Hayashima(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Sawayama Town, recommend staying at Sawayama Mura Guesthouse, a cozy guesthouse housed in a renovated farmhouse offering family rooms and open-plan kitchens. Located near the Sawayama River and Onohara Nature Park, it provides perfect opportunities for child-friendly nature walks. The property also hosts local craft workshops, allowing guests to experience traditional Okayama culture hands-on. Nearby convenience stores and traditional tea houses ensure easy access to daily needs, making it an ideal choice for family trips.

The Sawayama River Walking Trail is the most picturesque route in town, stretching about 3 kilometers through the heart of the community. Lined with lush greenery, it offers serene views of the river, bridges, and surrounding farmland. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the path, creating a magical atmosphere. Benches and viewing platforms allow visitors to pause and enjoy the sights, while locals often gather here in the evenings to jog or feed koi fish. Pick up a free map at the Sawayama Town Tourist Center to discover hidden trails and ancient trees along the way.

Don’t miss the annual Sawayama Taiko Festival, held every summer. This vibrant event centers around a massive taiko drum performance by over 100 townspeople in front of Sawayama Shrine. The thunderous beats are accompanied by lion dances and lantern processions. Family-friendly activities include rice sack relay races and handmade straw doll workshops. Food stalls offer local specialties like Okayama buckwheat noodles and Sawayama honey pastries, giving you a true taste of regional life.

Visit Ichi Jyo Coffee, a minimalist café inspired by the traditional Japanese unit of space, "ichi jyo" (about 1.62 square meters). Its walls display vintage photos and handwritten poems donated by residents. The café serves house-baked black sugar soy milk lattes, and its warm lighting creates stunning visuals. Another must-see is Sawayama Stationery Workshop, a tiny shop filled with hand-drawn stationery, wooden bookmarks, and retro erasers. The owner, a retired teacher, crafts each item using natural dyes—perfect for capturing authentic, nostalgic moments.

The Sawayama River Residential District is ideal for travelers seeking peace and accessibility. Located just a 5-minute walk from Sawayama Station and the Town Library, this neighborhood blends quiet residential charm with easy access to attractions. Many guesthouses and small inns feature traditional tatami rooms and private gardens, some even offering outdoor baths. Wake up to birdsong and flowing water, and enjoy clear night skies—perfect for disconnecting from urban life.

Start your ride at Sawayama Station and follow the Sawayama River Bike Path to Onohara Ecological Garden, a scenic 8-kilometer journey with shaded lanes and gentle terrain. Stop at the Bamboo Rest Stop for freshly baked sweet potatoes and matcha ice cream. Along the way, enjoy views of paddy fields, white egrets, and swaying rice stalks—like a living landscape painting. Bikes can be rented at the Sawayama Town Tourist Center, including child seats and tandem models, ideal for family adventures.

Must-try delicacies include: Sawayama’s specialty umeboshi (made from local green plums, tangy and sweet), fresh gold-eye bream sushi (delicate fish atop vinegared rice), and wood-fired rice cooked in clay pots (with a subtle charcoal aroma). These dishes are available at Sawayama Market and Village Corner Restaurant. The umeboshi makes a great souvenir—packaged in hand-painted boxes featuring illustrations of the Sawayama River, adding cultural value to your gift.

Join the Sawayama Zen Retreat, led by local monks at Sawayama Temple, where daily morning meditation and chanting sessions help cultivate mindfulness. Afternoon activities include tea ceremony lessons and karesansui rock garden meditation. Guests enjoy plant-based dinners made from organic farm produce. The retreat emphasizes stillness and presence, offering a profound reset for solo travelers seeking inner calm and deeper connection with nature.

Head to the west end of Sawayama Bridge Viewpoint during sunset for breathtaking shots of the golden river reflections and silhouetted bridge arches. For dynamic street photography, visit Sawayama Station Square as trains pass through—the rails catch the last light, creating dramatic reflections. The large windows of Ichi Jyo Coffee also make a stunning backdrop for warm-toned portraits. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and bring a tripod for optimal results.

The Sawayama Town Tourist Center provides free services including multilingual brochures (Chinese, English, Korean), free bicycle rentals (up to 2 hours daily), luggage storage, and travel consultations. They also host regular local storytelling events where elders share tales of the town’s history and folklore. Visitors can pick up a limited-edition Sawayama Travel Passport with their passport—collect stamps to redeem handmade souvenirs like bamboo baskets or umeboshi gift sets.