Okayama Castle

Okayama Castle is one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and was built by Ukita Hideie under the guidance of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The original castle burned down once, but after the war its exterior was restored, bringing back its beautiful appearance. While many castles are associated with white walls, Okayama Castle is known for its black exterior, earning it the nickname “U-jo” (Crow Castle). The gold shachihoko roof ornaments stand out especially beautifully against the black walls, so be sure to notice them. You can take an escalator up as far as the 4th floor; then, continuing upward by stairs from the 4th to the 2nd-floor area leads you to the 6th-floor main keep, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Okayama City. Inside the castle, there are exhibits about Sengoku-era warlords connected to Okayama Castle; learning the history and the figures involved will make the visit even more meaningful. Right next door is Okayama Korakuen, and there are also combo tickets sold that include admission to both the garden and the castle (separate from standard admission), so check the official website in advance if you plan to visit both. Access: from JR Okayama Station, take the streetcar to “Shiroshita,” then it’s a short walk. By car: about 20 minutes from Sanyo Expressway “Okayama IC.”