What other travelers are saying about Okayama Prefectural Forest Park
A lovely prefectural park with plenty of forest, a great network of hiking trails, and abundant bird life. The visitors centre is full of interesting information about the area with a cosy wood heater to sit by on cooler days. We visited in late autumn so it was a bit late to see autumn leaves, but we did about 6kms of walking to see the waterfalls which were pretty, but not enough recent rain to really get them going. Bring some binoculars to get a good look at the birds, and I imagine it’s pretty amazing in the spring.
Walking through Okayama forest is a must for anyone in the local area. It has the most beautiful views of silent forests, small streams, waterfalls and, if you climb to one of the peaks, the view of all the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day, a view of the coast 20km away. The forest is also full of wildlife with flora such as cedar trees, bamboo forests and about 20 different fungi, and fauna such as a huge selection of birds, snakes and, if you're lucky, bears.
The walks however are most certainly not for those who have any trouble in doing so. Most paths are around 30° steep for a few kilometres and so any walks through here will take a few hours but it is truly worth it. As for getting here the base is around 800m high and so it is very advisable to take a car which there is plenty of parking for.
August 3rd. It was refreshingly cool down below, but
Once we got above 1000 meters,
horses (large and small) and even wasps were welcoming us! 😂 Perhaps they were reacting to my sweat, or perhaps they were angry at the intruder?
It was a struggle from just before Kitatake Peak to a point quite far down the prefectural border intersection! I kept brushing them off with a hand towel.
Bwashing! I still got stung, but
it didn't hurt. 😊 I finally felt free when I could hear the cicadas. Definitely.
If you're just walking around the management center, there's no problem! ️
Be careful in the summer, above 1000 meters! I learned something.
I visited on April 25, 2025, as I heard that the skunk cabbages had begun to bloom. Although they weren't all in bloom, it was still enjoyable. The walking trails were not fully open, and it seemed like the season was just beginning.
Okayama Prefectural Forest Park is open year-round from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The park offers free admission to all visitors, making it an affordable destination for families and nature lovers exploring Okayama Prefecture's outdoor attractions.
Okayama Prefectural Forest Park is located in Kagamino Town, accessible by car via Route 179 from Okayama City (45-minute drive). Free parking is available on-site. By public transport, take JR Tsuyama Line to Kanayama Station, then catch a local bus or taxi to reach the forest park entrance.
Okayama Prefectural Forest Park offers multiple hiking trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels, nature observation areas, camping facilities, and seasonal activities. Popular trails include the forest canopy walk, mountain summit hikes, and family-friendly nature paths perfect for experiencing Okayama's diverse wildlife and plant species.
The best time to visit Okayama Prefectural Forest Park is during spring (April-May) for cherry blossoms and azaleas, and autumn (November) for spectacular fall foliage. Summer offers lush green forests and cool mountain air, while winter provides serene snowy landscapes for peaceful nature walks.
Okayama Prefectural Forest Park features designated camping areas with basic facilities including restrooms and water access. The park also offers cabin rentals and has nearby accommodations in Kagamino Town. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom and autumn foliage periods.
