Summary
This time, we boarded the “SAKUBI-SAKURA” train to Tsuyama in Okayama Prefecture to see cherry blossoms in full bloom.
The cherry blossoms had fallen a little, but… the illuminated Tsuyama Castle, the delicious food, and the warm-hearted people of Tsuyama made me want to go back! It was an enjoyable trip that made me want to go back!
Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture, is highly recommended, so please check it out!
*Please note that information and prices listed are subject to change.
Travel Itinerary
10:50am Okayama Station（岡山駅）
I’ll take a sightseeing train called “SAKUBI-SAKURA” to Tsuyama station.
Attendant.
Attendants are also on board the train, and you can hear fun stories.
Sweets set
This time, I booked in advance a ticket that included a sightseeing train ticket and a sweet treat, and boarded the train.
After all, Okayama is all about fruit! All the sweets were exquisite.
People to see you off
The people waving me off gently made my heart warm.
Spot Outline
Okayama Station is a station of West Japan Railway Company (JR West) located in Kita-ku, Okayama City. It takes only 50 minutes from Osaka by Shinkansen bullet train and less than one hour from Kyoto. You can also take a sightseeing train, SAKUBI-SAKURA, to Tsuyama Station.
12:30pm Tsuyama Station（津山駅）
Arrival at Tsuyama Station.
First, head to the spot where you can see the locomotive!
Spot Outline
Tsuyama Station, located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, is a station of West Japan Railway Company (JR West). Nearby is the Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum, a preserved railroad exhibition facility, which is also worth a visit for railroad fans. It is also an ideal starting point for a trip, with easy access to hot spring resorts.
1:00pm Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum（津山まなびの鉄道館）
The facility is full of attractions, including a powerful locomotive depot and an exhibition room where visitors can learn about railroads.
roundhouse
The garage is full of locomotives.dfcx
It is a sight for railroad enthusiasts!
Town Room
A diorama reproducing a cityscape. It’s a great faithful reproduction!
learning room
Souvenirs from Okayama and railroad goods were also on sale.
Spot Outline
The Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum, located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, is a railroad preservation and exhibition facility designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education. The fan-shaped locomotive depot, the second largest in Japan, exhibits historical locomotives and rare rolling stock.
Acchan’s big tree（あっちゃんの大きな木）
We found a lunch box shop that looked delicious, so we took out our lunch here.
The store is located next to the Tsuyama Tourism Center!
lunch
The lunch boxes we bought were enjoyed at Kakuzan Park.
Spot Outline
Acchan’s Big Tree is an eat-in, take-out restaurant located in Yamashita, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture. Located next to the Tsuyama Tourism Center, it is a great place to stop by between sightseeing tours.
2:30pm Tsuyama Castle Kakuzan Park（津山城 鶴山公園）
This is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in western Japan, selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots”.
I came here to view cherry blossoms during the Cherry Blossom Festival!
Daytime view
Unfortunately, the cherry blossoms were mostly gone that day.
Spot Outline
Tsuyama Castle Kakuzan Park, located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, is the symbol of Tsuyama City and has been selected as one of the “100 Best Castles in Japan” and “100 Best Sakura Places in Japan. Known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, approximately 1,000 cherry trees are in full bloom. The illuminated cherry blossoms viewed from the top of the stone walls are also a sight to behold. Cherry blossom viewing can also be enjoyed during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
4:00pm Tsuyama Wonder Museum（つやま自然のふしぎ館）
Next, we went to the Fushigi Kan, located at the entrance to the ruins of Tsuyama Castle.
Fossil ores, shells, insects, human bodies, and specimens are on permanent display, along with animal fossils from around the world!
rabbit
He said it’s a stuffed wild rabbit.
There were also specimens of insects and shells!
Spot Outline
The Tsuyama Wonder Museum of Natural History, located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, is a comprehensive museum of natural history. The permanent exhibits include about 20,000 items such as stuffed animals, fossil ores, shells, insects, human bodies, and specimens from all over the world, and can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Admission is 800 yen for adults and 600 yen for children.
5:00pm Cafe Magari（喫茶曲がり）
At night we will go to see the cherry blossom festival lights up and fireworks. Until then, we have some time to rest at a coffee shop.
There were a lot of books in the store!
Interior
Stylish interior.
On the wall is an extensive menu!
Cafe au Lait and Rum Raisin Ice Cream
The rum raisin ice cream and cafe au lait were both delicious!
It was a space where I could relax and unwind.
Spot Outline
Cafe Magari is a coffee shop located in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture. The interior of the store is stylish, with many books on display, allowing visitors to enjoy reading at their leisure. About once a month, private exhibitions and exhibitions and sales events by artists and stores are held.
6:30pm Castle Town Meat Restaurant Yagura（城下町肉処 櫓）
Dinner is here.
Tsuyama is all about meat! So we had yakiniku (grilled meat).
beef fillet
This thickness is irresistible.
It’s tender, juicy and great!
hand-kneaded hamburger
You can’t go wrong with a hamburger from a barbecue restaurant!
It was a taste I would like to try again.
Spot Outline
Castle Town Meat Restaurant Yagura is located in Sakai-cho, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture. Because Tsuyama is known for its meat, yakiniku is very popular. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a meal with family or friends. According to reviews, the meat is delicious and highly recommended.
8:00pm Tsuyama Castle Kakuzan Park（津山城 鶴山公園）
Night view
At night, it is lit up and is a fantastic space.
Even though the cherry blossoms had fallen, it was still enjoyable enough!
stall
Since it was during the cherry blossom festival, it was crowded with people.
rabbit
A rabbit lit up. Is it because this year’s Chinese zodiac sign is a rabbit?
Tsuyama Station
This time, I enjoyed Tsuyama for a day.
It was a very nice place and I would like to visit again!
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