Asahi River and Korakuen: Waterside Stroll Connecting Korakuen Garden (One of Japan's Three Great Gardens) and Okayama Castle

"Korakuen," spreading beside the Asahi River in Okayama City, is a feudal lord's garden built in 1700 (Genroku 13) by Okayama Domain lord Ikeda Tsunamasa. Designated as a National Special Scenic Beauty as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Kanazawa's Kenroku-en.

Highlights of Korakuen

Korakuen is a circuit-style garden boasting a vast area of approximately 150,000 m² (about 3 Tokyo Domes). A grand garden harmonizing diverse elements including vast lawns, ponds, plum groves, cherry tree avenues, and noh stage, with four-season expressions enjoyable. A beautiful garden in every season: spring cherry blossoms, summer fireflies, autumn foliage, winter snow scenery.

Okayama Castle (Crow Castle)

"Okayama Castle (Ujojo, also called Karasu-jo/Crow Castle)" standing on the opposite bank of the Asahi River from Korakuen is a Warring States period castle characterized by black-painted exterior walls. Completed in 1597 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's retainer Ukita Hideie, the current tower is a 1966 (Showa 41) reconstruction. Views of Korakuen and the Asahi River spread from Okayama Castle.

River Activities and Canoeing on the Asahi River

Canoe and kayak activities can also be enjoyed on the Asahi River in summer.

Access

About 10 minutes by tram (Okayama Electric Tramway) from JR Okayama Station (alight at Shiroshita stop).