Okayama Castle Audio Guide
Okayama Castle was built by Ukita Hideie
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Overview
Overview
Okayama Castle was built by Ukita Hideie. Its tenshu base is unusually shaped as an irregular pentagon, and the black exterior earned it the nickname “U-jo” (Crow Castle). The original keep, once a National Treasure, was lost in the WWII air raids, but the reconstructed keep is now a comfortable museum space. With the Asahi River beside it and Korakuen Garden just across the bridge, it’s a perfect pairing of history and scenery.
Access
Access
Access is easy. From JR Okayama Station, take the streetcar and get off at Shiroshita, then walk about 10 minutes. The castle sits beside the Asahi River, and crossing Tsukimi-bashi leads straight to Korakuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens—visiting both together is highly recommended. The area is also reachable from Okayama Airport and major expressways.
Parking
Parking
Parking for visitors is available nearby, such as Korakuen Parking and U-jo Park Parking. During events and weekends, congestion is possible, so give yourself extra time. Because the surroundings are walkable, even slightly farther lots can work well for a pleasant riverside stroll.
Highlights
Highlights
Don’t miss Aka-zu-no-mon, once a closed gate that now welcomes visitors into the grounds. Night events such as “U-jo Togenkyo” create a magical atmosphere as the gate and keep glow under lights. Tsukimi Yagura, a surviving turret, is also essential—its unusual structure looks like two stories from outside but three from within, built for moon viewing. Views from the honmaru across the river, the golden shachihoko, and occasional swans along the Asahi River all add to a castle visit that keeps offering new discoveries.
