Tsuyama is a castle town in northern Okayama Prefecture, far enough from the Sanyo corridor to feel overlooked. That is part of its appeal. The city has serious history but little big-city noise, with old merchant streets, gardens, and castle walls sitting close enough together for a good walking day.
Start at Kakuzan Park, where the stone walls of Tsuyama Castle still climb above the centre. In cherry-blossom season the ruins become one of western Honshu's better sakura sights, but the views and masonry work are worth seeing outside spring too.
East of the castle, Joto Street keeps the feel of the old Izumo Kaido, while Shurakuen Garden gives the city a quieter, older elegance. Tsuyama is a good spare-day stop from Okayama if you like castle towns after their crowds have moved elsewhere.