Okayama Korakuen and Okayama Castle

Korakuen
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.

Street address: Okayama Korakuen
1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama
Okayama Castle
2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, 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) approx. 10 min. walk
(Okayama Castle) approx. 7 min. walk

Opening Hours: Okayama Korakuen
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 Korakuen
Open everyday
Okayama Castle
Closed 12/29-31

Fee: Okayama Korakuen
Adults: 400 yen
65 years and older: 140 yen
Okayama Castle
Permanent exhibition fee: adults: 300 yen; elementary and junior high school students: 120 yen
Combined tickets
Okayama Castle and Korakuen: adults: 560 yen