Okayama is nicknamed as Hare no Kuni which means “The Land of Sunshine”. The reason for this nickname is because the city of Okayama receives more sunny days than anywhere in the country. The climate is also perfect for growing fruits. There are also many amazing shops and cafes that are located within the city for tourists and locals to enjoy.
1. AEON Mall Okayama
AEON Mall Okayama is conveniently close to the JR Okayama Station and is considered as the no.1 shopping mall in Okayama. Whether you’re there to shop, dine or just to browse the many shops and restaurants within the mall, AEON mall Okayama is certainly a great place to visit especially during the weekends.
Information
- Address: 1-2-1 Shimoishii, Kita-Ku, Okayama 700-0907,
- Okayama Prefecture
- Phone: +81 86-803-6700
- Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Okayama Station
- Opening hour: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Website: http://aeonmall-okayama.com/
2. Sun Station Terrace Okayama
Sun Station Terrace Okayama is directly connected to the Okayama Train Station. As such, it is one of the most advantageous shopping centers in Okayama. With easy access to the station, people can take their time doing their shopping and looking for interesting souvenirs to buy for their family and friends back home.
Information
- Address: 1-1-1 Ekimotomachi, Kitaku, Okayama 700-0024
- Phone: +81 86-232-9411
- Access: Located at JR Okayama Station
- Opening hour: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Website: http://okayamaeki-sc.jp/
3. Omotecho Shopping Street
Omotecho is a very interesting place to visit in Okayama. Traditional shops line up this shopping street where you can buy almost everything you need.There is always something great happening at Omotecho and if you happen to be there during an event, then consider yourself lucky. Definitely, a charming place to visit during your stay in Okayama.
Information
- Address: Address: Omotecho, Kita-Ku, Okayama 700-0822, Okayama Prefecture
- Phone: +81 86-226-2290
- Access:
- 10-minute Tram ride from JR Okayama Station (Get off at Kencho-dori).
- Opening hour: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- (Opening and Closing time depends on the store)
- Website: http://omotecho.or.jp/
4. Okayama Ichi Ban Gai
【お知らせ】レトロガール岡山一番街店が本日リニューアルオープン致しました♪新しくなったお店にぜひ遊びにいらしてください！スタッフ一同お待ち致しております♡ pic.twitter.com/mmcZefHEVA
— RETROGIRL (@RETROGL) March 4, 2016
Ichi Ban Gai is found under Okayama Station and is home to over 80 different shops. You wouldn’t worry about getting wet in the rain while you explore the shops inside this underground shopping center. Although smaller compared to the AEON Mall and Sun Station Terrace Okayama, this place has some interesting shops that will make your visit worth it.
Information
- Address: Ekimotomachi, Kita-Ku | Okayama Station Underground, 700-0024
- Access: Found under the JR Okayama Station
- Opening hour: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- (Opening and Closing time depends on the shops)
- Website: http://okayamaeki-sc.jp/
5. Tenmaya Okayama Honten
Tenmaya Okayama Honten is one of the oldest department stores in Okayama. This department store is well known by the locals and many people come here to do their shopping. Tenmaya is also an ideal place to visit if you’re looking for Okayama Prefecture’s specialty products. If you are unsure on how to reach this place, just ride a bus and get off at the “Tenmaya Bus Station”.
Information
- Address: 2-1-1 Omote Town, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
- Phone: 086-231-7111
- Access: 10-minute bus ride from JR Okayama Station to Tenmaya Bus Station
- Opening Hour: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Website: www.tenmaya.co.jp
6. Oka-biru Ichiba
Okabiru-Ichiba is a market that sells fresh seafood and other perishable products. It is comprised of more than 30 stores and a great place to shop and look for souvenirs. It also has a grocery where you can get your daily necessities. You can also try some of the shops where you can eat delicious food or drink a cup of coffee.
Information
- Address: 1-3-3 Nodayacho, Kita-Ku, Okayama
- Phone: +81 86-222-0281
- Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Okayama Station
- Opening Hour: Most shops open very early in the morning and closes at 5:00 pm
- Website: http://www.okabiru-ichiba.com/
7. Kyobashi Morning Market
When you’re in Okayama, it would be a shame not to visit the Kyobashi Morning Market. This collection of small stores is lined up by the riverside and people visit this place because of the food! This event is held every first Sunday of the month along the Asahi River, near the Kyobashi Bridge. Feel free to eat as much as you want and enjoy an amazing experience!
Information
- Address: Okayama-shi, Okayama, Japan
- Phone: +81 86-231-9373
- Access: 15 minutes by car from Okayama Station
- Opening Hour: 5:00 am – 10:00 am
- (Opening and Closing time of stores may vary)
8. Takashimaya
Takashimaya is a well known Japanese Department store and their branch in Okayama is one of the best in the city. If you’re looking for major brands of clothing and other famous labels, you will find them at Takashiyama Okayama. Of course, if you ever get hungry there are plenty of restaurants within the mall that are reasonably priced and delicious.
Information
- Address: 6-40 Honmachi, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
- Phone: 086-232-1111
- Access: 3 minutes walk from Okayama Station
- Opening Hour: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Website: http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/store/foreign/index.html
9. Okayama Charlottes Ville (LOTZ)
LOTZ is a small shopping center in Okayama and its building is comprised of 6 floors. If you don’t want to go to the crowded shopping centers in the city, you might consider visiting this place to check what the stores has to offer. You can also enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee at Starbucks located within Charlottes Ville.
Information
- Address: Nakasange 1-11-54, Kita-Ku, Yubinbango 700-0821 Okayama
- Phone: 086-233-2100
- Access: 3 minutes walk from the Tenmaya Bus Station
- Opening Hour: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Website: http://www.okayamalotz.co.jp/
10. Izumiya
岡山七不思議の一つ。何故あるイズミヤ pic.twitter.com/zog6y3YN7x
— 饂飩はるひ@19〜21日九州旅行？ (@haruhi360) January 30, 2016
Izumiya is a shopping and retail store that is a 20-minute bus ride from the JR Sanyo Line Okayama Station. It is also a supermarket chain that can be seen in the Kansai Region. This supermarket often has discount sales. So if you like to buy discounted items at reasonable prices, head straight to Izumiya!
Information
- Address: 83-3 Yokoikami, Kita Ward, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture 701-1145
- Phone: +81 86-255-2261
- Access: 20 minutes by bus from JR Sanyo Line Okayama Station
- Opening Hour: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Website: http://www.izumiya.co.jp/
Have a good trip and travel!
