KORAKUEN GARDEN

Korakuen Garden is one of Japan's official Three Great Gardens. Korakuen Garden is located next to Okayama Castle.

Korakuen is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, along with Kenrokuen (Kanazawa) and Kairakuen (Mito). This makes Korakuen Okayama's number one attraction. Korakuen was built by the order of Ikeda Tsunamasa, the fourth lord of Okayama Castle in 1700. Korakuen was designed in the Chisan Kaiyu Style (landscaped around a large pond) of Japanese Garden, which presents its visitors with a new view at every turn of the path. The path connects the vast lawns, ponds, hills, tea houses and streams.

Korakuen Garden was opened to public in 1884 and was maintained very well until the bombing attack during the WWII. After the war, it has been restored based on records and now is showing its beautiful figure as it used to be.

Korakuen Garden Features

Enyoutei: Enyoutei is the central structure in the garden, commanding a broad vista of Sawanoike Pond, Yuishinzan Hill and Mt Misao in the background. This is where the daimyo of Okayama Castle would be received when he visited the garden.
Sawanoike Pond: The largest pond in the Korakuen. Sawanoike Pond contains a Nakanoshima Island, Misoshima Island with a beautiful fishing palace, and Jarijima Island with beautiful white sand and green pine trees. Picture taken from Yuishinzan Hill.

Misoshima Island in Sawanoike Pond, with a beautiful fishing palace.


Yuishinzan Hill: Yuishinzan Hill offers a panoramic view of the entire garden.


Ryuten Pavilion: Pebbles of beautiful colors are scattered throughout the stream which passes through the center of the building. It is a rare design in Japan.



Seidan (Rice Fields) are just a small sample of the rice fields that in the past were spread throughout the garden.


Jigen-do Hall was constructed by Ikeda Tsunamasa with the goal of bringing peace to the clan and stability to the Ikeda family. Two "guardian of the temple" statues, which were restored in 2000, are currently housed at the gate.


Kayonoike Pond and Eisho Bridgehttp://www.yourtv.com.au/: Daimyo lotuses can be seen in their full glory between June and August here.


Renchi-Ken Teahouse: It is said that this was Ikeda Tsunamasa's favorite of all the teahouses in the garden. It has a magnificent view of the pond.


Tea Fields: Rows of an ancient variety of tea trees stand in rows. This tea is said to have a slightly bitter flavor.

Open: 8am – 5pm, 7 days a week
Admission: 400 yen (There is a pass for Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle for 520 yen.)