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One of the three best gardens of Japan, unchanged from the Edo period.
Tsunamasa Ikeda, the feudal lord of Okayama ordered the creation of this garden as a spot of relaxation. In 1700, the garden was complete. As the years went by, the scenery of the garden changed. Once a relaxing spot, the garden gained kinetic energy with the creation of water streams, and lakes.
The “Enyo-tei House”, used as the living quarters for the feudal lord, is the most important building, and overlooks the entire garden. In the “Ryuten Rest House”, visitors were tended and was commonly used as a resting place. In the middle is a stream of water. In the birdhouse is a red-crowned crane. Twice every month between September and February, this majestic bird can be seen up-close as it walks around the gardens. You can also see various flowers, and trees depending on the season.
Tsunamasa, who adored Noh, often performed this art to visitors. During times when he was out, housekeepers and other townspeople were allowed to enter the garden.
In 1871, the garden changed its name from “Gokoen” to “Korakuen”. In 1884, the garden was given to Okayama prefecture by the Ikeda family for preservation. In later years, the garden was damaged by typhoons and war. Although reconstructed referencing old text from the Edo period, the garden is somewhat different from before..
Garden in Spring. *Photo provider: Okayama Korakuen
Enyo-tei House and trees *Photo provider: Okayama Korakuen
Red-crowned cranes walking *Photo provider: Okayama Korakuen
The garden in Autumn *Photo provider: Okayama Korakuen
A view from Yuishinzan Hill *Photo provider: Okayama Korakuen
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The garden is huge, with lots of lawns and ponds. It's really comfortable to walk around, and the grass is well maintained. You can even sit down for a picnic—super relaxing.
One of Japan's top three gardens—it's a must-see for anyone who loves gardening or landscape design!
The garden is really well maintained, and the scenery is fantastic!
The scenery changes with each season—spring, summer, fall, and winter. It's also one of Japan's three most famous gardens.
Korakuen has these wide, open lawns, so if you stand on a higher spot, you can see the whole garden at a glance. Plus, Okayama Castle is nearby, so you can visit both together.
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