About Korakuen Garden

Korakuen Garden is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and is famous for its open areas and beautiful views. The garden is located in Okayama City which is the capital of Okayama Prefecture.

Okayama Korakuen Garden covers a little under 33 acres of land on the banks of the Asahi River. The traditional Japanese Garden sits just north of Okayama Castle, which is accessible via the south gate and Tsukimi Bridge. One unique feature compared to other Japanese gardens is the large open grassy areas. The design of the garden was based on the “Kaiyu Style” which presents visitors with a scenic promenade. A new view is visible at every turn of the path and the gardens key features seamlessly flow together.

Tsuda Nagatada a vassal of feudal lord Ikeda Tsunamasa began construction of the garden in 1687. Over the next 13 years the buildings and features of the garden were completed. In 1884, ownership of Korakuen Garden was transferred to Okayama Prefecture and it was opened to the general public. In 1952, Korakuen was designated a “Special Scenic Location” and is managed as a historical cultural asset that is to be preserved and protected for future generations. Since then, only small modifications and changes have been made. However, the general theme of a wide, bright space with abundant views has remained constant. Thanks to historical documents and records, Korakuen Garden has retained much of its same appearance from the Edo Period.

Korakuen Garden is one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. The other two great gardens of Japan are Kairakuen Garden in Ibaraki Prefecture, and Kenrokuen Garden in Ishikawa Prefecture.

7 Key Features of Korakuen Garden

En’yō-tei House

En’yō-tei House used to entertain important guests and was oriented to maximize the beauty of the garden. While the original was destroyed during the war, in 1960 it was restored based on historical records.

Renchi-ken Rest House

Renchi-ken Rest House has survived damage from the war and some of its parts maintain their original appearance. It is one of several tea houses enjoyed by feudal Japanese nobility.

Yuishinzan Hill

Yuishinzan Hill is the centrally located and is the dominant feature of Okayama Korakuen Garden. A view from the hills lookout point gives commanding views of the entire garden. The hills azalea bushes produce beautiful red and white flowers in late spring.

Ryūten Rest House

Ryūten Rest House was used as a place to rest for the nobility when they were touring the garden. Today, it has two large wooden sitting areas separated by a small stream. Even in the middle of summer, it is noticeably cooler in the Ryūten Rest House.

Japanese Iris Garden and Yatsuhashi Bridge

Early June sees beautiful white, violet, & purple irises bloom. The uniquely designed Yatsuhashi Bridge crisscrosses its way through the garden.

Sawa-no-ike Pond

Sawa-no-ike Pond is centrally located in the middle of Okayama Korakuen Garden and is one of its most recognizable landmarks.

Crane Aviary

Cranes have been present at Okayama Korakuen Garden since the 17th Century, but disappeared during the war. Since then a donation of red-crowned cranes and a collaboration with experts from Kushiro City in Hokkaido have led to a successful breeding program.

Other Features Include: The Kayō-no-ike lotus flowers, the plum grove & its plum blossoms, the Seiden fields rice fields, the tea plantation, and the cherry blossom groves cherry trees.

Nearby Attractions in Okayama City Include: Okayama Castle, Okayama Prefectural Museum

The Best Times To Visit Korakuen Garden

• January 1st – 3rd: Early Spring Festival
• March 2nd: Korakuen Garden Memorial Day
• 1st Sunday of July: Lotus Viewing Festival
• August 1st – 31st: Summer Illumination Event: Summer Fantasy Garden
• Late October – Mid November: Okayama Prefecture Chrysanthemum Convention
• Mid – Late November: Autumn Illumination Event: Autumn Fantasy Garden

January 1st – 3rd: Early Spring Festival

To celebrate the New Year, the garden hosts a number traditional cultural events. These events include music performances, tea ceremony, and other cultural activities. The highlight of which is watching the gardens red crowned cranes walk and fly around the grounds. Note: Admission during this time is free.

March 2nd: Korakuen Garden Memorial Day

In 1884, ownership of the garden was ceded to Okayama Prefecture. The garden opened to the public on March 2nd of that year. The day commemorates the official opening of Korakuen and has become a free admission day.

August 1st – 31st: Summer Illumination Event: Summer Fantasy Garden

During the month of August, there is a a nightly illumination. The warmer night time weather is a perfect time to wear yukata and enjoy the garden.

Mid – Late November: Autumn Illumination Event: Autumn Fantasy Garden

Enjoy a beautiful nighttime illumination at Korakuen Garden. As the weather cools, the leaves of the gardens maple trees turn beautiful hues of yellow, orange, and red. The lights combined with the autumn foliage really causes the colors of the leaves to “pop”. Visitors can also enjoy live music, workshops, festival style food, and many other activities.

Unique Reasons to Go

• One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan
• Top 3 Most Popular Things to Do in Okayama Prefecture

Admission Fee & Hours

Korakuen Main Garden Admission Fee

• ¥410/Adult, Children Free, ¥140/Seniors (65+)

Combination Tickets:

• Korakuen Garden + Okayama Prefectural Museum: ¥520/Adult
• Korakuen Garden + Okayama Castle: ¥640/Adult
• Korakuen Garden + Okayama Castle + Hayashibara Museum of Art: ¥1,040/Adult

Korakuen Main Garden Hours

• March 20th – September 30th: 7:30 ~ 18:00 (last admission 17:45)
• October 1st – March 19th: 8:00 ~ 17:00 (last admission 16:45)
• No Holidays

How To Access Korakuen Garden

By Public Transportation

• From Tokyo (Shinagawa Station) take a JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi bound for Hakata Station getting off at Okayama Station. *Quickest (3 hours 10 minutes, ¥17,570 one way per person) Note: Not JR Pass Compatible

• From Tokyo (Shinagawa Station) take a JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Hikari bound for Okayama Station getting off at Okayama Station. *Quickest JR Pass Compatible Route (3 hours 52 minutes, ¥16,600 one way per person) Note: JR Pass Compatible

• From Okayama head towards the east exit:
  • 28 minute walk to Korakuen Garden’s Main Gate
  • 10 minute taxi ride to Korakuen Garden
  • Bus Terminal #1: Take a #18 Bus (Okaden) bound for Korakuen/Fujiwara Danchi getting off at “Korakuen Mae” (後楽園前) (12 minutes, ¥140 one way per person)

By Car

• Okayama IC (6.9 km Northwest)
• Sanyo IC (15 km Northeast)
• Hayashima IC (15 km Southwest)

Best Korakuen Parking Lots

• Korakuen Parking Lot ( 200m from Main Entrance, ¥100/60 minutes) Note: There are plenty of parking spaces as the lot wraps around the entire northern portion of the garden.