Okayama’s Top Autumn Leaf Spot: Okutsukei Valley

Hi there. It’s Mr. Wada back on duty. I would like to take you to an autumn leaf tour at Okutsukei Valley in Kagamino City (Okayama Prefecture) this time.

Okayama’s Top Autumn Leaf Spot: Okutsukei Valley

Previously, I’ve introduced Okayama’s Autumn leaf spots but as you go further from Okayama central, there are more nice places within Okayama Prefecture. Kagamino City is known for its onsen and autumn leaves. Come to think of it, there are many onsen towns in Northern Okayama like Yunogo City, Yubara City, etc. I shall feature these another time.

Okutsu Lake

If you drive, Okutsu Lake is on the way to Okutsukei Valley. Why not stop by for getting fresh air and a drink?

Souvenir store

Cute wooden animals.

Nice fro starters.

Access

Okutsukei Valley

Since Okutsukei Valley is located in northern Okayama Prefecture, leaves turn red a little earlier than down in Okayama City. Normally early November is the best time. During this period the main road in Okutukei turns ONE WAY to give more walking space for pedestrians. No worries. Security guys will lead you.

We are right on time! Leaves are perfectly red.

River

Very magazine-ish?

Cool view

Ground was full of leaves after raining

Nice contrast.

Another contrast (blue sky and red leaves)

Some sort of art by a security guy. Hehe.

River

Mrs. Wada and her friend (excited)

Mountains

Only one way for the moment.

Access

By public transportation

Catch a Chutetsu-Hokubu bus at JR Tsuyama station (available every 90 minutes) and get off at Obata bus stop (55 minutes). A bus ticket costs 950 yen (one way)

Okutsukawanishi, Kagamino, Tomata District, Okayama

Lastly

How do you find it? It was just one of the many spots to checkout in Okutsu area. I would like to explore other spots another time. Super red leaves in Kyoto are nice but I find mix of green, yellow and red is also neat. Love the contrast.

See you around!