笠岡

Kasaoka is a port city in Okayama Prefecture that sits between farmland in the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south. The area features numerous islands that form the Kasaoka archipelago, creating a distinctive coastal landscape dotted with water and land.

The city grew as a transportation hub in southern Bicchu and relied on its port facilities since medieval times to connect marine trade routes. This role as a trading center shaped the city's development across centuries.

The Shiraishi Dance on the island of Shiraishi is an ancient art form that local performers continue to practice and pass down to new generations. These performances occur during specific times of the year and allow visitors to witness traditional movements and music performed by members of the community.

The city can be reached by JR Sanyo Main Line trains or via the Kasaoka Interchange on the expressway. Once there, visitors can rent bicycles to explore the city and nearby islands at their own pace.

The city features extensive areas of reclaimed land that were created through 20th-century land reclamation projects. These artificially created areas are now an integral part of the urban landscape and show how the region transformed its geography over time.