Okayama, nestled in western Japan, beckons with contrasting charms. Step back in time in Kurashiki, nicknamed "Little Kyoto," where willow trees weep into willow-lined canals flanked by white-walled buildings, once storehouses for rice riches. Take a gondola ride or wander past artisans crafting delicate lacquerware and hand-woven fabrics. Meanwhile, Okayama City thrum with modern energy. Okayama offers a tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled.