Korakuen
Korakuen, The Large Lawn And Pond Garden In Okayama Laid Out In 1700, Ranked Among The Three Great Gardens Of Japan, With Views Of The Black Castle Across The River. A Relaxed, Open Stroll Rather Than A Closed Temple Garden. · Okayama, Okayama
Korakuen is a broad Edo-period garden in Okayama, begun in 1687 and completed in 1700 for the local lord, Ikeda Tsunamasa, and counted as one of the three great gardens of Japan with Kairakuen and Kenrokuen. Unlike a closed temple garden it is open and airy, built around wide lawns, a large pond called Sawa-no-ike, small hills, tea houses such as Enyo-tei and long views. The black Okayama Castle, nicknamed the Crow Castle and rebuilt in 1966, rises across the Asahi River and forms the backdrop. It is about a 15-minute walk across the river from the castle, or a bus of roughly 15 minutes from Okayama Station. It suits families, photographers and anyone wanting a slow stroll. Tancho cranes are kept in an aviary. It is worth a half day in spring plum and cherry blossom, or in autumn colour, and less so in the heat of midsummer. Kurashiki and Naoshima are separate stops nearby, so decide first how long you can spare.
1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama, a short walk across the Asahi River from Okayama Castle, Okayama, Okayama, Japan
The garden opens early in the day, with longer hours in spring and summer and an earlier closing in winter, so check the season - confirm. Last entry is usually about 30 minutes before closing. It is generally open every day, with rare closures, and a fee at the gate. A combined ticket with Okayama Castle is often sold - confirm. Evening illumination runs on some nights in set seasons, with the garden open later - confirm dates. Take a bus from Okayama Station, about 15 minutes, or walk across the river from the castle. IC cards work on buses, but cash helps at the gate and tea house. Nothing needs booking.