Day 3: Okayama (Korakuen)

We decided to visit the Kōraku-en (後楽園) garden in Okayama next to the castle. It is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan (along with Kenroku-en and Kairaku-en).

The garden was completed in 1700 (after Okayama Castle). The original appearance has survived until today in more, with a few changes made along the way.

The design is designed in the Kaiyu (“scenic promenade”) style. Every turn of the path presents the visitor with a unique view, connecting the lawns, ponds, hills, tea houses, and streams.

In addition, and rather unique for a Japanese garden, there are spacious lawns. Also found in the garden are groves of plum, cherry and maple trees, tea and rice fields, an archery range and a crane aviary.

From Yuishinzan Hill, there is an observation platform where it is possible to command a panoramic view of the garden. Korakuen garden contains a number of buildings:

• Enyo-tei House
• Jizo-do Shrine
• Ryuten rest house
• Jigen-do Shrine
• Noh stage and Eisho
• Renchi-ken rest house
• Chaso-do tea house

From some parts of the garden, Okayama Castle can be observed in the distance.

The main pond (Sawa-no-ike) contains a number of artificial and decorative islands. In addition, there are smaller ponds:

• Kayo-no-ike
• Kawa-no-ike

Korakuen garden is lovely but the trees haven’t blossomed here either. It looks like we missed the cherry blossom by about two weeks – darn.

The main website of the garden also includes an English section. Although the Okayama Prefectural Museum is located next to the garden, but we did not visit as there simply wasn’t enough time.