Asakuchi

Asakuchi has three main settlements. The two largest are Kamogata (鴨方) and Konko (金光). The third settlement, Yorishima (寄島), is a fishing town on the Inland Sea. Although difficult to get to, a trip to Yorishima is worth it for the seaside scenery, pretty beaches, some easy hiking and a glimpse at Japan's beautiful rural lifestyle without having to go too far off the beaten track.

The three settlements used to be independent towns until they were merged as a city in 2006. A fourth town, Satosho (里庄), declined to merge into the city. The four towns used to be collectively known as "Asakuchi District" (浅口郡) and Satosho is still considered to be part of the district, though the city is not.

Konko is famous for two things. The first is being home to the mother church of the Japanese 'new religion', Konkokyo which has about half a million followers in a number of different countries. The second is for being the birthplace of famous Japanese filmmaker Hideo Nakata. If you're hoping to see what kind of town created the brilliant mind behind sick Japanese horror films like The Incite Mill you'll be disappointed: Konko is peaceful and friendly unlike Nakata's films.

A trip to Asakuchi is a good option for an adventurous traveler who wants to see some of what rural Japan has to offer or as a place to check out the Seto Inland Sea. It's close enough major transport options that it can be reached as an easy day trip from Okayama City or Kurashiki (or Hiroshima or Osaka or Kyoto) if you use the bullet train on a JR Pass) but you're very unlikely to see any other travellers and you might even attract a few inquiring looks.

Asakuchi has two stations on the Sanyo Main Line: Konko Station (金光駅) and Kamogata Station (鴨方駅).

The Sanyo Line is the main train line in Okayama and is serviced by local trains relatively frequently. Okayama is the nearest shinkansen stop.

The areas around the stations probably aren't on most itineraries. Quickly find vehicle transportation and make your way to the interesting place, the beach.

Infrequent buses depart from the front of Kamogata Station and Satosho Station.

Taxis are more expensive than buses, but they're typically much quicker, and can generally be found at the stations. A taxi to Yorishima costs around ¥2,500 one way. Once the taxi drops you off, you'll have to call them (in Japanese) to pick you up again. Alternately, it's a long walk back to the train station.

If you are going to the beach by car, you can park for free at the Sports Park and walk the last stretch.

• 🌍 National Astronomical Observatory (国立天文台), 3037-5 Kamogatacho Honjo, ☏ +81 865-44-2155. 
• 🌍 Okayama Astronomy Museum (岡山天文博物館), 3037-5 Kamogatacho Honjo (Next to the National Astronomical Observatory), ☏ +81 865-44-2465. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30. Has exhibits related to space and a planetarium. ¥300. 

Yorishima has beautiful beaches, a small mountain by the seaside you can climb for great views of the Inland sea, and relatively gentle hiking trails. There are good facilities such as picnic spots, ample car parking and clean, accessible public toilets in the area.

Have an adventure! Go for a walk in Asakuchi and soak in the atmosphere of rural Japan! Japanese drivers are very courteous and will give you plenty of space if you want to walk down the rural roads and have a look around.

You don't go to Asakuchi to shop; you go to enjoy the atmosphere and scenery and to have an amazing adventure.

The supermarket chain Marunaka is close Konko and Kamogata Stations. In Yorishima there is a supermarket and a Lawson convenience store near the bus station.

Chain restaurants can be found along Route 2, although you might have a nicer time bringing a picnic lunch or snacks. Route 2 is quite beautiful, and an outdoor food break would suit the scenery. A great picnic spot in Yorishima is on top of the mountain, just past the sports park by the sea. Commanding views of the Inland Sea and a good walk to help you burn off your lunch. There are supermarkets and convenience stores near the stations. Some local restaurants can be found, but don't expect an English menu.

Yorishima has a brewery which produces the rather dry, but very tasty, Kamikokoro (嘉美心) sake. You can pick it up in supermarkets and convenience stores in Asakuchi, especially in Yorishima.

Most visitors find hotels in the nearby cities of Kurashiki, Okayama, and Fukuyama.

You should have no trouble with internet or phone reception, even in the most rural parts of Asakuchi.

• Bizen — Home to Hinase, another rural town on the Inland sea famous for its Oyster festival
• Kasaoka
• Ibara
• Kurashiki
• Okayama
• Takahashi
• Fukuyama
• Onomichi
• Satosho
• Yakage