25 Jan [Muslim Friendly] Getting Immersed in the Beauty of Okayama for 3 Days Trip
Okayama is known as the land of sunshine, it is due to getting minimal rain and mild climate throughout the year. With this comfortable weather all throughout the year, there are surely tons of things you can do and explore in Okayama just like other cities of Japan.
From Malaysia Travel Agent, we compiled some Muslim Friendly as well as fun places to go for your trip in Okayama!
As you reach Okayama, if it’s a bit late due to the long transportation, you can book your first night at Okayama in Via Inn Okayama. The inn is directly connected to JR Okayama Station, then it also offers a panoramic lobby with a train view that welcomes you. This place also offers a warm room accompanied with breakfast that is filled with a choice of Japanese and Western dishes and other colorful buffets.
The first full day in Japan and this trip started with the famous Okayama Castle and Okayama Korakuen Garden, which is a must-to-go when in Okayama. It was renewal and opened on November, 2023.The castle offers a great view of the city as well as tons of displays of the historical items. Other than that, visitors can try the kimono-wearing experience, palanquin experience, and Bizen pottery-making workshop.
After going to the castle, the next destination is Okayama Korakuen Garden which is one of the best three traditional Japanese gardens in Japan and has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan tourism guidebook. This garden is a perfect place for you to relax while enjoying the beautiful view of the garden.
For your first lunch in Okayama,we went to Milenga which is a Muslim friendly restaurant that serves halal curry that is also available as a bento or take-out.
All dishes in Milenga are handmade with fresh vegetables, meats, and authentic spices giving your palette a first-class trip to India. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are also served here at almost unbelievably reasonable prices. What’s even better is that they have prayer rooms and are available for large groups of people.
After the tummy is filled, in Okayama there’s this place called Manekineko Museum of Art, where visitors are not only able to find tons of fortune cat statues (almost 700) but also can make their own or buy it as a souvenir from Okayama.
The next activity is a bit different because we’re going to Muscat grape picking at Kubo Farm. The grape here is “Muscat of Alexandria” which is known as The Queen of Grapes that has elegant sweetness and a noble scent. Not only is the price cheap, you can harvest as much as you want and bring it as souvenirs too!
After a long day, dinner is served at Kidoairaku where we also learn how to make Sushi. This experience lasts for 90 minutes and will be guided by the kind teacher to keep us interested and comfortable. Another must experience to do in Okayama, plus at the end of the lesson, we also got to keep a sushi making certificate.
For the night, if you are looking for Muslim friendly hotel, we recommend Hotel Granvia in Okayama that offers tons of benefits for you, for example halal buffet and qibla in their rooms.
Day two of strolling around Okayama, first we went to Kibitsujinja Shrine that is famous with the 360m long and large corridor surrounded with an astonishing view of the garden.
For Lunch, we went to Hiruzen Kogen Highlands where we can enjoy Muslim friendly foods, for example there is a lamb meat barbeque that is cooked on grills at the table with a selection of fresh vegetables and served with hot rice. Other than that, in this place we can also find tons of souvenirs and gifts to bring back home.
Not far from that, we also went to GREENable Hiruzen which is a green modern city with a unique and one-of-a-kind building in the middle of the place.
Next, we went to Kimendai Observatory Rest Area where you can enjoy magnificent views of the famous landmark Mt. Daisen in the north, and beautiful views of Hiruzen in the south. Make sure to come here between late October and early November so you can see the beauty of the autumn foliage.
Then, the day cannot just stop here, if we have not gone to Hiruzen Jersey Land. This place not only offers the best view of the surrounding rural area, but also fun activities like horse riding, learning to make some dairy products, enjoying local food at the restaurant, and shopping for sweets and fresh dairy items for souvenirs or self-consumption.
For this day 2 trips, we stayed over at Micchan’s House which is a farm stay which also provides Muslim friendly food menu. During the stay here, we learned a lot about Japanese culture and foods. Micchan teaches us how to make Japanese staple dinner while we also make it for ourselves. Definitely a 10 out of 10 experience that you can only find in Okayama!
The last day at Okayama was firstly spent by going to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. It was known for its unique Japanese residences with white walls and willow trees lining the banks of the Kurashiki River. Kurashiki has been selected as an Important Preservation District in Japan.
Then we went to Mitsui Outlet Park to strolling around to go shopping, as well as having our lunch,
Do you know that you can make your own jeans in Okayama at Betty Smith Jeans Museum? At this next stop, we experience making our jeans while being guided by the instructor there, and we are also free to choose our chosen accessories.
Still around jeans activity, next we visited Kojima Jeans Street which is known as the birthplace of jeans in Japan. Throughout the street, you will not only be able to shop varieties of jeans but you can also learn the history of jeans in Japan. A perfect place for you jeans lovers.
As our last stop, we ended the trip with a mesmerizing view from Mt. Washuzan. This place was known as Japan’s first national park which serves the dramatic and beautiful views of Seto Ohashi Bridge and the surrounding islands. It is worth it to stay for a while here while waiting for the sun to set.
All in all this was an enjoyable Okayama trip that was recommended for Muslim tourists who wished or planned to come to Okayama, because Okayama has many interesting things in every season and there are many halal certified restaurants. There are also many facilities and prayer rooms for Muslim tourists in the city. You can worry less and don’t forget to come to Okayama!
Okayama Muslim Tourism (OMT) is an organization that provides Muslim Friendly tourism, which is run by Okayama City, Kibichuo Town and Maniwa City. You can enjoy tourist attractions, Muslim friendly restaurants, and accommodation and it is possible to arrange sightseeing trips according to traveler purposes such as school exchanges, conventions, etc.
Okayama City / Kibichuo Town / Maniwa City
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