You can rent bikes at shops near Bizen-Ichinomiya Station, Soja Station, and Bitchu-Kokubunji Temple. They are open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. One-day rentals start at 1500 yen, and bikes can be returned to a different location for an extra 500 yen.
How to get to Bizen-Ichinomiya Station
Take the JR Kibi Line (Momotaro Line) from Okayama Station to Bizen-Ichinomiya Station. Trains run every 30 minutes, taking about 10 minutes for 210 yen. The Japan Rail Pass covers the cost.
How to get to Soja Station
Take the JR Kibi Line (Momotaro Line) or JR Hakubi Line from Okayama to Soja Station. Trains run twice an hour, taking 35-40 minutes for 420 yen, or 30 minutes for 510 yen. Both routes are covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
5
Kibi Plain
7 of 7 in attractions in Okayama
The Kibi Plain (吉備路, Kibiji), just outside Okayama City, is a peaceful rural area covered in lush fields and dotted with historic shrines and temples. Explore this charming flatland on the 17-kilometer cycling route that links Bizen-Ichinomiya and Soja Stations. The route traces the ancient Kibi Kingdom, known for its fascinating history and legends, including the tale of Prince Kibitsuhiko and the famous Momotaro story.
This scenic trail offers a unique way to discover the region’s burial mounds, shrines, and temples, immersing you in local folklore while enjoying beautiful countryside views.
Bicycle route
Kibi Plain
- 1. Bizen-Ichinomiya Station
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You can rent single-speed "mama chari" bicycles at the shop next to Bizen-Ichinomiya Station for your ride across the Kibi Plain.
- 2. Kibitsuhiko Shrine (350 meters)
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Hours: 6:00 to 18:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free
Kibitsuhiko Shrine marks the spot where Prince Kibitsuhiko is believed to have prayed before fighting the ogre. Built in 1697, the shrine is dedicated to him.
- 3 Kibitsu Shrine (1.7 kilometers)
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Hours: Always open
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free
Kibitsu Shrine, the former head shrine of the Kibi Kingdom, is the most important shrine in the area. It has long covered corridors and a stunning main hall. Legend says Prince Kibitsuhiko fought the ogre here, shooting an arrow into its eye, causing the ogre to turn into a bird and fly away.
- 4. Koikui Shrine (3.5 kilometers)
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Hours: Always open
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free
Koikui Shrine (meaning "carp eating shrine") is a small, unstaffed shrine marking the spot where Prince Kibitsuhiko defeated the ogre. After the ogre turned into a bird, the prince became a hawk to hunt him. The ogre then turned into a carp, but the prince transformed into a cormorant to catch him.
- 5. Tsukuriyama Kofun (3.7 kilometers)
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The Kibi Plain has several burial mounds (kofun) from the Kofun Period (300-538). Tsukuriyama Kofun is the largest in the area and was the biggest in Japan when built. Visitors can climb the steps to a small shrine at the top and enjoy a trail along the mound with great views of the surrounding plain.
- 6. Bitchu-Kokubunji Temple (2.3 kilometers)
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Admission: Free
Bitchu-Kokubunji Temple is a large temple founded in 741 as the provincial temple of the Kibi Region. It has a 34-meter tall, five-story pagoda. Another bicycle rental shop is nearby.
- 7. Soja Station (5 kilometers)
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The last 5 kilometers of the route from Bitchu-Kokubunji Temple pass through fields and the town to Soja Station. You can drop off bikes at the rental shop in front of the station.
Getting there
Resources
Japanese
Kibitsu Shrine
Official website
Kibitsuhiko Shrine
Official website
Nearby
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1Okayama CastleHistoric castle, Bizen-yaki pottery, Korakuen
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2Korakuen GardenOne of Japan's top three gardens
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3Kibitsu ShrineUnique kibitsu-zukuri architecture style
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4Kurashiki Bikan Historical QuarterHistoric merchant district with scenic canals
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5Ushimado Olive GardenLargest olive garden in Japan
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6Bitchu Kokubunji TempleLast five-story pagoda built in Japan
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