Top 6 Tourist Attractions in Kasaoka City, Okayama – A Journey Through Flowers and Horseshoe Crabs

Kasaoka City is a town dotted with hidden spots for travelers. It offers a range of attractions such as exhibitions of modern artists, historic castle ruins, and uniquely themed museums. Seasonal flower fields bloom beautifully with poppies, sunflowers, and cosmos, and there are leisure spots like the Sun Plaza, making it a great destination for families. If you live nearby, it's perfect for a spontaneous visit with just a bag in hand or a fun day out with the family at a farm. Kasaoka is a travel destination rich in nature, where you can also enjoy art events and traces of history.

1. Shiraishi Island: Perfect for Marine Sports

Shiraishi Island, located in Kasaoka City, is famous for the traditional Shiraishi Odori dance, which is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan. This dance is said to have originated as a way to honor the souls of those who perished in the Genpei War. Today, Shiraishi Island is well-known in Okayama as a popular beach destination where visitors can enjoy various marine sports. It is considered one of the top three beaches in Okayama, and access is convenient via ferry. Activities like sea kayaking are also available.
Aside from Shiraishi, Kasaoka City encompasses other islands such as Takashima, Manabeshima, and Tobishima. Among them, Shiraishi is the second largest and is known for its scenic beauty, making it a great place for hiking. Notable sites on the island include Kairyū-ji Temple and the Buddhist stupa (Pagoda of Buddha’s Relics), both of which enshrine deities and sacred relics. Guided tours of the Shiraishi Odori are available, and in summer, you can stay overnight, feast on seafood, enjoy the ocean, and explore the island.

2. Roadside Station Kasaoka Bay Farm – A Place to Enjoy Delicious Ingredients and Seasonal Flowers

Kasaoka Bay Farm offers tasty jams and gift items made from high-quality ingredients, as well as a selection of fresh produce. You can enjoy seasonal specialties such as piping hot hotpot with chicken meatballs. Both the restaurant and café use carefully selected ingredients, maximizing the natural aroma and offering a sense of comfort. For items like ham, they use locally aged products for deeper flavor.
One of the highlights of visiting is the seasonal flowers – from poppies to sunflowers and cosmos. In November, visitors can even pick their own cosmos flowers. There's also a direct sales area where you can purchase fresh vegetables and seafood.
Kasaoka City is blessed with both sea and mountains, so there’s a deep commitment to the quality of food and dining. This is a highly recommended destination for those who love nature-inspired trips – enjoy both the scenic flower fields and the rich local flavors.

3. Cherry Blossom Viewing at Kojōyama Park

In the heart of Kasaoka City, Kojōyama Park becomes a breathtaking spot every spring with 400 cherry blossom trees in full bloom. With a history spanning over 200 years, Kojōyama Park is a beloved landmark known for its elevated views and tranquil atmosphere. Just a 10-minute walk from Kasaoka Station, the park also offers convenient parking for visitors.
Once a mountaintop castle built in 1555 by the Noto Murakami clan, Kojōyama has welcomed famous warlords throughout history, including Mōri Motonari and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Renowned haiku master Matsuo Bashō is said to have stopped here and composed a poem, now commemorated with a stone monument. This poetic and historic ambiance makes the park a unique cherry blossom viewing (hanami) destination.
While beautiful during the day, Kojōyama Park also offers stunning nighttime views of the city below, making it a great spot for evening visits. The site has transformed from a strategic fortress into a scenic overlook where the past and present harmoniously blend—a top historical attraction in Kasaoka City that evokes the passage of time.

4. The Only Horseshoe Crab Museum in the World

This is the only museum in the world where you can see the horseshoe crab, which is designated as a Natural Monument of Japan. It’s a must-visit spot for enthusiasts, especially since there’s also a dinosaur park at the same location. In the breeding and exhibition room, you can see horseshoe crabs ranging from babies to adults. You can observe how baby horseshoe crabs, which resemble large tadpoles, gradually grow over time.
Horseshoe crabs lay their eggs in the sand on the coastline, and the eggs hatch under the sunlight. The eggs hatch in about 50 days, and the young crabs continue to grow steadily. This museum is perfect for children who love insects.
The Dinosaur Park includes an athletic area, and you can also look for swimming reptiles like ammonites. There are also other themed zones such as the “Desert Zone” and the “Forest Zone.” Why not enjoy insect-themed leisure with your children at this rare insect museum that exists nowhere else in the world?

5. Kasaoka Taiyo no Hiroba – A Wellness and Cultural Hub in Kasaoka City

Kasaoka Taiyo no Hiroba is a beloved public facility in Kasaoka City that has nurtured community wellness and vibrant exchanges for over 40 years. This expansive space is a multi-purpose recreational area where residents and travelers alike can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor experiences.
The park is home to beautiful flowerbeds, spacious open grounds, a sports field, a cycling track, and a roller-skating rink. Its artistic charm is highlighted by fountains and sculptures, creating a visually enriching environment. In the evening, the illuminated fountains provide a magical spectacle, while mysterious, thought-provoking sculptures spark curiosity and admiration.
During spring, the park transforms into a floral paradise with a thousand cherry blossom trees (Senbonzakura) and vibrant shibazakura (moss phlox) blooming in unison. The walking and jogging trails come alive as citizens and visitors stroll, jog, or play sports surrounded by nature’s seasonal beauty.
Whether you're visiting in spring or another season, Kasaoka Taiyo no Hiroba offers serene landscapes and open spaces perfect for relaxation. It’s an ideal stopover for tourists exploring Kasaoka, providing scenic views and family-friendly recreation.

6. Takeyoshi Art Museum - Honoring the Great Achievements of a Kasaoka Painter

The city of Kasaoka established the Takeyoshi Art Museum in honor of Japanese-style painter Ono Chikkyō’s achievements. Opened in 1982, the museum collects related documents and materials about Ono Chikkyō. Many of his remaining works were donated by his family, and the museum’s operations are supported by funds from the prefecture and local citizens. A wide range of materials is introduced from various perspectives, allowing people to engage with them. Okayama Prefecture, located near Kyoto and the birthplace of Chikkyō’s art, actively supports modern Japanese art, recognizing him as a great artist.

In 2016, seasonal exhibitions were held such as "Guided by the Sunshine of Setouchi" during summer and autumn. The museum also sells calendars, art boards, and postcards featuring Chikkyō’s works, which can even be ordered by mail. If you visit Okayama in the Chūgoku region, the Takeyoshi Art Museum is highly recommended for art lovers. Experiencing Chikkyō’s depictions of seasonal landscapes will surely leave a lasting memory of your journey.

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Kasaoka City

We have introduced six recommended spots in Kasaoka City. Depending on your travel purpose, there are various destinations to choose from. Whether you're into marine sports, religious pilgrimages, or art spots, you’ll find options nestled between the sea and the mountains to match your interests. You might also enjoy making a spontaneous stop at one of these places along your journey. The one-and-only Horseshoe Crab Museum in Japan and the expansive Taiyō-no-Hiroba (Sun Plaza) will help relieve travel fatigue and make your leisure time even more delightful.

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Top 6 Tourist Attractions in Kasaoka City, Okayama – A Journey Through Flowers and Horseshoe Crabs