Introduction+to+Okayama

Introduction to Okayama

**Basics**
Okayama is one of Japan's 47 prefectures, and lies in western Honshu, in the region known as Chugoku（中国). Okayama lies north of Shikoku, west of Hyogo Prefecture, east of Hiroshima prefecture, and south of Tottori Prefecture. To the south is the Seto Inland Sea. Okayama has a mild climate and is relatively safe from natural disasters. It's frequently referred to as "Hare no Kuni" (晴れの国), which means sunny country.

**What We are Famous For!**
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 * Peaches and grapes - pione and muscat
 * The story of 'Momotaro'
 * Birthplace of Miyamoto Musashi
 * Bikan area in Kurashikitoc
 * Bizen pottery
 * Bizen-Osafune sword museum

**Places and Events of Interest**
It is home to Korakuen garden, which is one of the three "big" gardens in Japan. In February every year, Saidaiji hosts a 'Naked man festival' (Hadaka matsuri). It is a hub of transport, it's very easy to travel around Japan from Okayama.

**Weather**
The hottest month is in August, where temperatures are on average 32 degree celcius (90 degrees fahrenheit). Temperatures do soar occasionally to almost 40 degrees (104 fahrenheit). Since southern Okayama borders the Seto Inland Sea, the climate tends to be milder. The northern region of Okayama is mountainous, so you can find good onsens and colder weather in Winter. Generally speaking, May to October is 'warm to hot' weather, and November to April is 'mild to cold' weather. The coldest month on average is January, but temperatures are very similar in February, too. On average, 1 to 8 degrees celcius (33-47 degrres fahrenheit). The rainiest month is June, as it is the height of the rainy season. It becomes more humid at this time, and the humidity lasts until around October. The second rainiest month is September, when there are ocassionally typhoons.



To read more, check out the [|Wikipedia Okayama page]or the [|Wikitravel page].