kobori Enshu, who is one of the founders of the Japanese tea ceremony. It's about 15 minutes from JR Bitchu Takahashi Station.

A museum dedicated to the city's long history from its days as part of the ancient Kibi Kingdom to the feudal era when the wider Bitchu Province was ruled from Bitchu Matsuyama Castle to the present day.

This temple, built atop a large stone wall, looks more like a fortress than a temple.

Yakushi-in gained its fame as the setting of the movie "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" (男はつらいよ).

Constructed in 1889 (Meiji 22) by a Western architect, it's the oldest church in Okayama. Worship services are still held on Sunday mornings.