Known as “Ujo” or “crow castle” due to its black lacquer exterior, Okayama Castle sits in a tranquil location on the Asahi River - which was originally used as a castle moat - and was built in 1597 after eight years of construction. Although the original castle was destroyed in the final year of World War II, it was reconstructed in 1966. The famous Korakuen Garden can be found just across the river.
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![Okayama Castle]()
Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle offers a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including the free “Let’s Wear a Kimono” experience on the second floor which allows visitors the opportunity to dress like a lord or princess from a long gone era. Another activity on offer is the “Let’s Make a Bizen-yaki” experience located on the first floor, which allows visitors the opportunity to make a Bizen-yaki - a traditional Japanese ceramic ware – for a fee of 1,230
yen which includes the cost for 500 grams of clay.![Okayama Castle]()
Okayama Castle
As well as the aforementioned activities, Okayama Castle boasts a number of unique views depending on which floor one stands on. The top provides a scenic view of the surrounding Okayama area, whilst the fifth floor offers a unique perspective of the Kin No Shachihoko, or Golden dolphin.
![Okayama Castle]()
Okayama Castle
The castle was built in the design style of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, under the guidance of Hideie Ukita, a daimyo of the Sengoku Period. Hideie did not reserve the use of Okayama Castle as purely a military facility, but also recruited merchants and craftsmen to reside around the castle’s territory, subsequently developing a bustling castle town.
![Okayama Castle]()
Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle’s main building consists of a six story keep, whose interior has been renovated to a modern design and is home to various exhibits on the development,construction, and history of the castle. Although most of Okayama Castle has been destroyed throughout history, one building has stood the test of time – the Tsukimi Yagura,or “moon viewing turret” still stands as it originally stood when it was first constructed in 1620. Reconstructions and exhumed foundations of formerly standing buildings throughout the castle grounds provide a glimpse into the former extent of the castle’s vast array of buildings.
![Okayama Castle]()
Okayama Castle
The castle is located approximately 1.5 kilometers, or a leisurely 25 to 30 minute walk, east of Okayama station and can also be reached by Higashiyama line trams taken to the Shiroshita bus stop. The tram departs frequently and in total the short journey takes all of five minutes and costs 100 yen, from there it’s a short ten-minute walk to reach the castle. It can also be reached by bus from Okayama station by boarding the Okaden Bus bound for “Okaden Takaya” or the Ryobi Bus bound for “Saidaiji” via “Higashiyama”(Higashiyama-keiyu Saidaiji)
and getting off at the “Kencho-mae” stop, followed by a five minute walk from the bus stop to the castle grounds.
The castle is open from 9am to 5:30pm, with last entry closing at 5pm. Do keep in mind that the castle is closed from December 29 to 31. Entry to the castle normally costs 300 yen, or 800 yen during special exhibitions. The areas around the keep are open to all visitors free of charge.- Okayama Castle, Castle Tower
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Update date：2024/04/24
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