A Slow Cycling Journey Through Denim Culture and Setouchi Scenery
Kojima, located in Kurashiki City, Okayama, is known as the birthplace of Japanese jeans.
The town has long developed through the textile industry, and its techniques in dyeing, sewing, and denim processing have been refined over generations. Today, workshops, denim shops, and local makers can still be found throughout the area, giving visitors a sense of craftsmanship in everyday life.
Kojima is also blessed with beautiful Setouchi scenery.
The sea and mountains are close to each other, making it a wonderful area to explore by bicycle. As you ride, the scenery changes from town streets to coastal views, quiet local roads, and open landscapes overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
One of the most impressive sights in Kojima is the Great Seto Bridge.
The view of the bridge stretching across the blue sea is one of the highlights of visiting this area.
Small Encounters and the Joy of Slow Cycling
Traveling through Kojima by Brompton allows you to enjoy the town at a relaxed pace.
You can stop when something catches your eye, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the small discoveries that are easy to miss when traveling by car.
In the second half of the journey, a café stop by the sea is also a lovely way to enjoy the area.
With a calm atmosphere, antique-style interior, and carefully prepared coffee, it is a pleasant place to take a break during the tour.
On sunny days, terrace seating is especially recommended.
The gentle light of the Seto Inland Sea creates a peaceful moment that makes the journey even more memorable.
A Viewpoint Overlooking the Great Seto Bridge
If you visit Kojima, the view of the Great Seto Bridge is something you should not miss.
From a viewpoint on higher ground, you can see the bridge from above, with the Seto Inland Sea spreading out below.
Rather than looking up at the bridge, this special viewpoint lets you look down over its impressive structure and the surrounding sea.
The combination of the bridge, islands, and shimmering water creates a dynamic landscape that represents the beauty of Kojima and Setouchi.
A Sweet Break with Local Japanese Sweets
Along the way, stopping at a local Japanese sweets shop is another enjoyable part of the Kojima experience.
Kangetsudo is well known for its fruit daifuku, a soft rice cake filled with fresh fruit and sweet bean paste.
If the shop is closed, Onomichiya is also a good alternative, offering comforting local sweets such as freshly made dango.
These small treats are perfect rewards during a slow cycling journey.
Experiencing Kojima’s Craftsmanship
Denim is an essential part of Kojima’s identity.
At Betty Smith, visitors can enjoy a hands-on denim craft experience, such as making small denim items.
The space offers a glimpse into the world of sewing, careful handwork, and the skills that have supported Kojima’s textile culture.
Here, denim is not only fashion.
It is a local culture shaped by people, techniques, and history.
Riding the “Kaze no Michi” at a Relaxed Pace
Kojima has a route known as the “Kaze no Michi,” or “Wind Road,” which is especially enjoyable for slow cycling.
The area has many sunny days, and the scenery changes with the seasons.
Autumn and winter are particularly recommended, as the air is clearer and the view of the Great Seto Bridge can be especially beautiful.
Recommended Photo Spots
Kojima offers many places where visitors will want to take photos.
・The Great Seto Bridge and islands seen from a viewpoint
・The indigo-blue atmosphere around denim shops and workshops
・Soft sea light seen from a café window
・Local streets that show the everyday life of the town
These photo moments are part of what makes a Kojima cycling tour memorable.
Enjoying the Local Atmosphere
Kojima is not overly commercialized as a tourist destination, which is part of its charm.
Conversations with shop owners, craftspeople, and local residents often happen naturally.
Through these small encounters, visitors can feel the warmth of local life.
This is what makes Kojima different from simply visiting a sightseeing spot.
It is a place where scenery, craftsmanship, and daily life come together.
Access to Kojima
Kojima is easy to reach from Okayama Station.
Take the JR Seto-Ohashi Line from Okayama Station to Kojima Station.
The journey takes about 25 to 30 minutes.
From Kojima Station, it is easy to access both the seaside area and the town area, making it a compact and enjoyable destination for first-time visitors.
About Kojima’s Denim Culture
Kojima is known as the birthplace of Japanese jeans.
The area has developed advanced techniques in dyeing, sewing, and denim processing.
Today, visitors can enjoy denim shops, local workshops, hands-on craft experiences, and the atmosphere of a town built around textile culture.
Local Treasures Slow Cycling Tour
Local Treasures offers small-group slow cycling tours using Brompton bicycles.
Our tours are not about speed.
They are designed for travelers who want to enjoy the air of the town, the scenery of Setouchi, the background of local culture, and the warmth of local encounters.
By riding through Kojima slowly, you can experience the town in a way that feels close, personal, and memorable.
Discover Kojima by Brompton and enjoy a journey through denim culture, Setouchi scenery, and local stories.