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OKAYAMA CASTLE

Okayama Castle is popularly known as Crow Castle as it is painted a striking black. Okayama Castle is located next to Korakuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

Okayama Castle was built by the order of Ukita Hideie, a Daimyo of Okayama region in 1597. Since then, many buildings were added, including Korankuen Garden which was built by the order of Ikeda Tsunamasa (the forth lord of the castle). In contrast to all other Japanese Castles with the exception of Matsumoto Castle, Okayama Castle has a black exterior and is commonly called ‘Crow Castle’.

Prior to the Battle of Sekigahara, the main keep or donjon tower of Okayama Castle featured gilded roof tiles, earning it the nickname Golden Crow Castle. Today, only a few parts of Okayama Castle's roof are gilded in gold including the feature point Kinshachi (Golden Dolphin).

Kinshachi Okayama Castle

During the WWII bombing, most of the Okayama Castle buildings were destroyed with the exception of two turrets and some walls. One of these turrets, called Tsukimi Yagura, is now designated as an Important Cultural Property. In 1966 Okayama Castle was restored.

Picture: Tsukimi Yagura Okayama Castle, is the original turret and designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Okayama Castle Pictures: There are more pictures of Okayama Castle in our Japan Picture Gallery.

Open: 9am – 5:30pm, 7 days a week
Admission: 300 yen (There is a pass for Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle for 520 yen.)

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