hello Kibichūō, Okayama
CIBI Okayama & CIBI House opening!!
CIBI Okayama will open in Kibichūō, Okayama on the 24th of June 2026, followed by the opening of CIBI House in 2027.
One of the most rewarding parts of creating CIBI Okayama has been the people we have met along the way. In this chapter, we share some of the unexpected connections that have become part of the story, and introduce some of the wonderful people, makers and places that surround CIBI Okayama.
The Joy That Comes Through Human Connections
Construction at CIBI Okayama is entering its final stages.
The café space and kitchen are now largely complete, with only the back of house and entrance area remaining.
As we moved into the final stages of creating the space, we came across some unexpected connections that led to wonderful conversations and new friendships.
We were fortunate to meet Aki, a glass artist who lives in a neighbouring town, and his wife Hiroko. During one of our conversations, we discovered that they had spent part of their younger years living in Adelaide.
Zenta and his family had also lived in Adelaide during the same period when he was a child. To our surprise, Aki and Hiroko happened to know the house where Zenta had lived, and we soon discovered that we shared mutual friends from Adelaide as well. In a small place like this, it felt remarkable that our paths could be connected in so many unexpected ways.
We were also fortunate to be introduced to Toshio, who had been involved in the construction of Aki and Hiroko's beautiful home and studio. Full of energy and generosity, Toshio was curious about what we were creating at CIBI and kindly offered us a truckload of timber to use in the project. There were beautiful lengths of Japanese cypress and red pine, many over four metres long. We hope to use them to make tables and throughout the garden at CIBI Okayama. We are incredibly grateful for Toshio's kindness and support.
Through Toshio, we were also introduced to Mitsu, a carpenter who has since joined the CIBI Okayama team. At 72 years old, Mitsu brings decades of experience and craftsmanship and is now helping build the entrance and back of house areas.
The timing felt almost destined. Just as Tetchan, the carpenter who had been helping us until now, needed to move on to another project, Mitsu arrived.
One connection leads to another, and something new begins.
There is a special kind of joy that comes through human connection.
In many ways, this is how CIBI began.
As CIBI Okayama nears completion, we feel a growing sense of excitement for what may unfold here in the years to come and look forward to seeing how it continues to grow together with everyone who visits.
Opening day is now just around the corner.
CIBI Introductions!!
The CIBI Community in Okayama
We would like to introduce some of the wonderful makers and producers in Okayama who have supported us along the way.
Kayo Sansui
The ceramics of Kayo Sansui have long been loved at CIBI Melbourne. Founded by potter Yoshiaki Nikuma, who began his ceramics practice in 1976, studied Shigaraki ware, and established his kiln in his hometown of Kayo, Okayama, in 1982.
Yoshiaki-san also creates CIBI original matcha bowls and pouring vessels, and his work will be available at CIBI Okayama.
Sugano Hifuku
Sugano Hifuku produces CIBI's original denim aprons, denim hats and tote bags.
More recently, they have also crafted the new CIBI Everyday Line collection, including jackets and pants.
Shiragiku Shuzo
The brewery behind the sake we serve at CIBI Melbourne.
Located near the beautiful Nariwa Museum, designed by Tadao Ando, it makes a wonderful destination to visit while exploring the area.
Sato Beni Shoten
A visit to Sato Beni Shoten can be enjoyed alongside a walk through the historic town of Fukiya, with its distinctive bengara-red buildings and quiet streets.
Yoshida Farm
Yoshida Farm produces the milk used in the gelato served at CIBI Tokyo Store. Visitors can also purchase their exceptional cheeses directly from the farm.
CIBI Recommends!!
Places to Visit Near CIBI Okayama
We'd like to share a few places we enjoy visiting, all within around an hour's drive from CIBI Okayama. We hope you'll take the opportunity to explore some of them alongside your visit to CIBI Okayama.
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (Approx. 30 minutes from CIBI)
Perched at an elevation of approximately 430 metres, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is often referred to as the "castle in the sky." Parts of the castle, including the keep, have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. From autumn through to spring, the castle can often be seen rising above a sea of clouds, creating a truly remarkable landscape.
https://www.bitchumatsuyamacastle.jp/
Ikura Cave (Approx. 40 minutes from CIBI)
Designated a Natural Monument of Okayama Prefecture, Ikura Cave is a 1,200-metre limestone cave shaped over time by rainwater and the Takahashi River. Its dramatic underground landscape. The surrounding area is also known for its beautiful autumn colours.
https://www.okayama-kanko.jp/spot/detail_10754.html
Bicchu Kokubunji Temple Five-Story Pagoda (Approx. 40 minutes from CIBI)
Dating from the mid-Edo period, this five-story pagoda is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Rising above the surrounding countryside, it is known as one of Okayama's most picturesque landscapes. The fields around the pagoda change with the seasons, bringing rapeseed flowers in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in autumn.
Okayama Castle (Approx. 60 minutes from CIBI)
Known for its striking black exterior, Okayama Castle is one of Japan's most distinctive castles. Its unusual five-sided stone foundation creates a different impression depending on the angle from which it is viewed. Just across the river lies Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's most celebrated landscape gardens. While you're there, you may even like to take a ride on one of the peach-shaped boats inspired by the local Momotaro legend.
https://okayama-castle.jp/
CIBI Recommends
Day Trips from CIBI Okayama
If your travels take you a little further afield, there are many wonderful places to explore within a couple of hours of CIBI Okayama. Here are a few that we hope might inspire your journey.
Kurashiki (Approx. 1 hour from CIBI)
Known for its beautifully preserved streetscape of white-walled storehouses and willow-lined canals, Kurashiki is a wonderful place to wander. A leisurely boat ride along the Kurashiki River offers a different perspective of the town and its historic character.
For those interested in craft and design, the Kurashiki Folkcraft Museum is well worth a visit, with a collection that includes Bizen ware, Hashima ware and Kurashiki glass, alongside many other examples of local folk craft.
https://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/
Onomichi (Approx. 2 hours from CIBI)
A historic port town in southeast Hiroshima, Onomichi is known for its nostalgic atmosphere and beautiful views across the Seto Inland Sea. The town is also a gateway to the Shimanami Kaido, where a series of bridges links the many islands scattered across the sea.
Cycling between the islands is a popular way to explore the area, though simply taking your time and hopping from island to island can be very enjoyable.
Naoshima (Approx. 2 hours from CIBI by car and ferry)
Naoshima is known around the world as an art island. From Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama to the Chichu Art Museum designed by Tadao Ando, there is much to discover across the island. A ferry from Uno Port takes approximately 15 minutes.
Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum Japan (Approx. 2 hours from CIBI)
The former studio of Isamu Noguchi, whose Akari light sculptures have long been part of life at CIBI. Visitors can explore his workshop, residence and outdoor stone sculptures, gaining a deeper understanding of the place where many of his ideas took shape. Advance reservations are required.
CIBI Okayama ー in the making
CIBI Okayama will open in Kibichuo, Okayama Prefecture, in June 2026.
Following that, CIBI House, a place where guests can stay and experience the surrounding nature more deeply, is scheduled to open in 2027.
Through this series, we would like to share the story of how this place has come to life — offering glimpses into the process, the people involved, and the many layers behind its creation.
CIBI Okayama is hiring!
CIBI Okayama is now hiring for our opening team!
Our new space brings together food, design, and space — expressing CIBI as a whole. As a continuation of our Melbourne and Tokyo locations, we’ll be building this next chapter in Okayama, day by day.
If you feel connected to what we do and would like to be part of shaping this place with us, we would love to hear from you.
