11 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture – Discover a Post Town Preserving Edo-Era Streets

Yakage Town is located in the southwestern part of Okayama Prefecture, about 35 minutes by car from Kurashiki City and about an hour from Okayama City. While easily accessible from the urban center of Okayama, Yakage boasts a rich history as a flourishing post town along the former Sanyo Road during the Edo period. Many of the buildings from that time still remain, preserving the traditional townscape.

Blessed with natural beauty provided by the clear waters of the Odagawa River that flows through the town, Yakage offers a charming blend of history and nature. In this guide, we introduce recommended sightseeing spots for your visit to this historically rich and picturesque town!

1. The Post Town Streets that Preserve Edo-Era History: Yakage Post Town

Yakage thrived as the 18th post town among the 51 stations along the old Sanyo Road connecting Osaka and Shimonoseki. Even today, remnants of old townscapes remain, and just strolling through the streets lined with traditional Japanese-style homes is a delightful experience.

What makes Yakage particularly notable is that it is the only post town in Japan where both the Honjin (main inn for feudal lords and officials) and Wakihonjin (secondary inn) remain in their original Edo-era form. They are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. From Yakage Station, it’s about an 8-minute walk to the post town area lined with white-walled houses.

Many old buildings have been renovated into shops, making this picturesque area perfect for a leisurely walk. In this quiet and peaceful town, why not find your favorite spot? The annual "Yakage Post Town Festival," held on the second Sunday of November, features a recreated daimyo procession from the Edo period.

2. The Most Prestigious Edo-Era Inn: Former Yakage Honjin Ishii Residence

Yakage is unique nationwide for preserving both a Honjin and a Wakihonjin. The Honjin, where feudal lords, court nobles, and officials stayed, was the most prestigious lodging in the post town.

The Ishii family estate, which served as the Honjin, spans approximately 3,300 square meters. The estate includes the Honjin house, sake brewery, and a ceremonial gate—all preserved in their original state. The refined architecture conveys traditional Japanese aesthetics and is worth taking time to admire. Numerous valuable historical artifacts are also on display, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It is even recorded that Atsuhime, a figure popularized in a historical drama, stayed here en route from Satsuma.

3. Solid Storehouses of the Wakihonjin: Former Yakage Wakihonjin Takakusa Residence

The Wakihonjin, one of Yakage's major attractions, was the residence of the Takakusa family, known for running a money exchange business. As the secondary official lodging after the Honjin, it played a supportive role.

Though slightly smaller than the Honjin, the estate includes five kura (storehouses), each featuring unique architectural styles worth seeing. The large overhanging tiled roofs and white plaster walls make for an impressive sight. Note that the interior is open to the public only on Saturdays and Sundays.

4. A Renovated Traditional Home Turned Relaxing Hot Spring: Yunohana Onsen

"Yakageya" is a charming inn utilizing an old traditional home with a long history in the former post town of Yakage. Its nostalgic exterior alone is worth seeing.

The adjacent hot spring facility, Yunohana Onsen, is open for day-use visitors. The carbonated calcium-rich waters, scented with locally sourced Japanese mint and yuzu, are perfect for refreshing tired travelers. The stone sauna made with Yakage stone is also highly recommended.

5. Taste Fresh Seasonal Fruits at “Suisha no Sato Fruitopia”

Located at the foot of Mt. Jumosan, this agricultural experience facility allows visitors to enjoy picking seasonal fruits throughout the year. Its symbolic landmark is a waterwheel. You can enjoy fresh flavors of the season such as strawberry picking in spring, pear and grape picking from summer to fall.

In addition to harvesting, making handmade udon is also a popular activity. Various events are held regularly, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance. The "Wild Yam Festival" in November is a must-see! All experiences can be reserved through the website.

6. Admire Antique Art in an Edo-Era Storehouse: “Koian Museum of Playful Spirit”

This museum uses three old storehouses to display a collection of antique artworks. The name Koian (meaning “house of old memories”) reflects its nostalgic ambiance. The exhibits, personally collected by the owner, include Kibiji pottery, calligraphy, paintings, and various antiques from both China and Japan.

You can also view splendid bonsai in the garden. This museum is packed with the owner’s playful spirit and attention to detail—perfect for antique lovers.

7. A Historical Park Honoring a Local Hero: “Kibi no Makibi Park”

This park commemorates Kibi no Makibi, a distinguished scholar from Okayama who served as an envoy to Tang China during the Nara period. He is famous for introducing the game of Go to Japan.

Inside the park, you’ll find buildings reminiscent of Chinese architecture and “Ancient Hill,” an area adorned with stone objects. A large bronze statue of Kibi no Makibi stands guard over Yakage Town. It’s one of the “100 Best Historic Parks in Japan,” making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

There’s also a rest area within the park called Kanshitei, which is home to a well-known udon restaurant—a great spot for a light lunch.

8. Gather Tourist Info or Take a Break at “Yakage Machiya Exchange Hall”

This facility is a renovated traditional merchant’s house and serves both as a local community exchange space and a tourist information center. It’s a great place to stop by before beginning your sightseeing in Yakage.

At the information corner, you can pick up travel brochures, and there’s also a local souvenir shop. The Yakage Chaya, located inside, is a relaxing café-style space—perfect for taking a break during your sightseeing. Light meals are also available.

9. Let’s See the Carpet of Red Camellias! “Camellia Festival” at Kokushōji Temple

Kokushōji Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple, is said to have been built by the historical figure Kibi no Makibi. What it’s most famous for is a large camellia tree estimated to be around 350 years old. Standing about 6 meters tall with branches stretching 9 meters in all directions, its majestic presence is impressive—but what really captivates visitors is the sight of camellia blossoms that have fallen around the tree.

These double-petaled camellias resemble roses or carnations and when they fall to the ground, they form what looks like a vivid crimson carpet. This phenomenon is unique to camellias, which drop their blossoms before they wither.

The best time to witness this "carpet" is from early to mid-April. The temple grounds are open to the public during the annual Camellia Festival, centered around the second Sunday of April. If you’re visiting Yakage during this time, don’t miss it!

10. The Fleeting and Magical Firefly Dance at “Unai Firefly Park”

Yakage Town is also known as a “Firefly Village.” In the Unai area, particularly around the nature-rich Hoshida River, you can witness the mesmerizing sight of fireflies dancing in the darkness during early summer.

Within this environment, you’ll find Unai Firefly Park, a unique location with a dedicated firefly breeding facility. During the peak firefly season—late May to early June—a special Firefly Viewing Week is held, with free shuttle buses available from Yakage Station (via Oda Station). The best time to see the fireflies is mid-June. Their brief appearance makes their glow all the more special—why not go witness their fleeting beauty?

11. Learn More About Yakage at the “Yakage Folk Art Museum”

Located in a preserved part of the post town area, this museum is marked by a striking 16-meter-high water watchtower (mizumi yagura). The traditional building, made from red pine, evokes a warmth and charm unique to this town.

In addition to artworks by local artists from Yakage, the museum also features cultural exhibits. One highlight for families is the “Pocket Aquarium,” which displays endangered freshwater fish native to the local rivers. From the top of the water watchtower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Yakage.

◎ Summary

Yakage is a charming town where the nostalgic townscape of a post station from the Edo period still remains. It is one of the rare towns in Japan where both a main inn (honjin) and a sub-inn (waki-honjin) from that era are still intact, making it a place where history continues to live and breathe.

With its peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere, Yakage is perfect for a relaxing stroll. While it’s rich in historical landmarks, don’t overlook its unique seasonal events that offer a deeper, more memorable experience of the town.