Top Okayama Arts & Design in 2026

As you walk through the town, you will see how Bizen ware is embedded in daily life—from active kilns to historic sites—revealing a living craft culture rather than a display. Bizen pottery is known for its unglazed technique, using only clay, fire, and natural ash. Traditional wood-firing lasts up to two weeks, with artisans working in shifts to manage flames in climbing kilns fueled by red pine. Imbe is also the hometown of MLB MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2025). Through conversations with locals, you may discover how closely he is connected to and loved by the community. If you select the optional pottery experience, you will create your own piece under an instructor’s guidance. One or two pieces will be selected for firing in a traditional wood kiln. As firing takes place only once a year, your finished work will be delivered approximately 3 to 12 months later. This reflects the patience and authenticity of Bizen pottery, making the experience meaningful beyond the day of the tour.

You can leisurely enjoy Okayama Castle and Inujima with a small group while receiving detailed explanations from the guide. You will deeply explore the connection between the stone walls of Okayama Castle and Inujima, where the stones were quarried, as well as the historical background of Inujima. Additionally, you can enjoy the rich scenery of the Seto Inland Sea where Inujima is located.