Lewis' Japan Retrospective #1: Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture.

So, my next idea is to write retrospectives on places I’ve visited while living in Japan. I mean, quite frankly, what IS a blog but a retrospective anyway? 

Trouble is, where to start? I’m fortunate enough to have visited nine Japanese Prefectures so far, with plans to see at least three or four more by the end of the year. Each of them have their highs and lows, cities to explore, sites to see etc. 

It’s probably best to start with Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. 

This has been ‘home’ in Japan for going on two years now, and unless you want to visit a certain Naoshima Island, chances are you haven’t heard of it.

… That may be because there isn’t that much to tell.

Tamano is a relatively small port city with a far greater history than a bright looking future. It has a slowly dwindling population, with many businesses sadly closing their doors. Walking the streets of Tamano is a poignant reminder that not all of Japan is the technologically advanced wonder that some of us have presumed it to be.

Unsurprisingly, its roots come from fishing, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Quite a typical array of industries for a city by the ocean. 

Uno Port is probably the beating heart of Tamano, providing easy access to Naoshima, and only an hour away from Okayama City by bus or train. The Uno Hotel and Tamasen, the local onsen, are very popular with domestic and international tourists alike. Places I would recommend if you ever find yourself in this corner of Japan are Tamahime Shrine and Shibukawa Beach. The latter can provide a very relaxing place to walk with stunning views of the inland sea and the Great Seto Bridge. 

I suppose the appeal of a place like Tamano is that it offers an escape from the bustling city life. Living here has been a peaceful and humbling experience thus far, and I really do enjoy the quiet after a busy day at work. Since a hop to Naoshima is more than worth it, I’d recommend stopping over for a night here, enjoy a bit of countryside life. 

Lastly, if you’re wondering, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture is written as: 玉野市、岡山県 

(たまのし、おかやまけん）