Flights connect Okayama's airport with major Japanese cities as well as regional hubs such as Seoul, Shanghai and Guam. By the San-yō Hikari shinkansen, Okayama is linked with Osaka (45 minutes), Kyoto (1 hour) and Tokyo (3 1/2 hours).
The Higashi-yama tram route conveniently connects all Okayama's major attractions, charging around ¥100 to central destinations. Bike rentals are available for around ¥300 per day.
Besides a tranquil, relaxed atmosphere, Okayama boasts some interesting muyseums, Kōrakuen, one of Japan's most renowned gardens, as well as Okayama Castle, a striking piece of history first completed in 1597.
In the surrounding country are the quaint old canals, bridges, black tiles and weeping willows of Kurashiki and the charming coastal communities of the Inland Sea shore such as Onomichi.
As in the rest of the Japan, the yen (¥) is the only acceptable currency, pronounced as "en." You can exchange cash or travelers cheques (most types) at Okayama's Central Post Office.
