Okayama Travel & Culture Guide

Momotarō (桃太郎; Japanese pronunciation: [momoꜜtaɾoː], lit. 'Peach Boy') is a popular hero of Japanese folklore. His name is often translated as Peach Boy, but is directly translated as Peach + Tarō, a common Japanese given name. Momotarō is also the title of various books, films and other works that portray the tale of this hero. There is a popular notion that Momotarō is a local hero of Okayama Prefecture, but this claim was invented in the modern era. This notion is not accepted as consensus in scholarly circles. == Story == The present conventional form of the tale (Standard Type) can be summarized as follows: Momotarō was born from a giant peach, which was found floating down a river by an old, childless woman who was washing clothes there. The woman and her husband discovered the child when they tried to open the peach to eat it. The child explained that he had been bestowed by the gods to be their son. The couple named him Momotarō, from momo (peach) and tarō (eldest son in the family). When he was just five years old, he was able to cut a big tree with just an old knife.

Bitchū Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城, Bitchū Matsuyama-jō), also known as Takahashi Castle (高梁城), is a Japanese castle located in the city of Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture, in the San'yō region of Japan. Along with having one of only twelve remaining original tenshu (main keeps) in the country, Bitchū Matsuyama Castle is notable as the castle with the highest elevation above sea level in Japan at 430 meters (1410 ft). It has been protected by the central government as a National Historic Site since 1956. == History == A fortification was originally built on a nearby mountain (Mount Omatsu) in 1240 AD by Akiba Shigenobu, but its details are not clear. In the Muromachi period, the Hosokawa clan was shugo of Bitchū Province, but ruled through local proxies. Takahashi Muneyasu constructed a new castle at the current location on Mount Gagyū in 1331, though the design of this castle differed from the one that stands on the site now. Mount Gagyū is located north of the center of modern Takahashi, and is a long ridge with an elevation of approximately 430 meters, overlooking the Takahashi River. The location is of strategic importance in controlling the north-south transportation route between the Seto Inland Sea and the San'in region on the Sea of Japan, and the east-west transportation route between Tsuyama in Mimasaka Province and Miyoshi in the center of the Chūgoku region. In the early Sengoku period, the Shō clan supplanted the Hosokawa and occupied Bitchū Matsuyama Castle in 1532, making it their stronghold in their campaign against the Amago clan in Izumo Province. By the mid-century, the Mōri clan from Aki Province had defeated the Amago while simultaneously supporting the Mimura clan against the Shō and the Ukita clans.

The Ohara Museum of Art (大原美術館, Ōhara Bijutsukan) in Kurashiki was the first collection of Western art to be permanently exhibited in Japan. The museum opened in 1930 and originally consisted almost entirely of French paintings and sculptures of the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection has now expanded to include paintings of the Italian Renaissance and of the Dutch and Flemish 17th century. Well-known American and Italian artists of the 20th century are also included in the collection. The basis of the collection was formed by Ōhara Magosaburō on the advice of the Japanese painter Kojima Torajirō (1881–1929) and the French artist Edmond Aman-Jean (1860–1935). In 1961 a wing was added for acquired Japanese paintings of the first half of the 20th century: Fujishima Takeji, Aoki Shigeru, Kishida Ryūsei, Koide Tarushige and others. In the same year, a wing for potteries of Kawai Kanjirō, Bernard Leach, Hamada Shōji, Tomimoto Kenkichi and others was opened. 1963 a wing was added for the woodcuts of Munakata Shikō and dyeings of Serisawa Keisuke. Today the last two wings are combined as Crafts Wing (Kōgei-kan). 1972 the Kojima Torajirō Memorial Hall was opened at the Ivory Square of Kurashiki.

Ura (Ura/Onra) is an ancient demon from the Kibi region in southern Okayama Prefecture. In this section, we will not only explain Ura but also explain the ``Ura Legend'' regarding Ura and Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto. == Overview == Ura is a legendary demon/person who is said to have been the ruler of the ancient Kibi region. It has other names such as ``Kibijin'' and ``Kibi no Kaja,'' and according to legend, Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto was dispatched to Kibi to exterminate it. The tradition appears to have been established in its current form by the end of the Muromachi period at the latest, and several types of auspicious origins are reported in documents. There is also a theory that this demon slaying legend is the prototype of the Momotaro legend. == Contents == According to legend, the people of Kibi went to the capital to complain about their plight, but Ura was able to escape from the military commanders sent by the Yamato kingdom and was unable to defeat them. For this reason, Emperor Sujin (the 10th) dispatched Isasa Serihiko no Mikoto, the son of Emperor Korei (the 7th) and one of the four shoguns. During the subjugation, Isosa Serihiko-no-Mikoto set up his headquarters at the site of present-day Kibitsu Shrine. He shot one arrow at Ura, but Ura threw a stone each time and shot it down.

Kurashiki Tivoli Park is an urban theme park that was once located in Kotobuki-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (in front of the north exit of JR Kurashiki Station). The park opened on July 18, 1997, and closed on December 31, 2008. The theme park was located on the 12 hectare site of the former Kurashiki Spinning Co., Ltd. (Kurabo Industries) Manju factory adjacent to Kurashiki Station, and inherited the design and know-how from Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, which had a long history and was famous worldwide. Approximately 18 million people visited the park during its 11 years and 6 months of operation. Kurashiki Tivoli Park's philosophy is to ``create a heart-filled park where all people, from infants to the elderly, can have peace of mind and interact with each other.'' The park is a theme park with a greenery coverage rate of 45%, with 50,000 trees, 900,000 plants of 250 different species, 15 fountains, and 1,000 benches installed. The park was dotted with attractions, gardens, shops, restaurants, and theaters inspired by Denmark and Hans Christian Andersen. In addition, several educational facilities were opened to learn about Denmark's nature, history, and culture. After the park closed, the site was returned to Kurabo Industries and has been redeveloped as Ario Kurashiki, Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki, and Kurashiki Mirai Park. == Inside the park == Its symbols are the Tivoli Tower and the Tivoli Balloon Ferris wheel, which border Pleinenplatz in the center. There were also halls such as ``Andersen Hall'' and ``Kalkebarn Theater'', and there was a pond called ``Tivoli Lake'' in front of Andersen Hall.

Muscat of Alexandria is a white wine grape that is a member of the Muscat family of Vitis vinifera. It is considered an "ancient vine", and wine experts believe it is one of the oldest genetically unmodified vines still in existence. The grape originated in North Africa, and the name is probably derived from its association with Ancient Egyptians who used the grape for wine making. It is also a table grape used for eating and raisins. Muscat of Alexandria is cultivated very heavily on the island of Lemnos in the North Eastern Aegean region of Greece, and reputedly Cleopatra drank muscat wine from there. In Italy wine is made from the grape on the island of Pantelleria, and it is grown in Calabria and Sicily where it is known as Zibibbo. In Spain, the grape is the sixth most planted white grape variety with 10,318 hectares (25,496 acres) grown in 2015, mainly in Málaga, Alicante, Valencia, and the Canary Islands. It is an important grape in the wine industries of Australia, Bolivia and South Africa. == Viticulture == The vine thrives in a hot climate and is particularly sensitive to the cold during its flowering season. In the northern hemisphere it is ripe in August, and is a seeded grape.

Kino Castle (鬼ノ城, Kino-jō) was an ancient kōgoishi type castle located in the city of Sōja, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Its ruins have been protected as a National Historic Site since 1986. Portions of the castle were reconstructed in the early 2000s. == Legend == The castle's name literally means "demon castle" (ki is another reading for the character for oni); according to a traditional fable, a demon named Onra or Ura once ruled Kibi Province from the castle. The castle is the basis of the myth that is associated with the folklore hero, Momotarō. The legendary story of Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto and Ura explains that the Prince Ura of Kudara used to live in Ki-no-jo (castle of the devil) and was a cause of trouble for the people living in the village. The emperor's government sent Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto (Momotarō) to defeat Ura. However, "Ki means "castle in the ancient language of Baekje, and was later simply assigned the kanji character for "demon". "Ki-no-jō" is a name that combines the two words for "castle". == History == After the defeat of the combined Baekje and Yamato Japan forces, at the hands of the Silla and Tang China alliance at the Battle of Hakusukinoe in 663, the Yamato court feared an invasion from either or both Tang or Silla.

Bizen ware (備前焼, Bizen-yaki) is a type of Japanese pottery traditionally from Bizen province, presently a part of Okayama prefecture. == History == Bizen ware was traditionally produced in and around the village of Imbe in Bizen province, from where it received its name. It is therefore also known as Imbe or Inbe ware. It has ties to Sue pottery from the Heian period in the 6th century, and made its appearance during the Kamakura period of the 14th century. Bizen was considered one of the Six Ancient Kilns by the scholar Koyama Fujio. It experienced its peak during the Momoyama period of the 16th century. During the Edo period, the Ikeda lords of the Okayama domain continued to support the kilns and gave special privileges to families who operated them, such as the Kimura, Mori, Kaneshige, Oae, Tongu, and Terami. The rustic quality of Bizen made it popular for use in Japanese tea ceremony. Ware of the early phase is called old Bizen style (古備前派 Ko-Bizen-ha). After modernisation began during the Meiji era of the 19th century, Bizen almost disappeared along with many other traditional crafts.

Washuzan Highland is a Brazilian-themed amusement park located in Shimotsui Fukiage, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. The previous catchphrase was "An amusement park with a view of Seto Ohashi Bridge." Currently, it is called "Brazilian Park Washuzan Highland". == Overview == Originally it was a drive-in. It opened as an amusement park on August 13, 1971 with the opening of Washuzan Skyline (currently Okayama Prefectural Route 393 Washuzan Park Line) in 1970. Later, a bowling alley was installed, and in 1973, a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and observation tower were installed. In 1986, the grounds were expanded and renovated as an amusement park equipped with four roller coasters, including a standing coaster relocated from the Tsukuba Expo, and various thrill rides. The Brazilian Samba Show began in 1987. The Brazilian members gradually became established as a specialty, and in 2006 it was renovated as the Brazilian Park. The company's founder, Hisashi Nagayama, was so impressed by a samba show he saw in Brazil that he brought a local professional samba team of about 30 people back to Japan.

The Setouchi International Art Triennale is a contemporary art festival held every three years on several islands in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan and the coastal cities of Takamatsu and Tamano. The festival was inaugurated in 2010 with the aim of revitalizing the Seto Inland Sea area, which has suffered from depopulation in recent years, as well as long-standing environmental degradation from illegal industrial waste-dumping practices conducting during the 1970s following rapid industrialization in the area. Initiated as a public-private partnership between the local prefectural and municipal governments and education publisher Benesse, the festival focuses on artistic endeavors that highlight local communities and environmental conditions, as well as site-specific installations that make use of existing spaces and ecological features. The festival has played a significant role in the growth and redevelopment of the region, serving as a leading example of the potentials of reinvestment in peripheral communities in decline after the explosive growth of major cities in Japan during the second half of the 20th century. The Triennale lasts for eight months with three main sessions; the spring session runs from March to mid-April, the summer session runs from mid-July to early September, and the autumn session runs from October to early November. While several of the museums and installations are permanent exhibitions, many of the smaller islands offer temporary exhibitions limited to a single session. Notable permanent fixtures include a series of concrete museums on Naoshima designed by architect Tadao Ando, as well as the Teshima Art Museum (2010), designed by Ryue Nishizawa featuring Rei Naito's Matrix, and the Art House Project (1998–present) on Naoshima, a series of commissions involving architects and artists who restore abandoned homes and other buildings and reinvent the spaces through artistic intervention. == History == === Postwar industrial development and environmental degradation === The islands and cities that make up the triennale are located within the eastern portion of the Seto Inland Sea and the Setonaikai National Park, which was established as Japan's first national park in 1934. The area was the site of major industrial development during the country's economic boom in the 1960s, and approximately one-third of the major factories built in Japan during this period were located in the Setonaikai region. As unchecked economic development continued to accelerate in the area, the islands in the sea became sites of illegal industrial waste dumping during the 1970s and 1980s, coming to a head in a large-scale national controversy in 1990 when it was discovered that 710,000 tons of industrial waste from scrapped cars had been illegally incinerated and buried on the island of Teshima.

Kibitsuhiko Jinja (吉備津彦神社) is a Shinto shrine in the Ichinomiya neighborhood of the city of Okayama in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. It is the ichinomiya of former Bizen Province. The main festival of the shrine is held annually on the third weekend of October. Theshrine is also known in literature as the Asahi-no-miya (朝日の宮). == Location == Kibitsuhiko Jinja is situated at the northeastern foot of Mount Kibi no Nakayama (吉備の中山, Kibi no Naka-yama) in Okayama. Kibitsu Jinja is situated at the mountain's northwestern foot. The headquarters of Kurozumikyō is located on the mountain's summit. Kibitsuhiko Jinja is located within close walking distance of Bizen-Ichinomiya Station. == Enshrined kami == The kami enshrined at Kibitsuhiko Jinja are: Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto (吉備津彦命), the son of Emperor Kōrei and conqueror of the Kingdom of Kibi Wakatakehiko-no-mikoto (稚武彦命), younger brother or son of Kibitsuhiko Emperor Kōrei (孝霊天皇) Emperor Kōgen (孝元天皇) Emperor Kaika (開化天皇) Emperor Sujin (崇神天皇) Hikosashikatawake-no-mikoto (彦刺肩別命), brother of Kibitsuhiko Amatarashi-hiko Kunioshi-hito no mikoto (天足彦国押人命) Yamato-totohimo-moso-hime-no-mikoto (倭迹迹日百襲姫命), elder sister of Kibitsuhiko Ōyamato-totohiwakaya-hime-no-mikoto (大倭迹々日稚屋比売命), younger sister of Kibitsuhiko Kanayamahiko-no-kami (金山彦大神), elder sister of Kibitsuhiko Ōyamakuni-no-kami (大山咋神) == History == The origins of Kibitsuhiko Jinja are uncertain. According to the shrine's legend', it was during the reign of Empress Suiko, and was the site of Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto's residence; but the shrine does not appear in any historical documentation until the late Heian period.

Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum (津山まなびの鉄道館, Tsuyama Manabi no Tetsudōkan) is a railway museum in Tsuyama, Okayama, Japan, operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) since 2 April 2016. It is based around the former Tsuyama Depot roundhouse, which was used to house a number of preserved locomotives since 2007. == Exhibits == A total of 13 rolling stock exhibits are housed at the museum, including the nine vehicles previously preserved inside the roundhouse and vehicles moved from the former Modern Transportation Museum in Osaka which closed in April 2014. === Steam locomotives === Class D51 steam locomotive number D51 2 Built in 1936 by Kawasaki Sharyo. Preserved at the former Modern Transportation Museum in Osaka following withdrawal in 1971. Moved from the Modern Transportation Museum in March 2015. === Diesel locomotives === 10 t diesel shunting locomotive Built in 1974 by Kyosan Kogyo, and preserved at Tsuyama since 2011. Class DD13 diesel locomotive number DD13 638 Built in 1967 by Nippon Sharyo. Preserved at the former Modern Transportation Museum in Osaka following withdrawal in 1986. Class DD15 diesel locomotive snowplough unit number DD15 30 Built in 1964 by Nippon Sharyo.

Nakayama Jinja (中山神社) is a Shinto shrine in the Ichinomiya neighborhood of the city of Tsuyama in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. It is the ichinomiya of former Mimasaka Province. The main festival of the shrine is held annually on April 29. Although the kanji of the shrine's name is now pronounced "Nakayama", in the past the shrine was often referred to by its alternative pronunciation "Chuzen Jinja" or "Chuzen Dai-Gongen". == Enshrined kami == The kami enshrined at Nakayama Jinja are: Kagamitsukuri-no-kami (鏡作神), god of mirrors Ame-no-Nukado-no-kami (天糠戸神) Ishikori-dome no Mikoto (石凝姥命), goddess of mirrors and metal casting == History == The origins of Nakayama Jinja are uncertain. According to the shrine's undocumented legend, it was founded in 707 AD. There is another theory that the shrine was built when Mimasaka Province separated from Bizen Province in 703. The earliest time the shrine appears in documentary evidence is in an entry dated 860 in the Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku. Per the Engishiki, which was complied between 905 and 967 AD, the shrine is listed as the only Myōjin taisha (名神大社) in Mimasaka Province, and by the Kamakura period, it was regarded as the ichinomiya of the province. During the Sengoku period, in 1533, the shrine was burned down by Amago Haruhisa during his invasion of the province, and reconstructed by Haruhisa himself in 1559. After the Meiji Restoration, it was designated as a National Shrine, 2nd rank (国幣中社, Kokuhei Chusha) in 1871.

The Hayashibara Museum of Art (林原美術館, Hayashibara Bijutsukan) is an art museum owned by the Hayashibara Group, and located at 2-7-15 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan. It is on the site of a former guesthouse beside the inner moat of Okayama Castle. Its 6,832 square meter interior was designed by Kunio Maekawa. The owner of the collection was Ichiro Hayashibara, and the museum was opened in 1964, to honor his final wishes to display his collection to the public after his death. The museum owns approximately 10,000 artifacts from Hayashibara's personal collection, including swords, armor, and pottery collected by Mr. Hayashibara, and Noh costumes, furniture, paintings, and Japanese lacquer from the Ikeda clan. The museum itself has limited space, so exhibits are rotated four to five times per year. == Collection == The museum houses 26 Important Cultural Properties and three National Treasures, including the 14th century indigo Dō-Maru samurai armor used by high-ranking samurai. Many of the Bizen swords and pottery are also National Treasures. == References == "Hayashibara Museum of Art", museum pamphlet, December 2011.

Isonokamifutsumitama Shrine is a shrine located in Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture. Shikinaisha, Ichinomiya, Bizen Province. The old company rank was Gosha. == Enshrined God == The following deities are currently enshrined. Sujinson Until the Meiji period, it was said to be the Futomitama, the sword with which Suenjo no Mikoto cut the eight-pronged serpent. In 1870's ``Jinja Specicho,'' it is written as a ten-grip sword, according to the mythological description. A document called ``Ishigami-Furi Jingu Ryakusho'' included in ``Yamato Shiryo'' published in 1919 contains the following information: Furu Sukune was the same ancestor as Omi Kasuga, and was the third son of Amashi Hikokuni Oshihito no Mikoto, the seventh grandson of Komemochi Tsuki Ambassador, and Omi Ichikawa, during the reign of the 13th Emperor Seimu, at the behest of Ishigami Shinjin, he ruled over the sacred treasures of the shrine on behalf of the Mononobe Ren and supplemented the shrine's canon. In addition, the surname and surname of the head of the body shall be given. Emperor Nintoku, the 17th Emperor, ordered the Tenbaha-Zanken, which had been enshrined at Kibi Jingu Shrine to Ichikawa Omi, to be transferred to Ishigami Furi Jingu Shrine, where it was stored and enshrined there. It becomes.

Hormone yaki udon (hormone yaki udon) is a specialty dish of Sayo Town, Sayo District, Hyogo Prefecture, and the central eastern Mimasaka region of Okayama Prefecture (Tsuyama City, etc.). Sayo town and Tsuyama city have been selling it as a local gourmet since 2003 and 2008, respectively, in an attempt to revitalize the town. It is also commonly known as ``hormone udon''. Tsuyama City's Horumon Yaki Udon won the Silver Grand Prix (2nd place) at the 2011 B-1 Grand Prix. == Overview == A type of teppanyaki udon that uses a lot of offal as an ingredient and is grilled with sauce. Most teppanyaki restaurants in Tsuyama City serve horumon yaki udon. There is a wide variety depending on the store, including miso, sauce, and combinations with many vegetables. == History == The mountainous area from Sayo Town in Hyogo Prefecture to the northern part of Okayama Prefecture has been a thriving livestock industry since ancient times, and by improving Wagyu cattle that were used for farming, they have created an excellent bloodline of Wagyu beef known as ``Sakushu Beef.'' Since Tsuyama City has a meat processing center (slaughterhouse), fresh hormones (offal meat, offal) were easy to obtain and inexpensive, so restaurants in the city offer many ``hormone dishes.'' (Also see grilled hormones) It is thought that horumon yaki udon was born by grilling udon noodles, which were also inexpensive, to fill the stomach.

The Nishie Residence (Nishie Residence) is a residence for the magistrate of the mid-Edo period that still exists in Sakamoto, Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture. Nationally registered tangible cultural property. == History == According to the family history, the Nishie family is a descendant of the Yoshiaki Miura clan, one of the Bando Hachihei clans, and served as a samurai in the north during the Kamakura period. After the Onin War, he moved from Kyoto to live here from the end of the Muromachi period and became a samurai protecting the mountain castle. The first generation, Nishie Okura Kiyonari, served as a vassal to the Mori clan from the Sengoku period, and after his military exploits during the Tensho wars, he was given 200 square meters of land by Terumoto Mori (with a letter) in 10th year of the Tensho era. Afterwards, due to the defeat of the Mori clan at the Battle of Sekigahara, he abandoned his samurai career and returned to farming. Although he was a wealthy farmer and merchant who served as headman of Gunnaka Sodai from that time, ordinary farmers were not allowed to set up a gate, and the Nishie family tower gate shows the status of being entrusted with the land of the heavenly domain. == Facility == It is located a little uphill from along Prefectural Route 33, and is still maintained and managed as a private residence. Currently in its 18th generation. During the Horeki era (1751-1761), the 6th generation Hyoemon succeeded in smelting Bengara (ferric oxide) for the first time in Japan from iron ore mined from the Motoyama mine.

Hoshi Shrine is a shrine located at the summit of Mt. Hoshigami in Manaboshi, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Ukireizenkakusha is enshrined in the parallel shrine buildings. The company rank is village company. == History == During the Nara period, a light suddenly flashed at night in this area, causing a tremor. For the next 35 days, the summit of Mt. Hoshigami was covered in clouds, and the villagers felt something eerie because they saw something glowing in the mountains, so they called an onmyoji to have their fortune told, and they were told that three stars had fallen from the sky. It was said that if the three stars were worshiped, the area would prosper, and the villagers believed this and built shrines to enshrine the three stars. There is a theory that the three huge stones behind the main shrine are historical stars, and another theory that the main shrine contains a meteorite. In addition, the place name of Shinboshi originates from this story and the shrine. There are Hoshi Shrines in Nagoya and other places, but they are not related, and this is the only shrine where Mikahayahi no Kami is enshrined as the main deity.

Takakoshi Castle (高越城, Takakoshi-jō) also well known as Takakoshi-yama Castle is the remains of a castle structure in Ibara, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The castle was built in the Nanboku-chō period against a possible invasion of Kublai Khan's force. It has been said that Hōjō Sōun was born in the castle and he lived in the castle until he started serving the Ashikaga Shogunate. After the fall of the Ise clan, Takakoshi castle was controlled by the Mōri clan.

Ani Shrine (安仁神社) is a Shinto shrine located in Okayama City, Japan. It is one of three governmental Shinto shrines dedicated to imperial ancestors. It is a Beppyo shrine, or a shrine that is particularly notable in a certain way with a significant history to it. According to its legend it was an area where Itsuse no Mikoto stayed in Jimmu's Eastern Expedition. == History == The Ani Shrine was originally ranked as Myojin Taisha (名神大社) and designated as the ichinomiya of the province in the early Heian period Engishiki. However, its association with Fujiwara no Sumitomo during his 939–941 revolt led to its demotion. In contrast, the Kibitsu Shrine, the parent shrine of Kibitsuhiko Jinja, supported imperial forces against Fujiwara no Sumitomo by writing prayers for their victory. As a result, Kibitsuhiko Jinja in Bizen was elevated to the status of ichinomiya. The history of Kibitsuhiko Jinja is less clear, with the earliest historical documentation appearing in the late Heian period, although legend traces it back to the reign of Empress Suiko as Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto's residence.

Bizen Osafune Sword Museum (Bizen Osafune Sword Museum) is a museum that exhibits swords located in Osafune, Nagamune-cho, Setouchi, Okayama Prefecture. It was originally established as the Osafune Town Museum, but was renovated in 2004 with the addition of a workshop in order to establish a museum specializing in swords following the merger of Osafune Town, Oku Town, and Ushimado Town. As of 2020, it mainly displays Bizen swords made in Bizen Province. == History == Around 1981, Tennosha Sword Forest was gaining momentum for holding sword exhibitions. Reasons for this were that it was the birthplace of Bizen Osafune, that Saihoji Jigen-in, the family temple of swordsmiths, was located nearby, and that swordsmith Imaizumi Sei, a holder of Okayama Prefecture's important intangible cultural property techniques, moved there. In order to prevent theft and dampness during the exhibition, a permanent museum was required to be built. In the same year, Tennosha Sword Forest, along with the Fukuoka Castle Ruins Hill, became designated local monuments of Okayama Prefecture, and this movement gained momentum, and in July, the History and Folklore Museum Construction Promotion Committee was established. In addition to moving ahead with the construction plan while receiving support from the national and prefectural governments, they also established a construction fund fundraising committee and conducted fundraising activities. Construction began in August 1982, and the facility was built on a site of 2,758 square meters, with two floors of reinforced concrete, and a total area of ​​666 square meters. It was built as the first public museum in Japan to have a permanent exhibition of swords.

Yuka Shrine Main Shrine is a shrine located on Mt. Yuka in Kojima, south of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. The old company rank was prefectural company. An independent shrine that does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Shrine Head Office. == Overview == It is said that Iwaza worship has been practiced on Mt. Yuka since ancient times. In the 5th year of Tenpyo (733), Gyoki enshrined the Eleven-faced Kannon in this area, and it is said that it became a mountain of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism called Yuga Daigongen (Yuka Daigongen), which is a combination of shrines and temples. According to the history of Kumano Shrine located at the northern foot of the mountain, at the beginning of the Nara period, five of En no Gyo's disciples brought Kumano Hongu Taisha from Kishu Kumano and founded Kumano Shrine here, and later opened Nachi Shrine on Mt. Yuka as one of the New Kumano Sanzan. From the middle of the Edo period, it became a place of prayer for the Ikeda clan, the lord of the Bizen domain, and the lord himself visited the shrine during New Year, May, and September. Mr. Ikeda built the main building of this shrine and the guest hall of Rendaiji Temple. The approach to the shrine is lined with many souvenir shops, forming a temple town, which is crowded with worshipers during the New Year's visit. Furthermore, ``Ankoromochi'' sold in this Monzen town is a specialty of Yukayama.

Okayama Orient Museum (岡山市立オリエント美術館, Okayama Shiritsu Oriento Bijutsukan) is a museum of Ancient Near Eastern, Roman provincial, Byzantine, Sassanian, and Islamic Art in Kita-ku, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. As of 2007 there were some 4,852 items, including a winged Assyrian relief from the palace of Ashurnasirpal II in Nimrud, Mesopotamia, acquired to mark the institution's 25th anniversary. The museum was founded to house the collection of Shinjiro Yasuhiro, who acquired thousands of objects with the advice of academics from the University of Tokyo. The museum building has two floors of exhibition galleries to showcase the collection. It was constructed in 1979 by the city of Okayama from a prize-winning design by Okada Architect & Associates.

Munetada Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Kurozumi Munetada, the founder of Kurosumi Buddhism. It is located in Kyoto and Okayama, the birthplace of Munetada Kurosumi and the headquarters of Kurosumi Buddhism. == Munetada Shrine in Kyoto == Munetada Kurozumi passed away in 1850, and in 1856 the imperial court gave him the divine title of ``Munetada Daimyojin.'' In 1862, Munetada's disciples Tadaharu Akagi and others acquired part of the shrine grounds from Yoshida Shrine and built a shrine to enshrine Munetada. In 1865, it was designated as a place of imperial request by the Imperial Court, and was highly revered by the imperial family and court nobles. During the Meiji period, it was ranked as a prefectural shrine. To distinguish it from Munetada Shrine in Okayama, it is also called ``Kaguraoka Munetada Shrine'' based on the name of the place where it is enshrined. The Nagaru-zukuri main hall was rebuilt in 1912 (Meiji 45). To the north of the main shrine is Shinmei Shrine, which enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, who was transferred from the Nijo family. There are also Hakusan-sha Shrine, which enshrines Hakusan Hime Okami, and Tadaharu-sha Shrine, which enshrines Akagi Tadaharu (Akagi Tadaharu-kami).

The Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art (岡山県立美術館, Okayama Kenritsu Bijutsukan) is located in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. It is one of Japan's many museums which are supported by a prefecture. The museum, by architects Okada & Associates, opened in 1988 and has a collection of around two thousand works.

Achi Shrine is a shrine located on Mt. Tsurugata in Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. == Overview == It is located on top of a small mountain called Mt. Tsurugata, located north of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in the center of Kurashiki City. It is said that the origin of the garden is said to have been created by the family of the Achi envoys who settled in the current location, which was called ``Kamejima'' or ``Tsurugatajima'' in ancient times. The Okayama Plain was once a sea area called the Anami of Kibi, and the area around present-day Mt. Tsurugata in Kurashiki City, which was Achigo, Kuboya District, was a key transportation hub, and for this reason it is thought that the three goddesses of Munakata, guardian deities of maritime transportation, were enshrined here. There is an ancient garden called Tsurukame style in the precincts. There are also many Iwazas, including ``Amatsu Iwakyo,'' and there are Onmyo Iwaza and Suikinkutsu in the garden of the mansion called ``Saikan.'' Other buildings include a Noh stage, Basho-do Hall, and Emaden. The ``Achi no Wisteria'' on the north side of the main shrine is famous for being said to be the largest and oldest in Japan. For this reason, it has been designated as the city flower of Kurashiki City and a natural monument of the prefecture. The Wisteria Festival is held from May 3rd to May 5th every year.

Okayama Forest Park German Forest, or German Forest (German Forest), is an agricultural park located in Nihorinaka, Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture. == Overview == In 1993, the idea was born to establish Okayama Agricultural Park in Nibori, Yoshii-machi, Akaiwa-gun. Initially, it was planned to be called ``Okayama Agricultural Park Alsatian Forest'' and to be a French-style agricultural park by relocating wooden buildings from the Alsace region of France, but the plan was changed to a German-style agricultural park. === Facility management === Farm Co., Ltd. === History === March 1, 1995: Opened as "Okayama Agricultural Park German Forest Kronenberg" March 17, 2007: Reopening. Renamed to "Okayama Agricultural Park German Forest". March 1, 2020: Reopened and renamed ``Okayama Forest Park German Forest''. === Main facilities === ==== City Area ==== kiosk restaurant barbecue ==== Maki area ==== petting zoo Jersey cow milking experience dog run ==== Play area ==== grass slide putter golf archery bazooka gun swan boat bicycle land go kart choo choo train ==== Village area ==== Local beer workshop Stone oven bread and pizza workshop === Image Collection === == Location == 2006 Nihorinaka, Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture == Access == === Public Transportation === From Okayama Station on the JR West Sanyo Shinkansen/Sanyo Main Line, take the Uno bus bound for Yunogo Onsen/Rinno Station or Nibori. Time required: 1 hour. Get off at the "Nihorishita" bus stop. About 10 minutes on foot.

Okayama Prefectural Museum (岡山県立博物館, Okayama kenritsu hakubutsukan) is a museum in Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan. It was built to house important artifacts from the prefecture dating from prehistory through modern times. == Notable exhibits == The museum houses one National Treasure, red-laced yoroi armor from the 12th century. Although documents about red-dyed armor lacing exist, the museum's armor is the only known example of this type of armor. The museums also houses two important tachi swords, one a National Important Cultural Property and the other an Important Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture.

Sakura Shrine (作楽神社, Sakura Jinja) is a Shinto shrine in the Jingo neighborhood of the city of Tsuyama in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The main festival of the shrine is held annually on the second Sunday of April.The entire 30,189 square meters precincts of the shrine was designated a National Historic Site in 1922 as the 'Innoshō-no-yakata (Kojima Takanori Legendary place)'. == Enshrined kami == The kami enshrined at Sakura Jinja are: Emperor Go-Daigo Kojima Takanori == History == Sakura Jinja was founded in 1869 by Matsudaira Yoshinori, the final daimyō of Tsuyama Domain, on the site of the Innoshō-no-yakata, the ruins of the fortified residence of the shugo of Mimasaka Province from the Kamakura period to the Muromachi period. In 1331, Emperor Go-Daigo, having initially failed to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate in the Genkō War, was forced to abdicate the throne and was exiled to the Oki Islands. En route from Kyoto to his place of exile, he stayed overnight at the Innoshō-no-yakata. At this time, anti-Kamakura sentiment in western Japan was strong, and a local magnate in Bizen Province, Kojima Takanori, raised forces in an attempt to rescue Emperor Go-Daigo while he was being escorted into exile. Unable to find a suitable opportunity, he snuck into the Innoshō-no-yakata at night and carved a message into the trunk of a sakura cherry tree with a poem proclaiming his loyalty to the Emperor and a pledge that he would one day rescue him. This story was recorded in the medieval chronicle Taiheiki. The story gained popularity in the Bakumatsu period and with parallels being drawn between the Genkō War and the Meiji restoration, many feudal lords were searching for ways to ingratiate themselves with the new regime. Matsudaira Yoshinori petitioned for permission to erect a Shinto shrine on the site of the Innoshō-no-yakata, and the shrine was completed in 1869.

BIZEN Museum of Latin American and American Art is a private art museum located in Hinase-cho, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. It opened as the Morishita Museum of Art Foundation in March 1975, and was renamed to its current name in 2005. It is the only archaeological museum in Japan that specializes in Central and South America. This page also mentions the foundation of the Morishita Group (Morishita Seirisho, Morishita Chemical Industries, etc.) and its founders. == Morishita Group == Seiichi Morishita was born in October 1904 in Hinase Village, Wake District, Okayama Prefecture (currently Hinase Town, Bizen City). His father sells miscellaneous goods and manufactures fishing nets, and after Seiichi graduates from upper elementary school, he and his father help sell fishing nets in Kansai and Kyushu. In 1929 (Showa 4), when he was 25 years old, he succeeded his father and became independent. After becoming the exclusive distributor of ramie for fishing nets from Toyo Hemp Spinning (later Toyo Senki, now Tosco), the company expanded its sales channels from western Japan to the Korean peninsula, and had an 80% market share of ramie for fishing nets. During the Pacific War, the company also produced camouflage nets to cover cannons and tanks, and after the war, expanded its manufacturing capacity by introducing power knitting machines. In 1947 (Showa 22), Morishita Screenworks Ltd. was established.

Kumano Shrine is a Kumano Shrine located in the Gonai district of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. It is called ``Japan's First Kumano Twelve Shrines Gongengu''. The deities enshrined are Izana-mi-kami, Izana-gi-kami, Ieto-miko-kami, and Hayatama-no-otokogami. The main shrine buildings are similar to Kumano Hongu Taisha, with the third shrine, first shrine, second shrine, fourth shrine, fifth shrine, and sixth shrine from the left. == Overview == In the third year of Emperor Bunmu (699), Yaku Ozumi, who is said to be the founder of Shugendo, was prosecuted by the imperial court and was hidden in Kumano Hongu, but was exiled to Izu Oshima (Shoku Nihongi). According to the shrine's legend, on this occasion, five of his disciples, including Yoshinaga, Gigen, Yoshizane, Jugen, and Hogen, dedicated the deity of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. They wandered all over the place for three years, and in March 701, when Yakushozuno was pardoned, it is said that they received an oracle and relocated Kishu Kumano Hongu to its current location. In 740, Emperor Shomu donated the entire area of ​​Kojima as the territory of Kumano Shrine. In the 5th year of Tenpyoji (761), a shrine similar to Kishu Kumano (Juunisha Gongengu Shrine) was built, and a new shrine was built in nearby Kimi, and Nachigu Shrine (currently Yuka Shrine Main Shrine, Rendaiji Temple) was built in Yamamura, making it the New Kumano Sanzan. It flourished as a religious facility that combined Kumano Shrine and a Shugendo temple in the form of a syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, but it declined from the mid-Heian period onward.

Yumeji Art Museum is an art museum in Okayama Prefecture split between the main museum in Naka-ku, Okayama and the Yumeji Seika and Shonen Sanso annex built in Setouchi, the birthplace of Yumeji Takehisa, a poet and artist who was active in the early 1900s.

Mimasaka Sojagu is a shrine located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture. The official name is Soja. It is Mimasaka Kuni Soja, and its former status was prefectural shrine. == Enshrined God == Main enshrined deity Onamuchi no Mikoto Aiden deity Kagami Tsukuri no Mikoto - Enshrined deity at Nakayama Shrine (Ichinomiya, Mimasaka Province) Ugayafukiaezu Mikoto - Koya Shrine (Misaka Kuni Ninomiya) Enshrined Deity Mimasaka Domestic God == History == In ancient times, the Kokushi would visit all the shrines in each country in order, starting with Ichinomiya. In order to make this process more efficient, shrines were established near the capitals of each country where the gods of the country were enshrined, and rituals began to be performed all at once. Our company is the head office of Mimasaka Province. According to the shrine's legend, it began in the 25th year of Emperor Kinmei's reign (564?) when Taiki Takamiko was enshrined in the main building (Hondate), about 1 km west of the current location. However, the basis for this is unknown, and the company's history up to the end of the Muromachi period is unclear. It is said that in the early Nara period, in the 6th year of Wado (713), six districts in the northern part of Bizen Province were divided into Mimasaka Province, and the Kokufu was established in the 7th year of Wado (714). Later, Mimasakakokuji relocated it to its current location on Mt. Kikko, and enshrined all 65 villages of Mimasaka, including Nakayama Shrine and Koya Shrine, and designated it as Mimasakakuni Soja.

Kurashiki City Mabi Hometown History Museum (Kurashiki City Mabi Hometown History Museum) is a museum located in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. Located in Oike Furusato Park. Okada Oike is behind the building (northwest). It was opened on July 3, 1994 for the purpose of researching the ancient documents of the Okada clan, which ruled the area, and honoring the mystery writer Seishi Yokomizo, who had been evacuated to this area for over three years near the end of the war. Approximately 3,800 materials are stored. Before Mabi Town was incorporated and merged into Kurashiki City on August 1, 2005, the museum's name was ``Mabi Town Furusato History Museum'' and the museum's location was ``610 Oaza Okada, Mabi Town, Kibi District,'' but with the merger into Kurashiki City, the museum's name and location were changed to the current notation. It is managed and operated by the Okada Domain History Study Group, which is the designated administrator from Kurashiki City. == Overview == The museum exhibits documents from the Okada clan, which ruled this area during the Edo period, as well as materials showing the lives of the villagers, control of the village, and industrial innovations at the time. The exhibits, including ancient documents and valuable swords, are made possible by the goodwill of many people, including donations from historian Michifumi Isoda. Regarding ancient documents related to the Okada clan, we hold an ancient document deciphering meeting twice a month and attach the deciphered documents to the original ancient documents so that many people can easily understand the contents.

Tamano City Tamano Marine Museum (Tamano Marine Museum) nicknamed "Shibukawa Marine Aquarium" (Shibukawa Marine Aquarium). is the Tamano City Maritime Museum located in Shibukawa, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, and is the only aquarium in Okayama Prefecture. == Overview == This museum consists of two parts: an aquarium and an exhibition hall. The aquarium has about 2,000 exhibits of about 180 species, including marine mammals such as sea turtles and otariids, and fish such as sand locusts and sandpiper. In addition, the exhibition hall exhibits shellfish specimens, stuffed fish, and ship models. Outside is a model of a lighthouse that was built to commemorate the visit of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun in 1953. Nearby are Shibukawa Beach, Okayama Prefectural Shibukawa Youth House, Toy Kingdom, and Diamond Setouchi Marine Hotel. After opening in 1953, it was renovated in 1995, but it has become increasingly dilapidated, and on September 7, 2025, a panel next to the entrance to the main building fell, resulting in the museum being closed until September 12, 2025, and drastic redevelopment is required. In March 2019, we commissioned Akiyoshi Enishi, a comedian who lives in Okayama, to be our PR ambassador. In June 2019, Kazuyuki Sakuma was appointed as a special director.

Kurashiki City Museum of Art is an art museum operated by Kurashiki City located in Chuo 2-chome, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. == Overview == The former Kurashiki City Hall building, which was completed on June 11, 1960, was no longer needed due to the relocation of the city hall, and was renovated and opened as the Kurashiki City Exhibition Museum in November 1983. In April 1987, the name was changed to "Kurashiki City Museum of Art", which remains the current name. In October 1980, prior to the opening of the Kurashiki City Museum of Art, Harukason Ikeda, a Japanese painter from Tamashima-Otoshima, Kurashiki City, donated 489 of his own works to the city, which form the basis of the Kurashiki City Museum of Art's collection. === About the museum building (former Kurashiki City Hall) === The former Kurashiki City Hall building, which became the City Museum of Art, was designed by Kenzo Tange and built based on a plan that was part of Kurashiki City's urban planning in 1958. Even after Kurashiki, Kojima, and Tamashima merged to form New Kurashiki City on February 1, 1967, it continued to be used as the main government building, but was moved when the new government building was completed in June 1980. Soon after, Harukason Ikeda gifted the building, and the building was renovated and opened by Shintaro Urabe, an architect from Kojima, Kurashiki City who designed Kurashiki Ivy Square. The building of the City Museum of Art was registered as a national registered tangible cultural property in August 2020 as the "Former Kurashiki City Hall (Kurashiki City Museum of Art)." == Opening hours == 9:00~17:15 (Admission until 16:45) However, it is closed on Mondays (or the next day if it is a holiday) and the year-end and New Year holidays. == Access == 10 minutes walk from Kurashiki Station on the Sanyo Main Line and Hakubi Line.

Takano Shrine is a shrine located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture. Shikinaisharonsha is Ninomiya, Mimasaka Province, and its former status is prefectural shrine. == Overview == It is located in the western part of Tsuyama City, with the sacred mountain to the northwest, Mt. Sara in Kume to the south, and the Yoshii River below. It is an old shrine that was considered the second shrine of Mimasaka Province, and is counted as one of the three major shrines of Mimasaka. Since the Middle Ages, the shrine has been highly revered by feudal lords and the lords of the Tsuyama domain, with the Mori clan, the lord of the domain, constructing the shrine and donating the shrine's territory, and the main shrine at that time has been designated as an important cultural property by Okayama Prefecture. In addition, cultural assets such as statues of nationally important cultural properties have been passed down to the present day. == Enshrined God == Main enshrined deity Hikonagi Satake Ugaya Fukiaezu no Mikoto Aiden deity Onamuchi no Mikoto - Mimasaka Sosha Shrine enshrined deity Kagami Tsukuri no Mikoto - Enshrined deity at Nakayama Shrine (Ichinomiya, Mimasaka Province) == History == === Founding === According to the shrine's biography, the company's rituals began at Onokoro Iwa, which was located on the banks of the Yoshii River, and that this rock was worshiped as a rock. It is said that a shrine building was later built in the second year of Emperor Ankan's reign (534). === Outline === The ``Engishiki Jinmyocho'' from the middle of the Heian period lists ``Takano Shrine, Tomato District, Mimasaka Province'' as the Shikinai Shrine, and there is a theory that our company is listed there. It is said that our company flourished as the second shrine of Mimasaka Province from the late Heian period at the latest, and there are many theories that compare our company.

Ohashi Family Residence is a townhouse building located in Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. It has been designated as a national important cultural property. == Overview == The Ohashi family was a landowner who made a fortune through the development of rice fields and salt fields, and formed an emerging power known as the ``Shinroku''. The existing building was constructed between 1796 and 1799. It has an architectural style unique to Kurashiki, with white walls, tiles, and Kurashiki latticework. Currently, the rice storehouse on the sea rat wall has been turned into an exhibition room where you can see the daily necessities of the time. On January 21, 1978, the main building, front gate, rice storehouse, and internal cellar were designated as important cultural properties, and on June 11, 1982, the site was additionally designated as an important cultural property. It is the only important cultural property in Kurashiki where you can enter the house, go up to the tatami room and take a tour.

Minato no Mieru Oka Park is a park located in Hinase-cho, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. == Overview == This park is located on Mt. Tategoeyama, which juts out like a peninsula into the sea between Hinase Port and Hinase Ekimae Port. You can catch a glimpse of the coastline from the promenade that runs around the mountain, and from the observation plaza (Tatekoshiyama Observation Deck) near the top, you can see Hinase Port, Hinase Ekimae Port, the Hinase Islands, and even as far as Shodoshima on a clear day. The observation plaza has two tiers, and the 1927 bell ``Happiness Bell'' was installed in 2002 on the upper tier. On February 25, 2018, the entire port area was registered as a Minato Oasis, and our garden is one of the facilities that make up Minato Oasis Tobi. == Facility == Bell of Happiness - A bell made in 1927. Diameter 30cm. Installed on an arched stainless steel frame.

Kake Museum is a gallery that doubles as an art museum located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture. == Overview == This art gallery of the Kake Gakuen Group was established on the site of the Kurashiki Ninagawa Art Museum (established in 1972, closed in 2000), which once existed in the same area and whose main collection was Romano-Greek art. However, while the former Ninagawa Museum of Art mainly dealt with Roman and Greek art from the collection of its founders, Akira Ninagawa and his wife, the Kake Art Museum deals with contemporary art, mainly by graduates of the Kake Gakuen Group. Opened in April 2002 as a place for exchange and information dissemination, primarily for students and alumni of Kurashiki University of Arts and Sciences and Kibi International University. Since then, we have exhibited works by graduates of both universities, planned exhibitions by students, alumni, and alumni, and works by users of local welfare facilities (for example, vocational centers and small workshops). Currently, the name ``Kurashiki University of Arts and Sciences Kake Art Museum'' is used, and as a base for transmitting art and culture, the museum operates based on the three pillars of educational support, artist support, and welfare support.It also functions as a university-affiliated art museum, storing the works of students who have achieved excellent results, and holding graduate school completion exhibitions. On the fourth floor, there is a ``Tsutomu Kake Memorial Corner,'' an exhibit that summarizes the life and achievements of the group's founder, Tsutomu Kake, as well as the medals, awards, and degrees he received, and is essentially a permanent exhibition. == History == Opened in 2002 (Heisei 14) 2007 (Heisei 19) Tsutomu Kake Memorial Corner opened == Floor == It has a total of 5 floors. Photography is prohibited throughout the building.

Ushimado Shrine is a shrine located in Ushimado-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. It is also called Ushimado Hachimangu Shrine. The old company rank was prefectural company. == Enshrined God == Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, Hime no Kami, Takeuchi Sukune == History/Origin == It is said to have been built during the Chowa period (1012-1016) of the Heian period, and there are five large keyhole-shaped tombs in Ushimado-cho, as well as countless round tombs and shell mounds, making it the original source of the shrine. It is believed that this shrine dates back even further, and in later generations Empress Jingu and other deities of Hachiman were enshrined in the place where local divine spirits were enshrined and called ``Ushimado Myojin,'' based on the legend of the Sankan Conquest. Although it is not mentioned in the Engishiki, it is written in the Bizen Domestic Shinmyocho as ``Junior Sani Ushimado Myojin.''

Japan Museum of Contemporary Toy & Hall of Music Box is a museum located in Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture. == Overview == Opened in September 1995 in Goyama, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture (formerly Goyama, Higashiawakura Village, Aida District). In March 2010, on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the merger of Mimasaka City, the museum was relocated to Yunogo, the same city. A collection of European wooden toys and antique music boxes. Since its opening, it has been an interactive museum, holding daily toy introductions, music box concerts, and craft classes. == Facility == Toy exhibition room (500 items out of approximately 5,000 items on display) Music box exhibition room (approximately 30 items on display, including antique music boxes, street organs, and automata) play room workshop == History == Opened in 1995 1996 C-TOY1996 "Creative Toy Public Exhibition" held/Kurt Neff visit 1997 C-TOY1997 “Creative Toy Public Exhibition” held/Kurt Neff visit 1998 C-TOY1998 "Creative Toy Public Exhibition" held/Kurt Neff visit 1999 Germany Erzgebirge toy exhibition held 2000: World Exhibition held in Neff, Switzerland, Toys and Illustrations Animal Exhibition held 2001: Held the World Exhibition of Modern Karakuri Artists, the Asobi Design Exhibition, and the Seiffen Exhibition. 2002: WHIRLIGIGS Akio Kasuga Collection Exhibition, Kösen Exhibition, Saburo Oguro 20th Anniversary Exhibition 2003: Game exhibition for everyone to play together 2004: Paper Karakuri Exhibition and Tsumiki World Exhibition held 2005 Spiel Gut exhibition held, Akio Nishida's handiwork exhibition held, Karakuri Toy School held 2006 POP-UP picture book exhibition and game festival held 2007 Naef exhibition held, Scandinavian toy exhibition held 2008 Toy designer work exhibition held 2009 C-TOY2009 “Creative Toy Public Exhibition” held/Heiko Hirick visit 2010: 15th anniversary, relocated to Yunogo Onsen, Mimasaka City. == Usage information == Opening hours - 9:30 to 17:00 (last admission until 16:30) Closed: Every Wednesday (open on public holidays and closed the following business day. Open during spring, summer, and winter holidays), year-end and New Year holidays (December 30th to January 3rd). There may be temporary closures. Admission fee - Adults (junior high school students and over 64 years old) 800 yen, Adults (65 years old and older) 640 yen, Children 400 yen (various discounts available) Address - 319-2 Yunogo, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture 707-0062 == Access == Get off at Hayashino Station on the JR Nishi-Nihon Hime Shin Line and take the Uno bus for about 10 minutes.

The Ōdara Yosemiya (大多羅寄宮) was a Shinto shrine located in the Ōdara neighbourhood of what is now Naka-ku in the city of Okayama, in the San'yō region of Japan. The shrine no longer exists, but its ruins were designated as a National Historic Site in 1927. == History == In 1666, Ikeda Mitsumasa, the daimyō of the Okayama Domain, ordered a survey of all Shinto shrines in his territory, and granted official charters to 601 shrines dedicated to various Ubusunagami. The remaining 10,524 shrines were all abolished, and their shintai were collected into 71 newly established. "Yosemiya" shrines (literals "collective shrines") located at each local magistrate's office. In 1712, Ikeda Tsunemasa, the next daimyō, expanded the precincts of Kugunochi Shrine in Ōdara Village and then merged 66 of the 71 Yosemiya together into the enlarged shrine. The Ōdara Yosemiya was maintained by the Ikeda clan to the end of the Edo period, but quickly fell into disrepair after the abolition of the han system and was merged with nearby Fuse Shrine in 1875. At present, the site is in ruins with fragments of stone torii gates and the foundations of the former shrine structures. It was designated as a national historic site in 1927 as a symbol of the unique religious policy of the Okayama Domain. The Ōdara Yosemiya ruins are about ten minutes on foot from Ōdara Station on the JR West Akō Line.

Takahashi Nariwa Museum (Takahashi Nariwa Museum) is a complex of art museum and natural history museum located in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture. == Overview == The former Nariwa Town was opened in 1953 to honor Kojima Torajiro, a Western painter from Shimohara Village, Kawakami District, Okayama Prefecture (currently Shimohara, Nariwa Town, Takahashi City), who is known for being responsible for collecting art at the Ohara Museum of Art. The current third-generation building was built in 1994 on the stone wall of the Nariwa Jinya ruins (Yamazaki family palace ruins), which is a designated historical site in Takahashi City, and was designed by Tadao Ando, ​​and the building itself has a presence as a work of art. In addition to Torajiro Kojima's works, the museum will display ancient art from Egypt and other countries collected by Torajiro Kojima, as well as Japan's oldest plant fossils mined in Nariwa Town. === History === August 8, 1953 (Showa 28) - Opened as "Nariwa Town Art Museum" August 1967 - Opened in the second building November 1994 - Opened in the 3rd generation building April 2009 (Heisei 21) - Name changed from "Nariwa Art Museum" to "Takahashi City Nariwa Art Museum" == Facility == Kojima Torajiro Painting Exhibition Room - In addition to Kojima Torajiro's works, oil paintings, drawings, and self-made furniture such as ``Going to School,'' ``Shion and the Girl,'' ``Belgian Girl in Japanese Clothes,'' and ``Sakazu Farmer,'' works by Hitoshi Tokunaga, Kijiro Ota, Kunishiro Mitsutani, Yoshida Ginzo, Kataoka Ginzo, Kobayashi Kazusaku, Tamura Konosuke, and Sato Kazusho are on display. Orient Exhibition Room - Displays mainly ancient Egyptian art that Torajiro Kojima collected during his many overseas trips, and also introduces history through panels. Fossil Exhibition Room - Japan's oldest plant group fossils produced from the Nariwa Group, approximately 100 species and several hundred items, including more than 30 world-class new species, are on display. Multipurpose exhibition room lecture room Museum shop museum cafe == Collection items == Paintings - 111 works by Torajiro Kojima, 84 works by Kunishiro Mitsutani, Hitoomi Tokunaga, and others Sculpture - 30 works Other works of art - 601 pieces from Torajiro Kojima's collection (Egypt, China, Europe) Fossils - Approximately 700 fossils from the Nariwa region == Architectural overview == Design - Tadao Ando / Tadao Ando Architectural Institute Completion - 1994 Structure - Reinforced concrete, 2 floors above ground, 1 floor below ground Site area - 7,607.89m2 Building area - 1,601.98m2 Total floor area - 2,691.98m2 Notes - There is an artificial pond called ``Flowing Water Garden'' around the building that uses groundwater, and a ``Still Water Garden'' inside the building. == Gallery == == Access == Approximately 20 minutes by Bihoku bus from JR Hakubi Line Bicchu-Takahashi Station, 1 minute walk from "Nariwa" stop Approximately 50 minutes from Sanyo Expressway Kurashiki IC or Kasaoka IC Okayama Expressway: Approximately 30 minutes from Kayo IC, approximately 40 minutes from Okayama Soja IC/Ukan IC Approximately 50 minutes from Hokubo IC or Niimi IC on the Chugoku Expressway == Related Literature == “Kojima Torajiro and Takahashi City Nariwa Art Museum” Nihon Bunkyo Publishing “Okayama Bunko”, 2019 “Torajiro Kojima Another Eye” edited by Takahashi City Nariwa Art Museum, Clevis, 2020 A photo collection taken by Torajiro Kojima.

Tokumori Shrine is a shrine located in Miyawaki-cho, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture. General guardian of the Tsuyama clan. Its status is a prefectural shrine, and it is currently loved by parishioners as the guardian deity of the Tsuyama city area. == Enshrined God == The following six deities are enshrined. Main enshrined deity Amaterasu Omikami Others Kunijotachi-no-son, Izanagi-son, Tsukuyomi-son, Honda Betsuson Ishikoridomekami == History == === Founding === According to the shrine's legend, it was founded in 733. The shrine was originally located in what is now Odanaka, Tsuyama City, but in 1539 a fire destroyed the shrine and all its treasures. In the 8th year of Keicho (1603), Mori Tadamasa, who entered Mimasaka Province as the lord of the 186,500 koku province, built Tsuyama Castle, and in the following year 9 (1604), he moved it to its current location and made it the general guardian of Tsuyama Castle. The current shrine building was rebuilt in 1664 by Mori Nagatsugu, the second lord of the domain. It was ranked as a prefectural shrine in 1895. The parishioner is the largest shrine in Sakushu, covering 56 towns in the center of Tsuyama City.

The Former Nozaki Family Residence and Nozaki Family Salt Industry History Museum is a house and museum located in Kojima Mino, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. Earthquake-proofing construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 and will take approximately 15 years. Many buildings, including the main building, have been designated as important cultural properties. Managed by Ryuo Kaikan Public Interest Incorporated Foundation. This mansion was built by Nozaki Buzaemon, who made his fortune in the salt industry and new rice field development in the late Edo period. It is a registered museum under the Museum Act. == History/History == 1833 (Tenpo 4) - The main building is completed. 1838 (Tenpo 9) - Nagayamon and Onarimon are completed. 1852 (Kaei 5th year) - The entrance building and Omoteshoin are completed. 1970 (Showa 45) - Ryuo Kaikan Foundation, which currently manages the Nozaki family residence, is established.

Kunijinja is a shrine located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It is a Shikinaisha, and the old company rank is Murasha. == Enshrined God == The following two deities are enshrined. Okuninushi no Mikoto Lord of matters Apart from the above, there are also descriptions that the main deity enshrined is Ōkuninushi no Mikoto, the main shrine is Suho no Mikoto, and the main shrine is Hachimangu Shrine. == History == It was founded in the second year of the Jogan era (860), and the sacred rank is said to be the lower rank of Jushii. It has been identified as a Shikinai shrine listed as ``Bizen Province Mino District National Shrine'' in the ``Engishiki Shinmyocho'' of the mid-Heian period. It was rebuilt during the Keicho era (1596-1615), and the shrine's territory was said to be 2 koku, 6 to 2 sho. It is said that it was later constructed during the Kanbun era (1661-1673) and rebuilt in the first year of Horeki (1751). Also, in 1766, Kunikami Hachimangu Shrine was enshrined together. There are descriptions of our company in various historical materials from the Edo period, such as ``Biyōki'' and ``Biyōkokushi,'' and according to these, it is believed that the shrine was abolished in the middle of the Edo period, but was revived as the side hall of Ifuku Hachimangu Shrine in the early Meiji period.

The Modern Medical Education Museum is a museum for medical education located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. It is operated by the Kawasaki Gakuen educational corporation. == Overview == It is the only medical education museum in Japan. It has a wealth of real specimens and audio-visual materials covering all areas of medicine. It houses and exhibits approximately 1,800 organ specimens used in pathological autopsies, fetal models, and more. It is useful for medical education as a ``second physical library'' and ``library that allows you to see movement.'' It is also a museum of ``family medicine'' and ``popular medicine,'' which is open to the general public and explains medicine in an easy-to-understand manner. It also serves as a training facility for Kawasaki Medical University, where a variety of practical training can be conducted. Students of Kawasaki Gakuen schools (Kawasaki Medical University, Kawasaki University of Health and Welfare, Kawasaki Medical University High School, etc.) are required to observe the school during their first year, and are affectionately known as ``MM'' internally. == History == Established in 1980 as a commemorative project for the 10th anniversary of Kawasaki Medical University.

Katayama Hiko Shrine is a shrine located in Nagafune-cho, Setouchi, Okayama Prefecture. The enshrined deity is Katayama Hiko (Katayama Hiko no Mikoto). Shikinai small shrine. The company rank is Gosha. == Overview == It is listed as Junii Katayama Hiko Shrine in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, and is said to belong to the same deity as Katayama Shrine, Suzuka District, Ise Province. The enshrined deity is Katayama Hiko-kami, but according to the shrine's legend, ``Katayama Hiko-kami is an abbreviation for Kibitsu Hiko-no-Mikoto, who sits on Katayama.'' Also, according to the ``Bizen Shiki Shako,'' it is listed as Jusanmi Katayama Daimyojin and Katayama Ōkami, according to ``Jingishiro,'' Kamo Katayama Mikojin, ``Bizen Kunishi'' and ``Jinja Goroku,'' Oyama Kui no kami, and ``Kibion ​​Koroku'' says Amahikata Kihikata no Mikoto. The date of its establishment is unknown, but since ancient times it has been enshrined on Mt. Kamiyama (Koyama) to the south of the shrine. It is said that it was moved to its current location in 1055, during the middle of the Heian period. In 1873, it became Gosha.

The Kurashiki Museum of Folk Crafts, located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, is a registered museum of Okayama Prefecture that preserves and exhibits folk crafts from around the world related to daily life. It is operated by Kurashiki Folk Crafts Museum, a public interest incorporated foundation. == Overview == It is located in the Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, the Kurashiki Riverside (Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter). It was opened in 1948 (Showa 23) by volunteers from the Okayama Prefecture Folk Crafts Association, renovating a late Edo period rice storehouse and donating folk crafts from around the country. It is the second folk art museum in Japan, following the Japan Folk Crafts Museum in Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo. The building has beautiful white walls and black tiles, and is valued as a piece of folk art in itself, forming a scenic landscape of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. The museum's first director, Kichinosuke Tonomura, has a collection of approximately 15,000 pieces of folk art from Japan and other countries around the world, of which approximately 800 are on display (displays are changed three times a year). It boasts one of the world's largest collections of baskets and Korean folk paintings. In addition, special exhibitions with various themes are held from time to time, and exhibitions and sales of local folk art artists' works are held about three times a year. == Collection items == It has a collection of over 15,000 items, including ceramics, dyed and woven textiles, woodwork, lacquerware, bamboo work, glassware, Japanese paper, metalwork, and stonework.

Sanomo Shrine is a shrine located in Miyamoto, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture. It is built facing Chizu Street. The former status of the shrine was Goshin Shrine. The sacred trees are cedar and tsuki. == Auspicious origin == The date of its establishment is unknown, but it was moved to its current location and worshiped during the Tensho era (1573-1592), and was called Aramaki Daimyojin as the general guardian of the former Sangankyō. The name of the shrine was changed to its current name when it was elevated to a local shrine in February 1873. It is said that when Miyamoto Musashi was a child, he was impressed by the evenness of the sound of the two drums on the left and right sides of the drum at this shrine, and this memory is said to have led to the idea of ​​Niten Ichiryu later in life.

The Kurabo Memorial Museum is a corporate museum of Kurashiki Boseki, located in Kurashiki Ivy Square in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. It was built in 1888 (Meiji 21), the year Kurashiki Boseki was founded, as a warehouse for storing raw cotton. Nationally registered building. == History == Kurashiki Spinning Works (now Kurashiki Spinning), which was founded in 1888 (Meiji 21), opened a modern spinning factory on the site of the former Kurashiki magistrate's office the following year, 1889. In 1969 (Showa 44), the Kurabo Memorial Museum was opened to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the company's founding. It was originally intended for employee training, but it was opened to the public in 1971. In 1973, the Kurashiki main factory area, including the memorial hall, was opened as the tourist complex Kurashiki Ivy Square. == Architecture == The building that is now the Kurabo Memorial Hall was built as a raw cotton warehouse, and originally consisted of two buildings, but it was expanded around 1900 and became a U-shaped building. It is a two-story building made of wood and partly brick, with a tiled roof. The building area is 701m2.

Nishizono Shrine is a shrine located in Mabicho Market, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. == Enshrined God == Head Office – Hachimangami (Shindabetsu no Mikoto, 15th Emperor Ojin) Sub-shrines – Suwa Myojin, Kojin Outside shrine – Inari God == History == In 1540, Shirakami Ukyo Ryokaharu built a shrine to enshrine Shinadabetsu no Mikoto (Emperor Ojin) and called it Nishizono Hachimangu Shrine. == Overview/History == Our company was founded by Shirakami Ukyo Ryokaharu, a Kitamen samurai, who was sent to the Ueno Minbu University by his relatives who were sent to Bichū in 1509 by the orders of the 10th Ashikaga Shogun Yoshitane, during the Muromachi period. He accompanied Nobutaka Nobutaka to this area and became the lord of Mashinoyama Castle. Later, at the behest of the residents, he remained in this area without returning to Tokyo, and in 1540, he built Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine. It was founded as the Nishizono Hachimangu Shrine after being solicited to the area, and was originally enshrined as the guardian deity of castles and territories, as well as the local deity of Sonosho, but it was built in the 6th year of Kanbun (1666) during the Edo period. ), and since the fourth lord of the domain, Ito Shinano no kami Nagasada, moved from Kawabe to Okada, the lords of the domain have revered it as their guardian deity, and have made various donations, including visiting the shrine once a month. For example, the fifth lord of the domain, Ito-Harima no kami Nagabu, donated a piece of horse equipment. Toshi, the 10th feudal lord of the Ito-Harima clan at the end of the Edo period, donated items such as a bow, 100 arrows, two spears, two styles of tatto, and a votive tablet. In addition, Sengoku Heizaemon Sadamori, the chief retainer, donated Ittan Kanda, Sadamori's grandson Heishiro Sadaharu Sengoku, who later inherited the Ikoma family, donated one lantern, and Tsujita village headman Ikeda Hanshichi donated two lanterns and 20 monme of silver. After the Meiji Restoration, the name was changed to Nishizono Shrine and it became a village shrine, and to this day it continues to be worshiped by parishioners.

The Kurashiki Museum of Natural History is a museum located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. It is located in a plot to the west across Kurashiki Chuo Dori from the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, along with the Kurashiki City Library and the Kurashiki City Museum of Art. It opened on November 3, 1983. It is a three-story building with four permanent exhibition rooms and one special exhibition room, and exhibits include flora and fauna of Okayama Prefecture, insects, fossils, and meteorites from around the world. We sometimes conduct research at the request of local governments, etc., with the aim of managing and displaying materials related to natural history and improving cultural culture. == History == From around 1977, with the relocation of what was then Kurashiki City Hall, many opinions were submitted to the city regarding the use of the former city hall site. In 1980, a plan was announced to use the building as a cultural facility, and on March 2, 1982, it was officially decided that the former Kurashiki City Waterworks Bureau building would be remodeled and used as a natural history museum (the former Kurashiki City Hall building would be used as the Kurashiki City Museum of Art). The museum opened on November 3 of the following year, and since then has expanded and carried out commemorative projects. It has been 40 years since the current building was renovated and opened in 1983, and as the building has aged, plans have been made to move it to a new building on the premises of Life Park Kurashiki in Furushinden, Fukuda-cho, Kurashiki City. A basic plan for the relocation (``Life Park Kurashiki Renewal and New Natural History Museum Development Basic Plan'') is scheduled to be formulated in 2023.

Suzuri Tenmangu is a shrine (Tenmangu) located in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. The old company name is Mukakusha. == Enshrined God == Michizane Sugawara == History == Founded in October 1234 (Bunreki 1st year). Legend has it that when Michizane Sugawara was demoted due to Fujiwara Tokihira's slander and was on his way to Dazaifu by boat, he landed in the vicinity of what is now Yahama-cho, Tamano City.He found water gushing out in a hollow in the sandy beach at low tide, and when he drank it, it was strangely clear water with no saltiness, even though it was supposed to be under the sea. Michizane was grateful for this, calling it ``a blessing from God,'' and clapped his hands in worship. Then, new water gushed out from the hollow, and water continued to gush out every time he touched it, and it is said that the gushing water was mixed with golden sand. It is said that Michizane was surprised by this, poured the water into an inkstone, composed a poem, and gave it to the villagers. Not the ocean, but even the bottom of the praising water, with a pure heart, the moon shines This shrine is said to have been built by villagers who later realized that the person who wrote the poem was Michizane. It is said that the place where water sprang up and poured the inkstone was called ``Insuzuri'', a well and a torii gate were built on the spot, and Tenjin Shrine was enshrined on the mountain nearby.

Fukiya Furusatomura Folk Museum (Fukiya Furusato Village Folk Museum) is a local folk museum located in Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture. == Overview == It is a two-story townhouse built in 1879 (12th year of the Meiji era) with an irimo-zukuri flat roof. Chestnut wood is used for the base and outside of the main house, cherry wood is used for the edges and sills, and large pine trees are used for other parts. In 1979 (Showa 54), it was leased by the former Nariwa Town from the then head of the family, and is now open to the public as a local museum. == History == During the Meiji period, the Katayama family, which ran a benevolent business in Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, opened a branch family, and three branch houses were built across from the main house. The main family of the Katayama family was called ``Hon-Katayama,'' and the three branches from the west were called Kitakatayama, Nakakatayama, and Sumikatayama, respectively. Among these, Kadokatayama is the current Fukiya Furusatomura Folk Museum. Kado Katayama was a branch house of Katayama Kakichi, and was built by Sekishu Carpenter from 1874 (Meiji 7) to 1879 (Meiji 12). The board plan on the second floor of the storehouse at the back of the site reads, ``Miyashita, Iwami Kuninaka District, Shimane Prefecture, Kojiroku Ward, 1st Ward, Asari Village Chief Carpenter, Tsunayoshi Shimada, March 30th, 1879,'' indicating that it was built in 1879 (Meiji 12) by Tsunayoshi Shimada. In the early Meiji period, Kakichi was the general manager of Honkatayama, and even after branching off, he continued to work at Kadokatayama, selling Bengara of Honkatayama.

Kubohachimangu Shrine is a shrine located in Higashi Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. The old company rank was Gosha. == Enshrined God == === Main Hall === Shinada Wake no Mikoto (Emperor Ojin) Obihime no Mikoto (Empress Jingu) Emperor Chuai Izanagi Mikoto Inana Mikoto === Aiden === Hime Okami == Company history == Founded on August 23, 859. 1873 - Ranked as a Gosha. 1910 - Designated as a shrine offering offerings to the gods. 1913 - According to the Shinto Shrine Consolidation Ordinance, Murasha Hachimangu Shrine of Sairyuji Temple and Murasha Hachimangu Shrine of Fukuji Honmura were enshrined and became the current enshrined deity. == Origin == According to legend, during the era of the 58th Emperor Seiwa, Fujii Samanoshin Hiroshiki, a feudal lord of the Shonai region of Kamimichi Gunkubo in Bizen Province, who believed in Usa Jingu in Buzen Province and visited it every year, became old and unable to visit the shrine, so he prayed to the god Hachiman in his territory and devoted himself to worshiping. Therefore, he built a shrine on the site of Wakamiya, the guardian deity in Kuboshonai, and on August 23, 859, he asked the monk Gyokyo of Daian-ji Temple in Nara to invite Usa Jingu, which is enshrined in Buzen Province, to be revered as Kubo Hachimangu Shrine and made it the guardian deity of the people of Hiroki and Kuboshonai. After this, it is said that rituals began to be performed with the deity that had been enshrined as the main deity, and Wakamiya as a separate shrine. In ancient times, it was counted as one of the four major shrines in Bizen Province (Kibitsuhiko Shrine, Okayama Shrine, Yasuhito Shrine, and Kubo Hachiman Shrine), and was visited and donated by generations of feudal lords and wealthy merchants. It is recorded that Takauji Ashikaga, the first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, visited Kubo Hachimangu Shrine during his stay in Fukuoka, Bizen Province, and donated over 20 towns of fields as shrine territory.

FAN Art Museum is an art museum located in Honami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. It opened in June 2017 on the same premises as the Kei Fujiwara Memorial Museum. In addition to the works of Living National Treasures such as Kei Fujiwara, it exhibited a wide variety of works of art, including award-winning works from the international public exhibition Art Olympia, and contemporary art, but it has been closed indefinitely since September 10, 2023. == Facilities and permanent exhibits (before closing in September 2023) == Fujiwara Kei Memorial Museum: Fujiwara Kei, Fujiwara Yu, old Bizen works East Building: Small exhibition Main building: Special exhibitions North Building: Art Olympia award-winning works Building L: Contemporary art by Takashi Murakami, Tadanori Yokoo, etc. Main building 1st floor: general reception, tea room, lounge, cafe, shop Kei Fujiwara Kobo: Pottery experience Garden: outdoor garden == Usage information (before closing in September 2023) == Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 (Admission until 16:00) Closed: Tuesdays Admission fee: General 1200 yen, free for junior high and high school students and under == Access == From JR Ako Line Bizen Katakami Station, take the Bizen Municipal Bus Hinase Line bound for Saga/Fukuura Pass and get off at the "Koa Hokutai-mae" bus stop, then walk for about 5 minutes.

Toyohara Kitajima Shrine is a shrine located in Kitajima, Oku-cho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. It enshrines Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and Hime Okami. The old company rank was Gosha. == History == It is said to have its origins in the 6th year of Emperor Jomei's reign (634) when it was enshrined here and worshiped Hime Okami. According to the old records of the shrine, when the shrine was founded, straw was spread on a large rock on top of the mountain to serve as a shrine for Iwaza worship. In ancient times, the mountain where the shrine is located was called Himachiyama, and it seems that the mountain was worshiped as a sun god and worshiped at the sunrise. After the Genpei War, Sasaki Moritsuna is said to have dedicated a variety of majestic armor and an apricot leaf inscription to the shrine in gratitude for the efforts of the vanguard at the Battle of Fujito. In 1871, he was promoted to Gosha. The various armor is designated as an important cultural property of the country, and the apricot leaf pattern is designated as an important cultural property of Okayama Prefecture. The main hall was rebuilt in 1919, and the hall of worship, the hall of worship, and the hall of worship were rebuilt in 1939.

Musashi Museum (Musashi Museum) is a museum located at Musashi no Sato Gorinbo, an accommodation facility in Musashi no Sato, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture. On display are Miyamoto Musashi's paintings, sculptures, small figures, arms and crafts such as cheek rests, and works related to Miyamoto Musashi. Introducing Musashi as a swordsman and artist.

Kuze Festival is a festival held from October 24th to 26th in Kuze, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture. One of the three major danjiri festivals in Okayama.

Shizutani School Museum is a historical building and exhibition facility located in Shizutani, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. It was registered as a national registered tangible cultural property in 2001. It was designed by Saburohachi Egawa. == Overview == It was built in 1905 (Meiji 38) as the main building of Shizutani Private School on the site of the former school hall of Shizutani School. It is located a few minutes walk from Shizutani School Auditorium, which is designated as a national treasure. Designed by Saburohachi Egawa. Private Shizutani Junior High School was renamed Junior High School Shizutani Junior High School in April 1921, and became prefectural in April 1921 (Taisho 10), becoming Okayama Prefecture Shizutani Junior High School. In 1948 (Showa 23), due to educational reform, Okayama Prefecture Shizutani Junior High School became the prefectural Okayama Prefecture Shizutani High School. The following year, in 1949, it was integrated with Okayama Prefectural Wake High School (currently Okayama Prefectural Wake Shizutani High School) and became the school's Shizutani campus. In April 1964, the Shizutani school building was closed for school consolidation and rationalization, and from 1965, it was used as the Okayama Prefecture Youth Education Center Shizutani School (youth education facility).

Amatsu Shrine is a shrine located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Also known as Tenjin Shrine. Shikinaisharonsha, and the old company rank was Murasha. == Enshrined God == Sukahikona no Mikoto == History == In the mid-Heian period "Engishiki Jinmyocho," the Shikinai shrine is listed as ``Tenjin Shrine, Mino District, Bizen Province,'' and our company is said to be its Ronsha. It is said that the Ikeda family, the lord of the feudal lord, gave them 1 area and 8 ridges as a shrine territory. It was called ``Tenjingu Shrine'' until the Edo period, but was renamed to the current ``Amatsu Shrine'' in 1888. In addition, in the modern shrine rank system, it was ranked as a village shrine.

Katsuyama Bunka Oraikan Hishio is an experience-based exchange facility located in Katsuyama, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture. It is a gallery hall with a cafe attached. It opened in June 2005. == History == === Building/Former Kiyotomo Soy Sauce Brewery === It was founded in 1890 as Kiyotomo Soy Sauce Brewery, then in 1968 as Kiyotomo Soy Sauce Store, and is built on the site of a soy sauce brewing and sales company that closed in 1972. After going out of business, parts of the building, including the soy sauce storehouse, were donated to Maniwa City and turned into an exhibition hall. The Kiyotomo House (formerly Kiyotomo Soy Sauce Store), which was not donated, is still in use as a residence as of 2018 and is not open to the public, but during the Katsuyama Hina Festival, you can tour the interior with a public exhibition of hina dolls. On the dirt floor, there are traces of trolley tracks that were built during the time when soy sauce was brewed. === History from donation to building renovation to the present === In response to the wishes of Katsuyama area residents who wanted to create a base for cultural activities, the mayor of the town at the time frequently visited the Kiyotomo soy sauce brewery in order to request that the local soy sauce brewery located in the center of the town be donated. The town of Katsuyama at the time took over some of the land and buildings, including the soy sauce storehouse, on the condition that it would be used for something truly cultural. The Katsuyama Townscape Committee, which is made up of administrative and resident community development organizations, considered how to use the site, and aimed to create a public-built and privately-operated cultural facility that would promote interaction between the region and the city, tourists and artists, and serve as a place to improve the culture of the local community, as well as increase citizen participation.

Heratori Shrine is a shrine located halfway up Mt. Ohira in Nishinoura, Renjima-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. The old company name is Mukakusha. == Enshrined God == Toyotama Hime (Toyota Hime) Owatatsumi no Mikoto (Owatatsumi no Kami) - Kaishinya Tamayorihime no Mikoto (Tamayoribime) Divine Angel 75 Shrine Followers - Spirit Fox == History == Hushitori Shrine is a shrine located halfway up Mt. Ohira in Tsurajima-cho in the western Mizushima region. The date of its establishment is unknown, but it is said that the chain of islands was called Doranokyo during the Nara period, and during the Jinshin War, when a Shinto priest looked out over the Seto Inland Sea to the south from where the shrine was located, a divine emblem of a ``bushi'' appeared on the surface of the sea, so it was called ``Kotori Daigongen.'' Until the early Edo period, the islands were isolated islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea, and they had an important position on the sea route connecting the capital to Dazaifu in Kyushu, so there were many legends related to the sea. Also, when the port of the island developed as an inland distribution center, it was revered as a guardian deity of maritime safety by shipping companies using the port, and by the time of the Horeki era, it was worshiped as the general guardian of the island. The prosperity of the past can still be seen in the long corridors that run around the left and right sides of the large precincts. Please note that our company does not have parishioners as it is a worshiped shrine. == Precincts == Hundreds of cherry blossoms, maples, and azaleas are planted in the surrounding area, allowing you to enjoy the changing seasons.The view from Emaden is also a tourist destination, with views of the old town of Nishinoura, Mizushima City and the Mizushima Waterfront Industrial Area in the foreground, and the Mizushima Sea and Takahashi River in the distance. == Blessings == In addition to being worshiped as a guardian deity of the sea throughout the area, the 75 Shrines of Gods are also enshrined as gods that ward off fire and theft, and it is said that if you visit the shrine every year on January 6th, Kaniri, you will be safe from fire and theft for a year.

The Kurashiki City Isozaki Nemuki Memorial Museum is a memorial museum located in Chayamachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. It consists of Nemuki Isozaki's former residence and the ``Hana Kutara Kobo'', a facility where you can experience hand weaving of rushes. It is one of the cultural properties that make up the Japan Heritage ``Kurashiki story that begins with a single cotton flower.'' == Overview == It was established to commemorate the achievements of Nemuki Isozaki, who created Kinkanen, a type of flower bamboo basket, during the Meiji period.The purpose of this museum is to contribute to the improvement of citizens' education and culture by displaying the buildings, works, and related materials used by Nekime to the public, and providing opportunities to learn about Hanafuta production techniques. On display are materials related to Nemgeme, a kinkan mat, and a restored loom invented by Nemgeme. The building is a two-story wooden building with a gabled roof and a tiled roof, and was built in 1874 (Meiji 7) as Nemikame's residence and workshop. After undergoing repairs, it was opened to the public in 1988 as the Kurashiki City Isozaki Nemuki Memorial Hall. A unique feature of the building is that the first and second floors are connected by a slope for the purpose of transporting cargo, and a pulley is also installed in the atrium of the earthen floor. The ceremonial-style entrance door has a diamond-shaped crosspiece that opens and closes by rotating and sliding. The shutters attached to the windows on the second floor move outward.

Honjo Hachimangu Shrine is a shrine located in Kojima Kayo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. The deities enshrined are Shinadabetsu no Mikoto, Ashinakahiko no Mikoto, and Sonagatahime no Mikoto. The company rank is Gosha. == Overview == According to the shrine's legend, Gyoki opened Jinguji Hachiman-in (currently Tsujoyama Hannya-in) in the first year of Taiho (701), and was commissioned from Usa Jingu as its guardian. Michio Kojima became the general guardian of the 12 villages. Shrine priests from Jinguji Temple served. It is said that in the early Heian period, in the 23rd year of Enryaku (804), Tamuramaro Sakanoue subdued the bandits on Mt. Yuga and donated 150 kamifu as a reward. In the second year of Kenji (1276) in the middle of the Kamakura period, the divine territory of Mt. Kumano was distributed. In 1279, a red seal with 80 koku of shrine land was issued. In 1482, in the middle of the Muromachi period, the neighboring lord of Honta Castle, Minamoto no Masanawa Masakichi, attacked our company and destroyed the subsidiary shrine.

Takahashi City Local History Museum is a municipal local history museum located in Mukai-cho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture. It opened in 1978 as a local museum. Over 3,000 folk implements are on display. The building, which was completed in 1904, is named the ``Former Takahashi Junior High School Main Building'' and is designated as a tangible cultural property of Takahashi City. == History == This Western-style wooden building was built as the main building of Takahashi Junior High School in 1904 (Meiji 37) during the Russo-Japanese War. It was built using high-quality, straight-grained, knotless fir wood sourced from the local Gagyusan National Forest. The chief construction supervisor was Yutaro Seno, a carpenter, but Seno is said to have had no modern education in architecture. The first floor contains staff rooms and student waiting rooms, and the second floor is an auditorium. The auditorium has a Momoyama-style double-fold coffered ceiling. Furthermore, the general classrooms were connected to the south side (later the Takahashi City Takahashi Central Library was built) and the north side.

Haguro Shrine is a shrine located in Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. == History == Our shrine is located on Mt. Haguro, a small hill in the middle of the old town of Tamashima, which was once a small island in the Seto Inland Sea. In 1658, when Katsutaka Mizutani, the lord of the Bicchu Matsuyama domain, was developing new rice fields in the Tamashima region, he solicited and built Dewa Shrine in Mt. Haguro, Dewa Province. Afterwards, it attracted worship from residents of the area around Tamashima Minato, which flourished as a commercial port, and merchants such as Kitamaebune who frequented the port, and the shrine building was rebuilt in 1665 by Katsumune Mizutani, the second lord of the domain. The current main hall was rebuilt in 1845, and the worship hall was rebuilt in 1852. Additionally, from 1970 to 1978, the Haguro Shrine Community Center was built to dispose of the air raid shelters dug during World War II, and the roof of the building was expanded into the precincts. == Enshrined God == Tamayorihime no Mikoto, Sotokarasuson, Okuninushi-no-kami, Koto-shironushi-no-kami == Divine Virtue == Achievement of good fortune, marriage, and prosperous business === Festival === 2nd Saturday and Sunday of May: Sumiyoshi Shrine and Mizutani Shrine annual festival First Friday and Saturday of August: Tenjin Festival 2nd Saturday and Sunday of October: Autumn Festival *The Seven Lucky Gods are enshrined around the main shrine, and the Shichifukujin Festival is held every year on the first Sunday of April in conjunction with the annual prayer festival.

Bizen City History and Folklore Museum is a museum located in Higashikatakami, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. == Facility == 1st floor Special exhibition room ceramics room 2nd floor literature room folk room == Main exhibits == Bizen ware, refractory brick literature Shiratori Masamune, Atsuo Masamune, Renzaburo Shibata, Shinji Fujiwara Confucianism Kumazawa Banzan Daily life tools, agricultural tools, fishing gear Shizutani school Mitsuishi Castle Katakami Railway Tsuruyama Maruyama Tumulus black teeth World War II materials == Usage information == Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed: Every Monday, the day after a holiday, New Year holidays (12/29-1/3) Admission fee: Free == Access == 5 minutes walk from Bizen Katakami Station on the JR Ako Line.

Chiyo Inari Shrine is a shrine located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture. The old company name is Mukakusha. There are no shrine parishioners, but worshipers come from outside the town. == Enshrined God == Ukanomitama no Mikoto Mikoto Oyama Sosojin == History == It is said to have been founded in the 4th year of the Johei era (934). It was originally located halfway up Mt. Tsuru as a subsidiary shrine for Tsuruyama Hachimangu Shrine, but when Tadamasa Mori built Tsuyama Castle in 1604, he moved it to Nozoyama in the south of the castle along with Hachimangu Shrine, and then moved it to Yatsushi in 1608. However, in 1634, the shrine appeared in a dream to Mori Nagatsugu, the second lord of the Tsuyama domain, and was told, ``If you move it to Tsuruyama, it will protect the eternal castle,'' so the shrine was moved to the northern corner of the castle, under the stone wall (about five blocks north of its current location), and then in 1684, it was moved to its current location by Mori Nagayoshi, the third lord of the Tsuyama domain. During the Edo period, it was called Chiyogongen. == Precincts == == Cultural assets == === Important cultural property (designated by city) === Main shrine (building, designated February 17, 2003) The building was completed in 1683. == Local information == Location 82 Yamashita, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture Transportation access Nearest station: Get off at Tsuyama Station on the JR Himesin Line/Tsuyama Line, then walk for about 17 minutes (about 1.4 km north). surroundings It is located to the east of Tsuruyama Park, and its red torii gate and large lantern are landmarks.

Kibitsuhiko Shrine's Otauesai is a rice planting festival held at Kibitsuhiko Shrine in Ichinomiya, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. In 1964 (Showa 39), it was designated as an intangible folk cultural property by Okayama Prefecture, and in 1979 (Showa 54) it was selected as a national selected intangible folk cultural property.

Miwa Shrine is a shrine located in Higashisue, Nagafune-cho, Setouchi, Okayama Prefecture. The enshrined deity is the big name. Shikinai small shrine. There is another Miwa Shrine with the same name in Osafune Town. The company rank is Gosha. == Overview == It is enshrined on the top of Hirotakayama (166m). Hirotakayama has been called Miwa-no-mine since ancient times, and like Mt. Miwa in Nara Prefecture, it has been worshiped as a sacred mountain. At the northern foot of Mt. Hirotakayama, there are tumuli such as the Tsukiyama tumulus and the Sazaki tumulus group, and at the southern foot of the mountain, the Sazarashi tumulus group, and the surrounding area was inhabited by people since ancient times. The origin of Hirotakayama's name is based on Empress Jingu's favorite horse, Shirataka, as follows. While Empress Jingu was staying in Kabuzaki, Ushimado, by boat, a white hawk accidentally fell into the sea.

The Akaiwa City Yoshii Local History Museum (formerly the main building of Nibori Junior High School) is a building that was relocated and reduced in size from the main building of the former Nibori Junior High School, which was built in 1927 (Showa 2). It was registered as a registered tangible cultural property in 2007, and exhibits local folklore materials and school-related materials. == Overview == In 1927 (Showa 2), a new school building was constructed as the main building of Nibori Elementary School in Nibori Village, Akaiwa District. At that time, Nibori Elementary School was the central traditional school for the five villages in the northern part of the district, and produced many graduates. The school was closed in 1981 due to a series of consolidations and abolitions due to the rapid depopulation of rural areas. However, many school district residents and alumni who regret the demolition have expressed their desire to preserve it. In order to at least document the situation, independent research began to be conducted. As a result, the demolition policy was reconsidered, and the school building itself was treated as a local historical document. In 1984, it was left as the Yoshii Local Museum. It was hoped that the building would be built on the site where it originally stood, but the convenience to many residents expected from the new facility, It was decided to move the school to its current location in order to resolve several issues, including smooth management and operation and effective use of the school building site. On May 15, 2007, Yoshii Local Museum was registered as a registered tangible cultural property. == History == === From opening to closing of elementary school === 1869 (Meiji 2) - A school building is established in Nibori and education begins. 1875 (Meiji 8) - A new school building was built in Nibori Higashi and renamed Nibori Elementary School, School District No. 23.

Kibitsuoka Karaki Shrine is a shrine located in Naka Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. The enshrined deity is Kibi Wakatakehiko no Mikoto. It is an ancient shrine listed in the Bizen Kokusosha Shinmōcho. The old company rank was Murasha. == Overview == It is located on the east side of Mt. Kasai in the eastern part of Sozan Hills. It is one of the 128 Bizen Kokushiki Naishikigai companies. Its name is listed in the Bizen Kokusosha Shinmeicho, which was created around 863 in the early Heian period, indicating that it was already built during the Heian period. The enshrined deity, Kibiwaka Takehiko no Mikoto, is the younger brother of Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto, and is said to have subdued the area around this shrine. In ancient times, it was called Kibimeigengu Shrine and was located on the top of Mt. Kasai, west of its current enshrinement site. The current shrine building was built at the end of the Edo period.

Takano Shrine is a shrine located in Takanohongo, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture. Shikinaisharonsha, the former company rank was Gosha. == Enshrined God == The following three deities are enshrined. It is said that these gods cultivated the land and brought prosperity to it, and they are collectively called the ``Takano Founder Okami.'' Main enshrined deity Ugayafukiaezu Mikoto Aiden deity Emperor Ojin Empress Jingu It is said that in ancient times, the deities enshrined were Ubuki, Kusabuki, and Fukume no Mikoto. After the Kamakura period, the Hachiman deities, Emperor Ojin and Empress Jingu, were added. == History == === Outline === The year of construction is unknown. It first appears in literature that he was conferred the rank of Jugoi in 864 in the early Heian period. In the 17th year of the Jogan era (875), he was promoted to the lower rank of Shogoi. The ``Engishiki Jinmyocho'' records ``Takano Shrine, Tomato District, Mimasaka Province,'' and our company is said to be its ronsha.

Aoe Shrine is a shrine located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. The old company rank was Murasha. It is known as a shrine connected to Aoe blacksmithing. == Enshrined God == Main enshrined deity Fifty deadly lives (Isotakeru no Mikoto) Susanoo no Mikoto Gojutake no Mikoto and Sukinari no Mikoto were revered as the gods of Tsu, the point where the Kibianaumi and Takahashi Rivers meet. Kanayamahikogami (Kanayamahikonokami) / Kanayamahimenokami (Kanayamahimenokami) He was revered as the guardian deity of the Aoe blacksmith industry that flourished from Kamakura to the Muromachi period. == History == During the Heian period, two Oji Gongen temples were built in east and west to protect the guardian deity of Fukuyama Temple, which was located on the summit of Mt. Fukuyama, a sacred place for mountain Buddhism, and the head office was the former Oji Gongen in the west. According to "Obarashi", during the Kenmu era of Emperor Godaigo's reign, Daisuke Ujitsune, Oeda Shikibu, the lord of Fukuyama Castle in Nishigori Village, donated 50 koku of shrine territory. In May 1336, Ujitsune, as the captain of the Nitta army, fought back against the 300,000 Ashikaga army with 1,500 soldiers and fought for three days, but was annihilated, and it is said that all the shrines and temples were burnt down during the battle. Later, in 1578 (Tensho 6) during the reign of Emperor Ogimachi, the lord of Takayama Castle in Nishigori Village, Ishikawazaemon Yohisa, is said to have donated 20 koku of shrine territory. In 1914 (Taisho 3), Setsusha Ara-jinja Shrine within the precincts and Setsu-jinja Shrine outside the precincts were made into shrines within the precincts, and Kanayama-jinja Shrine, which had been a mukaku shrine, was enshrined in the main shrine in May of the same year.

Itosaki Hachiman Shrine is a shrine located in Nishimihara, Yoshii-cho, Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture. == Enshrined God == It enshrines Honda Wake-no-Mikoto (Emperor Ojin) and Isunagatahime-no-Mikoto (Empress Jingu). == History == It is said that in 1461, Mihara Bungonokami Hiroyoshi, the lord of Sakurayama Castle, escaped from Bingo Kuninosho Village (present-day Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture), called himself Saburo Mihara, changed Nishikawate Village to Nishi Mihara Village, built a shrine, and made it his guardian deity. On October 18, 1906, the main shrine and shrine buildings were renovated, and in 1920, the set shrines Ara Shrine, Mizu Shrine, and Taisui Shrine were enshrined together. == Rituals == At the annual festival, Okayama Prefecture's intangible folk cultural assets, Mihara Wataribyoshi and Shrine Maiden Dance, are dedicated, and the Shinko Festival and Hot Spring Ceremony are held. == Shrine building == The main hall is a flat, gabled structure with three girders and two beams, and the front is adorned with a houndstooth gable and a Kara gable. == Transportation == Road: Use Okayama Prefectural Road/Hiroshima Prefectural Road No. 9 Yoshii Yuki Line. Along Ibara city road.

Hachiman Shrine is a shrine located in Shidobe, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture. == Enshrined God == Main enshrined deity Honda Beszon (Homutawake no Mikoto) == History == === Outline === The date of its establishment is unknown, but it is said to have been enshrined for the ancestor of the Hata clan, who became naturalized during the era of Emperor Nintoku.

Miwa Shrine is a shrine located in Fukusato, Nagafune-cho, Setouchi, Okayama Prefecture. The enshrined deity is the big name. It is a small Shikinai shrine called Ronsha, and there is another Miwa Shrine with the same name in Osafune town. The company rank is village company. It is also called Miwa Daimyojin. == Overview == According to the shrine's biography, it is said to have been solicited from Omiwa Shrine in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. The year of solicitation is unknown. There is also a legend that it was enshrined separately from Miwa Shrine in Higashisue, Osafune Town. According to the ``Engishiki Shinmyocho'' and the ``Bizen Kokushiki Shako,'' the divine grade is Jusanmi, and according to the divine grade records of the Oei (1394-1427) and Meio (1492-1501), it is Shosanmi. According to oral tradition, the shrine was abolished for a time, but in 1746 of the Edo period, a request was made to the Okayama clan to revive it.