Bunkazai TabiA travel guide to Japan’s cultural heritage

Cultural heritage in Okayama

National Treasure buildings and historic districts in Okayama.

Kibitsu Shrine

Muromachi · Shrines · National Treasures

Kibitsu Shrine

Okayama, Okayama

At Kibitsu Shrine you can see the Honden, the only example in Japan of hiyoku-irimoya-zukuri (Kibitsu-zukuri), in which two hip-and-gable roofs are joined into one, and the Haiden attached to its front. The Narukama Shinji rite tied to the legend of the defeat of Ura and the long, straight covered corridor are other highlights.

Kurashiki Kawahan (Bikan Historical Quarter): The Kurashiki River and its townscape

Historic districts

Kurashiki Kawahan (Bikan Historical Quarter)

Kurashiki, Okayama

Along the Kurashiki River, white-walled merchant houses and storehouses recall the prosperity of a port town that served as a shogunate-controlled distribution hub. Compare details like namako tile walls and heavy tiled roofs, then enjoy a river boat ride or the evening illumination.

Former Shizutani School

Edo · Other buildings · National Treasures

Former Shizutani School

Bizen, Okayama

Former Shizutani School is a historic structure in Bizen, Okayama. Its Lecture Hall is a designated National Treasure (Mid-Edo period, 1701).

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Yakage-juku, Yakage

Historic districts

Yakage-juku, Yakage

Yakage, Okayama

Yakage-juku, Yakage is a post town in Yakage, Okayama, selected in 2020 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

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Joto, Tsuyama

Historic districts

Joto, Tsuyama

Tsuyama, Okayama

Joto, Tsuyama is a merchant town in Tsuyama, Okayama, selected in 2013 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

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Josai, Tsuyama

Historic districts

Josai, Tsuyama

Tsuyama, Okayama

Josai, Tsuyama is a temple district and merchant town in Tsuyama, Okayama, selected in 2020 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

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Fukiya, Takahashi

Historic districts

Fukiya, Takahashi

Takahashi, Okayama

Fukiya, Takahashi is a mining town in Takahashi, Okayama, selected in 1977 as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

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