6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Asakuchi, Okayama Prefecture – Boasting Beautiful Starry Skies

Asakuchi City, located in the southwest of Okayama Prefecture, is famous for its traditionally made somen and hand-stretched udon. In addition, its locally grown Atago pears—known as Japan’s largest pears—delight with their unique fragrance and incredibly fresh, juicy sweetness. Asakuchi’s bountiful natural gifts extend to its high-quality rice and the locally brewed sake produced from its rich water, all of which add sparkle to your sightseeing experience. In this article, we introduce 6 recommended tourist spots in Asakuchi City that showcase the city’s unique local specialties.

1. Asakuchi Fireworks Festival (Summer)

In Asakuchi City, the “Asakuchi Fireworks Festival” is held during the summer at Mitsuyama Park, a favorite recreational spot for a wide range of visitors. Over 3,000 fireworks light up the night sky, creating a grand and awe-inspiring event.

A highly recommended feature for watching the fireworks is the Ferris wheel located within the park. Experiencing the fireworks together with your loved ones on the Ferris wheel makes for a very romantic and unforgettable moment. Under normal circumstances, Mitsuyama Park is a public park where you can enjoy ground golf, a multipurpose plaza, and various playground facilities for children. Here you can fully appreciate the abundant nature set against the blue sky and mountains of Asakuchi.

2. Yorishima Garden – A Highlight of Seto Inland Sea Scenery

Located immediately adjacent to Mitsuyama Park, Yorishima Garden is a must-stop spot when visiting Asakuchi City.

Although the garden is filled with abundant nature, its well-maintained pathways make it perfect for a leisurely walk. It is especially delightful for families, with unique playground equipment—such as a roofed play structure reminiscent of a secret base—that is popular with children.

Wandering along the tree-lined paths, you will eventually reach a viewpoint overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Proceeding a bit further up the island, you find a wooden rest area from which you can overlook the splendid Asakuchi landscape.

Follow the coastal path through the trees to experience the pleasant sea breeze over the Seto Inland Sea, where you can enjoy activities such as collecting seashells or fishing.

Name: Yorishima Garden
Address: Saburou, Yorishima-cho, Asakuchi City, Okayama Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.asakuchi-kanko.org/yorishima/yorishima_enchi.html

3. Fujinamiike Campground – Scenic by Day, Starry Sky by Night

Fujinamiike Campground is famous for its natural setting. As its name suggests, it is adjacent to a small pond, where you can spend time surrounded by fresh air, a pristine pond, and lush greenery.

At Fujinamiike, you can enjoy activities uncommon in other campgrounds, such as boating. Known as a bird paradise, the area allows you to observe a diverse range of wild birds. The site’s excellent environment also attracts many visitors who come for barbecues and leisurely strolls around the pond. Here, you can leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and fully relish Asakuchi’s nature.

When it comes to camping, most people think of campfires and cooking; however, an evening under the stars is truly a special experience. Asakuchi is renowned for its beautiful night skies.

In fact, there is one of Japan’s largest observation decks in Asakuchi where you can enjoy a starry view that resembles a planetarium created by nature. Under the clear, crisp air, the twinkling stars create a stunning sight unlike any other.

4. Teuchi Udon Taguchi – The Best Lunch Spot for Asakuchi Tourism

"Taguchi Udon" has been featured on television and has become a hot topic. It’s famous for its extra-large "Kaki-age Tempura" (deep-fried mixed tempura) that is so enormous, people from other prefectures find themselves doing a double-take. Both locals and visitors to Asakuchi flock to this restaurant to savor the spectacular dish.

The Kaki-age Tempura is said to be around 20 cm in both length and width. It is made with shrimp in the shell, burdock, pumpkin, and many other ingredients, all bathed together in one massive serving. As this limited-quantity Kaki-age Tempura Udon often sells out by lunchtime, it is best to arrive a little early.

For those who aren’t keen on Kaki-age Tempura, there is also a “Kitsune Udon” topped with an extra-large abura-age (fried tofu pouch). The sweet, simmered tofu, with its flavor intensifying with each chew, perfectly complements the udon broth. In addition, there are many other delicious menu items such as oden and spicy meat udon. When visiting Asakuchi, lunch is a must at this restaurant.

5. Yoshozan General Park – A Nightscape with Beautiful Views

Yoshozan General Park is a vast park developed on a mountain summit. From here, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic night view of Asakuchi. The park attracts many couples, tourists, and locals throughout the year.

At night, you can see the city lights of western Okayama Plain, the factory groups of the Mizushima Complex, and, on clear days, even the illuminated Seto Ohashi Bridge. The view, sparkling all around, is a romantic sight that can only be experienced after dark.

One of the best viewpoints is the parking lot adjacent to the tennis court, where you can enjoy the nightscape from the comfort of your car. For those who wish to relax and savor the night view at their own pace, this is the ideal spot.

The breathtaking starry sky, created by the natural “planetarium” above, perfectly complements the glittering cityscape below.

6. Amenity Experience Fureai Park Maruyama Park

"Amenity Experience Fureai Park Maruyama Park" is a facility designed to take full advantage of the rich natural terrain of Asakuchi. In the Bird Forest section, you can enjoy bird watching while relaxing as you listen to the cheerful chirping of small birds—an experience that soothes the busy pace of everyday life.

In the park, waterfowl gracefully swim in the pond, bringing nature closer to your heart. Slowly gaining recognition as one of Asakuchi’s famous cherry blossom spots, the park fills with Asakuchi citizens and tourists during spring. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, and the reflection of the night sakura in the pond offers a romantic, different ambiance compared to daytime.

There are playgrounds within the park, which makes it popular with family visitors. Among these, the long slide descending from a high mountain level is a particular hit with children. During warm seasons, picnics enjoyed on the benches placed throughout the park add to the pleasure of strolling and experiencing the seasonal flowers, trees, and wildlife.

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6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Asakuchi, Okayama Prefecture – Boasting Beautiful Starry Skies