Okayama Castle

Castle

Last updated August 05, 2026 Reviewed by the Japan Voyage editorial team

Part of Okayama

Prefecture

Okayama

Type

Castle

N/A

0 reviews

¥400

Entry Fee

English Staff Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

A striking black castle nicknamed 'Crow Castle' for its dark exterior, standing across the Asahi River from Korakuen Garden. Rebuilt in 1966, it houses a museum and offers panoramic views from the top floor.

Okayama Castle earned its nickname "Crow Castle" from the striking black wooden panels that clad its exterior, a dramatic departure from the white plaster walls common to most Japanese castles. Ukita Hideie built the original in 1597, but the current structure dates from 1966, faithfully reconstructed after wartime destruction. The castle is best appreciated from across the Asahi River in Korakuen Garden, where its dark silhouette rises against the sky like a bird about to take flight. Inside, a museum chronicles the castle's history and local culture, with hands-on exhibits including the chance to try on samurai armor. The top floor observation deck offers sweeping views over Korakuen and the city beyond. A combined ticket with Korakuen represents good value for visitors exploring both sites. The castle grounds include a moon-viewing turret and host seasonal illumination events that transform the black tower into a glowing landmark after dark.

Location

Prefecture: Okayama

Address: Okayama, Japan

Nearest Station: Okayama Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Accepted

Food Options: A small cafe inside the castle serves light refreshments. Combined visits with Korakuen Garden's tea houses recommended.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Okayama Castle and what's the entry fee?

From JR Okayama Station, take the Higashiyama-bound tram to Shiroshita stop (5 min, ¥120) then walk 10 minutes east. Adult entry is ¥400, or ¥640 combined with Korakuen Garden, and you can buy the combo at either site. Open 9:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00), year-round except December 29–31. Free Wi-Fi available throughout the keep.

Why is it called the 'Crow Castle'?

The black wooden cladding on the exterior, unusual among Japanese castles, which typically feature white plastered walls, earned the nickname 'Ujo' (literally Crow Castle) from how it appears to perch like a black bird against the sky. Lord Ukita Hideie chose the colour as a contrast to the rival Hakuro-jo (White Heron Castle, today's Himeji). The 1966 reconstruction faithfully kept this distinctive look, and the recent 2022 renovation restored the deep colour.

What can I see and do inside the castle?

The 6-floor interior is now a museum: armor and weaponry on the lower floors, Edo-era Okayama town life on the middle floors (including a video introduction in English), and a top-floor observation deck with sweeping views of Korakuen Garden and the Asahi River. Free samurai-armor and kimono try-ons (with photo) on weekends are popular with families. Allow 60–90 minutes.

Are there evening illuminations?

Yes. The castle is illuminated nightly from sunset to 23:00 in white light, transforming the black tower into a glowing landmark visible from across the river. During special seasons (cherry blossoms in early April, autumn maples in November, year-end), evening tower entry is sometimes extended to 21:30 with coloured projection-mapping shows. Check the castle's official site for current schedules; admission is included with the regular daytime ticket on extended-hour days.