Okayama Attractions: What to See?

Korakuen Garden (Okayama City)

Landscaping of this garden began in 1686 at the command of Ikeda Tsunamasa, the region's feudal lord of the time. Koraku-en took 14 years to complete. Beauty of water is expressed in ponds, falls, and curving streams.

Okayama-jo Castle and its glowing gold dolphin ornaments

Also known as Ujo (or Crow Castle) for its black exterior walls, Okayama-jo was originally constructed under the feudal lord Ukita Naoie in 1573 and was completed under his son Hideie in 1597. A public archive is kept in the current donjon which was reconstructed in 1966. In commemoration of the castle's 400th anniversary, the rooftop dolphin ornaments recently underwent a facelift and were coated with gold.

Kibitsu Jinja Shrine: home of Japan's folk tale hero

It is the Japan's Momotaro home who is Japan's folk tale hero. It is enshrined at Kibitsu Jinja. The main hall as well as the worship hall was reconstructed in 1425 and are both designated national treasures. The shrine features a 400-meter long corridor and Okama-den Hall famous for its appearance in a story written by Ueda Akinari. In the shrine vicinity are Chisui-gawa River and Koigui Shrine which are locations related to Momotaro.

Source: Okayama Tourism Information