Ujo Park
Ujo Park: Okayama Castle's Serene Green Space
Okayama Castle: The Crow Castle
Explore Okayama Castle, the 'Crow Castle': A historic landmark offering cultural experiences and panoramic city views next to Korakuen Garden.
Okayama Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle' for its striking black exterior, is a reconstructed landmark in Okayama, Japan. Originally built in 1597, it offers a glimpse into feudal Japan with its historical exhibits and stunning city views. Visitors can explore the castle's rich history and enjoy cultural experiences like pottery making and kimono wearing.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Okayama Castle
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
2 Chome-3-1 Marunouchi, Okayama, 2 Chome Marunouchi, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0823, JP
Monday
9 am-9:30 pm
Tuesday
9 am-9:30 pm
Wednesday
9 am-9 pm
Thursday
9 am-9:30 pm
Friday
9 am-9:30 pm
Saturday
9 am-9:30 pm
Sunday
9 am-9:30 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From JR Okayama Station, Okayama Castle is approximately 1.5 kilometers (about a 25-30 minute walk). Head east from the station, following the main road. You'll pass the Nishigawa Canal Park and continue towards the Asahi River. The castle is located on the other side of the river, and you can cross via Tsukimi Bridge.
Public Transport
From JR Okayama Station, take the Higashiyama Line tram to Shiroshita stop (5 minutes, 120 yen). Trams depart frequently. From Shiroshita stop, it is a 10-15 minute walk to Okayama Castle. Alternatively, take the Okayama Electric Railway bus to Takaya or Saidaiji via Mount Higashiyama and get off at Kencho-mae (approximately 200 JPY), from which it is about a 5-minute walk to the castle.
Taxi
From JR Okayama Station, a taxi to Okayama Castle takes about 3 minutes and costs approximately 1,100 - 1,400 yen. Taxi stands are readily available outside the station's main exits.
Local tips
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Purchase a combined ticket for Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden to save money and experience two of Okayama's main attractions.
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Try the Bizen-yaki pottery-making experience to create your own unique souvenir.
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Visit the castle in the evening for extended hours and special events.
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Take advantage of the free kimono-wearing experience for a memorable photo opportunity, but arrive early as it's limited to the first five people each hour.
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Rent a wheelchair or store luggage in the coin lockers available at the entrance for a more comfortable visit.
Discover more about Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle, or Okayamajō, is a prominent landmark in Okayama, Japan, easily distinguished by its black exterior, earning it the nickname 'Crow Castle' (Ujo). The castle's history dates back to 1570 when Ukita Naoie took control and began remodeling it. His son, Hideie, completed the main tower in 1597. The castle played a significant role in the region's history, with a castle town developing around it, which eventually became modern-day Okayama City.The original castle was destroyed during World War II in 1945, but it was reconstructed in 1966. Today, the reconstructed castle features a concrete structure with air-conditioning and an elevator. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the castle's history, particularly focusing on the Ikeda era. The castle also offers cultural experiences such as a Bizen-yaki pottery studio where visitors can craft their own pottery. Additionally, visitors can try on traditional Japanese clothing like kimonos and take photos.One of the unique architectural features of Okayama Castle is its scalene pentagonal stone walls and the first floor of the castle tower. From the top floor of the castle, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Okayama City and the adjacent Korakuen Garden. The nearby Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, provides a beautiful contrast to the castle's imposing structure, making it a popular destination for tourists.Okayama Castle is open to visitors from 9:00 to 17:30 (entry until 17:00). It is closed from December 29 to 31. Admission to the castle is 400 yen for adults (high school students and older) and 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
A brief summary to Okayama Castle
Use Okayama Castle as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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