The birthplace of Miyamoto Musashi

Not far from Yunogo, you will find the birthplace of the samurai Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most intriguing characters in Japanese history. There you will be treated to an iaido (sword drawing) demonstration by Trevor Jones, a British exponent of the art and holder of the 7th Dan grade and talk on the spirit of samurai. Around this area, you can see the Musashi birth home, grave and memorial shrine, a museum, dojo and budokan (martial training halls).

Miyamoto Musashi, warrior, artist and scholar

"It is said the warrior's is the twofold Way of pen and sword, and he should have a taste for both Ways. Even if a man has no natural ability he can be a warrior by adhering assiduously to both divisions of the Way. Generally speaking, the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death."
From the Earth Chapter in the Book of Five Rings

Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645) was a swordsman who was born in Miyamoto village (now part of Mimasaka City) at a time of great political and social upheaval. He devoted his life to the sword and remained undefeated in over sixty duels. He was the founder of "niten'ichi ryu", a style utilizing both swords at once. He was also an accomplished artist, sculptor and calligrapher and is the author of The Book of Five Rings, a treatise on strategy, tactics, and philosophy that is highly regarded and still studied to this day.

Gorinbo Restaurant/Honjin Meal

To further appreciate the history of the samurai, you will be able to try a meal as eaten by the warlords at the 400 year-old travel lodge which still stands on a street nearby, which was an official travel route during the Edo period.

TSUYAMA

Tsuyama City flourished once as the capital of Mimasaka Province, and is now a quiet and charming castle town. Tsuyama Castle was one of the most well-fortified castles ever constructed in Japan. Though the castle itself is no longer standing, there remains a great set of fortifications with commanding views of the city below. The Bitchu Yagura (Turret) has been reconstructed (completed in 2005) using traditional materials. The castle is famous in western Japan as a cherry blossom viewing site. This makes early April the best time to visit, as at this time people hold hanami parties under the spreading boughs of the cherry trees, which make the castle grounds and the tower look as if they are wrapped in blossom.There are many quaint little shops on the historic Joto Street and the Shuraku Garden, though small, has elegant scenery reminiscent of the 17th Century. As of August 2013, Joto Street has been designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.Other traditional activities that can be enjoyed in Tsuyama include cooking and paper-making.

KATSUYAMA

Katsuyama is another former castle town about a one-hour train ride west from Kifu no Sato and was also once a post town along the Izumo Road.  The Katsuyama historical preservation area was chosen to be "one of the best 100 stroll streets in Japan" featuring the beautiful "Noren" (shop curtains) made by local dye artist, Yoko Kano.  Walking through this colourful and yet unpretentious town with norens waving in the breeze, one can feel the energy, resilience and the openness of the small merchants and local residents.  Seeing their properties elegantly matured with age and decorated with each unique noren naturally uplifts your spirit. The "Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) is another charm of this town. In March, more than 160 households and shops exhibit their treasured Hina doll displays.

Osafune Sword Town

The samurai sword symbolises the spirit of the samurai. It represents authority, honour and respect. The Town of Osafune is renowned for the quality of the swords made here down the centuries, and the skill of its craftsmen. The local iron sand, clay and wood-burning fire made for a unique combination setting Bizen swords apart from those made elsewhere. Even today, Osafune boasts a thriving sword-making community as can be witnessed at the Token Village. Here one can see ancient swords on display and artisans demonstrating the making of blades and the sword fittings.

Bizen Pottery

The properties of the local iron ore and natural water are what have made Bizen blades so famous. These qualities also contribute to the magnificence of Bizen pottery. You will be captivated by the variety of colours and textures on the creations which are all non-glazed. You are invited to make your own Bizen pottery at Isezaki Kyo Pottery Studio (if possible please book one month in advance through us).

Korakuen

It is awarded three Michelin stars in 2007 and also designated as one of the "Three Great Gardens" of Japan. Upon entering, one can understand why. Designed and landscaped in the late 17th century by the Daimyo (Lord) of Okayama, Korakuen is to be enjoyed for its beauty in every season and continues to delight visitors to this day.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5701.html

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, in Hyogo Prefecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is 400 years old and is the only castle in Japan to retain its original wood and plaster construction. Its beautiful lines give the impression of a bird in flight, hence it is known as the "White Heron Castle." It is at present (2013) undergoing restoration.
http://www.himejijo-syuri.jp/en/guide/

Site of Takeda Castle

The remains of this 15th century mountain-top castle can be found in the north of Hyogo Prefecture. It is nicknamed the "Castle in the Sky" because low cloud gives the impression of floating in the air. It is highly rated by visitors for the condition of its remains and spectacular view.
http://www.jcastle.info/castle/profile/11

Kurashiki: Bikan Area

Although Kurashiki is a modern city, it contains an area of 17th century buildings with distinctive white walls and black tiles. This Bikan area is popular for tourists and art aficionados who frequent the Ohara Museum of Art.

Ohara Museum of Art

Founded in 1930, Ohara Museum of Art is the oldest private museum featuring Western art in Japan.
The museum, awarded two Michelin stars in 2007, displays works mainly from the French Impressionist period (including Monet, Pissaro and Gauguin), as well as modern and contemporary Japanese art.

Mitaki En

A restaurant/coffee shop with buildings featuring a sunken hearth under a thatched roof and 360 degree views. Set in a tranquil spot broken only by the murmur of the river and the song of birds, take a step back in time as you wander through the woods and enjoy a meal or refreshments. The meals are traditional-style created from local produce.

Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine)

A Shinto shrine of unknown age, but first recorded in the 8th century, is in Izumo City in Shimane Prefecture, north of Okayama. It is designated a National Treasure of Japan and is one of the most important Shinto shrines dedicated to the deity of marriage.
After the shrine, why not try the local Izumo soba (buckwheat noodles) found in many of the local restaurants.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/shimane/izumo.html

Adachi Museum of Art

As a museum of modern Japanese art, it has a collection of approximately 1500 of the country's most highly regarded paintings. Set in a beautiful natural environment, its stunning Japanese gardens have been awarded three Michelin stars and rated No.1 in Japan for each of the last 10 years by the American "Sukiya Living" Journal of Japanese Gardening.

Naoshima

One of Japan's Seto Inland Sea islands, it is renowned for its collection of contemporary art galleries and exhibits. It features the Benesse House complex and the new Chichu Art Museum.
http://www.benesse-artsite.jp/en/naoshima/

Miyajima

Is considered one of the "three great scenic views of Japan" and was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the A-bomb Dome in the center of downtown Hiroshima. The huge vermillion gate "floating" on the water has become one of the iconic images of Japan over the years.

"The islands of the Inland Sea are among the last places on earth where men rise with the sun and where streets are dark and silent by nine at night. Here is the last of old Japan, this valley-like sea where the waters turn green or blue with the season, where the islands stand black against the horizon or lie like folded fur under the noonday sun, where the blue and silver of towns and villages merge with the rich yellows, browns, and greens of the patchwork land. These islands are extraordinarily beautiful, and a part of their beauty is that it is passing."

"I see nothing but empty waters and islands, one behind another, like submerged mountain ranges, tan and green fading into ochre and indigo, then into distant blue and violet. The air is still and there is no sound except for the birds, squabbling as they did generations before."

from The Inland Sea by Donald Richie, Published by Stone Bridge Press in 1971

LOCAL FRUIT

Okayama earned its nickname as “the land of sunshine” because of its mild climate and the most number of sunny days recorded per year in Japan.  Thanks to this, we are able to produce top quality peaches and grapes which everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. In Tokyo, they can be sold at triple the local price. 

LOCAL DISHES

Yes, there is more to Japanese food than just sushi and tempura.  We believe that there isn’t a better way to get to know our area than through our flavours.  Some people might wonder why we are introducing okonomiyaki as a local food when it is more strongly associated with Kansai and Hiroshima.  However, okonomiyaki with oysters can only be tried in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture. 

SAKE

Okayama is known as the No.1 producer of the Omachi sake rice,which is said to be the ultimate and the most difficult type of sake rice to produce. There are basically two types of sake.  One is for drinking and the other is for enjoying its fragrance. Omachi sake rice produces the best quality sake that falls into the latter category. When you come to Okayama, please try the Daiginjo sake which only uses rice 50 % polished away. We believe sake definitely is the most suitable accompaniment for Japanese dishes. 

Model tour 1

Experience the roots of Samurai culture at Ohara
(the famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi’s birthplace) 

Start the morning with the martial art of iaido (sword drawing), then explore the area, visiting a museum and the Musashi birth home. Have a feudal lord’s travel lodge meal for lunch at the Gorinbo restaurant. Move to the old street area (10 min. from Musashi’s birthplace) and relax in a café housed in a newly renovated 100-year-old merchant’s estate(Nambatei).

Model tour 2

Off the beaten path in search of rare natural and cultural experiences at Chizu Town, Tottori 

Drive through stunning scenery en route to the first town in Tottori Prefecture known for its wild and untouched natural beauty, you will find yourself in a historical travel lodge area called Chizu-shuku. Admire the well-preserved residence of the Ishitani family which has been registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property and a municipal Cultural Property. After a stroll in the area, drive up the mountain to Mitaki En where you will enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch followed by a walk on the grounds listening to the murmur of the river and the song of birds.

Model tour 3

Visit the “Castle in the Sky,” Takeda Castle

Drive eastward from the ryokan for one and a half hours, you will see the Takeda Castle ruins, also known as the Japanese Machu Pichu. After a 20-minute hike from the car park, you will be treated to sweeping views across the valley below where you can enjoy your picnic lunch prepared by the ryokan.

Model tour 4

Bizen--the traditional cultural center of Okayama

Drive southward for a little over an hour to Bizen City along the Yoshino River. The first stop is the Shizutani (“Quiet Valley”) School, the oldest public school in the world and a designated national treasure. Lunch by the sea, then off to the Bizen pottery town and marvel at the variety of colours and textures created on these unglazed pottery pieces. More unmissable Japanese craftsmanship can be seen at the Osafune Sword Museum. The quality of swords and blades forged here are renowned throughout the world.

Model tour 5

The Sea of Japan area-- the most beautiful Japanese garden and a spiritual hotspot

Drive north for one and a half hours and you will come to the Adachi Museum of Art whose garden has been awarded three Michelin stars and rated No.1 in Japan for the last 10 years by an American Japanese garden magazine. Have leisurely time including lunch overlooking the stunning natural beauty followed by a visit to Izumo Taisha, one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in the country.

Samurai Culture Tour - 3 day model itinerary

Day One

Arrival at the Ohara Station. Visit the Ohara historical preservation area and have Honjin lunch (warlord’s journey meal) at the birthplace of Miyamoto Musashi followed by iaido demonstration and talk by Trevor Jones.

Day Two

Visit Tsuyama City. It once flourished as the capital of Mimasaka Province, and is now a quiet and charming castle town.  One of the highlights the city has to offer is Kuwagata Keisai's (1764-1824) painting, "Bird's-eye View Map of Edo" displayed at the Historical Museum of Tsuyama Region which is situated right at the foot of the castle fortress.  The picture gained national attention when its  replica was introduced at the Tokyo Sky Tree at the tower’s opening in 2012.  The view from the tower exactly matches the map created 200 years ago.  From there, 5 minutes' walk eastwards along the Joto preservation area, once a bustling post station during the Edo period, one can visit the Kajimura Residence, a traditional wealthy merchant’s house and the recently renovated Museum of Western Learning which visually tells the incredible stories of how the local scholars trail-blazed this field of study.  Some of the cosy cafes and restaurants are the locals‘ favourites, serving local dishes well worth a try.  The best time to visit is when the cherry blossoms literally wrap around the castle fortress and guard tower in early April.

Day Three

Katsuyama is another former castle town about a one-hour train ride west from Kifu no Sato and was also once a post town along the Izumo Road.  The Katsuyama historical preservation area was chosen to be "one of the best 100 stroll streets in Japan" featuring the beautiful "Noren" (shop curtains) made by local dye artist, Yoko Kano.  Walking through this colourful and yet unpretentious town with norens waving in the breeze, one can feel the energy, resilience and the openness of the small merchants and local residents.  Seeing their properties elegantly matured with age and decorated with each unique noren naturally uplifts your spirit. The "Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) is another charm of this town. In March, more than 160 households and shops exhibit their treasured Hina doll displays.