More and more, the prefecture of Okayama is starting to pop up on the radars of international visitors to Japan. Conveniently located on the way to Hiroshima, it seems many more people are getting wise to why one might want to visit this famously sunny part of the country. Rife with some truly wonderful attractions, Okayama is the perfect addition to any itinerary. Alas, while the prefecture may be seeing a surge in popularity lately, most of the demand for Okayama is centralized in the inner city areas.
Seeing as I am now again free from the curse of Okayama, I want to take a quick second to introduce you to the seaside area of Kojima. Often overlooked in favor of the far more famous trio of Okayama Castle, Koraku-en, and Kurashiki, Kojima is a true hidden gem that is sure to delight anyone who is looking to slow down and better savor Japan. Located right on the Seto Inland Sea, Kojima is an excellent area to explore via bicycle with friends and family.
As the Japanese speakers out there will be able to discern, the moniker Kojima actually references an island. Though these days you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything remotely resembling an isle, know that Kojima actually used to be one of the biggest land masses on the Seto Inland Sea. Some time ago though, the land between the shore and the rest of the island was filled in, thereby giving rise to the current incarnation of Kojima that you see today.
Of course, Kojima is most famous for being the birthplace of the Japanese denim industry. Here in the tranquil part of Okayama Prefecture, the very first pair of Japanese jeans were made way back in the 1960s. Using a fabric that features a dark indigo dye called “Japan blue,” this denim-wear is the epitome of “Made in Japan.” Moreover, Kojima’s historical legacy attracts over 100,000 people every year who come to make a pilgrimage to where Japan’s jean industry got its start.
All in all, a side trip to Kojima is definitely warranted for anyone going to either Kurashiki or to Shikoku. Whether as a quick pitstop to purchase some high-quality Japanese denim or as a full-day excursion, I promise you that Kojima won’t disappoint!
How to Get There
Let’s pause for a quick second to go over some key logistics. While Kojima is not exactly difficult to get to, you’d do well to know in advance what to expect. Unlike with Okayama Castle and Koraku-en, you do need to put in a tad bit more effort to reach Kojima. That said, if you follow the instructions that you’ll get from the likes of Jorudan and other similar services, it should be pretty easy for anyone who is used to Japan’s train system.
Assuming that you’re coming from Okayama Station, you’ll need to take one of several vehicles that are bound for Kojima Station. It seems that there are a number of options here such as the Marine Liner as well as a bus on the Kojo Line so be sure to double-check which will be the most expedient. Of course, a rental car is also an option too should you have your own set of wheels at your disposal.
Once you’re in Kojima, I highly suggest that you rent a bicycle. You can find a place to procure one right within the confines of Kojima Station. When I went recently during the middle of March, we actually brought our own handy Bromptons but the rentals should suffice for most travelers. After all, it’s not like I expect you to be traversing Japan with your own collapsible bicycle or anything!
Kojima Jean Street
As noted, most people come to Kojima because of its long legacy of making jeans. By far, the best place to dive deep into the world of premium Japanese denim is Kojima Jeans Street. Conveniently located just a few minutes away from Kojima Station, you’ll know you’ve arrived at this storied site when you start seeing all of the store fronts dripped out in denim. Heck, even overhead, you’ll find a pair of pants or two strewn out on lines.
From what I remember, there are around 30 or so shops in this Mecca for premium Japanese denim. Though I am not really one to know my fashion brands all too well, it seems that many leading icons in the space have their flagship stores down here in Kojima. There are also a nice number of cafes here to enjoy as well meaning that you can easily kill a couple of hours perusing the stores and relaxing over coffee.
Lastly, know that if you want to get hands-on while exploring Kojima Jean Street, I suggest that you also head over to Betty Smith. Here, you can experience putting the rivets on all sorts of denim products like tote bags, cellphone cases, and the like. I honestly thought that I would dislike coming here but playing craftsman for a few minutes was oddly therapeutic. Nearby, there is also a museum about Kojima’s denim industry to see too!
Mt. Washu & Ojigatake
While denim may be what’s popularly in demand when it comes to Kojima, I was more interested in going to see some epic vistas. When it comes to scenery, Kojima is blessed with a number of great vantage points. For starters, the 133-meter tall Mt. Washu has some jaw-dropping views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge which anchors on the far side of the hill. In addition to the commanding vantage point, there’s also an amusement park up here too on Mt. Washu.
As the image above likely already gives away, Kojima is also home to one of the best cherry blossom spots in all of Okayama Prefecture. Known as Ojigatake, this peak is nothing short of outstanding during the springtime. Blanketed by beautiful, pink cherry blossoms, the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea is a sight that will be etched into your memory for all eternity. Just know that Ojigatake always draws a crowd so be prepared for traffic.
While Mt. Washu is pretty easy to get to from central Kojima, Ojigatake is located a little bit further away. While you can get there on a rental cycle if you don’t mind pedaling a little longer than normal, you’re going to work up a bit of a sweat along the way…
Other Nearby Attractions
By the by, Kojima is actually officially located within the Kurashiki city confines. Though it’s certainly situated far away from the famous Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, you’re going to want to plan on visiting anyway if you haven’t been before. This part of Okayama is just too enchanting to pass up and hey, you’re already going to be within the city of Kurashiki anyway so why not!
Like with the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, you’re also going to want to budget enough time to see both Okayama Castle and Koraku-en. This great pair of attractions can be done in around an hour or two if you rush and are located close enough to Okayama Station to not derail your travels too much. And, seeing as Koraku-en is considered to be one of Japan’s top three gardens, you’d be silly to skip checking it out.
Before ending, allow me to say that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what to see and do in Okayama Prefecture. For a more in-depth primer on all of the hidden gems, do refer to this article that I authored right after having my accident back in 2018. While the information is still of course on point, I am just happy that I can again enjoy the so-called “Sunshine Prefecture” without worry.
Until next time travelers…
