About
Okayama Castle's distinctive black exterior earned it the nickname "Crow Castle" (U-jō). Source: Wikimedia Commons
Okayama Castle (Okayama-jō) earned its famous nickname U-jō (烏城, "Crow Castle") due to its striking black-lacquered exterior walls covered with black clapboards. This dramatic appearance was a deliberate architectural choice, likely intended to contrast with the brilliant white of nearby Himeji Castle ("White Egret Castle"). Built in the classic Azuchi-Momoyama style, the black castle became a powerful symbol of feudal authority in the Chugoku region and now serves as an integrated cultural experience with the adjacent Korakuen Garden. 🔗 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
Before the decisive Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the castle's roof tiles were gilded gold, earning it an even more magnificent nickname: "Golden Crow Castle" (Kin U-jō). The current reconstruction, completed in 1966 and renovated again in 2022, features golden shachihoko (mythical fish-shaped roof ornaments) in homage to this gilded history. 🔗
Construction began in 1573 under Ukita Naoie but was not completed until 1597 by his son Hideie. After the Battle of Sekigahara, the Ikeda clan took control in 1603 as relatives of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Ikeda family ruled for 12 generations until the Meiji Period, overseeing significant advancements in local production, education, arts, and the creation of the magnificent Korakuen Garden. This integrated planning makes the castle and garden inseparable cultural experiences. 🔗 🔗
The castle's relationship with Korakuen Garden exemplifies the Japanese aesthetic principle of shakkei (borrowed scenery), where the black castle tower becomes an integral element in the garden's landscape composition, creating extended vistas that connect both attractions visually and conceptually. 🔗
Visiting Information
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM daily (last admission 5:00 PM), closed December 29-31 🔗
Admission: ¥400 castle only, ¥720 combined ticket with Korakuen Garden (highly recommended) 🔗
Access from Ferry Route: Approximately 30-45 minutes detour from Sanyo Expressway (exit at Okayama IC, 20 minutes to castle area) 🔗
Parking:
- Karasujo Park Parking (castle side): ¥300 first hour, ¥100 per 30 min thereafter
- Korakuen Garden Parking (recommended): ¥100 per hour, easier access 🔗
Route Context: Major detour requiring exit from Sanyo Expressway; best combined with Korakuen Garden visit (2-3 hours total)
Seasonal Considerations for November 3: Culture Day national holiday will bring higher visitor numbers. The castle's black exterior creates dramatic photography opportunities in autumn light. Special exhibitions or events may be scheduled for the national holiday. 🔗
The Experience
The six-story reconstructed castle keep now houses modern museum exhibits following its 2022 renovation. The interior features seven floors of exhibitions:
First Floor:
- "Sengoku Emaki" Experience Corner: Free costume rentals (princess and prince attire), photo spots with props including swords, guns, horses, and palanquins
- Karajo Cafe: Seasonal "Castle Parfait" specialties topped with castle-shaped monaka wafers
Second Floor: "Okayama in the Edo Period" - Exhibits about Ikeda Mitsumasa and Tsunamasa
Third Floor: "Each Sekigahara" - Displays about the pivotal battle and its impact
Top Floor: Observation deck with commanding 360° panoramic views of Korakuen Garden and Okayama city
The castle is fully air-conditioned with elevator access, making it comfortable and accessible for all visitors. 🔗 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Visit Strategy for Route Travelers:
- Combine with Korakuen Garden visit (start garden 8:00 AM, castle mid-morning)
- Use combined ticket (¥720) to save ¥180
- Access via 5-minute walk from garden through connecting pathway
- Top floor observation deck offers best views of garden you just explored
- Budget 2.5-3 hours total for both attractions
Photography Opportunities:
- From Korakuen Garden: Classic "borrowed scenery" shots with black castle in background (best morning light)
- Top floor observation deck: 360° panoramic views over garden and city
- Castle exterior: Dramatic black facade with golden roof ornaments
- Evening option: Castle illuminated until midnight for night photography 🔗 🔗
Driving Considerations:
- Calculate 30-45 minute detour from Sanyo Expressway each direction
- Park at Korakuen Garden (cheaper: ¥100/hour vs ¥300+ at castle)
- Parking cost: ~¥300 for combined 3-hour visit
- Culture Day traffic: Expect delays on expressway and fuller parking lots
- Time management: This major detour requires minimum 2.5-3 hours total
Route Integration:
- Only worthwhile if spending significant time in Okayama area
- Consider skipping if time-constrained on ferry route day
- Alternative: Prioritize if staying overnight in Okayama
- Pairs well with nearby Kurashiki (20 minutes away) for full day detour
Cultural Etiquette:
- Elevator courtesy: Offer to elders and those with mobility needs
- Exhibit respect: No touching artifacts or leaning on display cases
- Costume experience: Handle historical costume replicas with care
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing people in costume 🔗
Facilities & Comfort:
- Modern air-conditioned interior (relief from outdoor garden walking)
- Restrooms on multiple floors
- Cafe with seasonal specialties
- Elevator access to all floors (accessibility-friendly)
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/beppu-to-osaka-ferry-route/okayama-castle.md