Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle

OKAYAMA CULTURE

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Okayama Korakuen Garden

One of Japan's Three Great Gardens. It was made approximately 300 years ago by the 2nd feudal lord of the Okayama Domain, Ikeda Tsunamasa. A circuit-style Daimyo (feudal lord) garden, its wide lawns, ponds, artificial mountains, and tearooms are tied together with walkways and waterways.

It has a three-star rating from the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Every year, in the summer and autumn, the park is specially opened at late at night for the "Garden of Dreams" and "Autumnal Fantasy Garden" events.

Okayama Castle

The castle was built in 1597 by the military commander, Ukita Hideie. Its black-lacquered exterior of wooden boards earned it the nickname, "Crow Castle." However, the main tower, which was a National Treasure before World War 2, burned down due to war damage and was later reconstructed.

Within the main tower are a shop, a cafe, and other attractions, such as a free fitting corner for feudal lord and princess outfits.

View scenic routes that include this spot

PLEASURE BOATS

CITYSCAPE FROM THE SKY

More Information about Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle

Street address: Okayama Korakuen Garden
1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama
Okayama Castle
2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama
About OKAYAMA

Access

From JR Okayama Station, take the Okayama Electric Tramway's (streetcar) Higashiyama Line toward Higashiyama for 5 min. and get off at "Shiroshita"
(Okayama Korakuen Garden) approx. 10 min. walk
(Okayama Castle) approx. 7 min. walk

Opening Hours: Okayama Korakuen Garden
7:30-18:00 (3/20-9/30);
8:00-17:00 (10/1-3/19)
Okayama Castle
9:00-17:30 (entrance until 17:00)

Closed: Okayama Castle's main tower is closed for large scale renovations between June 1, 2021 and autumn of 2022.

Website: https://okayama-korakuen.jp/section/english/

Best season: All year

Point: For a limited time (early May, August, late November), the park also holds the Special Late-Night Garden Opening; "Garden of Dreams" and the Okayama Castle "Ujo Togenkyo" illumination events. The park and castle are lit up with a beautiful illumination.