As we moved through passport control at the Okayama airport, the official asked, “Why are you coming to Okayama? There isn’t anything here.” We laughed and told him that it was a cheap flight (“Oh, okay that makes sense.”) It was a cheap flight that brought us to Okayama, but we are so glad we made a quick stay here. We enjoyed visiting a “smaller” town (compared to Kyoto and Tokyo).
Okayama is home to one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Japan. We spent a leisurely afternoon exploring and admiring the garden. The water irises were in bloom at this time of year. It was fun to see the landscape change over the course of our time in Japan. This was the first hint to us that we would want to come back some day in the fall for a completely different experience during a different season. Parker and I have gotten into watching gardening shows in the last year (don’t judge us) and really liked getting to explore different aspects of a really proper Japanese garden.
This city is known as the “stomach of Japan.” While most of Japan focuses on the aesthetic of cuisine as well as the taste, Okayama doesn’t care as long as it tastes good … check out the pictures of us eating Okonomiyaki to prove this point. (Parker had found this video before our trip and was excited to try it).
Our time in Japan was off to a great start!
As you can see, South Korea is very protective of their maps. As we learned, it is so North Korea cannot gain access.
WE MADE IT!
Covert diaper changing
There were swarms of school children everywhere we went. We are convinced that they don’t actually have schools, they just shuffle kids around all day long.
Is it weird that we miss Japanese toilets? They were delightfully complicated and oh so practical.
First meal in Japan — Chicken Katsu
Happy hour along the river
Washi tape heaven
A short day trip to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Tactical giraffe, always on the ready for a grumpy baby
Tried to play it cool (unsuccessfully) when we found this amazing shashiko studio. It’s a style of Japanese embroidery that I had recently taken a class to learn. There were two ladies sitting inside working on the most incredible pieces.
This may be a news flash… but the Japanese love cats. One of many many cat cafes we found during our travels.
Stumbled upon this incredible restaurant for the most beautiful and delicious lunch
Dining traditionally (on the floor) suited little Evelyn just fine
A recommended Okonomiyaki restaurant
It was quite the elaborate and time consuming process for the workers to mix up the ingredients (Parker added scallops, I added beef) and set it out to cook.
Pro tip: it is not recommended to take a very tired baby to a restaurant with a hot griddle in the center of the table. Said baby will never stop trying to slap her hands on the fire.
The finished product – a savory “pancake” with a variety of ingredients. It literally means “what you like” “cooked” so anything goes as to what is thrown into it.
The Roaming Roths 
As usual loved the pictures & commentary.Many thanks Anita
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