[Okayama] Top 10 recommended hotels and ryokan to lift your spirits

Okayama is called the "Land of Sunshine" because of its many sunny days and warm climate. There are many attractive spots such as "Okayama Korakuen", which is one of the three famous gardens of the Japan, "Kurashiki Bikan District", a town where history and art are fused, which is also known as the location of the movie "Rurouni Kenshin", and "Mimasaka Sanyu", which is one of the leading onsen places in the western Japan.

After enjoying a full day of sightseeing in Okayama, why not make your trip even more enjoyable by staying at a stylish hotel or ryokan? In this article, we will introduce stylish hotels and ryokan in Okayama. We have selected hotels and ryokan with stylish features, such as facilities and rooms that incorporate denim, which is typical of Okayama, hotels with an irresistible retro feel, and hotels with attractive art by local artists.

Kurashiki Ivy Square, located about a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station, is a hotel renovated from the factory that was built in the Meiji era and is the birthplace of the Kurashiki Spinning Mill. The building has a retro red brick exterior, making it a wonderful space that looks great no matter where you take a photo. There are shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, as well as a facility where you can experience pottery making, and it is adjacent to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which is filled with modern shops, so it is perfect for those who want to fully enjoy a retro trip.

The guest rooms have a stylish, calming atmosphere with natural-toned interiors. The "Deluxe Superior Twin" has high ceilings and is spacious and open. The carpet on the floor is said to have the violet accent color of "Pione", a fruit that is known as the representative fruit of Okayama. The living space and bed space are separate, so you can stay comfortably.

The women's large bath has a "lush forest" theme, and is a warm, relaxing space with a green motif. You can enjoy bathing in different types of bathtubs, such as a bathtub modeled after sandstone found in the forest, or a colorful, pop-style jet bathtub.

For breakfast, have a buffet at Restaurant Tsuta, which retains the remnants of a spinning factory. Okayama 's local cuisine "Pickled makari"
Luxurious soy sauce using Okayama's specialty "yellow leek" and homemade tofu are lined up. Breakfast in a classical atmosphere is likely to be more delicious ♪ than usual

From JR Ako Line Oku Station, take the bus bound for Ushimado and get off at Olive Garden Entrance, then walk for just 2 minutes to Hotel Limani. All rooms have an ocean view terrace, and in front of the terrace you can enjoy the magnificent view of Ushimado, also known as the "Aegean Sea of Japan." The Deluxe Twin Room shown in the photo is a luxurious room located on the top 5th floor, perfect for those who want to enjoy a more extraordinary stay.

At the restaurant "The Terrace," decorated in royal blue and white, you can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine on the terrace. The dishes, which use ingredients from Ushimado, go well with wine. With a selection of wines from Greece and other countries, you'll feel like you're having dinner abroad.

For breakfast, you can choose from a Mediterranean omelette, steak made with meat from Okayama, or fresh cheese pancakes as your main dish. The side menu also includes the hotel's freshly baked homemade bread. Greet your morning with a graceful view of the Seto Inland Sea sparkling in the morning sun.

NAGI Kurashiki Hotel & Lounge is conveniently located just a two-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station. The guest rooms feature stylish designs that evoke the atmosphere of Okayama, including art panels created by Okayama jeans manufacturer BOBSON. All eight rooms are comfortably spacious, measuring approximately 40 square meters.

Each guest room has a large bathtub and a stylish, separate tiled sink. The amenities are also carefully selected, with the shampoos being "Leaf & Botanics" by Matsuyama Oil Co., Ltd., which have a soothing scent, and hair dryers and hair irons are provided in all rooms. The loungewear is also stylish, a denim yukata style.

The shared lounge is equipped with a microwave, a water server, board games, and more. The stylish lounge decorated with art has a bright atmosphere and is perfect for relaxing during your stay.

Centurion Hotel & Spa Kurashiki is a designer hotel located about a 5-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station. The stylish rooms come in a wide variety of types, from single rooms to rooms with open-air baths, 100-inch screens, and terraces. The "suite" shown in the photo is a luxurious room with both an open-air bath and a terrace. The chic furniture will make you feel like you're in an extraordinary place.

In the rooms with open-air baths, you can enjoy a relaxing bath time. One of the best parts of traveling is cooling off on a chair on the terrace after a bath. All rooms are also equipped with the hotel's original organic products as amenities. Skin care products such as cleansing and lotion are also available, so it's nice to be able to reduce the amount of luggage you need to bring on your trip.

The hotel is equipped with a large Amaterasu Radium Hot onsen bath and sauna, so if you want to relax in a large bath, be sure to check it out. It is open 24 hours a day, so you can soothe your tiredness after a day of sightseeing.

The Japanese and Western breakfast buffet served at the restaurant on the first floor is based on the concept of locally produced and locally consumed food. You can enjoy a hearty breakfast with authentic curry such as "Kurashiki Black Curry" and the local dish "Kurashiki Udon" ◎ Enjoy a hearty meal before continuing your sightseeing.

Royal Park Hotel Kurashiki, located about a 5-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station, is an information-oriented hotel that promotes the charms of Kurashiki. The modern interior is designed to give you a sense of Kurashiki's culture. At the concierge counter, they will tell you about recommended spots in the area. There is also a tasting service for local sake and juices from Okayama. Once you arrive, change into the hotel wear designed after the white walls of Kurashiki and start your relaxation time♪

The guest rooms, designed by interior designer Ryo Takada, are nostalgic and stylish. They are filled with attention to detail, such as art inspired by the "Namako Walls" found in the Bikan Historical Quarter, retro carpets inspired by Kurashiki's traditional industry "Kurashiki Dantsu," and cushions made from Kurashiki canvas and Kurashiki denim, allowing you to experience the traditions of Kurashiki.

You can relax and soothe your tired body in the large public bath on the 11th floor. The women's large public bath is equipped with a tub bath and a rain shower. After enjoying the large public bath, you can enjoy a drink in the lounge while looking out over the city of Kurashiki.

The Shiroyama Terrace Tsuyama Villa is located in the center of Tsuyama City, about a 10-minute walk from JR Tsuyama Station. The entrance wall is modeled after the stone walls of Tsuyama Castle, and the building is dotted with art by local artists, including washi paper, tie-dyed curtains, and denim patchwork furniture. During your stay, be sure to enjoy a stroll around the stylish building.

There are a total of 65 rooms and 11 types. In addition to the reasonably priced "Regular Floor," there is a wide variety of room types, including the luxurious "Special Floor Yuro" with an open-air bath on the observation terrace, and the "Comfort Floor Sankyu" with its stylish Japanese-style twin rooms. You'll have fun deciding which room to stay in. Depending on the room, you can see views of "Kakuzan Park" or the cityscape of Tsuyama.

Tsuyama onsen Jomi SPA is a large onsen bath on the 8th floor of the hotel. While overlooking the ruins of Tsuyama Castle in Kakuyama Park, you can enjoy the Momo onsen waters, known for their skin-beautifying properties. There are plenty of facilities, including an open-air bath, indoor bath, sauna, cold bath, jet bath, and reclining bath, so you can thoroughly relieve your daily fatigue.

During your stay, be sure to stop by the Garden Lounge, which overlooks the Japanese garden. You can enjoy an elegant tea time sipping on specially selected sweets and drinks, including cakes made with Tsuyama-grown Fukuhonoka wheat. In addition, the Mimasaka Marche offers a selection of items perfect as souvenirs, including hotel-made baked goods and traditional Tsuyama crafts, making it a perfect memento of your trip.

Fairfield by Marriott Okayama Tsuyama is a hotel located about 3 minutes by car from JR Mimasaka-Chiyo Station in Tsuyama, a city that still retains traces of its prosperity as a castle town during the Edo period. It is adjacent to the roadside station "Kume no Sato," so you can enjoy Okayama while staying at the hotel by purchasing fresh local produce and specialties and tasting the local gourmet dish "Tsuyama Hormone Udon."

All 78 guest rooms have simple yet stylish interiors. The rooms, which have a warm wooden feel, are compact but have a 49-inch TV and a rain shower booth, making them comfortable and relaxing. There are benches and tables by the windows, so you can relax in your room.

The "public space" is filled with refreshing sunlight streaming in through the large windows. It is a relaxing space with a mix of natural interior and chic design. In addition to a coffee machine, there is also a microwave and toaster, so you can heat up food you've bought on the go.

Okayama Koraku Hotel is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from JR Okayama Station, and combines the convenience of being in the city with a quiet environment. The hotel is dotted with tourist spots such as Okayama Korakuen and Okayama Castle, and there are also many shopping streets and restaurants, making it an ideal base for sightseeing. Bizen ware and artworks by Living National Treasures are on display within the hotel, so you can enjoy art without even leaving the hotel.

The guest rooms are simple, yet functional and elegant. The space is spacious and comfortable. There are ample amenities especially for women, including curling hairdryers and aroma lamps available for rental. All rooms are also equipped with smartphone chargers, so you don't have to worry about charging your devices while traveling. The elevators have card-based security, making it an attractive option for women to stay with peace of mind.

Breakfast is served buffet style at Restaurant Tomoe. There is a wide variety of menus that make use of local Okayama ingredients, so you can fully enjoy the taste of Okayama. In particular, dishes made with fresh vegetables and local specialties are exquisite, and ♪ you can recharge your energy from the morning.

Yoshii ryokan is a renovated private home from the late Edo period, and is located about a 10-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station. This ryokan, which exudes history and charm, is a historic building that was even visited by Ryoma Sakamoto, and has remained unchanged for 280 years. Its excellent location allows you to enjoy a night stroll through Kurashiki's bikan historical quarter, allowing you to fully experience the charms of Kurashiki.

The guest rooms are decorated with ivy and other elements that give off a Japanese atmosphere. While retaining the charm of an old-fashioned house, the sinks and toilets have been renovated, so you can stay here comfortably. In addition to amenities such as makeup remover and lotion,
Another nice feature is that they are equipped with air purifiers. There are two types of baths, a cypress bath and a Japanese cypress bath, which can be used privately for different times.

For dinner, you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine using seasonal ingredients from the Setouchi region, or domestic eel dishes at Unagi Rantei, located on the east side ryokan. Create special travel memories with a delicious meal. Enjoy the charm of Kurashiki to the fullest at Yoshii ryokan, where you can spend a luxurious time while feeling the history.

WASHU BLUE RESORT Kasago is a onsen resort surrounded by the nature of Mt. Washuzan and overlooking the Great Seto Bridge. It can be accessed in about 8 minutes by shuttle bus (reservation required) from JR Kojima Station, and there are tourist spots such as the Washuzan Observatory and the Ohara Museum of Art scattered around the area. You can spend your time relaxing with the grand panorama of the Seto Inland Sea.

The charm of the hotel is that all guest rooms have an ocean view, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. The spacious rooms feature modern interiors, and some of the stylish rooms have a theme color inspired by the nature of the Seto Inland Sea. The view of the Great Seto Bridge in particular is breathtaking, helping you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

You can relax in a variety of baths, including the "Open Air Bath" on the top floor and the "Honey Pearl Bath" on the second floor, which was created in collaboration with Yamada Bee Farm. The view from the "Open Air Bath" in particular is spectacular, and is sure to refresh both body and mind. Relax in the bath and soothe the fatigue of your travels.

For dinner, you can enjoy the local season at the Kaiseki buffet. A wide variety of dishes are lined up, including sushi, steak, and sashimi, all made to order in the live kitchen. The stylish dishes on which the food is served are a feast for the eyes as well. Breakfast is also served buffet-style, with a wide variety of dishes. Enjoy a variety of dishes made with fresh local ingredients.

Okayama is a "land of sunshine" where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh your body and mind. After enjoying the abundant nature and charming townscapes, be sure to head to a stylish hotel or ryokan to lift your spirits. Enjoy your trip to Okayama to your heart's content.