Things To Do in Okayama

Joypolis -- If you have children in tow, you might want to temper Okayama's cultural offerings with some good old-fashioned fun at Joypolis, 2-10-1 Shimoishii (tel. 086/232-8790; daily 10am-midnight), a chain of Japan's most sophisticated and largest video-game arcades. In addition to a toddler's play area, pachinko, slot machines, video games, virtual horse races, and simulators (how good are you at skateboarding or racing cars?), there are 3-D motion rides and other amusements. Entry is free, with most attractions individually priced between ¥300 and ¥600. With or without kids, it's worth visiting one of these eye-opening arcades at least once while you're in Japan. To reach it, take the east exit from Okayama Station and turn right (south) onto Shiyakusho Suji Street. Note: You must be 17 or older to stay after 6pm and 19 or older to stay after 10pm.

You can choose from a sampling of products and crafts made in Okayama Prefecture at the Okayama Prefectural Local Products Center (Harenokuni Okayamakan), 1-1-22 Omotecho (tel. 086/234-2270; Wed-Mon 10am-7pm), conveniently located beside (south of) the Shiroshita streetcar stop. Bizen pottery (unglazed pottery with a history stretching back 1,000 years), igusa (rush-grass mats), wooden trays, bambooware, papier-mâché toys, sake, and more are all for sale here.

For general shopping, there's a large underground shopping arcade called Ichibangai at Okayama Station, with boutiques selling clothing, shoes, and accessories. Across from the station and connected to Ichibangai is Takashimaya department store. In the heart of the city, just south of Shiroshita streetcar stop, is the 1km (half-mile) Omotecho covered shopping arcade, where you'll find Tenmaya, Okayama's largest department store.