The Kibi Plain (gH, Kibiji) is a charming, rural flatland just outside of central Okayama City that is covered in sprawling fields and dotted with shrines, temples and small clusters of farmhouses. The plain is best explored from an attractive cycling trail which visits several historic sights along the way.
During the 4th century the Kibi Plain was the center of the Kibi Kingdom, an ancient clan that controlled much of modern day Okayama Prefecture and whose power rivaled that of the dominant Yamato Clan in today's Nara Prefecture. A few historic sights related to the kingdom, such as large burial mounds and some shrines, can be found scattered around the plain.
The kingdom is known for the Legend of Prince Kibitsuhiko, a prince from the rivaling Yamato Clan who was dispatched to the Kibi Kingdom to defeat a tyrannical ogre and pacified the Kibi Region. This legend became the foundation of the even more famous local folktale of Momotaro, which chronicles the journey of a small boy, born of a peach, who defeats a band of ogres who were terrorizing the countryside from a nearby island (sometimes associated with Megijima Island in Takamatsu).
A popular 17 kilometer long cycling route leads through the Kibi Plain between Bizen-Ichinomiya and Soja stations. The route loosely follows the legend of Prince Kibitsuhiko and passes several important shrines, temples and burial mounds along the way. The trip can be made in either direction, but the route is a little bit easier to find if starting from Bizen-Ichinomiya Station. Bicycles can be rented at either station and can be dropped off at the other end or at the rental shop near Bitchu-Kokubunji Temple.
| 350 meters |
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| 1.7 kilometers |
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| 3.5 kilometers |
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| 3.7 kilometers |
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| 2.3 kilometers |
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| 5 kilometers |
Getting there and around
Bicycle rental shops can be found in front of Bizen-Ichinomiya Station and Soja Station and near Bitchu-Kokubunji Temple. They are open daily from 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from November to February); pick-up until 15:30. One-day rentals start at 1500 yen, and bicycles can be dropped off at a different location for an additional fee of 500 yen.
How to get to Bizen-Ichinomiya Station
Okayama and Bizen-Ichinomiya stations are connected by the JR Kibi Line (aka Momotaro Line) every 30 minutes. The one way trip takes about 10 minutes, costs 210 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
How to get to Soja Station
Okayama and Soja stations are connected by twice hourly trains along the JR Kibi Line (aka Momotaro Line, 35-40 minutes, 420 yen) or by once or twice hourly trains via the JR Hakubi Line (30 minutes, 510 yen). Both routes are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Okayama
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3 WellnessView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
3 Wellness in Okayama offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Guests enjoy free WiFi, private check-in and check-out services, and a lounge.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lift, laundry service, full-day security, bicycle parking, and free on-site private parking. Additional amenities include a kitchenette, dishwasher, and streaming services.Prime Location
Located 16 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Rian Bunko Art Museum (3.7 km) and AEON Mall Okayama (4.6 km). Guests appreciate the quiet street views and room comfort. -
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Dormy Inn Okayama Natural Hot SpringView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Dormy Inn Okayama Natural Hot Spring in Okayama offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, and TV.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and open-air bath. The spa and wellness centre provides a range of treatments, while the restaurant serves Japanese and European cuisines in a family-friendly ambience.Convenient Location
Located 16 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Nishigawa Canal Park (2-minute walk), Okayama Baptist Church (200 metres), and AEON Mall Okayama (5-minute walk). Guests appreciate the breakfast provided by the property, bathroom comfort, and convenient location. -
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Okayama Koraku HotelJust a 5-minute walk from JR Okayama Train Station, Okayama Koraku Hotel offers modern rooms with free wired internet and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy massages and free-use bicycles. This hotel was selected as one of the Top Romance Hotels in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2015. The air-conditioned rooms at Koraku Hotel include a private bathroom with bathtub and amenities. Slippers, a fridge and a seating area are provided. Each room has a humidifier. Nishigawa Ryokudo Koen Tram Station is just a 1-minute walk from the hotel. Okayama Castle is 1.5 km away, and Okayama Koraku-en Garden is about a 15-minute walk away. The 24-hour reception offers luggage storage. A free-use microwave and coin-operated launderette are provided. TOMOE Restaurant offers a buffet-style breakfast featuring Japanese and Western dishes from 06:30-10:00.View on Booking.com -
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Via Inn OkayamaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Via Inn Okayama in Okayama offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, baths, bidets, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and electric kettle.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and full-day security. Paid on-site private parking is available.Dining Options
A buffet breakfast is served daily. Additional amenities include streaming services, refrigerator, and slippers.Prime Location
Located 15 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel is near Houkancho Shopping Street (5-minute walk), Sky Mall 21 Shopping Street (400 metres), and AEON Mall Okayama (less than 1 km). Nearby attractions include Momotaro Statue and Nishigawa Canal Park.Guest Satisfaction
Guests appreciate the public transport options, convenient location, and attentive staff. -
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Super Hotel Okayama Station HigashiguchiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Super Hotel Okayama Station Higashiguchi in Okayama offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, yukata, refrigerator, work desk, and TV.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can unwind in the hot spring bath or enjoy the public bath. Additional amenities include a lounge, lift, daily housekeeping service, child-friendly buffet, and luggage storage.Convenient Location
Located 15 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel is an 8-minute walk from AEON Mall Okayama and near attractions such as Rian Bunko Art Museum (1.1 km) and Okayama Baptist Church (less than 1 km). Paid off-site parking is available.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its breakfast, attentive staff, and excellent value for money. -
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Hotel Granvia OkayamaDirectly connected to JR Okayama Station, Granvia Okayama is a 15-minute train ride from Kurashiki. It offers restaurants with 19th-floor views, an indoor pool with a sauna, as well as rooms with free WiFi and free wired internet. Each air-conditioned room at Hotel Granvia Okayama is equipped with bath and shower facilities, a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. All rooms are also fitted with an electric kettle. The hotel is a 5-minute drive from Koraku-en Garden and Okayama Castle. An hourfs train ride takes guests to Shikoku Island. Kibitsu Shrine is a 20-minute drive away. French cuisine is served at Prix d'Or Restaurant, featuring panoramic views. Kibizen Restaurant offers seasonal Japanese foods. Chinese dishes and teppan-yaki are also available. Sky Lounge Applause offers beautiful views from floor-to-ceiling windows.View on Booking.com -
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ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama by IHGLocated in downtown Okayama, ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama offers comfortable and bright rooms with free WiFi, only 2-minute walk from JR Okayama Station West Exit. It features 3 dining options and a 24-hour reception, while concierge services and currency exchange are available. Okayama ANA Crowne Plaza is a few steps from the Okayama Convention Centre and the well-known Takashimaya department store. The Koraku-en is a 10-minute taxi ride, and Okayama Airport is a 30-minute drive. Rooms have an interior in relaxing beige tones, with contrasting dark wooden furnishings and curtains. They come with wide and extra-long beds, a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator. A safe, nightwear and toiletries are provided. The Hotel ANA Crowne Plaza provides laundry services and luggage storage. The lobby offers free WiFi, and rental facilities are available for in-room use, such as a DVD player, an air humidifier or a trouser press. A car rental company and a minimart can be found next door. Japanese dishes can be enjoyed at the backdrop of the city skyline, at top-floor Japanese Restaurant Kuriya-sen. Sky Bar & Lounge is also located on the 20th floor. Casual dining URBANO serves Western dishes.View on Booking.com -
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Torii-KuguruView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Torii-Kuguru in Okayama offers a 1-star guest house with a garden and free WiFi. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, a kitchenette, and a washing machine.Convenient Facilities
The property features a lounge, daily housekeeping service, bicycle parking, bike hire, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a dining area, tea and coffee maker, and a sofa.Local Attractions
Rian Bunko Art Museum is a 7-minute walk away, while Kuni Shrine lies 700 metres nearby. Houkancho Shopping Street is a 6-minute walk, and Okayama Airport is 14 km from the property.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, comfortable rooms, and excellent service support. -
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ura AddressHokanchoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Located in Okayama, ura AddressHokancho offers a 4-star guest house experience with free WiFi and private check-in and check-out services. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, a terrace, balcony, and a fully equipped kitchenette.Modern Amenities
The property features a washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, and a work desk. Additional amenities include a PS4, refrigerator, and free toiletries. Free off-site private parking is available for guests.Prime Location
Situated a 4-minute walk from Houkancho Shopping Street and 14 km from Okayama Airport, the guest house is close to attractions such as Rian Bunko Art Museum (700 metres) and AEON Mall Okayama (1.4 km). Guests appreciate the convenient location and nearby shops. -
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Hotel Abest Grande OkayamaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Abest Grande Okayama in Okayama offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a sofa bed, work desk, and TV, ensuring a pleasant stay.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy a sauna, fitness centre, bar, and public bath. Additional amenities include a lounge, laundry service, and bike hire. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, lift, and full-day security.Prime Location
Located 17 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Nishigawa Canal Park and nearby attractions such as Komori Shrine and Okayama-ji Temple. Public transport options enhance convenience.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for bathroom comfort, wellness area, and proximity to public transport, Hotel Abest Grande Okayama ensures a pleasant and comfortable stay.
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