Bizen Province

Bizen is a former province in eastern Okayama covering flat farmland and rolling hills along the Seto Inland Sea. Its boundaries ran from the coastal shoreline to interior foothills, once neighboring Bitchū, Mimasaka, and Harima.

The province emerged in the late 7th century from the division of the older Kibi Province under Ritsuryō administrative reforms. Its name reflects its location closer to the imperial capital than neighboring Bitchū Province.

The territory remains known for its pottery from Bizen, whose unglazed ceramics gain their earthy colors and patterns through direct wood firing. Workshops around Bizen town allow visitors to watch artisans at work and purchase finished pieces.

Travelers find the Shizutani School within the former province, Japan's oldest public school, now open as a museum. Several pottery workshops concentrate around Bizen town and welcome visitors on weekdays.

The Gominoichi Market in the fishing village of Hinase operates every fifth day, offering fresh oysters straight from the boats. Fishermen sell their catch here in the early morning, harvested from Seto Inland Sea waters the same night.