🗺️ Okayama Castle岡山城

Okayama Castle was built by the Sengoku period daimyo, Ukita Hideie, in 1597. The main keep (honmaru) was constructed on a small hill called Okayama, while the tenshu (main tower) was built in front of the Asahi River, which had its course altered at that time. Many merchants and craftsmen gathered, leading to the development and maintenance of the castle town, which became the urban center we see today. Okayama Castle also became the foundation for the local name and development. After the Battle of Sekigahara, Kobayakawa Hideaki and the Ikeda family succeeded each other as lords of the castle until the end of the Edo period. The first floor of the tenshu features a rare irregular pentagonal shape, and its exterior walls are made of black lacquered boards, earning it the nickname "Ujo" (Crow Castle). Inside, there is a "Lord's Room" designed in the shoin-zukuri style, symbolizing the authority of the lord. It was destroyed by air raids in 1945 and was reconstructed in 1966. According to ancient documents, Okayama Castle had over 60 turrets and turret gates, surrounded by a massive five-layered moat for protection. Today, only two structures remain: the Tsukimi Yagura and the Nishi Te Yagura. The restored exterior of the tenshu is used as an exhibition facility, and the castle site has been developed into Okayama Korakuen Park. Every spring, summer, and autumn, the "Ujo Lantern Festival" is held at Okayama Castle's tenshu and surrounding areas, which is very popular among visitors from both within and outside the prefecture.

A city of calmness with a pitch-black appearance. The ruins of the castle have been transformed into a park, where you can leisurely stroll while observing the stone walls piled in various ways. You can also visit the interior of the castle, and the view from the top floor is excellent.