Momotaro: Japanese Folktale Tour (from Okayama)

THIS TOUR STARTS FROM A LOCATION OF YOUR CHOICE IN OKAYAMA.

You can pick your hotel, airport, a train station or any other location as long as it is located within OKAYAMA CITY.

If you would like our assistance in reaching OKAYAMA, please book a customized bespoke tour instead.

Toyota Alphard	HiAce Grand Cabin

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?

+ Vehicle designated in selected package (either a Toyota Alphard or HiAce Grand Cabin)

+ English speaking driver (the driver is not a guide & may only have basic English skills)

+ Tolls, Highway Fees, Parking Fees, Fuel (and other associated vehicle costs for this itinerary)

HOW CAN I ADD A TOUR GUIDE?

Pick a date & package; press the PROCEED BOOKING button. The next screen will offer you the option to add on a REGION EXPERT (a local guide with expert knowledge of the area, its history and culture) for an additional fee. Other add-ons may also be available.

ITINERARY

This private package tour will start at a location of your choice within OKAYAMA and then proceed to your chosen destination options.

Option 01: Momotaro Odori (Recommended)

Option 02: Kibitsu Jinja Shrine (Recommended)

Option 03: Momotaro Karakuri Museum and Kurashiki

Option 04: Kibitsuhiko-jinja Shrine

Option 05: Peach Picking in Okayama (early July – late August)        

DETAILED ITINERARY

Okayama is the capital of Okayama Prefecture, and the largest city in the Chugoku Region after Hiroshima. The city is an important transportation hub, being the location where the Sanyo Shinkansen meets with the only rail connection to Shikoku. The city developed as a castle town during the Edo Period (1603-1867) and became a significant regional power.

We start off in Okayama. After picking you up in one of our luxurious private vehicles, we will drive you through some truly spectacular views to the destinations of your choice.

Option 01: Momotaro Odori (Recommended)

One of the most beloved traditional folktales of Japan is “Momotaro”, or Peach Boy. This tale is strongly associated with Okayama, and you can find homages to it all over town, sometimes in rather unexpected ways. The first and most obvious one will greet you as soon as you step out of Okayama Station. On the plaza in front of the massive building, you’ll find a big statue depicting the adult version of Momotaro, with some of the allies from the tale, including a dog and a monkey.

Option 02: Kibitsu Jinja Shrine (Recommended)

Kibitsujinja Shrine is closely associated with the figure believed to have inspired the famous Japanese folk tale “Momotaro.” Rebuilt in 1425, the building at the heart of the shrine has been designated a National Treasure. However, the shrine’s grandest feature is its large corridor some 360 m long. While heading to the rear of the corridor, which stretches out in a straight line, visitors will be able to see beautiful seasonal flowers along both sides of the corridor.

Option 03: Momotaro Karakuri Museum and Kurashiki

At this extraordinary museum, only articles related to the folk tale “Momotaro” are on display. The museum is full of fun attractions such as the amazing demon-infested caves of “Onigashima” (Demon Island), karakuri optical illusion gimmicks, and Momotaro animations. Visitors will also find numerous Momotaro goods in the museum shop. The more unusual one-of-a-kind Momotaro goods make for great souvenirs.

Entrance fee (separate from tour price, to be purchased on the spot)
Adults: JPY600

Option 04: Kibitsuhiko-jinja Shrine

Kibutsuhiko no Mikoto, believed to be the figure that inspired the famous Japanese legend of Momotaro, is enshrined here. It is said the shrine was built on the site where Mikoto’s house once stood (main building). The shrine’s Heian cedar, believed to be more than 1,000 years old, has become the symbol of Kibitsuhikojinja Shrine. The precinct’s Koyasujinja Shrine is said to bless visitors with children and safe childbirth.

Option 05: Peach Picking in Okayama (early July – late August)

Also known as the “best flavor in Japan,” Okayama’s white peaches are juicy and taste fresh with an elegant sweetness. Every summer at Tomomien Fruit Farm and Nishiyama Farm , visitors are invited in to the peach orchard where they can pick their own peaches and eat them on the spot. A variety of options is available, including limited time all-you-can-eat plans and plans that allow visitors to take the peaches they pick home as souvenirs. (Reservation is required.)

The tour will end with us dropping you off at a location of your choice in Okayama.