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Castle · Okayama, Okayama
Okayama Castle
A black-walled castle on the banks of the Asahi River, nicknamed the Crow Castle, with a reconstructed tower housing a museum about the domain and the Ikeda family, facing Korakuen.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Okayama Castle in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle was completed in 1597 by Ukita Hideie, one of the period’s great lords, and later passed to the Ikeda family, who ruled the domain until the end of the Edo period. The tower’s walls are covered with boards painted black, which earned it the nickname Ujo, the crow castle, in contrast to Himeji’s white castle.
The original main keep was destroyed by bombing in 1945 and rebuilt in concrete in 1966, preserving its former shape and colors, including the golden fish on the roof ridges. The stone foundation is irregular, with five sides, adapted to the hill. The smaller Tsukimi Yagura tower is an original 17th-century structure.
Inside the keep, a museum tells the story of the castle, the domain and the Ikeda family, with armor, artifacts and scale models. From the top floor you can see the Asahi River, Korakuen and the city. In some areas there are experiences such as dressing in period costume, and Bizen pottery workshops, the province’s traditional ceramics, often operate at the castle.
The oldest stone walls can be seen by walking around the outside of the castle along the river. The Tsukimi Bridge links the castle to Korakuen, and rowing-boat rides on the Asahi River usually run for part of the year, with views of the keep.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best time
In the morning, before or after Korakuen. At night the keep is often illuminated, and in summer and autumn there are evening events. Check opening hours.
How to get there
From Okayama Station, take the tram to Shiroshita stop and then about 10 minutes on foot. From Korakuen, the Tsukimi Bridge leads to the castle in about 5 minutes.
Tip
Also view the castle from the opposite riverbank, from Korakuen, where the black keep appears whole over the water.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Okayama Castle
Why is Okayama Castle called the crow castle?
Because its walls are covered with boards painted black, giving the keep a dark color in contrast to white castles like Himeji.
Is Okayama Castle original?
The main keep was rebuilt in concrete in 1966 after the 1945 bombing. The smaller Tsukimi Yagura tower and parts of the stone walls are original.
Can you walk from the castle to Korakuen?
Yes, via the Tsukimi Bridge in about 5 minutes. The two sites offer a combined ticket.
What is inside Okayama Castle?
A museum about the castle’s history, the domain and the Ikeda family, with armor and artifacts, and an observation point on the top floor.
Beyond the guide
