Discover your perfect stay in Kasaoka.
Discover the most iconic attractions in Kasaoka
Find the perfect place to stay in Kasaoka






Discover curated hotel collections in Kasaoka





































































































































































Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Kasaoka
The best area to stay in Kasaoka City for a true cultural experience is Kasaoka Port District, where traditional fishing villages still thrive. Stay at Kasaoka Seikanshukyu Hotel, which offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and features authentic Japanese onsen with seasonal seafood dinners sourced directly from the local fish market.
For a deeper immersion, opt for Kasaoka Rural Villa, nestled in a quiet hillside village near the Kamikawa River Estuary Wetlands. This eco-friendly ryokan blends modern comfort with traditional architecture, offering guests guided walks through rice paddies and visits to the Kasaoka Historical Museum to learn about the region’s maritime heritage. Local festivals like the Kasaoka Seafood Festival are also held here annually.
Kasaoka Seikanshukyu Hotel provides direct, unobstructed views of the Seto Inland Sea from its floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking Ohshima Island and Kuribara Bay. The hotel features a private dock allowing guests to take early morning or sunset boat excursions across the calm waters.
It also hosts seasonal events like the "Sea Festival," including live folk music, fresh seafood tastings, and interactive sessions with local fishermen. Located just 15 minutes by car from Kasaoka Station, it combines scenic beauty with convenient access to explore the surrounding islands and wetlands.
Kasaoka Rural Villa is perfect for families, offering spacious suites with private gardens, children's play areas, and a kitchenette designed for home-cooked meals. It’s located near the Kamikawa River Estuary Wetlands, ideal for family birdwatching or canoeing adventures.
The villa runs hands-on programs like "Family Farming Days," where kids can plant rice, harvest citrus fruits, and learn traditional farming techniques. Dinner features locally sourced ingredients prepared in kaiseki style, paired with regional Kasaoka tea. Nearby, the Kasaoka Municipal Library hosts interactive exhibits for children, blending education and fun in a peaceful setting.
Yes, both Kasaoka Seikanshukyu Hotel and Kasaoka Rural Villa provide immersive local food experiences. The former serves daily dishes made from fresh catches landed that day at Kasaoka Port, including sea bream sashimi and squid rice, with staff explaining sourcing and preparation methods.
The latter runs the "Local Table Program," where guests participate in shopping at the fish market, cooking together, and tasting specialties like Kasaoka beef and Seto Inland Sea salt-pickled vegetables. Seasonal events such as the "Cherry Blossom Seafood Banquet" in spring and the "Hot Pot Festival" in winter enhance the culinary journey.
The best times to visit Kasaoka City are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings cherry blossoms along the Kamikawa River, creating a serene, poetic atmosphere—perfect for the annual "Cherry Blossom Seafood Banquet."
Autumn offers pleasant weather and peak harvest season for Kasaoka beef and citrus fruits. Guests can join fruit-picking tours and enjoy fresh local produce. Events like the Kasaoka Sea Festival (September) and Autumn Lantern Festival (October) feature music, light displays, and seaside markets. Winter is quieter, ideal for those seeking tranquil onsen stays and peaceful coastal walks.
Both Kasaoka Seikanshukyu Hotel and Kasaoka Rural Villa offer authentic fishing village experiences. The former runs the "Fisher’s Companion" day trip, including boat rides, net-weaving demonstrations, and onboard tasting of freshly caught seafood.
The latter offers the "One Day in a Fisher’s Life" program, where guests wear traditional fishing attire, dry fish, craft nets, and learn to use ancient wave-blocking boards. These programs are co-hosted with local fishing cooperatives, ensuring cultural accuracy. Monthly "Catch & Share Events" allow guests to dine with locals on the day’s catch, deepening their understanding of Kasaoka Port as a historic fishing hub.
Kasaoka City, located in the southwestern part of Okayama Prefecture along the serene coast of the Seto Inland Sea, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and rich fishing culture. This city serves as an ideal gateway to explore the Seto Inland Sea islands, particularly the famous Kasaoka Islands. Kasaoka seamlessly blends traditional Japanese rural charm with modern conveniences, offering a unique travel experience away from urban hustle. Additionally, Kasaoka is one of the few places in Japan where you can observe natural monuments like the "Kasaoka Dinosaur" fossils, attracting many paleontology enthusiasts.
In Kasaoka, must-visit attractions include the Kasaoka Bay Bridge, a vital transport link and a perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. The Kasaoka City Takezaiku Art Museum showcases traditional bamboo crafts, where visitors can try their hand at bamboo art. The Kasaoka Islands offer abundant outdoor activities like fishing, diving, and island exploration. For history buffs, ancient temples and shrines such as Konpira Shrine provide insights into local faith and culture.
Kasaoka's culinary scene is famous for its seafood, especially fresh fish and shellfish caught locally. Don't miss "Kasaoka Tai Meshi," a traditional dish made with locally sourced sea bream. The Seto Inland Sea oysters are another must-try, particularly in winter. The city has numerous seafood markets and small eateries serving freshly prepared seafood, allowing visitors to savor authentic Japanese fishing village flavors.
Public transportation in Kasaoka primarily relies on buses and trains. From Okayama City, the JR Sanyo Main Line takes about an hour to reach Kasaoka Station, the main transport hub. Local buses cover major attractions but have infrequent schedules, so checking timetables in advance is advised. For more flexibility, renting a car is a good option, especially for those exploring nearby islands and rural areas. The Kasaoka Bay Bridge connects the city to the Kasaoka Islands, and driving or cycling across it is a fantastic way to enjoy sea views.
The best times to visit Kasaoka are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. Summers can be hot and humid but are great for beach and water activities. Winters are colder but perfect for tasting the freshest seafood, especially oysters. Avoid Japan's Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon Festival (mid-August) to minimize crowds.
The primary language in Kasaoka is Japanese. Tourist areas and major facilities may have basic English signage, but downloading a translation app is recommended. Internet coverage is good, with Wi-Fi hotspots in the city center and major attractions; consider purchasing a local SIM card for constant access. Cash is the main payment method, though credit cards are accepted at larger stores and hotels. Medical facilities are adequate, with hospitals and pharmacies available, but bringing essential medications is advisable. In emergencies, dial 119 for assistance. Kasaoka's tourist information centers provide maps and brochures, making them great resources for trip planning.