Makiba-no-Yakata (まきばの館)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Makiba-no-Yakata is a hands-on interaction facility run by the Okayama Prefectural Livestock Research Institute, spread across roughly 5 hectares of pastoral scenery. The grounds include a lavender garden and an herb garden, and in season, a field of purple blossoms and their fragrance welcome visitors. In the animal plaza, you can see cows, sheep, and more up close, and the calm atmosphere unique to a research facility is a distinctive feature of encountering the animals here. There's also an athletic play area and a day-camp area, making this a good spot to get moving before the water play. Admission is free, so you can wander around as you please.

Tips

Follow the on-site guidance for the rules on interacting with the animals and whether feeding is allowed. Always wash your hands after touching the animals. The best time to see the lavender in bloom varies by season, so checking the blooming status beforehand helps you catch the scenery you're hoping for. Some sections of the grounds have little shade, so bring a hat and a drink while walking. In flower fields where bees are flying, it's safer to quietly move away rather than swat them with your hand.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 15 minutes. A leisurely walk that doubles as a post-meal rest is recommended

Access & map

〒709-3401 Okayama Prefecture, Kume District, Misaki Town, Kita 2272