Located between the enticing Seto Inland Sea and the commanding Chugoku Mountains, Okayama is a captivating city in Japan that skilfully merges modern amenities with rich traditional heritage. Aptly branded as "The Land of Sunshine" due to its temperate climate and minimal rainfall, Okayama welcomes guests with great weather throughout the year, making it an ideal location for exploring its numerous attractions.

The city's congenial ambiance reflects the amiable, leisurely lifestyle of its residents. Setting itself apart from the bustling city life of Tokyo or Osaka, Okayama offers a more laid back atmosphere but does not fall short of delivering all the benefits of a significant Japanese city. One may observe a deep-seated influence of traditional arts in local customs, precisely in the cultivation of bonsai and the manufacture of denim in the adjacent Kojima district.

The piece de resistance of Okayama is indeed, Korakuen, renowned as one of Japan's three eminent gardens. This extravagant garden, established in 1700, manifests classic Japanese garden design featuring vast green lawns, serene ponds, and meticulously maintained trees. Next to the garden stands the iconic Okayama Castle, colloquially known as "Crow Castle" due to its distinctive black exterior that creates a fine juxtaposition to the enchanting greenery of the garden.

The city is recognized for its white peaches and Muscat grapes, touted as some of Japan's best fruits. Native delicacies include Demi-katsu (a breaded pork cutlet championed with a demi-glace sauce) and Barazushi, a vibrant variant of pressed sushi exceptional to the region. Make sure not to miss tasting kibi dango, sugary mochi dumplings linked with the popular folklore of Momotaro, the legendary peach boy from Okayama.