Experience the culture of Momotaro and visit the jet-black Okayama Castle

Okayama, Japan, is home to "Okayama Castle," also known as "Crow Castle" due to its black wooden exterior. It is also referred to as "Golden Crow Castle" because of the gold-leafed roof tiles discovered from the era of Ukita Hideie. Located in the city center, Okayama Castle is easily accessible by tram. I particularly enjoy the manhole covers in Okayama City, which feature various designs of Momotaro.

A must-see decoration at Okayama Castle is the "golden shachihoko." Several of these adorn the castle, characterized by a tiger's head and a fish's body. It is said that they possess the ability to spout water and extinguish fire. Many castles in Japan feature shachihoko, though their designs vary.

Okayama Castle is just a bridge away from Korakuen Garden, and combined tickets are available for both attractions. Korakuen is a traditional Japanese garden, meticulously maintained and exceptionally clean.

Post by Chengchichi | Oct 4, 2025