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Garden · Okayama, Okayama
Kōraku-en Garden
A late-17th-century strolling garden on the banks of the Asahi River, with wide lawns, ponds, a viewing hill, tea and rice fields and Okayama Castle as a backdrop; one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens.
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
Kōraku-en Garden 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 Kōraku-en Garden
Korakuen was created between 1687 and 1700 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, lord of the Okayama domain, on an island of the Asahi River facing the castle. It served as a place of rest and reception for the lords. It is counted among Japan’s three most celebrated gardens, alongside Kenroku-en in Kanazawa and Kairaku-en in Mito.
Unlike many Japanese gardens, Korakuen is open and bright, with large lawns that allow long views. Winding paths connect ponds, small streams, stone bridges and wooden pavilions. Yuishinzan Hill, about 6 meters high, is the garden’s internal viewpoint, from which you can see the whole garden with the castle’s black tower as a borrowed background.
The garden preserves traces of domain life: a small tea field harvested in spring and a rice paddy planted in June. A Noh theater stage appears in one pavilion, and red-crowned cranes are raised in an aviary and sometimes released onto the lawn on special dates. Groves of plum, cherry and maple mark the seasons.
The back of the garden faces the river and the Tsukimi Bridge, which leads to the castle in a few minutes on foot. At certain times of year the garden opens at night with illumination. Visits are made at a strolling pace along gravel paths, with benches and teahouses.
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
1–2 hours.
Best time
In the morning, for softer light and fewer visitors. Plum trees usually bloom in February and March, cherry trees in early April, and autumn foliage from mid-November to early December. Some seasons have evening openings; check the dates.
How to get there
From Okayama Station, take the tram to Shiroshita stop and then walk about 10 minutes; or take a bus to Korakuen‑mae stop. On foot it’s about 25 minutes.
Tip
Buy the combined ticket with Okayama Castle. Climb Yuishinzan Hill for the photo of the garden with the castle in the background and exit through the south gate to cross the Tsukimi Bridge.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kōraku-en Garden
What are the three most famous gardens in Japan?
Korakuen in Okayama, Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, and Kairaku-en in Mito. All three are strolling gardens created by feudal lords.
How long does a visit to Korakuen take?
About 1 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace. Including Okayama Castle, on the other side of the river, allow half a day.
Can you see Okayama Castle from Korakuen?
Yes. The black keep appears as a backdrop to the garden, and the best-known view is from Yuishinzan hill.
Is Korakuen open at night?
In some seasons, such as summer and autumn, there are nighttime openings with illumination. Dates change each year; check before you go.
Beyond the guide
