Maniwa

Maniwa is a city in northern Okayama Prefecture, located in the Chugoku Mountains. It is a rural area known for Yubara Onsen, a hot spring resort on the Yubara River, and for its outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, and river sports. The city also has the Maniwa City Museum of History and Folklore.

Maniwa is on the JR Kisuki Line. From Okayama, take a limited express to Niimi (about 1 hour) and then transfer to the Kisuki Line. By car, it is about 1 hour from Okayama City.

A rental car is essential for reaching Yubara Onsen and the mountain areas.

• Yubara Onsen — a popular hot spring area with ryokan and an open-air bath beside the river.

• Maniwa City Museum — exhibits on local history and the region's mountain culture.

• Hiruzen Highlands — a highland plateau with hiking and ski slopes.

• Yubara Dam — a scenic dam with a walking path.

• Sake breweries — several in the area.

• Onsen bathing — Yubara Onsen's open-air bath is famous.

• Hiking in the Hiruzen Highlands — trails with views of the Chugoku Mountains.

• Skiing — Hiruzen Ski Resort.

• River activities — the Yubara River offers kayaking and fishing.

• Cycling — mountain roads are good for cycling.

Soba and mountain vegetable dishes.

Sake from Maniwa's breweries.

Yubara Onsen has several ryokan. The highlands have a few hotels.

Local mountain products: shiitake mushrooms, soba, and sake.

• Niimi — the limestone caves and Hokubo Highlands
• Takahashi — the Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
• Kurashiki — the Bikan Canal district
• Okayama — the prefectural capital