Okayama Pottery & Heritage Tour – Bizen Craft, Castle & Tram Ride

Okayama , Japan

Okayama Pottery & Heritage Tour – Bizen Craft, Castle & Tram Ride

Active

2h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

・Ride the Okayama streetcar and experience the city like a local
・Enjoy an authentic Bizen pottery workshop suitable for beginners
・Choose your finishing point: Okayama Castle or Korakuen Garden
・Guided by a friendly bilingual (English–Japanese) local expert
・Option to have your pottery shipped internationally

Bizen-yaki pottery, one of Japan’s oldest ceramic traditions, originated in Okayama and is admired for its earthy tones and natural textures—an expression of wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection. Once favored by samurai and tea masters, it remains a living craft that connects Japan’s past and present.
Okayama’s century-old streetcar system still carries locals through the city’s heart, offering travelers a charming and nostalgic window into daily Japanese life.

Available options

German guided tour

This is a guided tour conducted in German: the Okayama Pottery & Heritage Tour.

Bizen Pottery Okayama

What's included

Bizen pottery workshop

English-speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

【Travel】Streetcar Ride to the Castle District

Take a short 10-minute ride on the local streetcar.
After getting off, enjoy a guided walk through the garden area in front of Okayama Castle’s keep as you make your way to the Bizen pottery studio. (This tour does not include entry into the castle keep.)

【Experience】Bizen Pottery Workshop (Approx. 60 min)

Take part in a hands-on Bizen pottery session, one of Japan’s oldest ceramic traditions. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll shape your own unique piece. The staff’s careful support ensures even beginners can create something beautiful. Your pottery will be kiln-fired and ready in about two months, with international shipping available (note: shipping to the U.S. may be restricted).

Stop 3 Pass by

【Choice of Ending Point】Okayama Castle or Korakuen Garden

After the pottery experience, your guide will escort you to either Okayama Castle or Korakuen Garden, depending on your preference. The tour concludes at your chosen destination, where your guide will assist with ticket purchases before you continue exploring at your own pace.

What's not included

Streetcar fare

entrance fees for Okayama Castle or Korakuen Garden

pottery shipping costs

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Your guide will be waiting at the Okayama Station ticket gates, holding a sign that says “Local Treasures.

About Okayama

Okayama is a vibrant city in western Japan known for its stunning castle, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage. Often called 'The Land of Sunshine,' it offers a mix of historical sites, modern attractions, and delicious local cuisine. The city is a perfect blend of traditional Japanese charm and contemporary urban life.

Top Attractions

Okayama Castle

Okayama Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior, is a stunning example of Japanese castle architecture. It offers panoramic views of the city and houses a museum.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥300

Korakuen Garden

Korakuen Garden is one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens. It features ponds, tea houses, and a variety of seasonal plants and flowers.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥300

Okayama Art Museum

The Okayama Art Museum houses a diverse collection of Japanese and international art, including works by famous artists and contemporary pieces.

Museum 1-2 hours ¥300

Omoto Shrine

Omoto Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of the sun. It is known for its stunning torii gate and serene atmosphere.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Okayama Orizuru Tower

The Okayama Orizuru Tower is a modern landmark in the city, offering panoramic views from its observation deck. The tower is shaped like an orizuru, or paper crane.

Architecture 1 hour Free to enter, observation deck fee applies

Must-Try Local Dishes

Okayama Ramen

A local ramen variety with a rich, soy-based broth and thick, curly noodles, topped with pork, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.

Dinner Contains pork and eggs, vegetarian and vegan options may be available upon request.

Momiji Manju

A sweet, maple-leaf-shaped cake filled with red bean paste or custard, a popular souvenir from Okayama.

Dessert Vegetarian, may contain gluten and soy.

Bara-zushi

A local sushi variety where vinegared rice is spread on a seaweed mat and topped with fresh fish, then sliced into bite-sized pieces.

Lunch Contains fish and seafood, gluten-free.

Kibi Dango

Sweet rice dumplings skewered on a stick, often coated in soybean flour, kinako, or brown sugar.

Snack Vegetarian, may contain gluten and soy.

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby mountains Cycling along scenic routes Kayaking or canoeing in the Asahi River Visiting hot springs (onsen) Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony Strolling through Korakuen Garden Exploring Okayama Castle and its museum Visiting local temples and shrines

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring brings cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn offers cool temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. These are the best times to visit for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Okayama is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Only use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Okayama Airport • 17 km from city center

By train

Okayama Station

By bus

Okayama Station, Central Okayama

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is efficient and covers most major attractions in the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kita-ku Naka-ku Asahi-ku

Day trips

Kurashiki

30 km from Okayama • Half day to full day

Kurashiki is a charming town known for its well-preserved Edo-era merchant district, the Bikan Historical Quarter, and its beautiful gardens and museums.

Kojima

40 km from Okayama • Full day

Kojima is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, scenic views, and fresh seafood. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying local delicacies.

Tsuyama

50 km from Okayama • Full day

Tsuyama is a historic town known for its well-preserved castle, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a mix of historical sites and natural beauty.

Festivals

Okayama Matsuri • Late April to early May Korakuen Garden Illumination • Late November to early December Okayama Summer Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photos.
Try Okayama's local specialties, such as Okayama ramen, Momiji manju, and Bara-zushi, for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the historic streets of Sendaimachi Suji and the Bikan Historical Quarter in nearby Kurashiki for a glimpse into Japan's past.
Take a day trip to Kojima to relax on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.
Visit Okayama during the cherry blossom season (late March to early April) or the fall foliage season (November) for stunning natural beauty.