Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle
4
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,168 reviews
Excellent
210
Very good
538
Average
354
Poor
53
Terrible
13
Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,824 contributions
Dec 2020
The Okayama Castle is very unique compared to other castles throughout Japan in several ways. The most notable is the black color while other traditional castles are white. Other unique features include the location right by the river and the shape as it is not square like. This castle was rebuilt so it is not an original castle but it is replicated from what it used to look like. The grounds are massive here and the castle is quite large. I bought a combined castle and garden ticket here which is worth it. I felt the museum to be a bit bland but you get nice views from the top. Since the castle is so unique, I highly recommend visiting Okayama to visit the castle.
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CommunicateJapan
Aomori Prefecture, Japan8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Nice little castle with a cool dark outside and an inside turned into a museum. Inside does not feel that much like a Japanese castle (if you want the Japanese castle experience, go to Himeji Castle or Matsue Castle) but there was lots of information about the history of the castle and the lords who ruled from it (in English and Japanese). Although the collection is small, you can also admire old samurai armor and swords. While you are not allowed to take pictures of the original artifacts, you can photograph the recreations. You can also get pictures of yourself dressed up in outfits of the time or use the 3D art corners to photograph yourself in dramatic poses. The interactive elements of this castle museum were fun. The top floor offers a view, but this castle is not as raised up on a hill as others I’ve been to, so it was not too exciting. Still nice, though. I recommend this place for those interested in history, and if you are visiting the beautiful garden next door and have time to check out the castle. The combined ticket is a good deal.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aung YeMun
Okayama, Japan206 contributions
Apr 2020
Okayama castle is located in Okayama. We can go there by bicycle. Paring for bicycle is also available. Photo scenes are great. In okayama castle, they will arrange Kimono dress for free but they only allow 4-5 people per day. Make sure to check opening hours from website.
Written July 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,217 contributions
Dec 2019
We came to Okayama from Fukuoka on Sunday, December 29. The Okayama Castle was closed from the 29 through the 31. However, you can still see the exterior up close. And surprisingly, lots of people were here even though we couldn't go inside.
Entrance is normally 320 yen per person. If you get a combo ticket with Korakuen Garden, it is 580 yen per person.
Entrance is normally 320 yen per person. If you get a combo ticket with Korakuen Garden, it is 580 yen per person.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jarmwr40
British Columbia, Canada3,125 contributions
Oct 2020
we accessed the castle from the south gate of the korakuen garden, across the tsukimi bridge.
it was built in 1597 and destroyed in the war of 1945 and replicated in concrete in 1966.
2 watch towers survived.
it was renovated for its 400 anniversary, with gilded gargoyles.
it is an educational interactive museum. looks like children would enjoy this place.
very little english.
other names used for the castle is crow castle, or castle of the black bird.
we visited in the fall of 2019, and due to covid its taken me this long to enter my experiences of our trip for exploring japan, rather than as a working trip.
it was built in 1597 and destroyed in the war of 1945 and replicated in concrete in 1966.
2 watch towers survived.
it was renovated for its 400 anniversary, with gilded gargoyles.
it is an educational interactive museum. looks like children would enjoy this place.
very little english.
other names used for the castle is crow castle, or castle of the black bird.
we visited in the fall of 2019, and due to covid its taken me this long to enter my experiences of our trip for exploring japan, rather than as a working trip.
Written February 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kimitaka S
Taichung, Taiwan13,882 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
If you have never visited any castle in Japan, it is certainly worth visiting it. You can experience a Daimyo’s life. But unfortunately the actual castle tower is a reconstruction after the World War II. There is also a combination ticket of the castle and Kōraku-en. If you don’t have enough time, visiting Ujo Park is interesting as well.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Your Travel Buddy SG
Singapore, Singapore13,011 contributions
Mar 2020
the castle was located on top of the hill and the walk to the top was tranquil. From the top of the castle, one can have a panaroma view of okayama city. The different levels have different exhibits displayed.
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jack886
Taipei, Taiwan57 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
I've been to Okayama Castle 3 times when visit the Korakuen Garden. You can purchase a set of ticket for visit both places to save some money, it's worth to visit Okayama Castle, nice view on the top as well.
Written January 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kurt I
Edmonton, Canada84 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
One of the reasons I visited Okayama was to see this castle and I was not disappointed. Just walking up to the castle you see the jet black walls with the roof adornments right away. You know immediately why they call it the Raven Castle. This castle is fantastic to see. It sits right in the river bank surrounded by grounds with many types of trees. There still remains a tower from the original build at the edge of the grounds. The inside is not original since the castle is a rebuild and it has been set up as a museum. The views from the top are very good. But it's the outside of the castle that you want to see. When you are done walk across the bridge towards the garden and stop at the only cafe on the river edge for a break. You can't miss the cafe it is on the right side as you cross the bridge. It offers an amazing view of the castle and river. You would think that this would be expensive place but it's not. This a a perfect spot to get out of the sun and have some refreshments.
Written May 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephanie W
Ottawa, Canada371 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Okayama's black castle is right beside Okayama gardens which is right downtown Okayama, to get to the castle you can take the tram from Okayama central station where you would arrive by Shinkansen. There is a fee to go inside, but you can walk around the castle for free.
Written March 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Compared to Gifu Castle and Kiyosu castle is it close enough quality to warrant a visit? (Size does not matter) only the grounds and outside of the castle matter to me.
mabei0123
Tsukuba, Japan16,704 contributions
Okayama Castle originally made in 1597, was destroyed in the last year of WWII and was rebuilt in 1966. Thus, the original castle like Himeji Castle is a better castle. But Okayama Castle is located on the Asahi River, which was used as a moat and the more famous Korakuen Garden is located just across the river. It's easy to go to Kairakuen Garden and Okayama Castle by a bus or a tram from JR Okayama Station. You should also go to Kurashiki, and consider going to Naoshima Island.
Heidi E
Yarrow, Canada
I am travelling with a children's choir of 20 and 6 adults. How much does it cost?
LoveJelly
141275601,302 contributions
It might be too late but・・
Only for the sightseeing of the castle.
Over 20 people of children costs 100yen.
for adults, 300yen per person.
There is English brochure. I hope you have(had) fun.
Okayama Castle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Okayama Castle
- Okayama Castle is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- We recommend booking Okayama Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Okayama Castle tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Okayama Castle:
- Okayama on a standing bicycle (From $89.99)
- Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide (From $93.09)
- Okayama Custom Half Day Tour (From $107.05)
- Okayama Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide (From $116.36)
- Okayama Custom Full Day Tour (From $186.18)
- Hotels near Okayama Castle:
- (0.29 mi) Hotel Excel Okayama
- (0.31 mi) The Onefive Okayama
- (0.74 mi) Okayama Koraku Hotel
- (0.40 mi) Okayama Plaza Hotel
- (0.45 mi) Okayama View Hotel
- Restaurants near Okayama Castle:
- (0.01 mi) Oshiro Chaya
- (0.12 mi) Sazanami Japanese Cafe
- (0.12 mi) Hekisuien
- (0.13 mi) Shiromi Chaya
- (0.13 mi) Arate Saryo
- Attractions near Okayama Castle:
- (0.02 mi) Nakagawa Yokotarokun Monument
- (0.08 mi) Ujo Park
- (0.17 mi) Okayama Korakuen Garden
- (0.11 mi) Statue of Torao Yamawa
- (0.12 mi) Tsukimi Bridge