Niimi

Niimi is a city in northern Okayama Prefecture, located in the Chugoku Mountains. It is a rural city known for its limestone landscapes, including the Ikura and Doi caves, and the scenic Hokubo Highlands. The area is also known for its production of shiitake mushrooms and buckwheat.

Niimi is on the JR Hakubi Line. From Okayama, limited express trains reach Niimi Station in about 1 hour. From Hiroshima, about 1.5 hours. By car, it is about 1 hour from Okayama City.

A rental car is essential for exploring the caves and highlands. Buses are limited.

• Ikura Cave — a massive limestone cave with underground streams and impressive stalactites, one of Japan's largest cave systems.

• Doi Cave — another limestone cave, with a dramatic entrance and an underground lake.

• Hokubo Highlands — a plateau with hiking trails, ski slopes in winter, and panoramic views.

• Niimi City Museum — exhibits on the region's geology and cave formations.

• Shiitake mushroom farms — the area produces high-quality dried shiitake.

• Cave exploration — Ikura Cave has a well-maintained walking path.

• Hiking in the Hokubo Highlands — trails for all levels.

• Skiing — the Hokubo Ski Resort operates in winter.

• Mushroom hunting and buying — local farms sell fresh and dried shiitake.

Soba made from Niimi buckwheat is the local speciality. Mountain vegetables and wild game are also common.

Sake from Okayama breweries.

Niimi has business hotels and a few ryokan in the highlands.

Niimi shiitake mushrooms and locally grown buckwheat products.

• Takahashi — the Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
• Maniwa — the town with the Yubara Onsen
• Okayama — the prefectural capital
• Hiroshima — the city of peace