What this area is like
Korakuen is one of Japan’s three great gardens, with ponds, tea houses and lawns. Across the river stands Okayama Castle, known as the Crow Castle for its black walls.
Trams run from Okayama Station toward the garden and castle.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Okayama Korakuen
One of Japan’s three great landscape gardens, laid out by the Okayama lords around wide lawns, ponds and a tea field, with the black castle as borrowed scenery.
- Access
- About 10–15 minutes by bus from JR Okayama Station.
- Hours
- 20 March–30 September 7:30–18:00; 1 October–19 March 8:00–17:00.
- Fee
- Adults ¥500.
- Address
- 1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama
From September to February the garden’s red-crowned cranes are let out for a walk about twice a month.
Okayama Castle
The “Crow Castle”, with a black-lacquered keep across the river from Korakuen.
- Access
- From JR Okayama Station take the tram to Shiroshita, then walk about 10 minutes.
- Hours
- 9:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00); closed 29–31 December.
- Fee
- Adults ¥500; under 14 free.
- Address
- 2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita Ward, Okayama
A combined ticket with Korakuen is sold; check the current price at the ticket office.
How to plan your time here
- Korakuen in the morning, walk over the bridge to the castle, then lunch near the station.
- Okayama is about 45 minutes from Shin-Osaka by Sanyo Shinkansen, and Kurashiki is 15 minutes away by local train.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.