How do I get to Kibi Plain?

Kibi Plain

6 of 7 in Okayama

The Kibi Plain (吉備路, Kibiji), just northwest of Okayama City, offers a serene escape into the historic heartland of Japan. This tranquil rural landscape—composed of rice fields, quiet villages, and forested hills—is dotted with ancient shrines, temples, and burial mounds that trace back to the once-powerful Kibi Kingdom. One of the best ways to experience the area is by cycling the 17-kilometer Kibiji Cycling Trail, a scenic and mostly flat route connecting Bizen-Ichinomiya and Sōja Stations. As you ride, you follow in the footsteps of Prince Kibitsuhiko, a legendary figure said to have inspired the beloved folk hero Momotaro—the Peach Boy.

Along the way, cyclists can stop at culturally rich landmarks such as Kibitsuhiko Shrine, Kibitsu Shrine—famed for its long, covered corridor—and ancient kofun (keyhole-shaped burial mounds) like Tsukuriyama Kofun, one of Japan’s largest. Informational signboards bring these myths and historical sites to life. Whether you're drawn to folklore, early Japanese history, or the gentle rhythm of the countryside, the Kibi Plain offers a rewarding and immersive journey through one of Okayama Prefecture’s most atmospheric landscapes.

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Bicycle route

Kibi Plain

3 Kibitsu Shrine (1.7 kilometers)
Hours: always open
Closed: no closing days
Admission: free

Kibitsu Shrine, once the head shrine of the ancient Kibi Kingdom, is the most important shrine in the area. It features long covered corridors and a striking main hall. According to legend, Prince Kibitsuhiko fought an ogre here, shooting an arrow into its eye, which caused it to transform into a bird and fly away.

4. Koikui Shrine (3.5 kilometers)
Hours: always open
Closed: no closing days
Admission: free

Koikui Shrine (meaning "carp-eating shrine") is a small, unstaffed site that marks the spot where Prince Kibitsuhiko is said to have defeated the ogre. According to legend, after the ogre transformed into a bird, the prince became a hawk to pursue him. The ogre then changed into a carp, but the prince turned into a cormorant and caught him.

5. Tsukuriyama Kofun (3.7 kilometers)
The Kibi Plain features several burial mounds (kofun) dating back to the Kofun Period (300–538 AD). The Tsukuriyama Kofun is the largest in the area and was the biggest in Japan at the time it was built. Visitors can climb the steps to a small shrine at the top and follow a trail along the mound, offering great views of the surrounding plain.

Getting there

You can rent bikes at shops near Bizen-Ichinomiya Station, Sōja Station, and Bitchū-Kokubunji Temple. They are open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. One-day rentals start at ¥1,500, and bikes can be returned to a different location for an additional ¥500.

How to get to Bizen-Ichinomiya Station
Take the JR Kibi Line (also known as the Momotaro Line) from Okayama Station to Bizen-Ichinomiya Station. Trains run every 30 minutes and take about 10 minutes. The fare is ¥210 and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

How to get to Sōja Station
Take either the JR Kibi Line (Momotaro Line) or the JR Hakubi Line from Okayama Station to Sōja Station. Trains run twice an hour. The journey takes 35–40 minutes and costs ¥420 on the Kibi Line, or 30 minutes and ¥510 on the Hakubi Line. Both routes are covered by the Japan Rail Pass.