πŸ“ Location: Kinosaki to Fukuoka Main Route, Japan
🏷️ Category: Attraction
πŸ’° Cost: Varies
⏰ Best Time: See details
⏱️ Duration: Varies
🚢 Difficulty: Easy

About

Okayama Castle Okayama Castle's distinctive black exterior earned it the nickname "Crow Castle" (U-jō). Source: Wikimedia Commons

Korakuen Garden Korakuen Garden uses "borrowed scenery" (shakkei) to incorporate Okayama Castle into its landscape design. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden represent an integrated historical experience showcasing the power and aesthetic sensibilities of feudal Japan's Ikeda clan. The castle, known as "Crow Castle" for its distinctive black exterior, stands in dramatic visual contrast to one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, which masterfully incorporates the castle into its landscape through the principle of shakkei (borrowed scenery). Together, they form a single, unmissable cultural experience for travelers on this route. πŸ”— πŸ”—

Cultural & Historical Significance

Okayama Castle: The "Crow Castle"

Okayama Castle (Okayama-jō) earned its famous nickname U-jō (ηƒεŸŽ, "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. πŸ”— πŸ”—

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. πŸ”—

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. πŸ”— πŸ”—

Korakuen Garden: One of Japan's Three Great Gardens

Korakuen Garden (Kōraku-en) holds the prestigious designation as one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens, alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito. This 13-hectare masterpiece was commissioned in 1687 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the second lord of the Okayama domain, and completed in 1700. The garden served as a private retreat for the ruling family and a venue for entertaining important guests, but its most defining feature is its intimate relationship with the castle. πŸ”— πŸ”—

What distinguishes Korakuen from other Japanese gardens are several unique features:

  • Spacious Open Lawns: Unlike many traditional Japanese gardens dominated by rocks and water features, Korakuen incorporates vast, open lawns that create a sense of bright, expansive beauty and allow for sweeping vistas. πŸ”—

  • Scenic Promenade Style (Kaiyu): The garden was designed for strolling along a network of paths that lead visitors through carefully composed scenesβ€”ponds, hills, teahouses, and grovesβ€”that unfold and change with every step, revealing new perspectives continuously. πŸ”—

  • Borrowed Scenery (Shakkei): The garden masterfully uses the principle of shakkei to incorporate Okayama Castle into its landscape, creating extended vistas where the black castle tower becomes an integral part of the garden's aesthetic composition. This design philosophy connects the two attractions both visually and conceptually. πŸ”—

Visiting Information

Access: 20 minutes from Okayama IC (Sanyo Expressway) to castle area πŸ”—

Hours:

  • Okayama Castle: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM daily (last admission 5:00 PM), closed December 29-31 πŸ”—
  • Korakuen Garden: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October 1 - March 19), last admission 4:45 PM πŸ”—

Admission: Β₯720 combined ticket (castle + garden) - highly recommended πŸ”—

Parking:

  • Korakuen Garden Parking: Β₯100 per hour, ~600 car capacity πŸ”—
  • Karasujo Park Parking: Β₯300 first hour, Β₯100 per 30 min thereafter πŸ”—

Route Context: Approximately 15-30 minutes detour off the main Chugoku Expressway route

Seasonal Considerations: Late October offers pleasant mild weather (15-24Β°C) with early autumn colors beginning to appear in the garden's maple groves. While peak foliage typically occurs in mid-November, visitors can expect the first hints of seasonal transformation.

The Experience

Okayama Castle Interior

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 360Β° 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. πŸ”— πŸ”—

Korakuen Garden Exploration

The 13-hectare garden invites leisurely strolling along winding paths that reveal carefully composed scenes:

Key Features:

  • Sawa-no-Ike Pond: The central water feature creating reflections and tranquil atmosphere
  • Yuishinzan Hill: Man-made elevation offering panoramic garden views (two-star Michelin rating), with the castle rising majestically in the background
  • Enyo-tei House: Historic reception hall where feudal lords once entertained important guests
  • Chishio-no-mori Grove: 250 maple trees providing early autumn colors in late October, reaching peak reds and oranges in mid-November
  • Tea Plantation & Rice Fields: Working agricultural areas maintaining the garden's historical function
  • Traditional Teahouses: Original structures where visitors can experience matcha green tea ceremony
  • Noh Stage: Historic performance venue still occasionally used for traditional arts πŸ”— πŸ”—

Facilities:

  • Shikisai Restaurant: Japanese cuisine (washoku) made with seasonal Okayama ingredients
  • Teahouses: Traditional matcha tea service
  • Guide Services: English, Korean, and Chinese guides available (for a fee) πŸ”—

Practical Visiting Tips

Visit Strategy & Timing

Recommended Sequence:

  1. Start at Korakuen Garden (opens 8:00 AM) for morning light and fewer crowds
  2. Photograph castle from garden using morning light on the black facade
  3. Cross to castle via connecting pathway (~5 minute walk)
  4. Explore castle mid-morning when exhibits are less crowded
  5. Lunch at Karajo Cafe (castle) or Shikisai Restaurant (garden)

Optimal Arrival Time: 8:00-9:00 AM for best photography light and minimal crowds πŸ”—

Crowd Management: Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends; October is moderate tourist season (not peak)

Photography Opportunities

Best Photo Spots:

  • Yuishinzan Hill summit: Panoramic garden view with castle in background (signature "borrowed scenery" shot)
  • Pond reflections: Castle reflection in Sawa-no-Ike Pond (morning light best)
  • Garden pathways: Frame castle through maple groves and traditional structures
  • Top floor observation deck: 360Β° views over entire garden and city πŸ”— πŸ”—

Lighting Conditions:

  • Morning: Best for castle exterior (east-facing black walls catch golden light)
  • Midday: Good for garden details and elevated viewpoints
  • Evening/Night: Dramatic illumination photography (castle lit until midnight) πŸ”—

Driving Visitor Considerations

Parking Strategy:

  • Use Korakuen parking if starting with garden (recommended sequence)
  • Arrive early (before 9:00 AM) for easier parking and cooler walking temperatures
  • Calculate parking cost: ~Β₯300 for 3-hour visit

Facilities & Comfort:

  • Restrooms available at both castle (modern) and garden (traditional)
  • Castle is air-conditioned; garden is outdoor (dress for 15-24Β°C)
  • Food options: Cafes at both locations; restaurant in garden
  • Accessibility: Castle has elevators; garden has some stairs but mostly flat paths

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Combined ticket (Β₯720) saves Β₯180 versus separate admissions
  • Free costume experience at castle (princess/samurai attire)
  • Free viewing of illumination from outside castle grounds (night photography)

Cultural Etiquette

General Behavior:

  • Quiet demeanor: Speak softly in garden spaces and castle exhibits
  • Stay on paths: Don't walk on lawns or off designated routes in garden
  • Photography respect: Ask permission before photographing people, especially in traditional costume
  • Trash management: Carry out all waste (limited bins available)

Garden-Specific Etiquette:

  • No picnicking on special lawns: Some grass areas are off-limits
  • Respect teahouse protocol: If participating in tea ceremony, follow guide instructions
  • Wildlife: Do not feed birds in aviary or pond fish

Castle-Specific 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 πŸ”—

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/kinosaki-to-fukuoka-main-route/okayama-castle-korakuen-garden.md

πŸ“ Location Map