Okayama Castle
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Okayama Castle is one of Japan’s most unique castles with a black exterior. It’s also referred to as ‘crow castle’ because of its unique and striking colour.
Black castles in Japan are less common than the usual white and include Okayama Castle, Kumamoto Castle, Matsumoto Castle in Nagano and Matsue Castle in Shimane, to name a few.
Okayama’s historic black castle was built in 1597, but was unfortunately destroyed during World War II. One of the turrets of the castle, the ‘moon-viewing turret‘ remained in-tact, and dates back to 1620.
The remainder of the castle was painstakingly recreated in 1966.
The castle today stands on the Asahi River, which was used as a natural moat. The gilded fish (shachi) gargoyles on the rooftops gleam brightly against the black of the castle walls.
Originally, the roof of the main keep also had gilded tiles, hence originally it was known as the ‘golden black castle’.
Why is Okayama Castle black?
It’s believed the daimyo who commissioned the castle, Ukita Naoie, asked for it to be painted black to contrast with their neighbour Himeji Castle in Hyogo which is pure white.
History of Okayama Castle
The daimyo of the area, Ukita Naoie left the completion of the castle to his son Hideie. Hideie finally completed the castle 24 years after it was commissioned by his father. This was due to it being such a laborious project.
in 1600, Hideie made the disastrous choice to side with the Toyotomi clan in the Battle of Sekigahara, the bloodiest samurai field battle in history. This was a costly mistake.
During the battle, some of his allies turned against him and he was captured by the Tokugawa Clan and exiled to the prison island of Hachijo off the coast of Tokyo.
The Castle was then handed over to Kobayakawa Hideaki. He was one of Hideie’s defectors and was rewarded with the castle by the Tokugawa Clan for betraying Hideie. However, without an heir died just two years later.
Finally, the castle was given to the Ikeda Clan who added the Korakuen as their own private garden. The Ikeda clan’s emblem was the Bizen Butterfly and you will see this in locations around the castle.
What are Shachi, the golden gargoyles?
Shachihoko or just Shachi are mythical creatures with a carp-shaped body and either a dragon or lion’s head.
The Shachi’s body points up toward the sky as if to summon the clouds. It’s believed these creatures can hold immense amounts of water they have collected from the sky.
Then for example, when a mostly wooden castle comes into danger of a fire, it’s hoped the Shachi will release the water out of its mouth and extinguish the flames.
What is the best thing about Okayama Castle?
The absolute best thing about this castle, in my opinion, is the lack of crowds!
If you go to Himeji Castle or Osaka Castle, prepare to be stuck in lines snaking your way through the castle. You are not able to walk freely in these famous castles. The balcony at the top of the castles is always quite narrow which is difficult with many tourists.
However, Okayama Castle does not have this problem! As a lesser-known region of Japan, there are less tourists and you can enjoy activities and sights more freely.
What to do at Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle has a bunch of activities to enjoy and I suggest you get involved and make the most of it. Especially if you’re travelling with kids as it keeps them amused and entertained.
Please just remember to book activities in advance!
Free guided tours (in Japanese)
Every day the tourist volunteer guides provide free 60-minute tours of the castle (in Japanese).
Departure times are 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm.
Make your own Bizen Pottery at Bizenyaki Pottery Studio
There is a bizen pottery workshop on the grounds of Okayama Castle and the cost is 1,250 yen for a 60-minute class. An extra fee is required to ship the pottery to you after its process is completed. They can ship overseas.
What is bizen pottery
Bizen pottery began around 800 years ago in the bizen area of Japan in modern-day Okayama. Bizen pottery has a rustic charm as it is not glazed before firing. It is wrapped in straw which creates a unique pattern and style. This ensures no two pieces ever look the same.
You can make your own bizen pottery piece by visiting the Bizen-yaki Pottery Studio on the Okayama Castle grounds.
Firstly you need to call and make a reservation. This is best done in Japanese, so if you need help ask your hotel to assist.
Check the website first to plan what you would like to make as they will ask at reservation time. We made a square plate!
How to book: Call 086-224-3396
Access: (Streetcar) About 5 minutes from JR Okayama Station on the streetcar bound for Higashiyama, get off at “Shiroshita” and walk for about 10 minutes. (Car) About 20 minutes from Okayama IC.
Address: 2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City (in Ujo Park)
Dress in kimono
On the first floor of the castle, there is a kimono dressing experience, free of charge! It’s first come, first served and you cannot book. I missed this when I visited the castle, so don’t forget to check it out!
Get a photograph on a samurai’s horse
On the first floor of the castle you will find a photo opportunity with a plastic samurai horse. All these little activities, make history fun for kids! Don’t forget to get your photo.
Collect castle stamps
Castle stamps are located just inside the entrance to the castle. Don’t forget to bring your stamp book!
Shop and eat
A souvenir store and a small cafe are located inside the castle for one-of-a-kind castle and Okayama omiyage (gifts) or a small snack if you’re peckish.
Ride a peach paddle boat
If you do decide to visit Okayama, first you should arm yourself with the knowledge of the Momotaro story.
This story is about a boy who came from a peach on a river and then valiantly defeats a demon with his friends the dog, bird and monkey. This story is essential to everything in Okayama.
Once you know this story, the many peaches and boy statues with his animal friends will all make sense.
Momotaro, the Peach Boy
If you visit Okayama, especially with kids, teach them the story of Momotaro beforehand. They can look for themes to this story everywhere and your sightseeing will make so much sense!
The peach (and swan) paddle boats are located right next to Okayama Castle. Walk over Tsukimi Bridge which connects the castle to Korakuen Garden. You will see a small store selling snacks and tickets to the boats.
Cost: 1,600 yen per 20 minutes (max 3 people, 2 adults and 1 child)
Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tip: Learn the story of Momotaro before visiting Okayama!
Take a guided boat tour of Okayama Castle moat
Book a boat tour if you don’t want to paddle your own boat and would rather sit back and enjoy the view. This is the way the lords travelled from the castle to the gardens!
The Asahikawa boat cruise around the castle lasts for around 30 minutes and you should book in advance.
How to book: Reserve online
Cost: 1,500 yen per adult and 750 yen per child
Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm (1st March – 31 October) and 10:00am – 4:00pm (1st November until end of February)
Visit Okayama Korakuen Garden
This majestic garden is directly next to Okayama Castle so it makes sense to visit these together. This garden is voted one of Japan’s three great gardens so it’s a must-see!
The day we visited, it started to rain, but we found some reprieve by stopping into Fukuda Tea House and enjoying some seasonal okashi (sweets) which were absolutely oishii (delicious).
Enjoy Okayama Castle at night
The castle has specific illuminations during the year. However, when we visited in early October, the castle was illuminated in various colours in the evening on the hour, every hour. It was a wonderful sight and great to view from the Tsukimi Bridge.
How to get to Okayama Castle
The best way to get to Okayama Castle from Okayama train station is to take the street-car or roman densha as Japanese call it.
Take the Higashiyama street-car to Shiroshita and then walk another 10 minutes to the castle.
If you have an IC card, tap as you get on in the back of the street-car, then tap again at the front when you get off.
Or just pay 140 yen at the front when you depart.
How to get to Okayama
Okayama is conveniently located on a shinkansen line.
From Tokyo, you can take the Nozomi bullet train on the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen line to Okayama in about 3 hours 20 minutes or 4 hours by Hikari train. One way it will cost around 17,000 yen.
Okayama also has an airport and flights from Tokyo’s Haneda airport take around 75 minutes. Look for discount tickets for around 17,000 yen.
Where to stay in Okayama
We stayed at the ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama directly at Okayama Station. It was incredibly convenient being right beside the station and I highly recommend it.
The staff were very friendly. They allowed us to drop our bags and leave them when we explored before and after check-in.
The breakfast was delicious offering some local dishes such as black curry (black like the castle), and barazushi, a delicious rice dish topped with seafood and fresh ingredients.
Where to eat near Okayama Castle
We had the most divine kaiseki dinner at Fuyahei right opposite Okayama Castle. This restaurant was founded in 1636!
You can dine in this historic restaurant overlooking the castle moat and illuminated castle. It was wonderful and I highly recommend it, but it probably wouldn’t suit young children with its long multi-course dinner.
What else to do in Okayama
Okayama is a wonderful prefecture with many attractions. My other favourite activities included:
- Kibitsu Shrine – beautiful shrine in a peaceful town with a beautiful, long undercover walkway
- Kurashiki Historical Bikan area – It’s so picturesque with many couples getting wedding photos here
- Kurashiki canal boat cruise – Wear a straw hat and experience Kurashiki’s koi-filled canals
- Denim Street, Kurashiki – Okayama is the birth-place of denim in Japan
- Momotaro Museum – This museum is quirky and fun
- Ivy Square – A great place for an evening drink with friends
- Kurashiki Outlet mall – Find some serious bargains right near the station
- Ohara Art Museum – This museum blew my mind with its incredible famous paintings by Picasso, Pollock, Monet and more
- Ohara’s residence – This old house on the canal has been retained beautifully, have tea and okashi here
- Candle Fairy – Make a Momotaro-themed candle here. This was so much fun!
Round up of Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle is now one of my favourite castles in Japan. The striking black and gold exterior, the lack of crowds, and the pottery experience on-site, are some reasons this such a wonderful place to visit.
The castle is easy to get to and conveniently located with many attractions surrounding it.
As Okayama is on a shinkansen line and public transport in the prefecture is well-maintained and efficient, this is a wonderful off-the-beaten-path destination. Locals are incredibly friendly and helpful and the food is wonderful.
It’s a great place for families also with so many fun activities to enjoy without the expense of Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto.
