5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions to Fully Enjoy in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture!

Takahashi City, located in the central-northwestern part of Okayama Prefecture on the border with Hiroshima Prefecture, is a city where more than half of its area consists of hilly terrain on the Kibi Highlands. The Takahashi River flows through the city, joined by its tributaries, the Yūkan River and the Naru River. Known as the "Land of Sunshine" in Okayama due to its abundance of sunny days throughout the year, why not take advantage of this favorable climate when exploring Takahashi? Let’s take a look at our top 5 recommended sightseeing spots in Takahashi City.

1. Raikyu-ji Temple (頼久寺)

Raikyu-ji is a Rinzai sect temple and one of the Ankok-ji temples established by Ashikaga Takauji across Japan. Its garden, built by Kobori Enshu—a feudal lord of Bitchu who greatly influenced the tea ceremony and flower arrangement during the Edo period—is a major attraction. The garden is designed in the Zen dry landscape style known as the "Bōsui-tei Kyōsui Garden."

Believed to have been constructed in the early Edo period, this garden has been recognized for its artistic and aesthetic value and is designated as a nationally acclaimed scenic spot. Truly, seeing it for yourself is worth a thousand words. Rather than merely describing it, experience its charm with your own eyes!

2. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle was built in 1240. Its most notable feature is that it is "the highest castle in Japan." This is because the castle is located on Mount Gagyu, which stands at 430 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain castle with an existing keep. Due to its location at the mountain summit, it was once known as an "impregnable castle."

There is an observation deck a short distance from Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, positioned higher than Mount Gagyu itself, from which you can enjoy views of the castle as well as the surrounding Takahashi City. Moreover, when viewed from the observation deck on a misty morning, the castle appears to float on a sea of clouds—a truly magical sight.

The sea of clouds typically appears from the end of September to early April, with the period from late October to early December being especially ideal for witnessing dense fog. An image of the castle emerging from the clouds is truly enchanting and perfect for photography.

It’s hard not to be intrigued when you hear phrases like "the highest castle in Japan," "a castle floating in the clouds," and "a nationally designated Important Cultural Property."

3. Takahashi City Local History Museum

The Takahashi City Local History Museum is housed in the former two-story wooden building of the old Takahashi Jinchō High School, which was built in 1904. Its Western-style exterior is one of its defining features. In fact, the building itself is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Takahashi City, allowing you to feel its historical ambiance simply by admiring its facade.

The second floor was originally used as an auditorium, and its double-layered, folding-beam ceiling exudes a Meiji-era atmosphere. The museum exhibits roughly 3,000 items, including everyday objects from the Edo to the Showa periods, local folk tools and playthings, as well as displays on the history of Takahashi Station and local industries.

Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Bitchu Takahashi Station, it’s a great spot to stroll over to and explore while sightseeing in Takahashi City.

4. Nariwa Museum

Located in Nariwa-cho within Takahashi City, the Nariwa Museum features not only paintings but also fossil exhibits, combining elements of a museum and art gallery. The current building is the third generation and was designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando. Surrounded by a flowing-water garden and clad in concrete, the building itself is a work of art.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts various events and exhibitions, making it an ideal place to expand your knowledge of art. It also features a special display of ancient Egyptian relics personally collected by Kojima Torajirō. In addition to the exhibition spaces, there is a café where you can take a break. Even if you’re not typically interested in art, the unique atmosphere is worth experiencing.

5. Fukiya Dōzan Sasane Kōdo

In the Fukiya area, a district that has long supported Takahashi City, the Fukiya Dōzan Sasane Kōdo is a restored and organized former copper mine used for bengara production. Once in operation during the Edo to Taisho periods, the copper mine was reportedly discovered in 807 and offers a tangible connection to the region’s long history.

Inside the mine, the temperature remains a cool 15°C throughout the year, and the chilly air adds a mysterious atmosphere to the site. For those interested in bengara (red iron oxide pigment), a visit here is a must. Additionally, if you develop an interest in bengara, be sure to visit the Bengara Museum in Takahashi City, which is housed in a former bengara factory.

The museum recreates a Meiji-era bengara factory and explains the production process, while an adjacent pottery museum displays ceramics adorned with bengara painting, providing insight into how bengara is used.

For those who develop a taste for bengara products, shops in the Fukiya district offer items such as ceramics and bengara washi paper—perfect souvenirs.

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Attractions in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture

From historic temples set in serene gardens and castles surrounded by misty clouds, to local history museums and art galleries that capture the spirit of the past, Takahashi City offers a wealth of attractions. Not to mention its status as Japan’s largest bengara production area, with historic copper mines and related museums that deepen the region’s rich cultural heritage. In addition to these, there are facilities for free climbing and even a manga museum, among various other attractions. Why not plan a visit to Takahashi City and discover everything it has to offer?

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5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions to Fully Enjoy in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture!