🏰 My Hidden Gem Town | Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden 🏰

Hello, this is Lu Mark, a former Lonely Planet employee, passionate about discovering fun places in China and around the world~ Tired of the crowds and clichéd tourist spots in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? It's time to delve into smaller cities. If you prefer quieter, cozy places full of surprises, I recommend visiting Okayama. This is the hometown of Momotaro, the legendary Japanese folk hero. Not only that, but one of Japan's three great gardens, Korakuen, "Crow Castle" echoing "White Heron Castle" in Himeji, and the historical city of Kurashiki, which is as renowned as Kyoto and Nara, are all captivating sights in Okayama. Like Himeji, you can cover the essence in a day or stay overnight. Here's your one-day guide to Okayama~ ❗ Exit JR Okayama Station, the start of your journey, find the Momotaro statue for a photo 📷. Visit the following attractions in order. 📍 Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden Okayama Castle was destroyed in World War II and reconstructed in 1966. It was once known as the "Crow Castle" echoing Himeji Castle. Now, only the Tsukimi Tower and Nishinomaru Nishitegoten remain as ancient relics. The castle has been turned into a museum showcasing the history of the castle and the feudal lords who resided there. Important collections include archaeologically unearthed gold-leaf tiles, hence it's also called the Golden Crow Castle. Korakuen, separated from Okayama Castle by the Asahikawa River, began construction in 1687 and still retains its original appearance. It was renamed Korakuen in 1871, inspired by Fan Zhongyan's "Yueyang Tower Inscription," which says, "Worry about the world's worries before enjoying its pleasures." Its spacious lawns are a significant feature, and the important building is the Ryutei, a resting place for the feudal lord at the time. I particularly like the well-placed winding paths and streams in Korakuen, like beautiful ribbons fluttering over the lawn. 🎫 Combined ticket for both attractions is 640 yen. 📍 Yumeji Art Museum Takehisa Yumeji, a representative painter of Japanese Taisho romance, was known for his beautiful women portraits. The museum houses his works from various periods, famous for their "simplicity with profound meaning," and photography is not allowed inside. The famous Chinese cartoonist Feng Zikai was deeply influenced by Yumeji. 🎫 800 yen. 📍 Kurashiki Kankou Area A canal with white-walled buildings and willows on both sides, one of Japan's most charming districts. In ancient times, cotton and rush were planted in large quantities according to local conditions, making textiles the pillar industry. It also prospered as a distribution center for goods and is the birthplace of domestically produced Japanese jeans. You can see this by the numerous shops along the street. It's very pleasant to walk through the Western-style buildings and small shops. 📍 Ohara Museum The best attraction in Kurashiki and the most important cultural institution, built by local businessman Ohara Magosaburo. The collection mainly features Western art, including works by Monet, Gauguin, Matisse, and more. 🎫 2000 yen. 🚄 Transportation The Kansai Wide Area JR PASS covers Okayama and Kurashiki. Allocate half a day to visit Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, and Yumeji Art Museum. Then take the train from JR Okayama Station to Kurashiki, visit the Ohara Museum first, and then stroll around the Kankou district. Coming soon: "Holiday Destinations Favored by Locals" #OffTheBeatenPath #Okayama #Kurashiki #AncientArchitecture #MyStrollImages #JapanSummerFullStrategy #Korakuen #Momotaro #Peaches