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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.
The main reason I visited Okayama Castle this time was to attend a local sake event held inside the castle at night. You can take the streetcar to Shiroshita Station and then walk about 10 minutes to Okayama Castle. However, if you come at night, the route from Shiroshita Station to the castle isn’t particularly well lit. I found this stretch of the walk a little scary, and the lighting only noticeably increased after I actually entered the Okayama Castle and Ujo Park area. If you’re visiting at night, I recommend having your phone’s flashlight ready so you can at least feel safer while walking.
The castle tower you see at Okayama Castle today is a reconstruction. The original tower was destroyed in the 1945 air raid on Okayama and wasn’t rebuilt until 1966. Once inside, I felt it was more like a history museum themed around Okayama Castle. In addition to historical exhibits, there are also plenty of interactive activities and experiences, such as trying on samurai and princess costumes and riding in an Edo-period palanquin.
If you collect stamps from Japan’s 100 Famous Castles, you can get the Okayama Castle stamp here as well. The stamp is currently located near the reception area on the first basement floor. However, since it’s inside the paid area, you still need to purchase admission to use it. If you have the Okayama Enjoy Pass, you can use it here to redeem a package that includes admission to the Okayama Castle tower and a seasonal fruit parfait at Ujo Cafe.
However, rather than the castle tower itself, I found the truly interesting parts of Okayama Castle to be the remaining stone walls and castle ruins around it. The honmaru still has stone walls from different periods. You can see traces of the castle construction from the time of Ukita Hideie, sections left from later expansions by the Ikeda clan, and even excavated stone walls and markings left by stonemasons. Looking closely at the stone walls actually gives you a stronger sense of how Okayama Castle changed under different lords and through different eras. Compared with the reconstructed castle tower, I personally felt that these unassuming stone walls and ruins were more distinctive of Okayama Castle.
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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