Okayama Korakuen

This is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, along with Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa and Kairakuen Garden in Mito, and has a history of over 300 years.
🏯 Introduction to Okayama Korakuen
Okayama Korakuen was built in 1687 by the then Okayama Domain lord Ikeda Tsunamasa, who ordered his retainer Tsuda Nagatada to start construction, and it was completed in 1700. This garden was originally a place for the feudal lord to relax, entertain guests and hold tea parties. The name of the garden, "Korakuen", is taken from the idea of "worrying about the world before worrying about yourself, and being happy after the world is happy about yourself" in "Yueyang Tower Inscription" by Fan Zhongyan of the Song Dynasty in China, symbolizing the spirit of the rulers' care for the people.

In 1952, Korakuen was designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" in Japan and was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, becoming an important cultural heritage of Okayama.
🌸 Special attractions in the park

Ze-no-ike: A large pond in the center of the garden with many small islands, such as Nakajima, Minojima, and Sarijima. It has beautiful scenery and is the core landscape of the garden.

Enyo-tei: The lord's living room, cleverly designed to overlook the entire garden.

Crane House: Red-crowned cranes are raised in the park, symbolizing good luck and longevity. These cranes were donated by Guo Moruo, former president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 1956 and have been successfully bred in the park.

Kanki-tei and Kansatsu-tei: These were places where the feudal lords could watch horsemanship and archery performances, showcasing one aspect of the samurai culture of the time.
🕒 Opening hours and transportation information

Opening hours:
March 20 to September 30: 7:30 to 18:00
October 1 to March 19: 8:00 to 17:00
(Last admission is 15 minutes before closing time)

Transportation:
It is about a 25-minute walk from Okayama Station.
Alternatively, you can take the tram to "Jijoshita Station" and then walk for about 10 minutes to arrive.
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🌟 Small reminder
The park has different beautiful scenery in each season, with cherry blossoms in spring, lotus in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and snow in winter, each with its own characteristics.
During certain periods, nighttime illumination events such as the "Fantasy Garden" are held, allowing you to experience a garden scene that is different from that of the daytime.
The garden provides free volunteer guided tours. If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of the garden, you are welcome to join.