Okayama Castle Travel Guide

First built in 1597, this black-walled fortress was named the “Crow Castle” on account of its jet-black walls. Due to heavy bombing during World War II, the current structures are mostly 20th-century reproductions carefully built according to the original layout. Thankfully one building, the tsunami yaguru, remained undamaged.

Step inside the six-tiered central keep to find a museum exhibition dedicated to the castle’s construction and history. Walking around the grounds itself reveals some clues as to the castle’s former glory, with unearthed foundations hinting at buildings lost to time.

If you fancy trying your hand at some local handicrafts, then book in advance for a session at the on-site pottery studio, where you can make your very own bizen-yaki piece — a kind of pottery native to the region.

After finishing up at the castle, it’s worth taking the time to head across the river to Korakuen Garden and the Okayama Prefectural Museum, both of which are just a couple of minute’s walk away!