16 attractive tourist spots in Okayama Prefecture to make the most of a rainy day

How to Spend a Rainy Day in Okayama? Here Are Some Tourist Spots You Can Enjoy Even in the Rain.

If you're visiting Okayama Prefecture and your plans get disrupted by rain, you might feel disappointed. But there's no need to worry.

Actually, Okayama has plenty of attractions that you can enjoy all day, even in the rain, such as art museums, aquariums, and the stalactite cave "Ikurado." Seizing the chance to discover new spots or experiences because of the rain can also be a great idea.

In this article, we introduce carefully selected attractions in Okayama Prefecture, perfect for couples on a date or families with children, ensuring you can have a great time even on a rainy day. Get ready to fully enjoy the charms of Okayama, even when it's wet outside.

1. Ikurado Cave

Did you know that the famous tourist spot, Ikurado Cave in Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture, is associated with a tragic love story? However, now the spirit of that love is enshrined as the "God of Matchmaking," believed to bring an end to sorrowful romances. At the exit of the cave, there is a dedication to this "God of Love," revered as a deity who blesses romantic relationships.

Ikurado is a natural monument designated by Okayama Prefecture, a 1,200-meter-long limestone cave created over many years by the erosion of rainwater. The variously shaped stalactites illuminated within the cave create a dreamlike, mystical atmosphere, casting a beautiful scene throughout. Even on rainy days, Ikurado can be enjoyed, making it a must-visit spot when you're in Niimi City.

2. Fureai Manga Museum

Since 1988, Kawakami Town in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, has been promoting "town development through manga" as part of a regional revitalization effort. The Fureai Manga Museum was established on April 29, 1994, as a community facility to share manga culture.

The museum houses around 120,000 manga volumes collected from all over Japan. On the second floor, there is a relaxed "Gorogoro Reading Room," where visitors can freely read manga in a comfortable atmosphere. Shelves packed with thousands of manga are available right at the entrance.

With wide hallways and a high ceiling, the museum is spacious and inviting, making it a dream destination for manga lovers. A rainy day might be the perfect chance to find a manga you've been wanting to read.

3. Globe Sports Dome

Located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, the Globe Sports Dome is an all-glass comprehensive sports facility. It was once a popular relaxation pool with a hot spring and waterslides, and while the exterior remains the same, the interior was completely renovated. In May 2022, it reopened as a space featuring courts, a straight track, climbing walls, artificial turf areas, and an outdoor pool. There’s also a café, so feel free to drop by for a casual visit.

4. Shibukawa Marine Aquarium

Opened in 1953, Shibukawa Marine Aquarium has long been a popular tourist attraction in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. It is the only aquarium in Okayama Prefecture and houses about 180 species and 2,000 marine creatures, focusing on the Seto Inland Sea’s wildlife, including spotted seals in 34 different tanks.

Additionally, the aquarium displays rare shell specimens and has a "Touch Pool" where visitors can interact with sea creatures. A lighthouse model called the "Miyuki Lighthouse," built to commemorate a visit by Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun in 1953, serves as a symbol of the aquarium.

This beloved aquarium has been cherished by both tourists and locals for many years, so be sure to feel the rich history when you visit.

5. Kurashiki Science Center

As the name suggests, the Kurashiki Science Center is a tourist spot located within "Life Park Kurashiki" in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. Inside the center, there is a planetarium that offers 50-minute shows, where you can view stars according to various programs.

During special events, they also hold themed exhibitions and photo displays. The Kurashiki Science Center is particularly popular among preschoolers and elementary school students, offering science experiments with demonstrations and hands-on experience. You can almost imagine the excited faces of the children enjoying the activities. For couples or spouses, the planetarium offers a romantic experience, making it an ideal destination, even on rainy days.

6. Tsuyama Wonder Museum of Nature

The Tsuyama Wonder Museum of Nature, located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, is a comprehensive natural science museum established in 1963. It features around 800 taxidermied specimens of wild animals from around the world. The sheer number and impact of the exhibits are overwhelming, even surprising to the local visitors. Interestingly, these taxidermy specimens were collected by a private individual.
The museum is housed in a wooden building that was once used as a school. While the focus is on natural science displays, there are also mechanical engineering exhibits. The backdrop paintings and animal displays create an atmosphere that makes you feel as though the animals are alive. Many visitors have praised the museum as being "worth seeing," so it's definitely a spot worth visiting.

7. Toy Box of That Day - Showakan

For those born in the Showa era, "That Day’s Toy Box - Showa Museum" in Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture, offers a nostalgic experience, taking visitors back to the early to mid-Showa period. Inside the museum, you'll find items no longer seen today, including phonographs and a variety of tin toys. There are sections like "The Toys of That Day," "The Life of That Day," and a "Manga Library." You can even enjoy a recreated "Dagashiya" (traditional Japanese candy store) and "Kamishibai" (picture-story show). It's a perfect rainy-day destination for those who want to relive the excitement of the Showa era.

8. Kurashiki City Natural History Museum

Famous for its Naumann elephant model, the Kurashiki City Natural History Museum in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, is a must-visit spot. The museum showcases ancient fossils and offers insight into the creatures of the Seto Inland Sea, providing a fun and educational experience as you explore the wonders of nature.

On the second floor in the First Exhibition Room, you can learn about the history of Okayama Prefecture and touch dinosaur fossils. The fourth exhibition room on the third floor features old toys, which you can even play with. Photography is allowed inside the museum, making it a great place to take memorable photos while learning about natural history—perfect for a rainy day.

9. Ohara Museum of Art

The Ohara Museum of Art, located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, was the first museum in Japan to showcase Western art. It was established in 1930 by businessman Ohara Magosaburo to honor the late painter Kojima Torajiro.

The museum's main building still retains its classical entrance from its opening days, exhibiting works from the time of its founding, along with the collection amassed by Kojima Torajiro. The annex houses Japanese art, ranging from the Meiji era to modern works. Known for its high-quality and renowned collection, the Ohara Museum is also admired for its beautiful architecture. Even just viewing the dignified gate from the outside is worth the visit. Visiting an art museum on a rainy day adds a touch of elegance to your trip.

10. Horseshoe Crab Museum

In Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, you’ll find the "Horseshoe Crab Museum," the only museum in the world dedicated to the horseshoe crab. This is possible because Kasaoka is one of the few places where horseshoe crabs still reproduce. Inside the museum, you can learn about the evolution of horseshoe crabs and other living organisms.

The highlight is the breeding exhibition room, where you can observe the usually unseen process of horseshoe crab care up close. The museum is also connected to "Dinosaur Park," featuring dinosaur models and fossil plants, allowing visitors to experience prehistoric life alongside the horseshoe crab exhibits.

Although there's plenty to enjoy indoors, the outdoor areas also have attractions, including a towering dinosaur replica. The museum is highly recommended for families with children, who will love exploring the exhibits on a rainy day.

11. Manekineko Museum

Opened in October 1994 in Okayama City, the Manekineko Museum is a unique art museum dedicated to "lucky cat" figurines. Set in a renovated old house, the museum displays around 700 manekineko. Simply looking at all the different lucky cats is sure to bring a sense of comfort.

As Japan’s smallest cat museum, its modern design highlights the charm of the cats. The figurines come in various sizes, colors, shapes, and materials, each with its own personality. Visiting this museum might bring you good luck, as the manekineko are said to bring good fortune. Though the displayed manekineko are not for sale, the museum shop offers cute cat-related items. It's a great spot to visit on a rainy day.

12. Makido Cave

Designated a natural monument and becoming a famous tourist spot in Okayama Prefecture, Makido Cave spans a total length of 450 meters with a maximum width of 25 meters. Inside, you’ll find stalactites and coral formations, creating a mystical world that feels like a different realm. Since it's not overly commercialized, it could be considered a hidden gem.

The cave is cool in summer and warm in winter, making it a comfortable place to visit even on a rainy day. There is a spring inside the cave where visitors throw coins and make wishes, much like the tradition at the Trevi Fountain in Italy. Legend has it that throwing a coin over your left shoulder while facing backward will make your wish come true.

The cave is beautifully illuminated, providing an otherworldly experience. Visiting this magical space and making a wish on a rainy day sounds like a perfect adventure.

13. Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki

If you're looking for indoor fun on a rainy day in Kurashiki, the Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki, which opened in December 2011, is a great option. It is the largest shopping mall in the Chugoku region, with 120 stores offering a wide variety of fashion, accessories, and gourmet options.

Located near Ario Kurashiki and Kurashiki Mirai Park, it is surrounded by nature, offering a calm and relaxed environment. The outlet park features coin lockers, available for 100 yen with a refund system, making it convenient if you're carrying a lot of luggage.

Various events are held monthly, and its proximity to the station makes it a convenient spot when you can’t travel far due to the rain. There’s also a food court and play areas for children, making it a family-friendly destination.

14. Momotaro Karakuri Museum

In Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, famous for the folk tale of Momotaro, you’ll find the Momotaro Karakuri Museum. This two-story museum is filled with various mechanical devices and attractions, including the popular Oni Island cave where a scary ogre suddenly appears. At Momotaro Yokocho, you can enjoy picture books, nostalgic toys, and various Momotaro-themed displays. The "Visual Theater" features Momotaro animations.

The museum also showcases historical materials related to Momotaro, with friendly guides providing detailed explanations, offering a fun and homey atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy regardless of the weather, even on a rainy day

15. Kasaoka Bay Farm Roadside Station

Located in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, "Kasaoka Bay Farm" is a roadside station that can be enjoyed even on rainy days. It features a variety of local products, including fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, and fruits available at the direct sales store.

One of the most popular items at the Sunflower Café is the "vegetable soft serve," which is so tasty that even kids who dislike vegetables love it.

From spring to autumn, the large flower fields are in full bloom, offering breathtaking views. In summer, the sunflower fields, famous for their 1 million sunflowers, are a major attraction, while 10 million cosmos flowers bloom magnificently in the fall. It’s located about 25 minutes by car from the Kasaoka Interchange on the Sanyo Expressway, making it a perfect stop during a road trip.

16. Kurashiki Ivy Square

Kurashiki Ivy Square is a hotel facility located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, that can be enjoyed even on rainy days. Originally built as a cotton mill in 1889, the building has been renovated and now serves as a tourist facility.

The square houses four cultural facilities, including exhibits on the history of Kurashiki, a restaurant, a music box museum, a folk craft shop, and a memorial hall for the artist Kojima Torajiro, which is part of the Ohara Museum of Art. With these facilities, it offers a fulfilling experience for visitors.

There are also seasonal events, such as Christmas dinners and wedding plans, so you can enjoy a visit tailored to the time of year.
Located about a 15-minute walk from Kurashiki Station, Ivy Square offers a pleasant stroll through the town, even in the rain, where you might discover something new along the way.

Summary of Tourist Spots in Okayama Prefecture to Fully Enjoy on a Rainy Day

We have introduced 16 great spots to enjoy the charms of Okayama Prefecture even on rainy days. While Okayama is famous for fruits like grapes and peaches, it’s also renowned for its delicious B-grade gourmet food. Popular dishes include Kakioko, a type of okonomiyaki made with locally sourced oysters, Horumo Udon, and Bara Sushi, a kind of scattered sushi.

Okayama offers a wealth of natural beauty to explore on sunny days, but on rainy days, you can enjoy year-round fun at clubhouses or museums, or take a leisurely stroll while sampling local foods. Okayama is a place you'll want to visit again and again. As you research places to visit, make sure to pick out different ways to experience the area's delights.