Kojima, Incredible Denim and Sunsets

One of my favorite places to watch the sunset is Washuzan (Mt. Washu) in Kojima, Kurashiki in Japan’s Okayama Prefecture.  With the exception of denim connoisseurs, it is generally off the radar for foreign tourists. The area has a history in the textile production dating back hundreds of years. Starting with samurai sword handle coverings, the industry adapted to changing demands, moving to traditional Japanese socks (tabi) and then school uniforms. Japan’s first denim production began in Kojima in the 1960’s, drawing on traditional craftsmanship and techniques.

Kojima’s status as the denim capital of Japan is clear as soon as you arrive at the station.

Kojima Jeans Street is a 15 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride from Kojima Station. There are also buses or rental bicycles available.  There are 30 shops on a revitalized old street dedicated to all things denim. Unlike mass produced jeans that are most commonly found today, Japanese denim is still made using traditional techniques.

As much as I love great denim, I visit Kojima for it’s location on the Seto Inland Sea.

I usually head straight to Washuzan. The mountain provides the perfect vantage point over the Seto Ohashi (Seto Bridge). It is actually a series of connecting bridges stretching over 8 miles between Okayama Prefecture on the main island of Honshu, and Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku.

The bridge and small islands dotted across the water are beautiful at any time of day. You can often spot cats and birds seemingly mesmerized by the view.

There is a Rest House where you can buy souvenirs or eat at a restaurant with a view. There are outdoor tables and an arbor area that are perfect spaces for a picnic. On Saturdays and national holidays, the bridge is illuminated in the evenings.

There is another attraction in Kojima that I cannot personally endorse. Washuzan Highland Park is a Brazilian themed amusement park that has recently received a lot of attention on social media. A search on Pinterest will result in several photos of the sky cycle, a pedal powered coaster that sits four stories above the ground and precariously juts out over the edge of Washuzan offering incredible views. I will do quite a bit for a good photo opportunity, but am unlikely to try the ride anytime soon.

Unless you have other reasons to be in Kojima, I recommend visiting as a day trip from Okayama or the nearby Kurashiki Bikan Historical District.

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Access:

Kojima Station is about 20 minutes by train from Okayama Station. Although Kurashiki Station is physically closer, the only way to get to Kojima by train is to connect through Okayama.  From Kojima Station, Washuzan is a 10 minutes by taxi or 25 minutes by bus to Daini-Tenboudai. There is a special sunset bus on weekends. In general, the last buses depart too early to fully enjoy the view. I recommend arranging for a taxi on the trip back to the station.

The bus schedule changes throughout the year to adjust for the sunset times.  It is best to ask your hotel to call the Kojima Visitor Center for an updated schedule in advance of your visit. Open 9:00-17:30,Tel 086-472-1289