Okayama

Okayama is a city in western Japan and the capital of Okayama Prefecture. It lies on the Okayama Plain along the Asahi River and serves as a regional center for government, commerce, and culture. The city is connected by rail and road networks and acts as a gateway to the southern part of the prefecture and to the Seto Inland Sea region.

Historically, Okayama developed as the seat of the Okayama Domain during the Edo period. Okayama Castle and the adjacent Korakuen Garden were established in the early 17th century by feudal lords and remain major landmarks. The city suffered extensive damage during air raids in 1945, after which much of its center was rebuilt. Korakuen Garden is widely regarded as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens.

Okayama is associated with the Momotaro folklore, the peach-boy hero said to hail from the region, and this heritage is reflected in local culture and tourism. The city hosts festivals and has historic districts and parks that attract visitors year-round.

Economic activity in Okayama includes agriculture, with fruit production such as peaches and grapes, and manufacturing tied to regional industries. Transportation links include Okayama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen and San'yō Main Line, and Okayama Airport offering domestic flights. The city is also home to Okayama University, a major public research university.