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3.5
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Okayama Castle, also known as Ujo (Crow Castle) for its black color is a beautiful "masculine" castle, contrasting "feminine" white castles, such as Himeji Castle.
Although the current castle was reconstructed in 1966, there are a few things about Okayama Castle that place it a step above most other reconstructions. Most reconstructions are built only using pictures of the original castle, so they only vaguely resemble the original. Okayama Castle however, was built using the original blueprints, so the outside of the castle is a very accurate recreation of the original.
The moon-viewing turret (Tsukimi-Yagura) actually survived the bombings, so it is part of the original castle, dating back to 1620. During certain evenings in September, they open the turret for visitors to go inside and view the moon. The foundation stones from the original castle are layed out near the castle, as well. You can see both the turret and stones for free, because they are located outside of the actual castle.
Inside the castle, there are artifacts and information about the original castle. You can also dress up in traditional garbs to get a cheesy picture taken for free (the room they do this in was actually the seppuku room, although no suicides took place in Okayama Castle). You can get an English-speaking tour guide to take you through the castle if there are volunteers there. I did this, and my guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Okayama Castle and its history. The guides do not cost extra.
The entrance fee for the castle is 300 yen.
Updated Oct 13, 2010
Address: 2 Chome 3-1 Marunouchi Okayama-shi, Okayama
Phone: (086)225-2096
Website: http://www.okayama-kanko.net
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Just a little walk from Korakoen. Entrance fee is about 300 yen (I'm not sure because it is free for foreign student). Inside the castle you can try to use 'kimono' the japanese traditional cloth, free-no charge, but only 5 people in every hour until 4 pm. If at that hour there are 5 people already, you must register for the next hour. You also can take your picture using kimono freelly in that area.
Written Sep 23, 2006
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The castle has originally been built in 1597 but it was destroyed during WW II. It was finally reconstructed in 1966. It is also called Crow Castle due to its black colour.
Entry fee applies. But you can walk in the castle yard for free.
Written Dec 2, 2005
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Okayam-jo is a recunstruction of the original castle on this site, but it's still pretty cool. I think it's pretty unique amongst castles in Japan although I know very little about it. I thought it was pretty cool though. It's nice to look at from the outside, but I have to say, if you don't read Japanese, the interior leaves a little to be desired.
Updated Aug 24, 2002
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Okayama castle is about a 15 minute walk or so from the main train station, but I was surprised to see an elevator inside. Rather incongruous if you ask me.
Written Dec 19, 2005
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Okayama castle is easy to reach from Okayama JR station. It is beside the famous garden.
Written Feb 25, 2003
Written Sep 8, 2002
Address: Okayama Castle in Okayama city
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Okayama Castle tips and photos posted by real travelers and Okayama locals.
Write a ReviewOkayama castle is easy to reach from Okayama JR station. It is beside the famous garden.
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