Okayama Castle

岡山城 Okayama-jō

Popularly known as Crow Castle (烏城 U-jō), it is so named for its striking black color, rare among Japanese castles (which tend to be white, like neighboring Himeji Castle). Only a few protruding bits and the occasional lucky fish-gargoyle (金の鯱 kinnoshachihoko) are gilded. With the exception of one external turret, the current version dates from 1966, but the outside is much more accurate than most Japanese castle replicas, as the original blueprints were used to rebuild it. In the tower is a museum documenting the castle's history, although English explanations are few and far between. On the first floor of the castle, you can also make your own Bizen pottery for an extra fee.

• Built 1346

• history
• museum

Address

2-3-1 Marunouchi

Getting there

15-min walk from Okayama Station or 5-min walk from Shiroshita tram Stop

Hours

Closed · opens 9 am

Weekly hours

Mon	9 am–5 pm
Tue	9 am–5 pm
Wed	9 am–5 pm
Thu	9 am–5 pm
Fri	9 am–5 pm
Sat	9 am–5 pm
Sun	9 am–5 pm

Price

¥300 (except during special exhibits)

Phone

+81 86-225-2096

Website

okayama-castle.jp (opens in a new tab)