Prefecture of Japan
Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
岡山国際交流ヴィラ Okayama Kokusai Koryū Villa
Those looking for cheap accommodations outside of the hustle and bustle of the cities should look into Okayama's international villas. There are two villas, each offering a very different and unique experience. Shiraishi Villa is on Shiraishi Island, off the coast of Kasaoka. The island has beaches, Buddhist temples, and excellent hiking trails to keep visitors occupied. Hattoji Villa is located in a quaint, isolated farming village in Bizen. The surrounding homes have traditional Japanese thatched roofs, offering visitors a glimpse of traditional Japanese life and the chance to experience what it's like to stay in such houses. The International Villas are located in more remote areas so that visitors can enjoy the local culture. When making reservations at the villas, it is best to stay only as long as you wish to explore the areas surrounding the villas themselves. It is not recommended to try to use the villas as bases to explore other areas. Those wanting to see more of Okayama after their villa stay should change accommodations to a more convenient location, such as Okayama City. You can make reservations on the website, by mail, or by inquiring at the International Center in Okayama City on the 6th floor.
By train
Okayama is a major train hub in Western Japan. All trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line stop at Okayama Station. Kodama trains also stop at Shin-Kurashiki Station in Kurashiki.
By car
The Chugoku Expressway passes through Tsuyama and Niimi in the north, and the Sanyo Expressway travels through the southern portion through the Bizen area (including Okayama City) and southern Bitchu…
By bus
Many places in the prefecture that are not located near train stations can still be accessed by bus. Buses can be used to reach all three of the famous Mimasaka onsen.
By bike
In spite of the implications of its name, which translates to mean "Hilly Mountains" or "Hills and Mountains", Okayama Prefecture has some great and very flat cycling options.
By car
While most travelers should be able to get by using public transportation, as always, having a car gives you the most options and allows you to cover more ground in a day.
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Okayama · International · OKJ
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Okayama (Japanese: 岡山市 Okayama-shi) is a major transit hub for western Japan. But with white peaches, a brooding black castle, and the famous garden of Kōrakuen, there are plenty of reasons to catch a later train and get out of the station to explore.
Inujima (犬島) is an island in the Seto Inland Sea and is part of Japan.
Asakuchi (浅口市 Asakuchi-shi) is a city in Okayama Prefecture.
Bizen (備前市 Bizen-shi) is the eastern part of Okayama Prefecture.
Ibara (井原市 Ibara-shi) is a city in Okayama, Japan.
Kasaoka (笠岡市 Kasaoka-shi) is a city in Okayama Prefecture, about 40 minutes away from Okayama City by train. The most frequent reason for visiting are its islands, especially Shiraishi Island, which you can visit by ferry.

Kurashiki (倉敷市 Kurashiki-shi) is one of Japan's great old merchant towns, with around half a million citizens today. Sitting along a scenic canal at the foot of Mt.
Maniwa (真庭市) is a city in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
Niimi (新見市 Niimi-shi) is a city in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
Soja (総社市 Sōja-shi) is a city in Okayama Prefecture.
Takahashi (高梁市 Takahashi-shi) is a city in Okayama Prefecture in the western Chugoku region of the island of Honshu in Japan.
Tamano (玉野市, Tamano-shi) is in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
Tsuyama (津山市, Tsuyama-shi) is a city in northern Okayama Prefecture, Japan with around 100,000 citizens. Much of the city's historical sites remain well-preserved, making Tsuyama a quiet yet charming town.
Kumenan (久米南町 Kumenan-chō) is a small town in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
Nagi (奈義町 Nagi-chō) is a town in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
Nishiawakura (西粟倉村 Nishiawakura-son) is the northeasternmost village in Okayama Prefecture.
Shinjo (新庄村 Shinjō-son) is a village in Okayama, Japan.
Yakage (矢掛町) is in Okayama, Japan.
Wake (和気町, Wake-chō) is a town in Wake District, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The town is famous in the region for the 'Wamojiyaki' festival that takes place every year on August 15 during the Obon period, and the town is also home to the largest Wisteria park in Japan.
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