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Koraku-en: one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens
Landscaping of this garden began in 1686 at the command of Ikeda Tsunamasa, the region's feudal lord of the time. Koraku-en took 14 years to complete. Beauty of water is expressed in ponds, falls, and curving streams. Trees reflect the changes of the seasons, and a massive stretch of lawn covers the premises. Kairaku-en in Mito, Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, and Koraku-en in Okayama make up the trio of Japan's finest landscape gardens.
Admission: Adults 350 yen / Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. October - March) / 086-272-1148
10-min. bus ride from JR Okayama Station.

Toko-en
Toko-en Garden entertained the feudal lord with its lunar view
Toko-en is built on the site of a moon-viewing retreat once enjoyed by Ikeda Tadakatsu, the feudal lord of the early 17th century. It is said that the garden is a work of Kobori Enshu, a prominent tea and landscape artist. Compared to the bright and spacious Koraku-en, Toko-en features its subdued quality. A 17th century stone bridge and a stone anchor highlight the beautiful pond filled with water plants.
Admission: Adults 400 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. / 086-272-0165
15-min. trolley ride from JR Okayama Station

Okayama-jo Castle and its glowing gold dolphin ornaments

Also known as Ujo (or Crow Castle) for its black exterior walls, Okayama-jo was originally constructed under the feudal lord Ukita Naoie in 1573 and was completed under his son Hideie in 1597. A public archive is kept in the current donjon which was reconstructed in 1966. In commemoration of the castle's 400th anniversary, the rooftop dolphin ornaments recently underwent a facelift and were coated with gold.
Admission: Adults 300 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. / 086-225-2096

Take a 7-min. trolley ride from JR Okayama Station and walk 10 min.

Kibitsu Jinja Shrine: home of Japan's folk tale hero

Momotaro, hero of Japan's favorite folk tale, is enshrined at Kibitsu Jinja. The main hall as well as the worship hall was reconstructed in 1425 and are both designated national treasures. The shrine features a 400-meter long corridor and Okama-den Hall famous for its appearance in a story written by Ueda Akinari. In the shrine vicinity are Chisui-gawa River and Koigui Shrine which are locations related to Momotaro.

5-min. walk from JR Kibi Line Kibitsu Station.

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