Broadcasting Area and Frequency
The transmitter broadcasts primarily across the Okayama Plain and the southern part of Okayama Prefecture. RSK Radio uses a unified frequency of 1494 kHz throughout the prefecture. The station previously offered AM stereo broadcasting, but returned to monaural broadcasting in March 2011.
History of the Radio Transmitter
When Sanyo Broadcasting Radio began operations on October 1, 1953, its transmitter was located in Hamano 4-chome, in what is now Minami Ward, Okayama City. On March 1, 1970, the facility was relocated to Natsukawa, Kita Ward, Okayama City, and its broadcasting capacity was subsequently increased.
The main milestones in the facility’s history are as follows:
March 1, 1970: The Okayama radio station was relocated to Natsukawa, then part of Kibi Town in Tsukubo District, Okayama Prefecture.
October 1, 1987: Transmission power was increased from 5 kW to 10 kW.
October 5, 1992: AM stereo broadcasting began.
March 28, 2011: AM stereo broadcasting ended.
Facility Overview
The transmitter is located at 1576-2 Kunisato, Natsukawa, Kita Ward, Okayama City. Its antenna reaches a height of 105 meters above ground level.
Exploring RSK Land
RSK Land is a multipurpose recreational area developed around the Kibi Radio Transmitter. It includes landscaped open spaces, a rose garden, and facilities for families and visitors with an interest in gardening and home design.
The land was originally reserved for a secondary emergency transmitter. However, following changes to broadcasting regulations, the need for this planned facility disappeared, and the area was instead developed for public use. Today, RSK Land is operated by RSK Service Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of RSK Holdings.
RSK Rose Garden
Opened in 1974, RSK Rose Garden is a botanical garden specializing in roses and other plants in the rose family. It was originally established as a buffer zone to help ensure the reliable transmission of radio signals from the Kibi Radio Transmitter.
The garden cultivates approximately 15,000 rose plants representing around 450 varieties, along with other plants. Visitors can enjoy colorful seasonal displays and beautifully landscaped grounds, making it an appealing destination for garden lovers and anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor escape.
Garden Facilities and Admission
The rose garden is managed by RSK Service and also features facilities such as the children’s play area, known as Chibikko Athletic, and a dog run.
Admission is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children of nursery-school age and older. Discounted rates may apply outside the main rose-flowering seasons. The garden is normally closed on Wednesdays, but remains open daily during the busy periods from April through June and from October through November.
RSK Housing Plaza
RSK Housing Plaza is a comprehensive housing exhibition center operated by RSK Service. Approximately 30 model homes are on display at any given time, providing visitors with ideas and information about contemporary home design, construction, and residential living in the Okayama and Kurashiki areas.
Major homebuilders exhibiting at the center include Toyota Home, Sekisui House, Sekisui Heim, Daiwa House, Ichijo Komuten, Sumitomo Forestry, Misawa Home Chugoku, and PanaHome, as well as other companies.
Other Facilities at RSK Land
Hana Natsukawa
Hana Natsukawa is a flower shop associated with RSK Rose Garden. Rather than being located inside the garden itself, the shop occupies part of the RSK Plaza grounds. It sells fresh flowers and seedlings, allowing visitors to take home plants and enjoy them long after their visit.
GREEN ROOM
GREEN ROOM is a souvenir shop and casual café located in RSK Plaza. Its menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, giving visitors an opportunity to sample Okayama flavors while taking a break from exploring the grounds.
RSK Plaza
RSK Plaza is a spacious lawn area east of RSK Rose Garden. It sometimes hosts events such as flower-seedling sales, bonsai exhibitions, and outdoor gatherings. The open green space is a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the surrounding seasonal scenery.
Shoginan: 100% Buckwheat Soba Restaurant
Shoginan, a restaurant specializing in soba noodles made entirely from buckwheat flour, opened on October 7, 2016. It is located near the stepped entrance to RSK Rose Garden, close to RSK Plaza. Visitors can dine at the restaurant without paying the rose garden’s admission fee, making it a convenient option for those who simply wish to enjoy a meal.
Access to RSK Land
RSK Land and the Kibi Radio Transmitter are located in the suburban Natsukawa area of Kita Ward, Okayama City. Traveling by car is one of the most convenient ways to reach the complex. Free parking is available for approximately 700 vehicles, and the site can be reached from both expressways and ordinary roads.
By Bus
Visitors traveling by public transportation can take a bus from Okayama Station. Ryobi Bus, Okaden Bus, and Shimoden Bus services stop at Shimonatsukawa, from where it is approximately a five-minute walk to the complex. The RSK Rose Garden-mae bus stop is even closer, just about a one-minute walk away.
From the Nearest Railway Station
The nearest railway station is Niwase Station on JR West’s Sanyo Main Line. From the station’s north exit, the complex is approximately a 10-minute drive or a 45-minute walk. Buses also operate from the station area, with stops at Shimonatsukawa and RSK Rose Garden-mae providing access to RSK Land.