Okayama Prefecture, in the southern part of Japan’s Honshu island, is known for its mostly rural landscapes, feudal castles and several notable art museums. It’s also a gateway to Shikoku Island via Seto Ohashi Bridge. The capital, Okayama City, is home to Korakuen, a formal garden completed in 1700, and 16th-century Okayama Castle, also dubbed the “Raven Castle” for its distinctive black exterior.

Okayama 18

Okayama Castle 15

Koraku-en Garden 17