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 |
|
| 1.7 kilometers |
|
| 3.5 kilometers |
|
| 3.7 kilometers |
|
| 2.3 kilometers |
|
| 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
-
-
![]()
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 provides a lift, laundry service, full-day security, bicycle parking, and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available, along with a work desk and streaming services.Modern Amenities
Rooms feature a kitchenette, dining area, and sofa bed. Additional amenities include a washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, and kitchenware. Guests appreciate the room comfort and spaciousness.Prime Location
Located 16 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel offers a quiet street view. Nearby attractions include Okayama Castle and the Okayama Prefectural Museum. -
![]()
Dormy Inn Okayama Natural Hot SpringView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Dormy Inn Okayama Natural Hot Spring in Okayama offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, bidet, and free toiletries. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, and soundproofing for a pleasant stay.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and open-air bath. The property also features a restaurant serving Japanese and European cuisines in a family-friendly ambience. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.Convenient Location
Located 16 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions. Paid on-site private parking is available for guests.Guest Favorites
Guests highly rate the breakfast provided by the property, the comfort of the bathrooms, and the convenient location. -
![]()
ura AddressHokanchoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Located in Okayama, ura AddressHokancho offers a 4-star guest house experience with two bedrooms and a living room. Guests enjoy free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchen.Convenient Facilities
The property features private check-in and check-out services, free off-site private parking, and a terrace. Additional amenities include a washing machine, balcony, and a work desk.Prime Location
Situated 14 km from Okayama Airport, the guest house is near shops and attractions. Guests appreciate the convenient location and the well-equipped kitchen. -
![]()
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 -
![]()
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 enjoy a hot spring bath and a public bath. The hotel provides a lounge, lift, daily housekeeping service, child-friendly buffet, luggage storage, and interconnected rooms.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast is served daily, highly praised by guests. The property staff and service support receive high ratings.Convenient Location
Located 15 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel offers easy access to local attractions. -
![]()
Via Inn OkayamaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Via Inn Okayama in Okayama offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities including streaming services and work desks. Each room features a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, slippers, carpeted floors, TV, and electric kettle.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and full-day security. Paid on-site private parking is available. A buffet breakfast is served each morning.Convenient Location
Located 15 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its proximity to public transport options and its convenient location. Guests appreciate the attentive property staff and excellent service support. -
![]()
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 -
![]()
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 -
![]()
Torii-KuguruView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Torii-Kuguru in Okayama offers a 1-star guest house experience 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, sofa, and inner courtyard view.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests for its attentive staff, comfortable rooms, and welcoming host.Location and Access
Located 14 km from Okayama Airport, the guest house provides a quiet street view and easy access to local attractions. -
![]()
Hotel Abest Grande OkayamaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Abest Grande Okayama in Okayama offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. 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 free WiFi. Additional facilities include a lounge, public bath, fitness room, lift, 24-hour front desk, child-friendly buffet, business area, laundry service, bike hire, and luggage storage.Convenient Location
Located 17 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel provides easy access to public transport options. Nearby attractions include Okayama Castle and the Okayama Prefectural Museum.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its bathroom comfort, wellness area, and proximity to public transport, Hotel Abest Grande Okayama ensures a pleasant and comfortable stay.
-
