Okayama Castle (岡山城, Okayamajō), also known as "crow castle" due to its black exterior, was built in 1597 in the style of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period. The original castle was destroyed in the last year of World War 2, but a reconstruction was made in 1966. The castle is located on the Asahi River, which was used as a moat, just across from Korakuen Garden.
Only one of Okayama Castle's original buildings escaped destruction during the war, the Tsukimi Yagura ("moon viewing turret"), which dates back to 1620. There are also reconstructions and unearthed foundations of a few other former buildings, which help illustrate the former extent of the castle complex.
Inside the six-story castle keep are exhibits relating to the history and development of the castle. Furthermore, there is a pottery studio in the castle park where visitors can craft Bizen-yaki, a pottery type local to Okayama Prefecture (advance reservations recommended).
Getting there and around
Okayama Castle is about 1.5 kilometers or a 25-30 minute walk east of Okayama Station. Trams on the Higashiyama Line can be taken to Shiroshita stop (5 minutes, 120 yen, frequent departures) from where the castle keep can be reached in a 10-15 minute walk.
Hours and Fees
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Admission
Typical Visit Duration
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Links and Resources
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Hotels around Okayama
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3 WellnessSet in Okayama, within 3.4 km of Rian Bunko Art Museum and 3.7 km of Kuni Shrine, 3 Wellness offers accommodation with a shared lounge and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. This 3-star hotel offers luggage storage space. AEON Mall Okayama is 4.1 km from the hotel and Shimoishii Park is 4.1 km away. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Some rooms also feature a kitchen with a dishwasher. At 3 Wellness the rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Sky Mall 21 Shopping Street is 4.3 km from the accommodation, while Okayama Baptist Church is 4.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Okayama Airport, 16 km from 3 Wellness.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Granvia OkayamaDirectly connected to JR Okayama Station, Granvia Okayama is a 15-minute train ride from Kurashiki. It offers restaurants with 19th-floor views, an indoor pool with a sauna, as well as rooms with free WiFi and free wired internet. Each air-conditioned room at Hotel Granvia Okayama is equipped with bath and shower facilities, a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. All rooms are also fitted with an electric kettle. The hotel is a 5-minute drive from Koraku-en Garden and Okayama Castle. An hour’s train ride takes guests to Shikoku Island. Kibitsu Shrine is a 20-minute drive away. French cuisine is served at Prix d'Or Restaurant, featuring panoramic views. Kibizen Restaurant offers seasonal Japanese foods. Chinese dishes and teppan-yaki are also available. Sky Lounge Applause offers beautiful views from floor-to-ceiling windows.View on Booking.com
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Dormy Inn Okayama Natural Hot SpringAttractively situated in the Kita Ward district of Okayama, Dormy Inn Okayama Natural Hot Spring is situated 200 metres from Nishigawa Canal Park, 200 metres from Okayama Baptist Church and 400 metres from AEON Mall Okayama. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking is available on site. The rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. At Dormy Inn Okayama Natural Hot Spring rooms have bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. At Dormy Inn Okayama Natural Hot Spring guests are welcome to take advantage of a sauna and a spa centre. Speaking English and Japanese at the reception, staff are willing to help at any time of the day. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Kongo-ji Temple, Kochin-ji Temple and Okayama-ji Temple. Okayama Airport is 16 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Torii-KuguruOpened in July 2013, Torii-Kuguru offers free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals and a launderette. This non-smoking property features a garden and a shared kitchen, a 10-minute walk from JR Okayama Station. Guests can relax in a shared lounge. The hotel has private rooms with Japanese futon bedding on a wooden floor. All rooms are air-conditioned and have heating facilities, while toilets and bathrooms are shared. From hotel Torii-Kuguru it’s only a 10-minute drive to Okayama Castle or Korakuen Park.View on Booking.com
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Okayama Koraku HotelJust a 5-minute walk from JR Okayama Train Station, Okayama Koraku Hotel offers modern rooms with free wired internet and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy massages and free-use bicycles. This hotel was selected as one of the Top Romance Hotels in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2015. The air-conditioned rooms at Koraku Hotel include a private bathroom with bathtub and amenities. Slippers, a fridge and a seating area are provided. Each room has a humidifier. Nishigawa Ryokudo Koen Tram Station is just a 1-minute walk from the hotel. Okayama Castle is 1.5 km away, and Okayama Koraku-en Garden is about a 15-minute walk away. The 24-hour reception offers luggage storage. A free-use microwave and coin-operated launderette are provided. TOMOE Restaurant offers a buffet-style breakfast featuring Japanese and Western dishes from 06:30-10:00.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Abest Grande OkayamaSet 300 metres from Nishigawa Canal Park, Hotel Abest Grande Okayama offers 3-star accommodation in Okayama and features a fitness centre, a shared lounge and a bar. This property is situated a short distance from attractions such as Kongo-ji Temple, Kochin-ji Temple, and Kotohira Shrine. The hotel has a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. At the hotel every room includes a desk and a flat-screen TV. A business centre and vending machines with drinks are available on site at Hotel Abest Grande Okayama. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Komori Shrine, Sky Mall 21 Shopping Street and Okayama-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Okayama Airport, 17 km from Hotel Abest Grande Okayama.View on Booking.com
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Via Inn OkayamaConveniently located in the Kita Ward district of Okayama, Via Inn Okayama is set 500 metres from Houkancho Shopping Street, 600 metres from AEON Mall Okayama and 400 metres from Sky Mall 21 Shopping Street. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. The hotel offers an American or Asian breakfast. Popular points of interest near Via Inn Okayama include Okayama Baptist Church, Momotaro Statue and Rokkosei Memorial Statue. The nearest airport is Okayama Airport, 15 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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AddressHokanchoIn the Kita Ward district of Okayama, close to Houkancho Shopping Street, AddressHokancho has a shared lounge and a washing machine. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set less than 1 km from Kuni Shrine. Boasting a PS4, the guest house has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave and a toaster, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 2 bedrooms, and 1 bathroom with a bidet and a bath. Offering air conditioning, the guest house offers game console, Blu-ray player and a CD player. The guest house offers bed linen, towels and housekeeping service. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Rian Bunko Art Museum, Sci-pia: Science and Humanity Museum For The Future and AEON Mall Okayama. The nearest airport is Okayama Airport, 14 km from AddressHokancho.View on Booking.com
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ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama, an IHG HotelLocated in downtown Okayama, ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama offers comfortable and bright rooms with free WiFi, only 2-minute walk from JR Okayama Station West Exit. It features 3 dining options and a 24-hour reception, while concierge services and currency exchange are available. Okayama ANA Crowne Plaza is a few steps from the Okayama Convention Centre and the well-known Takashimaya department store. The Koraku-en is a 10-minute taxi ride, and Okayama Airport is a 30-minute drive. Rooms have an interior in relaxing beige tones, with contrasting dark wooden furnishings and curtains. They come with wide and extra-long beds, a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator. A safe, nightwear and toiletries are provided. The Hotel ANA Crowne Plaza provides laundry services and luggage storage. The lobby offers free WiFi, and rental facilities are available for in-room use, such as a DVD player, an air humidifier or a trouser press. A car rental company and a minimart can be found next door. Japanese dishes can be enjoyed at the backdrop of the city skyline, at top-floor Japanese Restaurant Kuriya-sen. Sky Bar & Lounge is also located on the 20th floor. Casual dining URBANO serves Western dishes.View on Booking.com
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Smile Hotel OkayamaSituated conveniently in the Kita Ward district of Okayama, Smile Hotel Okayama is set 300 metres from Yakushi-in Temple, 300 metres from Okayama-ji Temple and 200 metres from Kongo-ji Temple. The property is close to Nishigawa Canal Park, Okayama Kinshu Kaikan and Shimoishii Park. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. The private bathroom is equipped with a shower and slippers. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Kochin-ji Temple, Komori Shrine and Kotohira Shrine. The nearest airport is Okayama Airport, 17 km from Smile Hotel Okayama.View on Booking.com
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