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A dark, black castle designated Japan’s 100 Greatest Castle.
This castle was created by Warlord Hideie Ukita in 1597. The main castle was built on top of a hill named Okayama, and the Tensyu (castle tower), was built in front of the Asahikawa River. The adjacent castle town was created with merchants and craftsmen. This castle town became the foundation of the town we see today. The Okayama Castle became the origin of the region, and town name. After the battle of Sekigahara, Hideaki Kobayakawa, and later the Ikeda clan became the owner. After that, it is history as the government collapsed.
The first floor is uniquely shaped in an asymmetrical pentagon. There is a black board pasted on the castle walls, earning its name “Ujo (Crow Castle)”. Inside, is the “Hall of the Castle Lord”, which is created like a library, which represents the power of the castle lord. The tower was burnt down in 1945 during the war, but it was rebuilt in 1966.
According to ancient text, the castle once had around 60 turrets, and scaffolding. It is also guarded by a moat five fold. The “Nishite-Yagura” (Western Turret), and “Tsukimi-Yagura” (Moon Watching Turret) are the only buildings that still retain their shape from the old days.
The refurbished castle tower has exhibits inside. The castle ruins is now the “Ujo Park ”. The “Ujo Togenkyo (Utopia) features lighting installations on the castle tower and its surrounding, and is held during Spring to Autumn.
A jet-black castle called "Ujo (Crow Castle)"
The first floor of the Okayama Castle, shaped like an asymmetrical pentagon.
Tsukimi-yagura (Moon Watching Turret), a culturally significant artifact.
The “Nishi-te Yagura” (Western Turret) - a culturally significant artifact.
Okayama Castle
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Okayama Castle is one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles. Its distinctive black exterior has earned it the nickname “Crow Castle.” I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary when visiting Okayama. Take the streetcar to Shiroshita Station, then walk a short distance to the castle. I recommend buying the Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden combination ticket, which costs just JPY 800. There is an elevator inside the castle tower, so you can take it to the upper floors first and then make your way down. The second floor has a drink shop, a samurai sword experience, and other facilities. The first floor has the ticket counter and a souvenir shop, and you can also collect a commemorative stamp nearby. Overall, it's very easy to explore.
Okayama Castle is known as “Crow Castle” because of its black exterior, and its majestic castle tower showcases a distinctive historic character. From the upper levels of the castle, you can enjoy expansive views of Okayama and the scenery along the Asahi River. The museum has an extensive collection of historical artifacts, offering a better understanding of Okayama's culture and development.
Okayama Castle. It was cloudy that day. I’ve been there twice, but only went inside once.
I think I used the Okayama pass?
But the sundae inside had gotten worse and looked nothing like the photos other people posted. It wasn’t that impressive. I did like the artwork inside, though, and there was also some kind of gold-trimmed fish? I’m not sure what it was, but it just wasn’t really for me.
There were two pieces of artwork I especially liked, so I hope you’ll check them out.
Oh, and there was also some equipment you could try for the experience.
Maybe armor? I don’t really remember.
I’ll correct this if I got anything wrong.
Okayama Castle is right across from Korakuen Garden, so it's really convenient to visit both spots together. The ticket price isn't too expensive, and the combo ticket with Korakuen is an even better deal.
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