Ibara City is located in southwestern Okayama Prefecture, bordering Hiroshima Prefecture.
The central urban area spreads across the Oda River basin and is surrounded by mountains. The area has a long history as a textile-producing region and is known for denim production. Bisei Town calls itself the “Town of Astronomy” and, in 1989, became the first place in Japan to enact an ordinance to prevent light pollution. It is also considered the birthplace of the lullaby “Chinese Lullaby.”
