Okayama Airport is not just a gateway to Okayama; it is also full of local character from the “Land of Sunshine.” The airport is small and easy to navigate, yet it offers many Okayama specialties and souvenirs, such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and kibidango. The most interesting items are the Momotaro-themed products, ranging from snacks and sweets to keepsakes. It’s a great place to pick up any last-minute souvenirs at the end of your trip. Tigerair currently offers direct flights to Okayama, which is truly convenient.
Okayama Momotaro Airport | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Kurashiki Denim Street
Kurashiki Denim Street is a specialty spot for denim from Kojima, Kurashiki City, known as the birthplace of Japanese-made jeans. It offers a wide range of denim products, including Kojima-made jeans, bags, accessories, and interior goods, with easy-to-shop sections for men, women & kids, and miscellaneous goods. One of its charms is being able to casually experience “Kurashiki denim” while comparing differences in texture and finish.
When visiting the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, besides admiring the nostalgic streetscape of white-walled storehouses and willow trees along the riverbanks, there’s also a distinctive denim street worth exploring. Kojima, located in Kurashiki, is a well-known production center for denim jeans in Japan and has a long history of denim manufacturing, so the street is lined with many specialty denim shops. From bags, wallets, and clothing to all kinds of everyday goods, there’s a dazzling variety, with each item showcasing unique design details. I especially like the natural range of shades in the denim. Some pieces are a rich indigo, while others have been faded for a distinctive vintage look, giving familiar denim an artistic feel. If you like denim style or unique handmade items, don’t miss this street full of character!
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Sengan-en
Sengan-en is a Japanese garden made for the Shimadzu family estate by Mitsuhisa Shimadzu in 1658. The grounds boast a sprawling 50,000 square meters in total. The garden itself uses the “borrowed scenery” technique, incorporating Kagoshima’s coveted spots like the volcano Sakurajima and Kinko Bay as a natural backdrop.
Sengan-en is a historic garden in Kagoshima that is well worth visiting. It was once a villa of the Shimadzu family, lords of the Satsuma Domain. The entire grounds are nestled between the mountains and the sea, skillfully blending Japanese garden design with magnificent natural scenery. As you stroll around, you can admire sights such as the Kyokusui Garden, the residence, bamboo groves, and old stone lanterns, with every corner exuding a rich sense of history. Most impressive of all is the majestic view of Sakurajima volcano from the garden. Together with Kinko Bay in the foreground, it looks like a grand landscape painting of mountains and sea. I couldn't help but envy the life of the Shimadzu daimyo, who had such an exceptionally beautiful place to live.
I also have a special attachment to Sengan-en because it was one of the filming locations for the NHK historical drama “Atsuhime.” Aoi Miyazaki's nuanced and masterful performance vividly portrayed Atsuhime's strong, intelligent, and extraordinary life, leaving a deep impression on me. Many scenes from the drama were filmed at Sengan-en. Walking through the grounds in person this time felt like stepping back into that era along with the story, adding a sense of familiarity and emotion to the garden scenery before me. If you also like “Atsuhime,” I highly recommend planning a visit to Sengan-en to experience the settings from the historical drama and the former splendor of the Satsuma Domain for yourself.
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Shin-Marunouchi Building
Among the skyscrapers of Tokyo, a commercial complex with a stylish black exterior as its basic theme stands out. It is known by the nickname Shin-Marubiru.
This modern commercial building is home to many fashionable clothing stores, lifestyle shops, specialty gift shops, and popular restaurants. You can find everything from international brands to local Japanese designs, making it a great place to shop or enjoy a meal. The building is near Marunouchi Naka-dori, an elegant and stylish street lined with many international luxury boutiques. In fall and winter, the leaves gradually turn rich shades of yellow, orange, and red, while Christmas lights add an even more romantic atmosphere. If you have a chance to visit Tokyo Station, I recommend setting aside some time to explore this area and experience Tokyo's unique urban charm.
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