Okayama Korakuen Garden
Stroll through one of Japan's Three Great Gardens with castle views
Korakuen Garden was commissioned in 1687 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, lord of Okayama Domain, and completed in 1700 after 13 years of construction. The garden was designed by Tsuda Nagatada as a place of rest and entertainment for the feudal lord, incorporating elements of both walking-style stroll gardens and Chinese landscape aesthetics. Unlike many daimyo gardens that were destroyed or significantly altered, Korakuen has been carefully maintained and restored to closely match its original Edo-period design, preserving the vision of its creators for over 300 years.
The garden's name 'Korakuen' comes from an ancient Chinese saying meaning 'a garden where the lord enjoys pleasure after the people' - expressing the Confucian ideal that rulers should concern themselves with their subjects' welfare before their own enjoyment. In 1884, ownership transferred from the Ikeda clan to Okayama Prefecture, and the garden was opened to the public. It survived relatively intact through the modernization of the Meiji period, though it suffered damage during World War II air raids. Extensive restoration returned it to its Edo-period appearance, earning it designation as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1952.
Today, Korakuen is ranked alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. The 13-hectare garden features expansive lawns (unusual for Japanese gardens), interconnected ponds, tea houses, and carefully positioned trees creating borrowed scenery (shakkei) views of Okayama Castle. The garden attracts over 800,000 visitors annually and hosts special events including evening illuminations and autumn moon-viewing ceremonies. Its combination of historical authenticity, scenic design, and cultural significance makes it one of Japan's most important cultural landscapes.
Key Highlights
- One of Japan's Three Great Gardens (ranked with Kenrokuen & Kairakuen)
- 13-hectare Edo-period garden completed in 1700
- Expansive lawns unusual in Japanese garden design
- Views of Okayama Castle ('Crow Castle') across Asahi River
- Tea ceremony pavilions including Enyo-tei and Renchi-ken
- Cherry blossoms in spring, irises in June, autumn foliage in November
- Special illumination events in summer and autumn evenings
- Easy 25-minute walk from Okayama Station
Access Information
Location
1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama 703-8257
Nearest Stations
- • Okayama Station (JR Sanyo Shinkansen, JR lines) - 25-minute walk or 15-minute bus/tram
Opening Hours
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (March 20 - September 30), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October 1 - March 19). Open daily year-round except December 29-31. Special evening openings during illumination events (summer and autumn).
Admission Fee
Adults ¥410, High school students and younger free (bring student ID). Combined ticket with Okayama Castle: Adults ¥640. Annual passport ¥1,230 (pays for itself in 3 visits).
How to Get There
From Okayama Station
Walk east from station toward castle (25 minutes), or take Okaden Bus to Korakuen-mae bus stop (10 min, ¥150), or Okaden Tram Higashiyama Line to Shiroshita tram stop then walk 10 min (total 15 min, ¥150)
15-25 minutes
From Osaka
Take Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura to Okayama Station (45 min, ¥5,610), then bus or walk to garden (15-25 min)
60 minutes
From Hiroshima
Take Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura to Okayama Station (35 min, ¥5,170), then bus or walk
40 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Best Times to Visit
Early morning (7:30-9:00 AM) offers peaceful atmosphere before tour groups arrive. Spring cherry blossoms (early April), June irises, and autumn foliage (mid-late November) are peak seasons. Summer morning visits recommended to avoid midday heat. Special evening illuminations in summer (August) and autumn (November) create magical atmosphere.
Photography Highlights
Classic view of Okayama Castle ('Crow Castle') from Yuishinzan hill in garden. Enyo-tei tea house with pond reflections. Expansive lawn areas unique to Korakuen. Crane sanctuary (live cranes kept in garden). Early morning mist over ponds in autumn. Illumination events offer night photography opportunities.
Garden Walking Route
Main circuit takes 60-90 minutes at leisurely pace. Enter from main gate, climb Yuishinzan hill for castle views, visit Enyo-tei tea house, walk around central pond, see crane enclosure, explore rice and tea fields. Pick up English map at entrance. Multiple rest areas with benches. Garden designed for strolling - no single correct route.
Tea Ceremony Experience
Tea ceremony available at Fukuda Tea House (¥500, includes matcha and wagashi sweet). Sit in traditional tatami room overlooking garden. No reservation needed - join sessions running continuously. Great cultural experience. Enyo-tei tea house sometimes offers tea but irregular hours - check at entrance.
Combining with Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle ('Crow Castle' for its black exterior) is across Asahi River, 10-minute walk from Korakuen. Combined ticket saves ¥180. Castle houses museum (¥400 separate if not using combo ticket). Allow 45-60 minutes for castle. Combine both in half-day itinerary (3-4 hours total including travel).
Special Events
Spring Fantasy illumination (late April-May), Summer Fantasy (August), Autumn Fantasy (mid-late November) - gardens open until 9:00 PM with artistic lighting. Traditional performances sometimes held. Tsukimi (moon-viewing) in autumn. Check official website for current event schedule. Evening events worth attending if visiting during those periods.
Dining Options
Rest house inside garden sells light snacks, ice cream, drinks. Better restaurants outside garden in Okayama Castle area and near station. Consider dining in Okayama Station area which has extensive restaurant floors. The nearby Kibiji Tsuru restaurant serves local Okayama specialties.
Visit Duration & Planning
Garden alone: 1-2 hours. Garden + Castle: 3 hours. Add lunch: half day. Most visitors combine both attractions. Okayama makes good base for day trips to Kurashiki (15 min), Naoshima art island (90 min), or exploring Bizen pottery area. Consider overnight stay to fully explore region.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Korakuen Garden?
Allow 60-90 minutes for a leisurely walk through the entire garden. Photography enthusiasts or those who want to rest at tea houses may spend 2 hours. The garden is designed for contemplative strolling, so don't rush. Combine with nearby Okayama Castle for a half-day visit.
When is the best season to visit the garden?
Each season offers distinct beauty. Spring (late March-early April) features cherry blossoms. Summer brings lush greenery and lotus flowers. Autumn (November) showcases spectacular foliage. Winter offers serene snow-dusted landscapes. Special evening illuminations occur during cherry blossom and autumn seasons.
What makes Korakuen one of Japan's three great gardens?
Designated a National Special Scenic Beauty Spot, Korakuen exemplifies the strolling garden style with spacious lawns, ponds, tea houses, and borrowed scenery of Okayama Castle. Created in 1700, it balances formality with natural beauty. The meticulous maintenance and seasonal displays make it exceptional.
Can I enter the tea houses?
Yes, several tea houses within the garden offer matcha green tea and traditional sweets for a fee. Fukuda and Renchi-ken are popular spots. Enjoying tea while viewing the garden scenery provides authentic cultural experience. Some tea houses may close during certain seasons or weather.
Are there English explanations in the garden?
English pamphlets are available at the entrance, and some signage includes English. Audio guides in English may be available for rent. The garden's visual beauty speaks for itself, making language less critical. Consider researching the garden's history beforehand for deeper appreciation.
Is photography permitted throughout the garden?
Yes, photography is encouraged. The garden offers countless photogenic spots including the Enyo-tei tea house, Yuishinzan hill, and pond views with the castle backdrop. Tripods are generally permitted outside of peak crowded periods. Sunrise and sunset during special illumination events provide dramatic lighting.
Can I combine this visit with Okayama Castle?
Absolutely recommended. The castle is visible from the garden and just across the Asahi River, a 5-minute walk. Combination tickets offer savings. Most visitors see both in one outing. Allow 3-4 hours total for both castle and garden with leisurely exploration.
Are there restrooms and facilities in the garden?
Restrooms are located near the entrance and at several points within the garden. Vending machines are available. The rest house near the entrance has seating. No restaurants exist inside, but the surrounding area has dining options. The garden prohibits outside food and drinks in certain areas.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Most main paths are relatively flat and accessible. However, some areas have gravel paths, gentle slopes, or steps that may be challenging. Wheelchair rentals are available at the entrance. The garden's open layout makes it more accessible than many historical sites.
How crowded does the garden get?
Weekdays are generally peaceful. Weekends and Japanese holidays see more visitors, though the spacious design prevents overwhelming crowding. Peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn foliage) and special illumination events are busiest. Early morning visits offer the most tranquil experience.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Kurashiki Bikan District
A beautifully preserved Edo-period merchant quarter featuring historic white-walled warehouses, willow-lined canals, museums, and traditional craft shops.
Ohara Museum of Art
Japan's first private Western art museum, founded in 1930, featuring works by El Greco, Monet, Renoir, and Matisse alongside modern Japanese art in the historic canal town of Kurashiki.
Okayama Castle
Distinctive black castle nicknamed 'Crow Castle' featuring reconstructed donjon, samurai exhibits, and riverside location next to Korakuen Garden.