Okayama Korakuen

Step Into a Landscape of Tranquility and Elegance

Okayama Korakuen is one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, a historic Japanese garden located in the heart of Okayama City. Known for its spacious lawns, ponds, seasonal scenery, and views of Okayama Castle, it offers a peaceful setting where visitors can experience the beauty of traditional Japanese landscaping.

A Garden with Over 300 Years of History

Okayama Korakuen was created by Ikeda Tsunamasa, lord of the Okayama Domain, and its grounds took shape around 1700. Originally a place for the lord to relax and entertain guests, the garden was gradually developed by successive lords.

In 1884, it was transferred from the Ikeda family to Okayama Prefecture and opened to the public. Although damaged by natural disasters and wartime bombing, the garden was restored using historical records and remains a valuable example of a historic Japanese garden. It is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan.

Highlights of Korakuen Garden

Korakuen is famous for its spacious lawns, ponds, streams, traditional buildings, and seasonal scenery.

Yuishinzan Hill
This small hill offers views across the garden and adds variety to its spacious landscape. Its slopes are also decorated with seasonal flowers.

Sawa-no-Ike Pond and Its Three Islands
Sawa-no-Ike is the largest pond in Korakuen and one of its central scenic features. The pond is dotted with three islands—Naka-no-Shima, Mino-shima, and Jari-jima—and surrounded by trees and traditional garden scenery. Cherry blossoms in spring, summer greenery and irises, and colorful autumn foliage create beautiful views throughout the year.

Enyotei Pavilion
Enyotei was used by the Okayama lords as a place to relax while visiting the garden. The present building was reconstructed in 1960 after the original was destroyed during the war.

Best Photo Spots

Mirror Reflections on Sawa-no-Ike Pond

On a calm day, the pond can reflect the sky, trees, and surrounding landscape. Autumn foliage creates especially beautiful reflections.

Seasonal Flowers and Landscapes

Cherry blossoms in spring, irises in early summer, lotus flowers in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn provide a variety of photographic subjects throughout the year.

Experience the Timeless Beauty of Korakuen Garden

Okayama Korakuen is a historic landscape where gardens, traditional architecture, seasonal scenery, and views of Okayama Castle come together.

• Explore one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens

• Enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the seasons

• Admire views of Okayama Castle

• Experience the atmosphere of a historic Japanese garden

Take a leisurely stroll through Korakuen and discover the serene beauty of traditional Japanese landscaping.