The Kibi Plain (吉備路) is a vast plain located in Okayama Prefecture in Japan, spanning Okayama City‘s Kita Ward and Soja City. It is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and numerous cultural and historical sites.
The Kibi Plain is believed to have been inhabited since prehistoric times and played an important role in the development of ancient Japanese society. The area was a center of agriculture and trade and an important cultural and religious center.
One of the most famous sites on the Kibi Plain is Kibitsu Shrine (吉備津神社), a Shinto shrine estimated to have been founded in the late 4th to early 5th century. The shrine is known for its unique architecture,such as its long corridor of over 360 meters, and its beautiful gardens. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Another popular attraction on the Kibi Plain is Bichu Kokubunji Temple (備中国分寺), founded in the 8th century. It is one of the oldest temples in Japan, and its five-storied pagoda is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning gardens.
The Kibi Plain is also known for its scenic cycling routes, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the area’s beautiful landscapes and cultural sites at their own pace. The Kibi Plain Cycling Road, in particular, is a popular route of about 20 kilometers that takes cyclists through rice fields, past temples like Kibitsu Shrine and Bichu Kokubunji, and through historic villages.
Other notable sites in the Kibi Plain include Zoyama Kofun (造山古墳), the fourth-largest keyhole-shaped burial mound in Japan, and Komorizuka Kofun (こうもり塚古墳), a special historic site known for its preserved murals.
Getting there
By Train
From Okayama Station:
- Take the JR Kibi Line to Bizen-Ichinomiya Station
- Journey time: About 10 minutes
- Cost: 210 yen
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
By Bicycle
- Rent a bicycle at either Bizen-Ichinomiya Station or Soja Station
- Cost: 1500 yen for a one-day rental
- Cycling route: 17 km between Bizen-Ichinomiya and Soja Stations
- Bicycles can be dropped off at a different location for an additional 500 yen fee
Kibiji Tourist Information Center
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Phone | 866921211 |
| Address | 〒719-1124 Okayama, Soja, Misu, 825-1 |
| Resources | https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/10915 |