Every year around the March April time for about 1 week we can see the weeping willow cherry blossom in the beautiful grounds of Sogenji Zen Temple.
It costs 100 yen to enter
From the jinenjyo's farm, you can see several small mountains, these serve several paths for short or long walks. One of the shortest being Mount Ikatsukayama, I recommend you to go after a day of work, it needs only 15 minutes by car, it is about 7 kilometers from the farm, so even possible by bike.
Once there, you have a small car park right next to the entrance to the path, a small wooden sign marks it.
I advise you to warm up before to start it climbs quite strong from the beginning so no time to really heat the muscles. With a good pace in 30 minutes, you'll reach the summit, there is a possibility to make a stop at three-quarters of the course, there a first panorama is offered to you.
As for the summit, it offers a 360 ° view, it's a bit obstructed by trees but you can still enjoy it.
If you are really fit and for the challenge, you can try to climb while running.
Difficulty : 3/5
Here are a small mountain and a good walk near the jinenjyo farm. There are different ways to go, but I will advise you to take the longest, allow an hour to reach the summit. The climb is quite interesting because you quickly access a small dam, I had not planned but I imagine a swim can be improvised. Then several times clear views offer a nice panorama.
Throughout the course, you can feel as if you were one of the first to use it or follow the path from the local animals, in some parts is very narrow you sneak between small trees and bushes. Small tip, if you are in the lead use a small stick to avoid getting all the cobwebs in your face.
For the summit, this is really worth the cost, the 360 ° view, it is even possible to see Shikoku island from there. The huge rocks present everywhere allow you to have some rest or take beautiful pictures with the last view. A picnic on one of them would be a good idea.
If you spend some time in Okayama, I strongly advise you to go to Mt. Kenzan, clearly the best hike in the area.
For access to the site, you will not find Mt Kenzan via Google maps you must search Mt Tsurugi.
Difficulty : 2/5
Aikido is a traditional form of Japanese self defence martial arts. Lessons are available within walking distance of the Jinenjyo pumpkin farm. They are taught by Aikido master Tamotsu Dando.
Pricing is per month (2 lessons per week)
| Membership | 3000 yen | (one time payment) |
| adult (junior high school and above) | 3000 yen | (per month) |
| child | 2000 yen | (per month) |
Timetable
| Wednesday | Children | 19:00 - 20:00 |
| Adults | 20:00 - 21:00 | |
| Saturday | Children | 18:30 - 19:30 |
| Adults | 19:30 - 20-30 |
Not suitable for children under 5 years old.
I had a really great night at The Rooftop bar drinking beer and chatting to people.
It is a very nice bar, you pay per hour and you drink as much as you want in that time, which works out to be a really good system. The bar attracts a lot of young and even slightly older Japanese people and westerners, I met Japanese people ranging from their 20's to 50's. Everyone in the bar immediately chats to each other and greets them upon entry, it feels like one big party, which is rare in many bars. An excellent place to make friends.
It was so much fun that we went back again the second night, and so did a few of the other customers.